The Wooden Way: A Cross-Pennsylvania Pilgrimage to the Golden Age of Thrills
A fast-paced journey up, down, and around the state’s historic coasters. Long before massive steel coasters launched riders into physics-defying drops and corkscrews, Pennsylvania helped define the art of the wooden roller coaster. When they debuted in the early 20th century, many of the state’s classic amusement parks drew city dwellers to lakesides, river valleys, and wooded hillsides for fresh air and excitement. By the 1920s, innovative coaster engineers at local firms like the Philadelphia Toboggan Company were transforming timber into gravity-powered marvels that hugged ravines, climbed hills, and delivered stomach-dropping airtime. A true testament to their design and appeal, some of these iconic rides continue to thrill riders today. For those wanting to trace the evolution of the wooden coaster—from some of the oldest operating rides on Earth to modern creations inspired by their predecessors—Pennsylvania is one of the best places to experience every incredible curve, climb, and drop. Jack RabbitKennywood Amusement Park, West Mifflin The Jack Rabbit is one of three historic coasters at Kennywood. Courtesy of Kennywood Amusement Park One of the oldest operating roller coasters in the world, the Jack Rabbit first began thrilling riders with its double-dip drop in 1920. One of three 1920s-era coasters at Kennywood, it ushered in a golden age of roller coaster innovation. Designed by engineer John A. Miller, it boasted new “underfriction” wheel technology that allowed trains to stay locked to the track on steeper drops. More than a century later, riders still flock to the Jack Rabbit to feel the weightlessness of its 70-foot drop. Afterward, historic-coaster fans can head over to the Thunderbolt to experience a steep plunge and lateral G-forces that have been wowing riders since 1924. If that’s not enough excitement, they can finish with the Racer, designed as a “Mobius loop” by Miller in 1927, with cars starting on opposite sides of the station and racing each other to the finish line. ThunderhawkDorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom, Allentown A classic out-and-back coaster, the Thunderhawk moves at 45 mph. Courtesy of Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom Originally known as the Coaster when it debuted in 1923, the Thunderhawk is among the last surviving works of celebrated coaster designer Herbert Paul Schmeck. The Reading-born Schmeck and his Philadelphia Toboggan Company left an indelible mark on Keystone State coaster history. The Thunderhawk is a classic example of an out-and-back coaster, carrying riders over, under, and through its wooden frame. Though the cars move at 45 miles per hour, the elegantly crafted layout is a testament to how a simple yet well-engineered design can still entice riders even today. Rollo CoasterIdlewild & SoakZone, Ligonier The Rollo Coaster swerves through the wooded hills of Idlewild. Courtesy of Idlewild & SoakZone When it was built into a wooded hillside in 1938, the Rollo Coaster was literally a product of its surroundings. Much of the wood used in its construction was sourced from Idlewild’s property and milled nearby. Rather than fighting the landscape, its designer—Schmeck again—embraced it, creating a family-friendly coaster that twists through the terrain and demonstrates how early coasters often incorporated hills and valleys into the rides themselves. Featuring updated cars added for safety in 2018, the Rollo Coaster carries riders up and down the hillside before sweeping through a gentle curve and returning to the station. With smooth dips, modest speeds, and plenty of nostalgia, it’s the perfect first wooden coaster experience for newbies. The Phoenix Knoebels Amusement Park, Elysburg The Phoenix is enjoying a second life at Knoebels. Shansby / CC BY 2.0 Like its namesake, the Phoenix rose from the ashes and was reborn anew. The coaster began its life as the Rocket in 1947 at a Texas amusement park. After nearly four decades of operation, however, it seemed doomed for demolition. That’s when the team at Knoebels stepped in to claim their coaster and shipped it across the country. After painstakingly dismantling the ride, they numbered each piece of lumber, sent it to central Pennsylvania, and rebuilt it. Now in its second life as the Phoenix, the coaster is flying high: It holds the record for the longest-running winner of the #1 wooden roller coaster award, issued by Amusement Today. Not only does Knoebels offer free admission, it also offers a second, spectacular wooden coaster. After riders scream and soar across the Phoenix, they can check out the Twister, filled with curves, a double-helix, and even a dark tunnel. The CometHersheypark, Hershey Born in 1946, the Comet has earned Landmark status. Courtesy of Hersheypark Another migrant coaster, Hersheypark’s Comet began its life in 1946 at a park in Ontario, Canada, before relocating to Pennsylvania in the 1970s. Since then, generations of riders have flocked to Hershey to enjoy its nearly 80-foot drop and several hills that provide some serious airtime. Today, its classic out-and-back design offers a ride experience that feels like an increasingly rare relic of the wooden coaster era. Its historic importance has even been recognized by American Coaster Enthusiasts, which granted it Landmark status. Ravine Flyer II Waldameer Park, Erie The Ravine Flyer II is full of twists and turns, and even thunders over a public street. Mary Bliss / CC BY 2.0 While many of Pennsylvania’s great wooden coasters are relics of the past, the Ravine Flyer II at Waldameer Park shows how the tradition is still very much alive. Built in 2008 on the site of a coaster that closed decades earlier, the Ravine is the tallest and fastest wooden coaster in the state. Dramatically crossing over a public road, it offers a blend of modern engineering and classic wooden-coaster aesthetics that have earned it international acclaim. Visitors to the free-admission park can enjoy the Ravine’s 120- and 105-foot drops, four tunnels, and 165-foot bridge over Peninsula Drive—all showing that old-fashioned thrills can still feel cutting-edge. Lightning RacerHersheypark, Hershey Which would you choose: Thunder or Lightning? Public Domain Yes, we already included a Hersheypark coaster on this list, but the Lightning Racer deserves its own spot. Built in 2000, it pairs two wooden coasters (Thunder and Lightning, naturally) that race each other across 3,400-feet of tangled track, creating the illusion of near misses and photo-finish victories. Designed by Great Coasters International, the ride’s deft combination of racing and interweaving tracks proves that wooden coasters still have room to evolve in the age of steel competitors. Since its debut, Lightning Racer has consistently been voted one of the world’s 25 best wooden roller coasters by Amusement Today.
