The Beast: A Legend Among Coasters
The Beast at Kings Island is not just a roller coaster. It is a journey. Opened in 1979, this legendary wooden coaster holds a special place in the hearts of enthusiasts worldwide. At 7,359 feet long, it was the longest wooden coaster in the world for decades, and its sprawling layout through the dense Ohio woods remains one of the most unique experiences in the entire industry.
The lift hill of The Beast is where the adventure begins. The chain lift slowly carries you up through the trees, and unlike most coasters, you cannot see the layout ahead of you. The forest closes in around you, and all you hear is the click of the chain and the rustle of leaves. It is an old-school thrill experience that modern coasters, with their exposed steel structures, simply cannot replicate. Learn more at Kings Island’s official site.
A Ride Through the Woods
What makes The Beast truly special is its terrain layout. The coaster was designed to work with the natural landscape rather than against it. The track dips into ravines, crests over hills, and races through underground tunnels (yes, actual tunnels) in a way that makes every ride feel like an expedition through the wilderness.
The mid-course brake run leads to a second lift hill, which is unusual for a modern coaster and adds to The Beast’s epic scale. The second half of the ride includes the famous helix finale, a spiraling descent enclosed by wooden structure that creates a roaring, disorienting, absolutely legendary climax. Night rides through this helix, in total darkness with the wood thundering around you, are considered one of the greatest experiences in the coaster world.
Riding The Beast Today
Kings Island retracked portions of The Beast in recent years, smoothing out some of the rougher sections while maintaining the ride’s wild character. The coaster runs three trains during peak season, and while wait times can be long on summer weekends, the ride is worth every minute in line.
If you visit Kings Island, ride The Beast at night. The daytime ride is excellent, but the night ride is a completely different experience, a pitch-dark plunge through the forest that ranks among the greatest coaster moments on earth. For more Kings Island tips, visit ThrillZing’s blog.