Are you interested in trying something new, different, and awesome? Head out to Banner Elk, N.C. to experience a roller coaster you’ll never forget. Welcome to Wilderness Run.

Veteran-family-owned and operated, the Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster is a ride that races down the mountain at speeds up to 27 mph, with three 360-degree loops mixed into the track. The ride is open every day year-round, including ski season at nearby Sugar and Beech Mountains.

So, you might wonder how something like this got started. Alpine coasters originated in Europe in the 1970s. A lot of them show up at ski resorts to take advantage of their mountain infrastructure and to give them a source of income in the summer months. Wilderness Run is the first in the Blue Ridge, and it’s so much fun.

You can either ride solo or pair up a couple of kids. Once you’re in, you’re in charge of the braking system, and this thing can certainly pick up speed! The 3,160-foot run begins with a cable-pulled ascent of 770 feet. At that point, the alpine coaster is a little different from your traditional roller coaster because, on this ride, it’s all gravity. You’ve got twists and turns and 360s galore.

While the coaster itself is definitely the main attraction, there is a gift shop and a coffee shop too. Don’t forget to pack an Ingles Markets picnic and hang out on the gorgeous deck. They even have a treetops ropes course coming soon.

A registered check-in time is required to be guaranteed a ride on the coaster. Riders can purchase single tickets or a three-ride bundle. Start your adventure at WildernessRunAlpineCoaster.com. Book your ride time and get ready for a great day in the mountains. Try something new, soak in the natural splendor, and get ready for one heck of a ride. Your weekend is waiting on the Ingles open road.

To learn more about Ingles Markets, visit their website at ingles-markets.com.