These are the Best Roller Coasters in NYC and Nearby
From historic coasters to steel behemoths, there's a coaster on this list for thrill seekers of all kinds
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Wooden Warrior
Amusement Park: Quassy Amusement Park
Location: 2132 Middlebury Rd., Middlebury, CT
203-758-2913
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This unassuming family roller coaster will surprise you. Sure, it's got a small footprint, but it packs in some amazing air time punch and a heart-pounding tunneled turnaround. According to the Quassy website, it was even rated among the top 25 wooden roller coasters in the world in a 2012 poll of coaster and theme park experts. Talk about impressive!
Candymonium
Amusement Park: Hersheypark
Location: 100 W. Hersheypark Dr., Hershey, PA
717-534-3900
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Think Hershey Park is all about chocolate and treats? Think again! Among the park's many thrill attractions is Candymonium—which is one sweet ride! Get this: Candymonium reaches a maximum speed of 76 mph. You'll experience a heart-pounding, 210-foot ascent up the tallest hill in Hersheypark. Once you're up there, you'll then dip into thrilling drops including seven camelback hills. After the ride, treat yourself to some delicious candy—you've earned it!
Phoenix
Amusement Park: Knoebels Amusement Resort
Location: 391 Knoebels Blvd., Route 487, Elysburg, PA
800-487-4386
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According to VisitPA.com, international coaster enthusiasts have rated Phoenix the second-best wooden coaster in the world because of its impressive airtime. It's worth a trip to Elysburg, not just for the amazing Phoenix, but the resort's other attractions, too. You can ride Model T-like replicas, enjoy lots of kiddie and thrill rides, play laser tag and mini golf, and so much more. The best part is, admission and parking are free. Choose to pay per ride with ticket books or purchase a Ride All Day Pass on weekdays during summer.
Leap-The-Dips
Amusement Park: Lakemont Park
Location: 700 Park Ave., Altoona, PA
800-434-8006
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Altoona, PA, may seem a far ride from NYC, but it's worth the trip for Leap-The-Dips, the oldest operating wooden roller coaster in the world. Built in 1902, the coaster went through some restoration efforts over the years and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1996. Go ahead and take a ride on Leap-The-Dips. It'll show you that fun is timeless, no matter what year it is!
Dragon Coaster
Amusement Park: Playland
Location: 1 Playland Parkway, Rye, NY
914-820-3070
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One of Playland’s most popular and exciting thrill rides is the amazing Dragon Coaster. This historic wooden roller coaster has been giving fun and exciting rides to coaster fans since 1928.
The Comet
Amusement Park: Hersheypark
Location: 100 W. Hersheypark Dr., Hershey, PA
717-534-3900
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This is the oldest coaster at Hersheypark. In case you're wondering, Hersheypark was built in 1906, originally as a leisure park for the employees of the Hershey Chocolate Company. The Comet climbs 96 feet and reaches a top speed of 50 mph during its 3,360-foot ride. It does all this in just 1 minute and 45 seconds. The Comet gets one big Hershey Kiss from us for its speed, history and family fun!
Main Image Credit: Luna Park in Coney Island