The Wisconsin Dells offers more than Mount Olympus to the passing coaster enthusiast. A short drive from Hades 360 stands a smaller wooden roller coaster: Hellcat (or Avalanche, as it was once named).
I rode Hellcat just once during my time at Timber Falls, as the park itself was more or less deserted. My schedule didn’t allow me to stand around waiting for enough riders to dispatch a train.
Below, see photos of Hellcat and hear what I thought about this powerful wooden creation.
Opened in 2004, this rare S&S wooden coaster’s 2,378-foot-long triangular layout surrounds most of the park’s attractions.
The coaster stands just over 88 feet tall. Those approaching the park will likely only see the coaster’s lift hill. The rest of the coaster’s layout stays relatively close to the ground.
One of Hellcat’s many overbanked turns stretches directly across the entrance to the park.
Timber Falls combines two of my favorite things about small parks: compact layouts and rides that interact with each other.
Notice how the log flume weaves over and under the mini-golf course and Hellcat’s support structure. But you won’t notice it while you’re on the ride.
Hellcat’s one train sports three four-seat cars made by Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters. And for Hellcat’s smaller and shorter layout, I think these three-car trains work perfectly.
As you can see, the park wasted no space in building the roller coaster around a miniature golf course and a log flume.
Airtime is plentiful throughout the coaster’s course. You’ll be thankful for the restraints.
Coaster enthusiasts playing the mini-golf course: due to the obvious coaster distraction around you, your game may suffer. I’m just sayin’…
If you like your coasters rough, fast and jarring, then Hellcat is your ride.
Though rough, the coaster’s pacing is incredible. The layout is short, so don’t expect much downtime to catch your breath.
Designer Alan Schilke’s (Outlaw Run, Goliath at Six Flags Great America) magic coaster layout talents are apparent for the entire duration of the coaster. Every ascent, descent, turn and pop of airtime is placed with purpose. No foot of the coaster’s short layout is wasted.
Only the bravest of souls can keep their hands up for the entire duration of the ride.
The coaster is over almost as quickly as it begins.
The short train screeches to a halt. Next comes the time to process the insanity, intensity and roughness you just experienced.
Hellcat certainly wasn’t the worst wooden coaster I’ve ever ridden, but I was clawing to get back on right away.
It sure would be great if Alan Schilke would return with Rocky Mountain Construction for one of their magical coaster makeovers. Hellcat has some serious potential. It just needs some smoothing out so that you can focus on the layout and speed rather than the pain.
For more information about Hellcat and the park’s other Timber Falls Adventure Park attractions, visit the park’s website.
Recent Discussion