Charlotteans are lucky to have not only Carowinds here in town, but also several other parks within a 5 or 6 hour drive. To coincide with my interview tonight on Fox Charlotte, here is a list of my favorite roller coasters at the parks nearest to Charlotte.
Afterburn at Carowinds – Charlotte, NC
Afterburn is my favorite roller coaster in the Carolinas. It was formerly Top Gun – The Jet Coaster and it does a great job of giving riders the sense of flying a fighter jet as the theme suggests. The layout features six loops, some of which are named after actual fighter plane maneuvers. Best of all the loops, drops, turns, and twists are all super smooth encouraging riders to ride again and again. Visit the Official Web Site: Carowinds.com
Time Machine at Freestyle Music Park – Myrtle Beach, SC (4 Hour Drive)
The new owners of last year’s short-lived Hard Rock Park have revamped and renovated the park including its signature roller coaster. The Time Machine is a looping roller coaster that features on-board speakers pumping out songs from the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, and 00’s. While enjoying the tunes, riders are treated to 6 thrilling loops. Read my full review of the ride in its former life as Led Zeppelin – The Ride. Visit the Official Web Site: FreestyleMusicPark.com
Thunderhead at Dollywood – Pigeon Forge, TN (4 Hour Drive)
Thunderhead is a world-class wooden coaster set against the mountainous backdrop of Pigeon Forge, TN. In the past, it has received the Golden Ticket Award for the Best Wooden Coaster in the World. It features a smooth twister layout and an unusual station fly-through where riders speed through the station at 40 mph. Read my full review of Thunderhead at Dollywood.Visit the Official Web Site: Dollywood.com
Goliath at Six Flags Over Georgia – Atlanta, GA (4 Hour Drive)
Goliath is the tallest roller coaster in the South. Riders climb 20-stories above the park and then plummet 170 feet back down to Earth. Goliath offers several moments of airtime at the crest of its seven hills and a very smooth ride. With such large drops, Goliath is also one of the fastest coasters in the region with a top speed of 70 mph. Check out my full review of Goliath at Six Flags Over Georgia.Visit the Official Web Site: SixFlags.com/OverGeorgia
Volcano at Kings Dominion – Doswell, VA – (5 Hour Drive)
Volcano: The Blast Coaster is a popular roller coaster at Carowinds’ sister park; Kings Dominion. It catapults riders to 70 mph, then up and out of an ‘active’ volcano that spews fire and smoke. Recently, the ride caused a national stir when a ring of smoke failed to dissipate and looked like a UFO floating above the park. Volcano’s a really unique attraction that shouldn’t be missed. Check out my full review of Volcano: The Blast Coaster at Kings Dominion. Visit the Official Web Site: KingsDominion.com
Apollo’s Chariot at Busch Gardens Europe – Williamsburg, VA (5 & 1/2 Hour Drive)
Like Goliath at Six Flags Over Georgia, Apollo’s Chariot is all about height and speed. Apollo’s Chariot has an interesting layout that includes a tunnel and dives near and towards water. It boasts and ultra smooth ride, comfortable seats and lap bars, and more airtime than you can shake a stick at. Riders are lifted upwards on nearly every hill with joyous moments of airtime. Read my full review of Apollo’s Chariot at Busch Garden Europe. Visit the Official Web Site: BuschGardens.com/BGW
What’s Your Take?
You’ve read my take, what’s your take on the best roller coasters in region? Get the discussion started by leaving a comment below. Images courtesy of CoasterImage.