THE PHOENIX - Knoebel's Grove
At the entrance to this magnificent work of engineering stands a magnificent work of art! This model was built by local schoolchildren, and is very nicely done, with the exception of trying to bend model railroad track vertically....very difficult! The only thing missing is the cupola!
A view of the classic cupola on the lift. Get ready for the ride of your life!
After the first drop and turnaround, you get a beautiful view of the coaster and the Pennsylvania mountains.
In a move that brings a tear to my eye (similar to the Coaster at Chippewa Lake and Conneaut's Blue Streak), the Phoenix begins its journey by plunging into the DARKEST coaster tunnel I have seen (or can't see in this case!). It is extremely long, and leaves you in a completely different place than you started. The dark tunnel, followed by the incredibly airy ride, follows the myth of a "Phoenix", which rises from the ashes to take flight once again.
Plunging down the first drop.
Phoenix sits in a gorgeous valley in eastern Pennsylvania.
Here the yellow train begins the final, memorable trip back to the station. Four INSANE gut wrenching, rider launching hops are just ahead!
Double Out and Back--Built 1940 by PTC/Herb Schmeck as Rocket at Playland Park in Texas. Relocated in 1985 to present site with assistance by Charles Dinn (known for The Beast).
The Phoenix is the coaster lover’s perfect combination of a classic out and back and some special unique elements. An amazingly DARK, long tunnel begins the ride, disorienting your perception of what lies ahead. All of a sudden you emerge behind the station and begin the 78’ climb up that famous lift topped with a stylish cupola. After a glorious first drop, you are sent through mind-numbing hill after hill that leave you wondering why TOGO brought the stand up coaster to the US. The Phoenix could easily be considered a close relative of the Screechin’ Eagle at Americana. Both deliver a punch that cannot be found on any other woodie. You also get to experience the most intense double up known to man (besides on The Legend). The finale consists of 4 unbelievable small hills that give the great sensation of flight no matter where you sit. I cannot express this enough......GO TO ELYSBURG!! You may never find the park, but if you do, stay the entire day. Other delights are a Vekoma/Arrow combination double corkscrew called WHIRLWIND, and TWISTER, another wood giant inspired by the original at Elitch’s Gardens. It has a beautiful station, double lift, and even an original BOLT from Mr. Twister is used (look to the left as you enter). You flying scooters fans will also want to spend hours on the Flyers there, considered by many to be the best in the world. I personally could not get over the continuous snapping, both on the ascent AND decent of EACH SWING!!! That 4 minute ride left many bruises, but boy was it worth it! Only Kings Island’s are as good! Knoebel’s is truly worth the drive alone. In Pennsylvania, only Kennywood has that same kind of charm.
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ALL images copyright Brad Sherman unless noted otherwise. Logos copyright their respective sources.