The first option is to take a spin on the new record-setting ride. “Our new ‘Wild Stallion Mountain Coaster’ is currently the longest one in the southeast at over 1.25 miles,” says Jordan Briggs, director of sales and marketing for SkyLand Ranch. “It takes 12 minutes to ride the track.” Like German alpine coasters, you sit in a car powered by belts and gravity to ride the rails up and down the mountainside. Each car has a brake so you can go a comfortable speed. The coaster’s ticketing station is located at the base of the mountain, making it possible to access the ride whether or not you explore the entire park.

Located on 100 acres of farmland across from Tanger Outletsin the Five Oaks neighborhood with convenient access to lodging, restaurants, and other amusements, SkyLand Ranch has developed 14 acres as part of its $40 million Phase 1 construction. Planned future expansions will create a full-fledged theme park with a Western theme.

A scenic chairlift leads to the entrance of SkyLand Ranch. “It’s a nine-minute ride,” says Briggs. “Not so long you get bored yet not too short to enjoy the experience.” Afraid of heights? A safari truck provides an alternate way to reach the top.

Three barns painted white with black trim set the modern ranch scene, a look inspired by the hit TV show “Yellowstone.” The small barn houses the miniature horses, donkeys, and cows often seen touring the grounds with knowledgeable handlers. A large 5,000-square-foot barn houses the Western wear boutique, souvenir shop, and toy store. A second 5,000-square-foot barn offers delicious baked goods, over-the-top milkshakes, and custom candy bars. Outside, a line up of food trucks offer tasty things like tacos, loaded macaroni-and-cheese, barbecue, ice cream, candy, and other treats.

A large play area lets kids (and kids at heart) act out ranching fantasies since it’s equipped with the original cowboy toy: roping dummies. Practice cow and calf roping, team roping, and pasture roping by swinging lassos and looping a dummy. You’ll also find cornhole boards and other amusements. “In the future we’ll have a ‘cowboy/cowgirl college’ program to teach kids about ranching and agriculture, how to rope, and more,” says Briggs.

Views throughout SkyLand Ranch impress, but later in 2023, a new 360-degree perspective of the surrounding Smoky Mountains will be available when their new wide bridge walkway opens. The walkway is suspended 50-feet above ground and ramped for ADA accessibility. At approximately 150-feet long, it’s stable enough to accommodate wheelchairs and powered chairs so everyone can appreciate the stunning views of English Mountain, Mount LeConte, and Bluff Mountain among other peaks.

Fire pits dot the property, serving as inviting places to linger with a drink, snack, or simply enjoy the views. In the dark, the look changes from mountain vista to bright lights along the Parkway and Sevierville’s Five Oaks area.

Parking is free, with more than 400 spots on the property.

SkyLand Ranch is currently building an amphitheater as well to bring an exciting new live entertainment venue to Sevierville. Built into natural terrain, from the audience you’ll have a great view of the stage no matter where you sit with breathtaking views of Mount LeConte (the third-highest peak in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park) as the backdrop. A concert series planned for later in 2023 will feature six Country music stars; in the future, additional musical genres and performances will take the stage as well.

Located at one of its highest points, SkyLand Ranch adds peak thrills to Sevierville.