Wanderlust World Wanderlust World Among Hersheypark's impressive coaster lineup, Skyrush stands apart—not just as the park's tallest and fastest, but as a masterclass in sustained, ejector-airtime intensity. Opened in 2012 by Intamin, this wing coaster redefined expectations for non-launched steel coasters in the Northeast.
Height: 200 ft (61 m) lift hill
Drop: 200 ft at 85° (near-vertical)
Speed: 75 mph (121 km/h)
Length: 3,600 ft (1,097 m)
Duration: 2:15
Inversions: 4 (including signature Dive Loop)
Max G-force: 4.5G positive
Capacity: 1,350 riders/hour (24-passenger trains, 4-across wing seating)
Unique to Skyrush (and a few other Intamin wing coasters), the Dive Loop combines a 125° beyond-vertical drop with a half-loop inversion—transitioning from steep descent to upside-down in one continuous, disorienting maneuver. It's not a standard loop, Immelmann, or dive loop—it's a hybrid element delivering sustained negative G through the transition.
Riders sit in pairs on "wings" extending left/right of the track—nothing above, nothing below. This amplifies every sensation: airtime feels like falling out; inversions feel like floating in space; laterals feel unmediated. The outer seats (especially front row) are widely considered the most intense in the park.
Skyrush delivers 5+ distinct airtime moments—mostly ejector (sharp, violent negative G) rather than floater (gentle). The first drop, the Dive Loop exit, the following airtime hill, the "Stengel dive" (overbanked turn with negative G), and the final bunny hops create a rhythm of violence that leaves even veterans breathless.
Restraint discomfort: The vest restraints, while secure, can compress collarbones painfully during high-G moments—especially for broader-chested riders. Short duration: 2:15 is brief for a major coaster. Reliability: Early seasons had downtime; improved but still complex. Not for everyone: Intensity exceeds many guests' preferences.
For intensity seekers, Skyrush is Hersheypark's crown jewel—and a top-10 North American coaster for pure thrill. For families or moderate enthusiasts, Candymonium (hypercoaster, 2020) offers more approachable excellence. Hersheypark's duo represents a perfectly balanced one-two punch.