The Comet roller coaster is a classic wooden roller coaster known for its thrilling drops, airtime hills, and nostalgic feel. Located at Six Flags Great Escape in Queensbury, New York, this ride is a beloved attraction for thrill-seekers and coaster enthusiasts alike. The Comet has a storied history, originally debuting in 1948 and surviving several transformations before becoming a staple at Six Flags. With its unique design, rich history, and timeless appeal, it stands out as one of the most cherished wooden coasters in the country.
A Storied History
The Comet wasn’t always a Six Flags attraction. Its origins trace back to Crystal Beach Park in Ontario, Canada, where it was originally constructed in 1948 by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company and designed by legendary coaster designer Herbert Schmeck. The Comet was built on the foundation of another historic coaster, the Crystal Beach Cyclone, which operated from 1927 to 1946. The Cyclone was known for its intense ride experience, and the Comet was designed to retain the excitement while offering a smoother, more enjoyable ride.
After Crystal Beach Park closed in 1989, the Comet faced an uncertain future. However, it was dismantled and later sold to Six Flags Great Escape, where it was reconstructed and reopened in 1994. The preservation and reassembly of the Comet at Great Escape allowed coaster enthusiasts and park visitors to continue experiencing its classic thrills.
Design and Specifications
The Comet stands 95 feet tall, with a track length of 4,197 feet. The initial drop of 87 feet propels riders at speeds of up to 55 mph, offering an exhilarating start to the ride. Throughout its course, the Comet delivers a series of airtime hills, sharp turns, and classic wooden coaster vibrations that make each ride feel slightly different.
With its wooden framework and traditional layout, the Comet represents the best of mid-20th century wooden coaster engineering. It has received praise for maintaining a balance between thrilling elements and a smooth ride experience, which can be rare among older wooden coasters. Its out-and-back design, featuring several moments of “floater” airtime, offers excitement for both novice and experienced coaster riders.
The Ride Experience
Riders board vintage-style trains and begin their journey with a steady climb up the 95-foot lift hill. The anticipation builds as the train crests the hill, then plunges down the 87-foot first drop. From here, the Comet’s layout consists of a series of hills, each providing bursts of airtime, along with sharp curves that add to the ride’s intensity.
One of the highlights of the Comet is its “double-down” drop, a unique feature where the track drops twice in quick succession, maximizing the feeling of weightlessness. The ride also boasts a long, flat section of track near the end that allows riders to catch their breath before one final series of small hills leads them back to the station.
Historical Significance and Legacy
The Comet has earned a place among the greatest classic wooden coasters in the United States. Its history, spanning multiple decades and park locations, has made it an icon of roller coaster preservation and renovation. It’s frequently listed in coaster enthusiast polls as one of the best wooden coasters and has garnered recognition for its contributions to the amusement park industry.
The coaster’s success at Great Escape is a testament to its timeless appeal. Its smooth yet thrilling ride has withstood the test of time, offering generations of riders a taste of the past while still feeling fresh and exciting. It serves as an enduring reminder of the golden age of wooden roller coasters and continues to attract riders with its charm, history, and sheer fun.
The Comet at Six Flags Great Escape is more than just a roller coaster; it’s a piece of amusement park history. With its graceful wooden structure, thrilling ride elements, and rich backstory, it stands as a beloved attraction that draws visitors from across the country. Whether you’re a die-hard coaster enthusiast or a casual parkgoer, a ride on the Comet is sure to be an experience filled with excitement, nostalgia, and a few delightful surprises along the way.
If you’re ever at Six Flags Great Escape, don’t miss your chance to ride this legendary coaster. After all, there are few things more exhilarating than enjoying the thrills of a classic wooden roller coaster that has truly stood the test of time.
The Comet roller coaster is a classic wooden roller coaster known for its thrilling drops, airtime hills, and nostalgic feel. Located at Six Flags Great Escape in Queensbury, New York,