7 Best Rides at Carowinds: Know Before You Go
Carowinds offers some of the most impressive rides in the country.
In this guide we will list out the best rides that Carowinds offers, how each one is unique, and actual (point of view) videos of the rides!
1. Fury 325
Fury 325 is the fastest and tallest giga coaster in the world.
This is hands down one of our favorite rides of all theme parks for a multitude of reasons.
One of the more memorable aspects of this ride is the first climb up, it will feel like an eternity.
Adrenaline junkies, this ride is for you.
Once you begin going down the first drop, all bets are off and it's time to hang on tight and enjoy the coaster because the only thing that's guaranteed is that you will feel speed.
Duration
3 minutes and 25 seconds.
Fun Facts
You'll reach 95 miles per hour on this ride!
This ride crosses over the North Carolina and South Carolina state lines throughout the ride.
2. Intimidator
As the second tallest coaster in the park, this ride is no slouch.
Whereas Fury 325 is mostly focused on incredibly fast turns, this one will make you feel like you're flying out of your seat, as you climb up and down the giant hills.
This fan-favorite ride features seven hills, 8 drops, and even a panoramic U-turn.
Duration
3 minutes and 33 seconds.
Fun Facts
You'll reach a top speed of 75 miles per hour!
This ride was actually inspired by NASCAR legend and North Carolina native Dale Earnhardt.
3. Copperhead Strike
On one of the newest rides in the park, you'll be sitting in a getaway car as you navigate through Granny's farm.
Make no mistake about it though, her farm has a scary feel to it.
The ride begins by taking you inside the farm and then without warning you're shot out of there like a cannon straight to the first loop.
Duration
2 minutes.
Fun Facts
This coaster opened in 2019 and cost $26,000,000 to make.
4. Afterburn
This inverted roller coaster will have your feet dangling in the air, as you feel like you're flying while making your way through the park at high speeds.
This ride features 6 inversions and is almost 3,000 feet in length.
If you've never ridden an inverted coaster, it is absolutely something that you can't miss.
Duration
2 minutes 47 seconds.
Fun Facts
You'll reach a top speed of 62 miles per hour!
This coaster recently celebrated 20 years of operation.
5. Hurler
Now, what would a 'Best Rides' list be without a wooden roller coaster?
If you're unfamiliar with wooden coasters, everything is intensified tenfold.
Every turn and increase in speed will be felt heavily, and it'll feel like you're going faster than you actually are.
This classic coaster is almost 3,200 feet in length.
Duration
2 minutes.
Fun Facts
This coaster is over 25 years old and reaches a top speed of 50 miles per hour.
6. Nighthawk
This is one of the strangest coaster experiences that you can have (in a good way).
You sit down in your seat, and once everyone is buckled in, your seat begins leaning back until you are laying back 180 degrees.
Then, the ride actually begins the way that your eyes are facing, backward!
Throughout this ride, you'll feel like you're actually flying.
Duration
1 minute and 50 seconds.
Fun Facts
You'll reach speeds of up to 51 miles per hour on your back!
7. Vortex
Another unique experience, in this coaster you'll ride it standing up.
Yep! You read that right.
For our adrenaline junkies, you'll want to make sure you're in the front row for this one.
You'll go through 2 different inversions while standing up. Not many people can say they've done that.
Duration
2 minutes and 19 seconds.
Fun Facts
This ride features a corkscrew and was repainted red and gray in 2011.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Rides Are at Carowinds?
57
What's the Scariest Ride at Carowinds?
Hands down it is Fury 325. Not only is it the tallest coaster at the park, it is the fastest coaster there and you can spot it from a mile away.
How Tall do you Have to be to Ride the Fury 325 at Carowinds?
54"
Why is it Called Fury 325?
Due to the average ride time of Fury 325 being 3 minutes and 25 seconds.