This edition of the regional rollercoaster excursions begins in Richmond, VA. Travel north, about 20 miles on Interstate 95 to Paramount’s Kings Dominion, in Doswell, VA, a well-established amusement park with a dozen rollercoasters (Shockwave, Hypersonic XLC, Flight of Fear, etc).

        When finished, head back to Richmond, then East on Interstate 64 to Williamsburg. Here, besides all the attractions in the vicinity, coaster-lovers will find Busch Gardens Williamsburg, which boasts numerous thrill rides (Apollo’s Chariot, Alpengeist, Big Bad Wolf, Loch Ness Monster, etc). This park is only about a 45 mile ride from Richmond.

        Next, travel South from Richmond on Interstate 85 to Charlotte, NC, then take Interstate 71 South for about 10 miles to Paramount’s Carowinds. Among the thrilling rollercoasters here are Top Gun and The Jet Coaster. This venue is about 300 miles from Richmond.

       From Charlotte, take Interstate 40 West into Tennessee, then head South on US Rte 441 toward Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Upon reaching Pigeon Forge, head for Dollywood, Dolly Parton’s amusement/theme park in the Smokies. Rollercoasters here include Thunderhead and Tennessee Tornado. This park is about 230 miles from Charlotte, NC.

       The last leg of this adventure involves traveling South on Rte 441 through Great Smoky Mountains National Park, then continuing on this route into Georgia. Rte 23 merges with Rte 441, then follow Rte 23 South, then onto I-985 and Interstate 85 into Atlanta, then Interstate 20 West for about 12 miles to Austell, GA, the home of Six Flags Over Georgia. The ten (10) coasters here include Superman Ultimate Flight, Batman the Ride, and The Georgia Scorcher. This park is approximately 210 miles from Pigeon Forge, TN.

       The entire road trip covers a distance of approximately 870 miles and can be easily done in a week.