Carolina Goldrusher, Steel roller coaster in Charlotte, United States
The Carolina Goldrusher is a steel roller coaster in Carowinds park that spans roughly 2,400 feet of track and reaches speeds around 30 miles per hour. The route takes riders through multiple twists and turns that make the journey dynamic and varied.
This steel coaster was built in 1973 by Arrow Dynamics and was among the first rides available when Carowinds park opened. It has operated continuously since then and remains one of the park's oldest functioning attractions.
The mine train theme connects to the gold mining history that shaped the Carolinas, letting riders experience a piece of regional heritage. This connection to local past gives visitors a sense of the area's economic traditions.
Riders need to be at least 48 inches tall to board, and the train moves about 2,000 people per hour through the loading area. Visiting during peak times means longer waits, so planning a ride during quieter periods works better for shorter lines.
In 2023, a special gold-colored train was introduced to mark 50 years of this continuously running attraction. This newly painted train makes the milestone of continuous operation visible to every rider.
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