A Triathlon Of Speed

Posted by Phil Rodgers in Pigeon Forge

Most folks on vacation probably aren't intrigued by the thought of doing a triathlon. But we think we might have come up with one that might just grab your interest, especially since it doesn't actually involve swimming, bicycling or running. Not that those things can't be fun (and beneficial), but if you're planning some getaway time in the Great Smoky Mountains in the near future, our triathlon requires no training and very little physical effort. Best of all, it lets you the participant enjoy lots of high-speed fun over the course of one great day in the Smokies.

Our triathlon starts you off with the chance to control your own speed here at Goats on the Roof in Pigeon Forge. Our Goat Coaster is a classic alpine mini-coaster that runs for nearly a mile in length and reaches speeds of up to 30 miles per hour. When you're in the driver's seat, you control the handbrake, so you can make the ride as thrilling or as tame as you can handle.

Each cart is designed to carry one or two passengers, and once your sled is transported to the top of the mountain, gravity takes over for a winding, twisting, 4,875-foot journey to the bottom. Along the way, don't forget to appreciate our gorgeous views and one of the smoothest but wildest seven-minute rides in town. And while you're here, you might also want to spend some time visiting our live goats (which actually do live on our roof) as well as our gift shop and gem-mining attraction.

Next up, we'll pick up the pace a little with a trip to Smoky Mountain Ziplines, also in Pigeon Forge. Located on a scenic mountainside not far from the main drag, Smoky Mountain Ziplines offers a seven-line canopy tour, with ziplines totaling nearly a mile in length as well. They start off short and easy and quickly progress to long lines (as long as 800 feet) that are suspended more than 100 feet above ground level.

Their staff of friendly and knowledgeable guides will take care of your group throughout your tour, from getting you suited up in safety gear to riding with you as their transport trucks shuttle you to the top of the mountain to giving you all the instructions you'll need to enjoy safely soaring through the air among the treetops. It's a great outdoor activity this time of year, whether you're ziplining alone, with a special someone or as part of a family gathering or even a corporate outing.

Next up, it's time to put the pedal to the metal with a visit to Blake Jones Racing Center, also in Pigeon Forge. Located on the Parkway, in the heart of town, this family attraction offers three different race experiences­-a figure-eight slick track, electric go-carts and bumper cars.

The slick track is one of the few covered figure-eight tracks in the area, and this location has the area's only indoor electric go-carts. The electric carts operate in a climate-controlled setting and offer a variety of speed settings for all levels of go-cart experience. And because they're electric, they give off no fumes and make very little noise. Single and double carts are available for passengers three feet in height and taller.

Keep in mind, however, that go-carts are not bumper cars. Bumper cars are designed and cushioned for impact. Fortunately, Blake Jones Racing Center has bumper cars as well. They are also electric and environmentally friendly and operate in an indoor environment. The fun part is that each impact will make your car (and the one you hit) start spinning! It's a fun twist on a classic carnival-style ride.

This content posted by Goats on the Roof of the Smoky Mountains. Visit our home page, goatsontheroofofthesmokies.com for more information on the goats and their coaster.

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