The coaster at Goats on the Roof is Alpine-style, meaning riders sit in a small cart on a track that’s just off the ground. Fitting one or two people max, they’re driver operated—the journey can be as fast-paced or as leisurely as you like, though the average trip lasts about seven minutes. However you slice it, you’ll start at the top of the mountain, twisting 4,875 feet (1,485 meters) through the forest and down to solid ground.
Riders must be over 38 inches (97 centimeters) tall; drivers must be over 54 inches (137 centimeters) tall.
The coaster’s weight limit is 375 pounds (170 kilograms).
For an added thrill, ride the coaster during a light rain or snowfall.
Most visitors will get to The Coaster at Goats on the Roof in their private vehicle—the address is 1341 Wears Valley Road, Pigeon Forge, right on US-321. The giveaway for when you’ve arrived is the distinctive red barn with a goat-shaped sign on the roof. Simply park in the parking lot; it’s free.
The Coaster at Goats on the Roof is open from morning until late night, rain or shine—which means you can avoid the crowds by coming for breakfast or well after dinner (come twice for two totally different experiences). If you run into inclement weather on your trip, don’t worry—riding the coaster in light rain can be an awesome way to travel through the Smoky Mountain forest. (The forest’s scent makes it even more of a sensory adventure.)
After you’re done riding the rails, don’t miss another on-site star attraction: feeding the roof goats. Buy a can of goat chow from the gift shop, and then go to the second level to watch the goats munch through the windows. Or you can just use the “goat-cycle” that transports the food to the hungry creatures and watch from below.