Ghost Town in the Sky
Maggie Valley (near Asheville)
(800) GHOSTOWN
Since the park is lovated on top of a mountain, getting there--via incline railroad or chairlift--is half the fun. It is a replica Old West town with gunfights, panning for gold, kiddie rides, a roller coaster, and other attractions
Gold City Amusement Park
Franklin (in the Smoky Mountains)
(800) 713-7767
Mine your own gemstones and ride the chairlift to the top of Cowee Mountain.
Paramount's Carowinds
Charlotte
(800) 888-4386
Great steel and wood coasters including the most excellent Hurler (inspired by Wayne's World) and the inverted Top Gun Jet Coaster. Look out below the Nickelodeon Flying Super Saturator: the riders on this coaster can drop water bombs on guests. WaterWorks waterpark included with admission.
Santa's Land
Cherokee
(828) 497-9191
Clearly, the triple-Ho guy is the big attraction here. Features Christmas-themed rides and shows. Also has a petting farm (with reindeer, of course).
Tweetsie Railroad
Blowing Rock (near TN border)
(800) 526-5740
3-mile steam train ride. The park also features shows, a few rides, a chairlift, and panning for gold.
