It seems that things are going downhill for the Ghost Town in the Sky park in The Smoky Mountains (yes folks, that’s how it’s spelled). Ever since the park opened, they’ve suffered an onslaught of financial troubles and difficulties with their feature ride, the Cliff Hanger coaster. A few days ago, Screamscape.com reported that the park’s phone lines are supposedly disconnected. Only a day later, word was received that the park must pay $300,000 by May 31st if they want to avoid foreclosure.
My personal two ideas for why the park is declining the way it is (besides the obvious financial burdens, of course) are the location and the constant down-time of their best ride. While I haven’t been there personally, I’ve done quite a bit of research on this interesting little park. For one, the only way to get to the park is in a rural mountain area, and the only way to get to the rides themselves is via a 20 minute ski lift ride to the 4,600 ft Buck Mountain. While this isn’t as much of a problem for me (I, as many others I’m sure, would enjoy a peaceful 20 minute ride up a scenic mountain side), it does discourage the general public who are used to just walking into a park and getting straight to the attractions.
Secondly, there are the problems with the Cliff Hanger, the park’s star attraction. Ghost Town itself speaks of the ride as “The World’s Most Unusual Coaster.” It has a solid and unique layout with great views and exciting elements. However, the ride has been open on and off quite a bit. First it was minor tweaking, then Safety Code violations, then cracks in one of the seats, the list goes on and on. If this coaster was more reliable, you can bet that their attendance would be much larger.
It’s too bad that this park may be going away. While it’s very small and the thrills are not up to par with many other parks, it has the unique factor as its biggest plus. Definitely out of the ordinary with the ski lift being the only way to enter the park, and possessing one of the most unique layouts to any coaster. Not to mention the incredible scenic images brought about by being 4,600 ft above sea level while riding roller coasters and drop towers! It’s always good to see something different from the ordinary, especially in the theme park world. Ghost Town delivers that and I hope that they will get the chance to continue doing so.
But those are just my two cents. What do you think of this recent news about Ghost Town in the Sky? Have you ever been there? Know any other news about the park? Please leave a comment below.
I used to go to ghostown back in 83 it has alot of history before that. I was their about 2 years ago as well. I have alot of good memories thier and hope they can pull it togetrher and keep the place open. One of my favorite places for sure
It would be a shame for the park to go under. The old West town on top of the mountain is a lot of fun for the kids…..gunfights, graveyards, old shops, cowboys, Indians, and such. The rides are a new addition to the original theme of Ghost Town. I sure hope they can hold it together for future generations.
This has always been one of my favorite places in the entire world. I hope it can remain open and bring lots of tourists to Maggie Valley.
Wow… I had no idea it’s been around that long! I haven’t heard anything too new about the park, but will make a post when I hear of anything major. Thanks for the comments everyone, keep them coming!
I had previosly bought a season pass for my family. it was easy to access from asheville. the cost was good too. compared to dolly wood too costly for families. i will miss it. hope they get it up and running again. my 5 yr old has so many fond memories. the chair lift the staff,the view.
My first trip to Ghost Town was in the early 60s. We (parents, grandparents and me) rode the inclined railway to the top of the mtn. There weren’t any rides there back then. Later (70s??) they added a Wild Mouse, Paratrooper, Scrambler and a swing ride. The swing ride was VERY close to the edge of the mtn. and was pretty unnerving. It would be a shame if we lose this little gem of a park. Hope things work out for the owners.
My sister and I went there many times in the 1980s on vacation with my grandparents. I rode the inclined railway,the chairlift, and shuttle buses to the top. Ghost Town was always one of my favorite places. The rides, shows, train, everything was all so enjoyable! I have many fond memories and lots of pictures from those fun days. I was able to take my children there one time a couple of years ago. It was very nostalgic for me. I hope they are able to keep it afloat. It would be nice to see Ghost Town and Maggie Valley tourism thrive again.
I lived in Asheville, Nc for a couple of years; a mere 40 minutes from Maggie Valley; I now wish that I had known that this was such a unique and wonderful park. I honestly had no clue that you had to take a ski lift in- sounds fascinating.
We visited Ghost Town quite a few years ago. Had quite a bit of fun for the size of the place. Used to be quite popular years ago; was visited by “Hoss Cartright of Bonanza TV show” some time back (among others). Like the ride up the mountain and the ghost town at the top. Appears that the place will be missed!
As I read this I was Google-searching to see if they had ever reopened…I took my children to Ghost Town in the 80′s-90′s…What fun we had!!!! The Red Devil Roller Coaster was AWESOME and so was the gunfights and saloon shows….I disagree with the news article above in thta the location and the chair lift ADD TO the allure of the place rather than take away from it. It was a FUN FUN time!!!