The Gauntlet

The Gauntlet is a steel roller coaster at Magic Springs Park with five inversions along its 2,260 foot track. The ride lasts 96 seconds and reaches speeds of about 50 mph, with trains carrying twenty riders in ten rows of two seats each.

The coaster was originally planned for Jazzland in New Orleans before being relocated to Magic Springs. It opened there on April 10, 2004 and has been a park attraction since then.

The name came from a radio contest in 2003 when a Jacksonville resident submitted the winning entry. This name reflects the intensity riders experience on this coaster.

Riders between 52 and 79 inches tall can experience this coaster, as there are minimum and maximum height requirements. It helps to allow time for the queue and wear layers, as the speed can make the temperature feel colder.

The Vekoma manufacturer used a modified wheel assembly that reduces physical strain on riders during inversions. This design makes the ride less jarring even as the speed remains intense.

Location: Hot Springs

Official opening: April 10, 2004

GPS coordinates: 38.19414,-85.74701

Latest update: December 13, 2025 11:41