Get ready for a terrifying ride through the Smoky Mountains! This fall, Rocky Top Mountain Coaster is transforming its record-setting coaster into an immersive haunted adventure with Zombie Invasion on select nights throughout September and October.
Billed as the world’s longest haunted coaster experience, Zombie Invasion combines live actors, large-scale military-themed environments, special effects and a nighttime mountain coaster ride for an unforgettable fall experience in Pigeon Forge.
The Smokies Have Been Overrun
The experience begins before guests even board the coaster.
Guests will enter an active military base in the Smoky Mountains as an evacuation order is issued and the infected begin closing in. Military personnel, emergency broadcasts, themed environments and pre-show elements set the stage for an immersive experience where guests become part of the story.
When it’s time to escape, there’s only one option: board the mountain coaster and descend into the darkness.
Once the coaster leaves the station, riders will encounter soldiers, zombies, military theming, atmospheric lighting, fog, special effects and unexpected encounters along the mountainside.
“Rocky Top Mountain Coaster already delivers the longest mountain coaster ride time in Tennessee,” said Owner Lisa Williford. “Now, Zombie Invasion transforms that record-setting ride into a one-of-a-kind haunted coaster adventure. Guests will not simply watch the story unfold; they will become part of it, from the immersive pre-ride experience to the hair-raising journey through the mountain after dark.”
Zombie Invasion Dates
Zombie Invasion will take place on select nights in September and October:
September: 11, 12, 15, 18, 19, 22, 25, 26 and 29
October: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27, 29, 30 and 31
The Zombie Invasion event line opens at 6:30 p.m., with the first coaster vehicle dispatching at 7:30 p.m. Tickets will be available for purchase until 11 p.m., and operations will continue until all ticketed guests have completed the experience.
Regular daytime coaster operations will end before the separately ticketed event begins.
On non-event dates, Rocky Top Mountain Coaster will operate from 10 a.m. until close. On Zombie Invasion dates, regular coaster operations will run from 10 a.m. until approximately 6 p.m., although the cutoff time may vary depending on demand and event preparation.
Zombie Invasion Tickets
Zombie Invasion is a separately ticketed event.
- Adults: $24.99
- Children: $15.99
Tickets are available at rockytop.events/hauntedcoaster.
Regular Rocky Top Mountain Coaster ride wristbands, rain checks, re-rides, third-party tickets, coupons and Smoky Mountain Park Hopper Passes will not be accepted for Zombie Invasion admission.
Tennessee Days Offer
Tennessee residents can save on Zombie Invasion admission during special Tennessee Days on September 15, 22 and 29.
On these dates, Tennessee residents can experience Zombie Invasion for:
- Adults: $18.99
- Children: $9.99
Guests ages 16 and older must present a valid Tennessee photo ID to receive the discount. Children ages 15 and younger who do not have a photo ID must be accompanied by a parent or guardian with a valid Tennessee photo ID.
Important: Tennessee Days tickets must be purchased at the ticket window to receive the resident discount.
What to Expect During Zombie Invasion
Zombie Invasion is designed as an immersive, high-energy haunted experience and includes:
- Live actors and zombies
- Military-themed environments
- Simulated weapon props
- Strobing lights
- Fog and darkness
- Loud sounds
- Sudden scares
- Special effects
- A nighttime mountain coaster ride featuring curves, dips and sudden stops
Guests should consider the physical and sensory nature of the complete experience before purchasing tickets. All standard Rocky Top Mountain Coaster rider requirements and safety rules will remain in effect.
Admission is subject to event availability, weather and operational considerations.
When Is the Best Time to Ride?
The experience will change as the evening progresses with natural lighting conditions varying throughout the season.
For guests looking for the darkest experience, Rocky Top Mountain Coaster recommends planning to ride at least 30 minutes after sunset.
Those who prefer earlier-evening conditions can arrive early and join the event line when it opens at 6:30 p.m.
Sunset information and event updates will be shared through Rocky Top Mountain Coaster’s social media channels.
Ready to Face the Infected?
If you’re looking for a new way to experience the Smoky Mountains after dark this fall, Zombie Invasion combines the thrills of a mountain coaster with an immersive haunted adventure.
Gather your group, prepare for evacuation and get ready to ride into the darkness at Rocky Top Mountain Coaster.
