Six Flags Great Escape Near Lake George Has a Thrilling Wooden Coaster Worth the Drive

I love visiting amusement parks. In fact, I've recently visited Knoebels in Pennsylvania and Canobie Lake Park in New Hampshire and had a blast! But one amusement park that I can't help but return to time and time again is Great Escape near Lake George, New York. It's one of the smaller Six Flags parks, and caters more to families with young children, but it's home to one of the greatest featured roller coasters in the state: Bobcat.

Bobcat is a thrilling wooden roller coaster that combines old-school charm with new-school flair. That's kind of the main theme of the entire amusement park, making Lake George a must-visit destination in the Empire State. Sure, it's a bit of a trek if you're coming from NYC, but after one look at this massive and beautiful coaster, thrill-seekers will be happy they made the trip!

Technically, Great Escape is a former Six Flags location; it's now under the new management of Enchanted Parks. But the park still has the same attractions, and is still tucked away in the Lake George area, just northeast of the state. Great Escape boasts a charming fairytale theme that's perfectly suited for families. Beyond play areas and flat rides, it's also home to Hurricane Harbor water park, which offers lots of wet-and-wild fun on hot days.

Like any Six Flags park, however, the main attraction is the roller coasters. The park features seven unique roller coasters, including the Bobcat—a thrilling wooden coaster designed by the Gravity Group. It replaced the Alpine Bobsled ride and claims the title of first wooden coaster to open in New York since 1999.

Built entirely from scratch, the Bobcat has a charming Adirondack theme. Coaster fanatics rave about its smooth ride, twists and turns, and great airtime, claiming it's just the right amount of thrill for the family to enjoy together. According to Enchanted Parks, it has a thrill level of four out of five, reaching speeds of 40 miles per hour and climbing up to about 55 feet!

Kids are allowed on the ride, but they must be at least 48 inches tall and accompanied by an adult. Once you're through with your ride, take it for another spin or hop aboard some other notorious coaster like Flashback, Frankie's Mine Train, or Greezed Lightnin'—a looping roller coaster that's racecar themed.

Don't forget to stop for a bite to eat at one of the several food stands throughout the park! You'll certainly have worked up an appetite after all that thrill-seeking. You could even turn your trip into a full-blown weekend adventure by booking a room at Great Escape Lodge.

For more information on seasonal hours, ticket prices, location, and other park facts, visit Enchanted Parks' website. Have you ridden The Bobcat before? If not, start booking your trip today so you can soon experience the thrill of a lifetime. While you're planning, take a look at other Lake George attractions available year-round. We highly recommend The Lodges at Cresthaven, a rustic beachside four-star resort.