 The world’s only roller coaster that is literally located on the side of a mountain, the Cliff Hanger, will open next season at Ghost Town in the Sky, Western North Carolina’s mountain top theme park and family destination.
Since the roller coaster was originally built over 20 years ago, originally known as the Red Devil, there have been improvements in coaster safety standards, parts and materials. First, the entire track was gauged to ensure the exact dimensions of the track. Over 14,000 parts and components, not including nuts and bolts, will be used in constructing the cars for the train, and each part had to be redesigned, fabricated and tested even before being assembled. North Carolina Department of Labor officials have been involved in the process of inspections during each stage of assembly. The Cliff Hanger will boast a magnetic brake system to assist the existing air brakes and to improve rider comfort.
This one-of-a-kind roller coaster will have a custom-built train on it. Although there are trains that could have been purchased with standard seat configurations, Ghost Town’s roller coaster will feature all new components and a completely new, one-of-a-kind train that has open-air cars and custom seats. Coaster enthusiasts will be pleased to know that the new train will not use standard over-the-shoulder harnesses. The new seats will utilize ergonomic padded lap bars and retractable seatbelts which were specially engineered and manufactured for the coaster. There is not a train on a roller coaster like it in the world.
States General Manager Bob Cordier, “Ride enthusiasts will certainly appreciate the extra efforts made to make the Cliffhanger better than ever. Aside from the train, the Cliff Hanger is so unique because the station (where guests enter and exit the ride) is built higher than the loop. Riders experience the loop within 7 seconds of beginning the ride!”
The Cliff Hanger is located on the side of Buck Mountain and has a top speed of 56 mph. As you leave the terminal, it seems as though you are going to fall off the face of the mountain. An exciting loop generates g-force pressure as you travel 2,063 feet of a fun-filled ride. |
Ghost Town's chairlift ride provides the most scenic views in the valley! 
