Kingda Ka, Steel roller coaster in Jackson, United States
Kingda Ka is a steel roller coaster in Jackson that launches hydraulically through the amusement park, reaching 139 meters (456 feet) above ground. The track extends 950 meters (3118 feet) and features a vertical spiral after the highest point.
Intamin completed the ride in 2005, creating worldwide benchmarks for height and speed among roller coasters. Since then it remains one of the most recognized examples of hydraulic launch high-speed attractions.
Screams and cheers accompany every launch as onlookers line the barriers to watch the trains vanish within seconds. Families return repeatedly to witness other riders' reactions and share this experience together.
Riders must meet a minimum height requirement of 137 centimeters (54 inches) to experience the hydraulic launch accelerating from zero to 206 kilometers per hour (128 miles per hour). Windy days can lead to operational interruptions, while wait times grow considerably longer during weekends and holidays.
The descent after the summit includes a vertical spiral twist while simultaneously incorporating a safety system in case trains roll backward during ascent. This design ensures every ride completes safely even when unexpected conditions occur.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
