Calling all adrenaline junkies and thrill-seekers. This post is for you! As park hoppin' frogs, roller coasters give us that rush of excitement and exhilaration we practically live for. Lucky for us, here in the United States, there's a long list of roller coasters that showcase unique versions of heart-pounding drops, loops, twists and turns. From coast to coast, amusement parks across the country deliver unfrogettable coaster experiences that leave riders craving more. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the 10 best roller coasters in the U.S. that every thrill-seeker should add to their bucket list.
Our List of the 10 Best Roller Coasters in the U.S.
From Orlando to Cedar Point, and Tampa Bay to Dollywood, our list of the best roller coasters in the U.S. will surely give you an adrenaline rush like no other. Let's dive into the nitty-gritty details and discover what makes these coasters a must-try. We're starting backward (like some of our favorite coasters do!) and ending our tour with our number-one spot.
Psst! It wouldn't be a froggy post if we didn't mention that Undercover Tourist offers discount theme park tickets so you can get your adrenaline fix and save some green too! Now if you're ready ... stay seated, keep your arm and legs inside the vehicle and let's goooo!
10. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
Kicking off our list is a coaster that blends cutting-edge technology with the Marvel Universe. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind takes riders on an intergalactic adventure as they join Star-Lord and his crew. What sets this coaster apart is its 60 mph reverse launch and unique spinning ride vehicle that rotates 360 degrees, allowing you to spin in different directions throughout the ride. At 5,577 feet long, it holds the record for the longest indoor roller coaster track. (It also just so hoppens to be the most expensive roller coaster built in THE WORLD! Just how much? 500 million!) This innovation, combined with the immersive theming and six randomized song selections (our favorite is "September" by Earth Wind & Fire), makes Cosmic Rewind a must-try for both Marvel fans and roller coaster enthusiasts.
Location: EPCOT, Walt Disney World Resort, Florida
9. Mako
Named after one of the ocean's fastest predators, Mako is an award-winning hypercoaster that simulates the sensation of gliding through water. With speeds reaching up to 73 mph and a height of 200 feet, you're going to want to hold on tight. In fact, Mako is Orlando's tallest and fastest coaster.
If you want airtime, this coaster delivers ... in a BIG way. Mako has nine weightless airtime moments. Nine!! The steep drops make it a favorite among coaster aficionados. Not to mention that its ocean-themed surroundings and conservation messages add an educational element to this already amazing attraction. Be sure to hop over to our thrill-seeker's guide to the Florida SeaWorld parks for more.
Location: SeaWorld Orlando, Florida
8. Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
Don't consider yourself a Potterhead? Ya might just become one after riding this one! ;) Combining the Wizarding World of Harry Potter with a themed coaster experience, Hagrid's Motorbike Adventure is a one-of-a-kind. This family coaster takes riders on a magical journey through the Forbidden Forest while seated on Hagrid's motorbike or sidecar. The coaster's design features unexpected launches, a free-fall drop and even encounters with magical creatures. The attention to detail in the theming and the integration of storytelling make this coaster a must-ride for both Harry Potter lovers and thrill-seekers.
Want to know more? Read up on our guide to Universal Orlando Resort. Plus, we've got all the tips on the best ways to ride Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure while avoiding those long waits.
Location: Universal Islands of Adventure, Orlando, Florida
7. Lightning Rod
Even though there have been some big changes, Lightning Rod continues to take a well-deserved spot on our top ten. Originally, Lightning Rod rocketed riders more than 20 stories up its initial slope with a 45 mph launch straight from the gate. Due to extended bouts of downtime, the launch lift was converted to a traditional chain lift in 2024.
The rest of the ride experience remains unchanged, where riders experience twin airtime hills before plunging down a 165-foot drop. This hybrid coaster races along a 3,800-foot track, composed of both a wooden “Topper Track” and a steel “I-Box” track which gives about 20 seconds of total airtime. Themed after a tricked-out 1950s hot rod, Lightning Rod reaches a top speed of 73 mph and forces up to 3.5 G forces. The best part? The grand finale, of course — a gripping uphill 180-degree turn to the right that mimics drifting in a high-performance car. Ladies and gents, start your engines!
Location: Dollywood, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
6. El Toro
Do you think you have what it takes to tame the bull? Hold on like never before because El Toro promises a ride of serious intensity. Your ride begins with an ascension of nearly 19 stories, setting the stage for a charged descent from a staggering 176 feet. At a 76-degree angle, this initial drop previously claimed the title of the steepest of any wooden-style coaster in the nation, recently taking a backseat to Goliath at Six Flags Great America.
With a track record that speaks volumes, El Toro secured the position of being voted the #1 Wooden Coaster in the World in both the 2011 Internet Coaster Poll and the 2017 Amusement Today’s Golden Ticket Awards.
As you surge through the course at an electrifying speed of 70 miles per hour, you'll be propelled over a series of hills engineered to deliver maximum airtime — a sensation that's just like your tail lifting off the saddle in a fierce bull ride! Olé!
Not sure if you're ready to test your limits just yet? We got you covered! Leap over to read our insider tips for how to prepare for your first big roller coaster.
Location: Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson, New Jersey
5. Steel Vengeance
Introducing the monumental Steel Vengeance! This groundbreaking coaster redefined the thrill ride experience when it made its debut in 2018. As the world's pioneering hyper-hybrid coaster, Steel Vengeance was engineered with both wood and steel elements to create a ride that's fast, smooth and serves up a massive amount of airtime!
Born from the transformation of the original Mean Streak coaster, Steel Vengeance towers over Frontier Town at an impressive 205 feet. Prepare to be launched to speeds of up to 74 mph, as you navigate inversions, twists and a myriad of heart-pounding features in the 2-minute, 30-second ride. This record-setting wonder claimed the spotlight by setting 10 world records upon its grand opening.
It proudly holds the title of the longest hybrid coaster globally, stretching 5,740 feet. With an incredible 30 seconds of airtime, Steel Vengeance boasts the most airtime on any coaster in the world — the ultimate thrill-seeker's dream. Crowned the "Best New Ride" in 2018, coaster fans simply cannot afford to miss out on this one! Need even more excitement? In this post, we've ranked our top 10 Cedar Point attractions.
Location: Cedar Point, Sandusky, Ohio
4. Fury 325
Experience the sting of adrenaline on Fury 325, North America's tallest, fastest and longest giga coaster. As riders board one of the three 32-passenger open-air trains, anticipation builds for the monumental ascent of 325 feet, followed by a breathtaking 81-degree drop. Like an enraged hornet chasing its target, the coaster then propels riders into a colossal 190-foot barrel turn and a high-speed S-curve, clocking speeds of up to 95 mph. Yeah, you read that right ... 95 mph!
Being North America's lengthiest steel coaster, Fury 325 spans over 1.25 miles and treats riders to a ride time of 3.25 minutes. And a fun trivia tidbit — the ride even crosses both the North and South Carolina state lines.
Location: Carowinds, Charlotte, North Carolina
3. VelociCoaster
"Hold onto your butts!" Jurassic Park meets high-speed thrills on VelociCoaster. This coaster immerses riders in the world of velociraptors with its intense launches, inversions and near-miss encounters. With a top speed of 70 mph and four inversions, including a heartline roll and a barrel roll, Velocicoaster offers non-stop excitement from start to finish. The combination of storytelling, theming and an 80-degree drop make it a standout coaster in Universal's lineup.
Location: Universal Islands of Adventure, Orlando, Florida
2. Kingda Ka
Kingda Ka is the product of brilliant human engineering and sheer audacity. As the world's tallest and second-fastest roller coaster, deciding to take a spin on Kingda Ka is just BONKERS (#yolo). With its 456-foot vertical launch and blistering speeds that reach up to 128 mph in a mere 3.5 seconds, the coaster's magnitude alone is astounding. The rush of cresting the towering peak and plummeting back down at gravity-defying angles is only for those who crave living on the edge. Do you dare?
Location: Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey
1. Iron Gwazi
Topping our list is the oh-so-mind-blowing Iron Gwazi! This award-winning masterpiece catapults riders from a staggering 206-foot peak, hurling them into a jaw-dropping 91-degree drop while propelling to a top speed of 76 miles per hour. With a dozen electrifying airtime moments and three inversions, this ride experience is completely unhinged!
Built by Rocky Mountain Construction, Iron Gwazi at Busch Gardens is a marvel of innovative coaster design. While it gives a nod to the classic wooden coaster Gwazi, it offers new thrills and a reimagined track layout. Iron Gwazi combines nostalgia with cutting-edge technology for an unfrogettable ride experience.
Location: Busch Gardens, Tampa Bay, Florida
So, there you have it — the 10 best roller coasters in the U.S. Which ones are your favorites and which ones are you dying to try? Did we miss any that you think should make this list? Let us know in the comments! Be sure to snag your discount theme park tickets from your favorite frogs before you go!
Related: Not-to-Miss Six Flags Magic Mountain Attractions for Thrill Seekers
Related: Our Roaring Guide to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Keep hopping!
