Great Bear

Great Bear is one of the most iconic roller coasters at Hersheypark, located in Hershey, Pennsylvania. As the park’s only inverted steel coaster, it offers a unique experience for thrill-seekers, with its dynamic inversions, swift turns, and high-flying drops. Opened in 1998 and designed by the legendary Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M), Great Bear has remained a favorite for coaster enthusiasts. With a distinctive name and a striking black-and-silver color scheme, this ride continues to command attention in the park’s skyline.

Design and Features

The Great Bear stands out as a steel inverted coaster, which means that riders experience the thrill of hanging beneath the track with their legs dangling freely. Unlike traditional roller coasters, the trains are attached to the track above, creating a sensation of openness that heightens the adrenaline rush.

• Height: 90 feet
• Track Length: 2,800 feet
• Top Speed: 58 mph
• Duration: Approximately 2 minutes and 30 seconds
• Inversions: 4 (including a vertical loop, Immelmann, zero-g roll, and corkscrew)
• Designer: Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M)

The coaster is renowned for its smooth ride experience and impeccably designed elements that incorporate the natural terrain of the park, utilizing the nearby creek and other surrounding attractions to enhance the sense of speed and height.

Ride Experience

The journey begins with a slow climb up a 90-foot lift hill, offering panoramic views of the park and the surrounding area. As the train crests the peak, riders are treated to a brief moment of suspense before plunging down a tight, twisting drop that dives alongside Spring Creek.

The first element is a vertical loop, a classic inversion that delivers intense g-forces. This is immediately followed by a graceful Immelmann (a half-loop followed by a half-twist), which provides a smooth transition from high-speed thrills to a momentary sensation of weightlessness. After the Immelmann, riders enter a zero-g roll, where the train appears to float as if defying gravity, creating a disorienting but thrilling experience.

The sequence culminates in a corkscrew element, where the train twists horizontally in a tight, fast-paced maneuver that leaves riders gasping for breath. The ride concludes with a final helix that is affectionately known by fans as the “Bear’s Roar,” a sweeping, banked turn that circles low over the creek, creating an ear-splitting roar generated by the track’s interaction with the surrounding structures.

Thematic Elements and Name

The name “Great Bear” ties in with Hersheypark’s tradition of using nature-inspired names for its coasters, paying homage to the powerful and majestic nature of a bear. The coaster’s roar is not just a clever marketing element but a real auditory experience — as riders rush through the course, the support beams and train interact to create a deep, resonant rumble that can be heard from across the park.

The coaster is also notable for its minimalistic design. Unlike many theme park coasters, Great Bear does not feature an abundance of visual theming or decorations. Instead, it relies on the beauty of its natural surroundings, allowing riders to enjoy the thrill of being suspended in the air with unobstructed views of the park and its lush scenery.

Location and Surrounding Attractions

Great Bear is located in the Kissing Tower Hill area of Hersheypark, adjacent to the SooperDooperLooper, Hersheypark’s first looping coaster, and Coal Cracker, a classic log flume ride. This positioning allows for a high-energy corner of the park, where guests can transition easily from one high-octane attraction to the next. The proximity to Spring Creek also enhances the experience, as portions of the track fly low over the water, amplifying the sensation of speed.

Popularity and Reception

Since its debut in 1998, Great Bear has been a fan-favorite and a staple of Hersheypark’s lineup. Its smooth ride and thrilling inversions have earned it a reputation for being both exhilarating and accessible, making it suitable for a wide range of visitors, from teens to adults. The ride’s B&M craftsmanship ensures a reliable and comfortable experience, even for those less accustomed to extreme coasters.

Despite not being the tallest or fastest coaster in the park, Great Bear’s unique placement, distinctive sound, and perfectly engineered elements have made it a standout attraction. It consistently ranks as one of the most popular rides in Hersheypark’s thrill section and has received positive reviews for its intensity, pacing, and visual appeal.

Fun Facts

1. Great Bear was the first B&M inverted coaster in Pennsylvania.
2. The coaster’s helix element before the lift hill is unusual, as most coasters do not feature such elements prior to the first big drop.
3. The coaster is designed to utilize every inch of available space, threading over, under, and around several existing rides and structures.
4. Great Bear’s signature “roar” was an unintended feature, a byproduct of the unique support structure and the hollow track design.

Great Bear remains a must-ride experience at Hersheypark for its combination of smooth inversions, thrilling elements, and harmonious integration with the park’s natural landscape. Whether you’re a seasoned coaster enthusiast or a newcomer looking for a thrill, Great Bear delivers an unforgettable ride that captures the spirit of adventure and excitement that defines Hersheypark.