West Virginia isn't exactly short on hills. But there is a specific kind of magic happening just outside Princeton at Brush Creek Falls RV Resort. It’s home to the Brush Creek Holl'r mountain coaster Princeton, a ride that honestly changes how you look at the Appalachian landscape. You aren't just looking at the trees; you’re blurring past them at 25 miles per hour while strapped into a sled that feels way closer to the ground than you’d expect.
It’s fast.
The coaster isn’t some massive, corporate theme park contraption with long lines and $15 sodas. Instead, it’s tucked into the woods, following the natural contours of the mountain. If you've never done a mountain coaster before, the concept is basically a gravity-fed sled on rails. You control the speed. Want to scream down the mountain without touching the brakes? Go for it. Want to creep along and soak in the West Virginia foliage? You can do that too, though the people behind you might get a little cranky.
Gravity, Physics, and the Brush Creek Experience
The technical side of the Brush Creek Holl'r mountain coaster Princeton is actually pretty cool. Unlike a traditional roller coaster that uses a chain lift to get you to a massive drop, this is an Alpine coaster. It uses a silent cable system to pull you up the initial incline. That ascent is the best part for some people because it’s quiet. You just hear the birds and the wind. Then, the track dips.
Gravity takes over.
The sleds are designed with a low center of gravity. This is huge because when you hit those banked turns—and there are plenty of them—you feel like you’re going to fly off into the underbrush, but the wheels stay locked to the steel rails. It’s that "controlled chaos" feeling that makes mountain coasters addictive. Most riders find themselves reaching for the brake levers the first time they hit the big spiral, but by the second lap, they’re usually hands-off, letting the sled reach its maximum velocity.
Why Location Matters for the Holl’r
Princeton, West Virginia, sits in a sweet spot. It’s right off I-77, making it a primary stop for people heading toward the New River Gorge or down into North Carolina. But the Brush Creek area specifically feels isolated in a good way. The coaster is part of the larger Brush Creek Falls RV Resort, which means you aren't just pulling into a parking lot; you’re entering a mountain retreat.
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There's something about the air here. It's thinner, cooler, and smells like damp earth and pine.
A lot of people mistake the coaster for being right at the falls. It’s not. The actual Brush Creek Falls is a short hike away. My advice? Do the coaster first to get the adrenaline out of your system, then take the trail down to the falls to cool off. The waterfall is a stunning wide-drop ledge that looks like a miniature Niagara. Combining the two makes for a full afternoon that beats sitting in a hotel room any day of the week.
Handling the Brakes: To Push or Not to Push
Let's talk about the levers. You have two handles, one on each side. Push forward to go fast. Pull back to brake. It is incredibly simple, which is why kids as young as three (riding with an adult, obviously) can handle it.
The "no-brake" challenge is a real thing among locals.
If you're brave enough to keep those levers pushed forward through the entire descent of the Brush Creek Holl'r mountain coaster Princeton, you’ll experience the full G-forces the track was built for. The wind whips your hair, your stomach does that little flip-flop, and the trees become a green smear. It’s visceral. But honestly, if it’s your first time, there is no shame in a little "tap-braking" on the sharper curves. The ride is meant to be enjoyed, not just survived.
Common Misconceptions About Mountain Coasters
People often ask if it’s scary. "Scary" is subjective. If you hate heights, the initial climb might make your palms sweat. But because you are always within a few feet of the ground—unlike a 200-foot drop on a Nitro or Goliath—it feels much more secure. You’re weaving through the forest, not dangling over a void.
Another thing people get wrong is the weather.
These coasters can actually run in the rain. In fact, some people argue that a light mist makes the track faster. The sleds have covers for when the sky opens up, so don't necessarily cancel your plans just because the forecast looks "mountain-y." However, high winds or lightning will definitely shut things down for safety. Always call ahead if the clouds look angry.
Planning the Logistics
Parking is straightforward at the resort, but the coaster operates on a seasonal schedule. You can’t just show up on a Tuesday in January and expect to ride. Typically, the season kicks off in late spring and runs through the height of the fall foliage.
Fall is the peak.
Imagine screaming through a tunnel of orange, red, and yellow leaves. It’s breathtaking. Because of that, October weekends get crowded. If you want the track to yourself, try a Thursday or Friday morning. The ticket pricing is usually tiered—you can buy a single ride, but you’ll almost certainly want to do it twice. The second ride is always better because you know where the drops are, and you’re more likely to let go of the brakes.
- Age/Height Requirements: Generally, drivers need to be around 54 inches tall to go solo.
- Weight Limits: There’s usually a combined limit for double riders (around 375 lbs), so keep that in mind if you're riding with a partner.
- The "Wait" Factor: During peak summer Saturdays, waits can stretch to 45 minutes. Bring water.
Beyond the Coaster: The Princeton Area
If you've driven all the way to Mercer County for the Brush Creek Holl'r mountain coaster Princeton, don't just turn around and leave. Princeton has a surprisingly cool downtown area. The Mercer Street Grassroots District is full of murals and local shops. It’s got that "small town on the rise" vibe.
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Check out the local coffee shops or the Railroad Museum if you're into history. The area was a massive hub for the Virginian Railway back in the day, and you can still feel that blue-collar, industrious spirit in the architecture. It’s a nice contrast to the high-tech engineering of the mountain coaster.
Safety and Technology
The coaster is built by Wiegand, the gold standard in alpine coaster engineering. They’ve been doing this in Europe for decades. The sleds are equipped with an automatic braking system that prevents you from rear-ending the person in front of you. So, even if the person ahead is going at a snail's pace and you're going full tilt, the magnets and centrifugal brakes will kick in to prevent a collision. It’s basically idiot-proof.
The track is inspected daily. The staff at Brush Creek take this seriously. They’ll give you a full briefing before you even sit in the sled. Listen to them. They know which turns are the "rattlers" and how to position your body so you don't feel like a bobblehead.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
To make the most of your trip to the Brush Creek Holl'r mountain coaster Princeton, follow these steps:
- Check the Facebook page: The resort is very active on social media. They post real-time updates on weather delays or mechanical maintenance. It's the most reliable way to know if they are open.
- Wear "secure" clothing: No flip-flops. No loose scarves. No hats that aren't strapped on. You don't want to be the person who shuts down the ride because your favorite baseball cap is now 40 feet up in an oak tree.
- Go for the "Re-Ride" Discount: Most places, including this one, offer a significantly cheaper rate for your second and third laps. Take advantage of it. The first ride is for learning; the second is for speed.
- Visit the Falls: Do not leave without seeing Brush Creek Falls. It’s a moderate hike, so bring actual shoes—not just the ones you wore to drive.
- Bring a GoPro (with a chest mount): Handheld filming is usually a big no-no for safety reasons. If you want to capture the descent, use a secure body mount. The footage of the banked turns is gold.
The Appalachian mountains have a way of making you feel small, but riding the Holl'r makes you feel like you're part of the terrain. It’s a weird, thrilling mix of nature and machinery that just works. Whether you're a local or just passing through West Virginia, it’s one of those "hidden gems" that actually lives up to the hype. Pack a bag, check your tire pressure, and get yourself to Princeton. The mountain is waiting.