The Southeast is known for its rolling hills and Blue Ridge peaks, and one of the coolest ways to take in the scenery is at high velocity. Mountain coasters—gravity-driven rides that wind through natural landscapes—have surged in popularity across the region, offering an equal mix of adrenaline rush and Appalachian charm. Sevier County, Tennessee, is home to eight of these ridge runners alone, but you can find them peppered across the region. Here are seven Southern alpine coasters guaranteed to put a little speed in your spring.

Coaster at Goats on the Roof

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Dubbed the wildest seven-minute ride in Pigeon Forge, the Goat Coaster zips you 4,875 feet down the Tennessee hills—and might just be the crown jewel of kitsch on this list. It’s part amusement park, part gem mine, and part petting zoo. Before your downhill dash, you can hand-feed the resident goats (who are, yes, on a roof), then strap in for a gravity-powered joyride that ends, naturally, at a gift shop overflowing with wonderfully weird souvenirs.

Georgia Mountain Coaster

Helen, Georgia

Who says white-knuckle mountain adventures need to be miles off the beaten path? Right in the heart of Helen’s Bavarian-style downtown you’ll find the state’s one and only alpine coaster. Hop into a two-seater sled and let the mountain do the work while you play conductor with the hand brake. Fast, slow, somewhere in between—it’s your call.

Hellbender

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

If you’re not from Tennessee, you might not have heard of a hellbender—an aquatic salamander that can grow up to two feet long. Also charmingly known as “water dogs” or “snot otters,” these elusive creatures call the Smoky Mountains home. They’re also the inspiration behind the newest wild ride at Anakeesta, Gatlinburg’s outdoor adventure park. Buckle up for seven exhilarating turns and 240 feet of total drop on a coaster as wild and wonderful as the amphibian it’s named for.

Mountain Mayhem

Massanutten, Virginia

Virginia’s first alpine coaster arrives this summer at Massanutten Resort. Advertised as a thrilling six-minute experience, it will wind along 2,156 feet of terrain and feature two 360-degree spirals. While little ones must ride with an adult, kids ten and up can take in the stunning ski resort and adventure park on a solo trek.

Wild Stallion

Sevierville, Tennessee

Thrill-thirsty adventurers head to Sevierville’s SkyLand Ranch to hop aboard the Southeast’s longest mountain coaster. This eight-minute journey serves up scenic views with a side of speed and is as irresistible by day as under the stars, when you’re zipping downhill with the city lights and your own shrieks for company.

Wilderness Run

Banner Elk, North Carolina

It’s open every day year-round, but when the flakes start falling, beeline to North Carolina’s High Country for a frosty ride that’s part sleigh bells, part hold-on-tight madness. Special curved windshields keep the flurries out of your face as you twist, turn, and dip through snow-dusted scenery, hitting speeds of up to twenty-seven miles per hour.

Mountain Coaster

McHenry, Maryland

Wisp Resort might be famous for its ski slopes, but its Mountain Coaster delivers just as much heart-pounding fun. Riders are slowly pulled uphill by motorized pulleys, giving them a chance to soak in views of Deep Creek Lake before the real action begins. At the summit, the brakes release and it’s off to the races as you zip past chairlifts, skiers, and probably your better judgment.