Carowinds plans to open a new water ride in 2027 that the amusement park says will set three world records, including the tallest log flume drop ever built at more than 100 feet.
The ride, named Rip Roarin’ Falls, will rise at the park that straddles the South Carolina and North Carolina line near Fort Mill, one of the largest tourist draws in the York County area. Carowinds announced the project in a news release issued Sunday, June 8, calling it a signature attraction that pairs a traditional log flume with roller coaster style drops.
For York County readers, the announcement signals another round of investment at a park that anchors the region’s tourism economy and sits within minutes of Tega Cay and Fort Mill. The company said construction is already underway on the former site of Rip Roarin’ Rapids, a water ride that closed in 2019.
The new ride will carry eight passengers per boat through 2,240 feet of water along a course themed after an abandoned lumber mill. Two switches reverse the direction of the boat twice during the trip, which lasts about six and a half minutes, before the ride ends with a plunge of more than 100 feet that reaches speeds near 50 mph.
Carowinds said the attraction will claim three world records: the tallest flume drop at 100 feet, the tallest reverse drop at 42 feet, and the tallest reverse camelback at 32 feet. The ride was designed by the manufacturer WhiteWater and uses a model the park calls a super flume.
“As a new signature ride, it combines record setting thrills and cutting edge ride innovation, all with a 35 inch height requirement that makes it accessible for families,” said Bridgette Bywater, Carowinds president.
The minimum height to ride is 35 inches when a guest is accompanied by someone 16 or older. The loading station, designed to move more riders and shorten lines, will sit in the Thrill Zone section of the park near Fury 325.
Alongside the ride announcement, Carowinds introduced a membership program priced at $8 a month. The membership covers admission to Carowinds and Carolina Harbor Waterpark for the rest of 2026 and through 2027, plus seasonal events such as SCarowinds and WinterFest. A Gold level membership adds entry to six other regional Six Flags parks, including Kings Dominion near Richmond and Six Flags Over Georgia near Atlanta.
Carowinds, which covers 400 acres and is operated by Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, has added more than 20 rides and attractions since 2015, along with expansions to its water park and its Camp Snoopy family area. The park said Rip Roarin’ Falls continues that pattern of growth.
Construction is ongoing, with the ride scheduled to open in 2027. More information is available at carowinds.com.
The information in this article comes from a Carowinds news release issued June 8, 2026.
Sign up for our Sunday Spectator. Delivered to your inbox every Sunday, with all the news from the week.
