Thrilling Roller Coasters That Will Leave Your Hair Standing on End

Published

Travel Guides Family Friendly Amusement Parks



By Jenna Busch/Sept. 8, 2023 5:57 pm EST

Roller coasters have been around in some form for centuries now. The first dates back to 18th-century ice slides in St. Petersburg, Russia. We’ve come a long way since then though — adding in hills, flips, drops, and other ways to give you all the chills and thrills you’re looking for. Explore has just launched our brand new YouTube channel, and for our first offering, we’re showing you 18 hair-raising roller coasters you’ll want to add to your bucket list immediately. 

These coasters are definitely not for the faint of heart. The list has rides like the Cannibal at Lagoon Amusement Park in Farmington, Utah which has a death-defying, 116-degree drop. Or the Gatekeeper, the winged coaster at Cedar Point in Ohio — which has cars that hang out from the center track so there is absolutely nothing above or below you. If you’re a fan of wooden coasters, the fastest active one is the Goliath at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, Illinois, which hits 72 mph with a 180-foot, 85-degree drop. Maybe skip the big breakfast before you try these.

Does a little danger up the fun for you? Look no further than the Fury 325 at Carowinds in Charlotte, North Carolina with speeds of 95 mph and an 81-degree drop. If the name sounds familiar to you, it might be because a visitor to the park saw a crack in one of the steel support pillars during the summer of 2023. It’s fixed now … feeling brave? 



Dave Pennells

By Dave Pennells

Dave Pennells, MS, has contributed his expertise as a career consultant and training specialist across various fields for over 15 years. At City University of Seattle, he offers personal career counseling and conducts workshops focused on practical job search techniques, resume creation, and interview skills. With a Master of Science in Counseling, Pennells specializes in career consulting, conducting career assessments, guiding career transitions, and providing outplacement services. Her professional experience spans multiple sectors, including banking, retail, airlines, non-profit organizations, and the aerospace industry. Additionally, since 2001, he has been actively involved with the Career Development Association of Australia.