Depending on your perspective, any roller coaster could be considered scary. Once in a while, though, something comes along that even coaster enthusiasts might consider intimidating. If you find yourself at Six Flags Great Adventure, you may end up searching “how scary is the Jersey Devil roller coaster?” We’re here to help you answer that question!
Jersey Devil Coaster at Six Flags Great Adventure
Originally scheduled to open in 2020, the Jersey Devil Coaster was sidelined by the pandemic. As of June 13, 2021, it opened at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson Township, New Jersey. There are many great rides at this park, and there’s no doubt that this is a fantastic addition to their lineup.
We’ve lived in Montreal, New York, and Virginia, so this Six Flags location has always been on our radar. We intended a visit for 2020, so we could ride Kingda Ka after conquering a similar ride (Top Thrill Dragster at Cedar Point) the previous year, but COVID canceled our plans.
Is Jersey Devil a Roller Coaster?
Yes, the Jersey Devil Coaster, as the name suggests, is a roller coaster. In fact, according to Six Flags, it’s “the world’s tallest, fastest, and longest single rail coaster.” If you’re unfamiliar, these types of rides differ from regular, beefy roller coasters as they’re constructed on just a single rail instead of two. This makes it similar to alpine or mountain coasters like the one we’ve ridden at Idaho’s Bogus Basin.
Really, just three roller coaster manufacturers — Intamin, Skyline Attractions, and Rocky Mountain Construction — have attempted single-rail coasters. Intamin’s Big Dipper for Luna Park Sydney is slated to open this year. Skyline opened the Harley Quinn Crazy Coaster at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in 2018 and Tidal Twister for Seaworld San Diego in 2019.
Rocky Mountain Construction has made the most so far:
- Wonder Woman Golden Lasso (2018) – Six Flags Fiesta Texas
- RailBlazer (2018) – California’s Great America
- Stunt Pilot (2021) – Silverwood
- Jersey Devil Coaster (2021) – Six Flags Great Adventure
Related post: How to Overcome Fear on Roller Coasters
Here are some quick facts about Jersey Devil:
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- Opening date: June 13, 2021
- Lift/launch system: Chain lift hill
- Length: 3,000 ft (910 m)
- Height: 130 ft (40 m)
- Drop:122 ft (37 m)
- Duration: 2 minutes
- Inversions: 3
- Max speed: 58 mph (93 km/h)
- Max vertical angle: 87°
- Trains: Riders sit in single rows for a total of 12 per train (there are four trains).
Queue Area
You’ll spot the Jersey Devil BBQ food booth in the Adventure Seaport, where you can find some good eats. From there, it’s a quick walk to the ride entrance. As with most Six Flags attractions, there’s nothing extraordinary about the queue area. It’s just a place to stand in line, but you’ll have a good view of the roller coaster!
Loading Area, Seats & Restraints
From the slightly elevated ride platform, you’ll load onto the Jersey Devil roller coaster. There are over-the-shoulder restraints and a lap bar. This can help anxious riders feel a little more secure!
Is Jersey Devil at Six Flags Scary?
Yes, many would consider the Jersey Devil roller coaster at Six Flags scary. Of course, everyone will have their own opinions and experiences. Here’s a look at several elements to help you decide whether to ride it!
Vertical Lift
If you prefer vertical lifts that go slowly and allow you to prepare mentally, this is not the ride for you. The lift starts slowly but quickly picks up.
Drop
There are much bigger drops out there, but that’s not really relevant here. Why? Because everything feels more intense on a single rail roller coaster. Not only will you drop 122 feet, but you’ll do it at a near-vertical angle (87°). You will feel this, but you may find it incredibly exhilarating!
Restraints
The shoulder harnesses on the Jersey Devil are pretty light, so if you don’t typically love these types of restraints, these shouldn’t be too bad. This ride also has a lap bar, and if you’ve seen any pictures, you’ve probably wondered if they are uncomfortable. The consensus is that they kind of hurt if you’re not super slim. So, be prepared for that!
Inversions
There are three inversions on the Jersey Devil roller coaster. This means you will “go upside down” three times. While the lap bar will secure you in place, the light shoulder harnesses and “freedom” that come from the single rail experience could leave you feeling a bit “floppy” and unsecured during these elements. Some riders will love this ride for this very reason, but we can also understand why you might dislike it!
Speed
There are faster roller coasters, but you will likely feel like you’re moving faster than 58mph because this is a single rail coaster.
Best Things About the Jersey Devil Roller Coaster
The Jersey Devil at Six Flags Great Adventure is a record-breaking roller coaster. There aren’t many single-rail roller coasters in the world, so being able to ride the tallest, fastest one in existence is an experience in itself!
Here are some helpful links for your next visit:
