Rocky Top Mountain Coaster Launches New Zombie Invasion for 2026

Rocky Top Mountain Coaster is turning its nighttime ride into a haunted escape for a new fall event in Pigeon Forge.

Zombie Invasion, an all-new experience for 2026, is scheduled to run from Sept. 11 through Nov. 1. The attraction places riders inside the story of an active military base under attack, then sends their evacuation vehicle down the dark mountainside past soldiers, zombies, fog and special effects.

Admission includes one ride on the mountain coaster during the event. The full experience is expected to last about 30 minutes, giving the attraction a more developed storyline than a standard nighttime coaster run.

Zombie Invasion requires its own ticket. Regular Rocky Top Mountain Coaster wristbands, re-rides, rain checks, third-party tickets, coupons and Smoky Mountain Park Hopper passes will not be accepted for the event. That distinction is important for visitors planning to ride during the fall season: daytime or regular attraction admission does not automatically include the haunted version.

Rocky Top Mountain Coaster sits on Veterans Boulevard across from Dollywood. Its long downhill course and individual ride carts give the attraction a natural framework for a moving haunted experience, with each group traveling through the story rather than walking through a conventional haunted house.

The event expands Pigeon Forge's Halloween lineup with an experience aimed at guests looking for more suspense than the area's family pumpkin displays. Specific operating nights and start times may vary within the Sept. 11–Nov. 1 window, so visitors should consult the current event calendar before purchasing tickets.