You’re standing in the Pioneer Frontier section of Hersheypark, chocolate smell wafting through the air, and suddenly you hear it. That rhythmic, mechanical clink-clink-clink of a chain lift. But this isn't a normal lift hill. You look up, and the track goes straight. Not "steep" straight. Literally, 90-degree vertical straight. Fahrenheit at Hersheypark is that orange-and-teal beast that makes even seasoned coaster enthusiasts do a double-take before they commit to the queue.
It’s been around since 2008. In "coaster years," that makes it a veteran. Yet, it still pulls some of the longest lines in the park. Why? Because while the newer, shinier Wildcat’s Revenge or Candymonium get the hype, Fahrenheit offers a specific kind of intensity that Intamin—the manufacturer—is famous for. It’s compact. It’s aggressive. And it starts with a drop that actually tucks back under itself.
The Vertical Lift and That "Beyond Vertical" Drop
Most people think the scariest part of a roller coaster is the speed. They’re wrong. It’s the anticipation.
When you board Fahrenheit, you’re secured by overhead restraints that feel pretty snug. You’ll need them. The train clears the station and immediately tilts backward until you are staring directly at the Pennsylvania sky. You aren't leaning back; you are lying on your back. For about 121 feet, you’re just watching clouds and hoping you didn't have too many Chickie’s & Pete’s crab fries.
Then comes the crest.
This is where Fahrenheit at Hersheypark distinguishes itself from the Great Bear or Storm Runner. The first drop is 97 degrees. For those who skipped geometry, a 90-degree drop is straight down. 97 degrees means the track curves inward. You aren't just falling; you’re being pushed into the air while the train ducks underneath the lift hill. It’s a momentary feeling of total weightlessness, often called "airtime," but it feels more like the earth just disappeared.
Six Inversions in 85 Seconds
Once you survive that initial 97-degree plunge, the ride doesn't let you breathe. It’s basically a high-speed stunt reel.
You hit a Norwegian Loop first. This is a rare element. Imagine an inversion where you enter from the top, go down, twist, and come back up. It looks like a giant pretzel from the ground. Most riders find this the most disorienting part of the experience because your internal compass just quits working.
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After that, it's a flurry:
- A Cobra Roll (shaped like a snake's head, obviously).
- Two consecutive corkscrews.
- A final banked curve that stays low to the ground to maintain every bit of that 58 mph top speed.
Actually, the speed is an interesting point. 58 mph sounds slow compared to Skyrush, which hits 75 mph. But Fahrenheit feels faster. Because the track is so compact—only about 2,700 feet long—the transitions between these loops are tight. You feel the G-forces pressing you into your seat. It’s "snappy." If you like rides that feel like a precision flight maneuver, this is it.
The Intamin Factor and Maintenance Reality
Let's be real for a second. Intamin, the Swiss company that designed Fahrenheit, is known for pushing boundaries. They gave us the Maverick at Cedar Point and the legendary Millennium Force. But pushing boundaries sometimes means "temperamental."
If you visit Hersheypark on a windy day or right after a rainstorm, don't be shocked if Fahrenheit is testing or temporarily down. The vertical lift system is complex. It uses a specific chain return mechanism that is sensitive to weather conditions. Honestly, it’s just part of the deal with high-tier engineering.
Is it a "smooth" ride? Kind of. It’s smoother than the old wooden coasters, for sure. But because of the overhead restraints, some riders complain about "headbanging"—where your ears tap against the foam pads during the corkscrews. Pro tip: Lean your head slightly forward or press it firmly back against the headrest to minimize the rattle.
Comparing the "Big Three" in Pioneer Frontier
Pioneer Frontier is arguably the most "intense" corner of the park. You have Fahrenheit, Storm Runner, and Trailblazer (okay, Trailblazer is for the kids, but you get the point).
People always ask: "Should I ride Storm Runner or Fahrenheit first?"
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Storm Runner is about the launch. 0 to 72 mph in two seconds. It’s a dragster.
Fahrenheit is about the drop and the inversions. It’s a gymnast.
If you hate that "stomach in your throat" feeling, Storm Runner is actually easier to handle because the drop isn't the focus. If you live for that freefall sensation, you go to Fahrenheit. Period.
Why the 97-Degree Angle Still Matters
When Fahrenheit opened, it held the record for the steepest drop in the United States. Records are meant to be broken, and they were. Takabisha in Japan and TMNT Shellraiser in New Jersey eventually pushed those numbers to 121 degrees.
But numbers on a spreadsheet don't equal the ride experience.
The way Fahrenheit is situated—right near the walkway—makes the 97-degree drop look impossible. It’s a visual landmark. Even if it’s no longer the world record holder, that specific angle creates a "negative-G" force that feels distinct. You aren't just falling; you’re being ejected.
Waiting in Line: The Strategy
Fahrenheit is a low-capacity ride. Each train only holds 12 people (three cars with four seats each). Compare that to Candymonium, which hauls 28 people per train.
This means the line moves slowly.
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If you want to ride without a two-hour wait, you have two real options. First, be there at "rope drop" (park opening) and run straight to the back. Most people stop at the Chocolatier or Skyrush near the entrance. Use their distraction to your advantage. Second, go during the "dinner lull" around 6:00 PM.
Wait times are also shorter on Sundays during the Hersheypark Halloween event or Great Pumpkin Glow, though the ride feels completely different—and arguably more terrifying—in the dark.
Practical Advice for First-Timers
Don't wear loose shoes. Seriously. Your feet will be dangling through six inversions, and the park staff will not stop the ride to find your flip-flop. Use the bins on the station platform for your bags.
Seat Selection Matters:
- The Front Row: Unbeatable views. You feel like you’re falling off a cliff because there’s no track visible in front of you.
- The Back Row: This is for the thrill-seekers. The back of the train gets "whipped" over the crest of the lift hill, making that 97-degree drop feel even more violent and fast.
The Verdict on the Orange Beast
Fahrenheit at Hersheypark isn't just a coaster; it’s a rite of passage in the coaster community. It bridges the gap between the classic loops of the 90s and the insane "beyond-vertical" engineering of the modern era. It’s loud, it’s bright orange, and it’s unapologetically intense.
It doesn't have the grace of a B&M hyper-coaster. It’s got a bit of a bite. But that’s exactly why people keep coming back. It’s a 121-foot tall shot of adrenaline that reminds you why you liked roller coasters in the first place.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Trip
- Download the Hersheypark App: The GPS-enabled wait times are surprisingly accurate for Fahrenheit. Watch for the "wait time drop" when the ride reopens after a cleaning cycle.
- Check the Weather: If winds are sustained over 25-30 mph, prioritize other rides. Vertical lifts are often the first to close for safety.
- Measure Up: The height requirement is a strict 54 inches (Peppermint Patty category). Ensure younger thrill-seekers are measured at the official stations before waiting in a long line.
- Secure Your Gear: Use a zippered pocket or a locker. The "Norwegian Loop" is famous for claiming cell phones and loose change.