Copperhead Strike: Carowinds' 2023 Mack Launched Coaster

Blue Ridge Junction's Venomous New Star

Copperhead Strike opened spring 2023 at Carowinds (Charlotte, NC/SC border) as the park’s first Mack Rides launched coaster and centerpiece of the new Blue Ridge Junction themed area.

Ride Specifications

• Type: Launched steel coaster (LSM – linear synchronous motors)
• Track length: 2,425 ft (739 m)
• Height: 145 ft (44 m) lift hill
• Speed: 50 mph (80 km/h)
• Inversions: 3 (corkscrew, inverted top hat, heartline roll)
• Launch: 0–42 mph in 2.5 seconds (first launch); second launch mid-course
• Trains: 4 cars × 4 riders = 16 per train; lap bars
• Theme: Granny Byrd’s apple farm + copperhead snake lore; immersive queue, audio, landscaping.

Ride Experience

1. Launch 1 – out of station into corkscrew.
2. Airtime hill – floater air.
3. Inverted top hat – 145 ft, slow twist at apex.
4. Mid-course brake / Launch 2 – accelerates into heartline roll.
5. High-speed turns & hops – lateral Gs, ejector air.
6. Final brake run – themed shed finale.

Significance

• First new coaster since Fury 325 (2015).
• First Mack launch in Southeast U.S.
• Family-thrill balance (48" height req) – broad appeal.
• Won Golden Ticket Award: Best New Roller Coaster 2023 (Amusement Today).

Visitor Tips

• Ride early or late—lines peak midday.
• Single rider line available.
• Front row for visuals; back row for forces.
• Check app for downtime (weather-sensitive LSMs).