Skyliner Review, Lakemont Park PTC Wood Coaster | Pennsylvania's Jankiest Coaster

Skyliner is a classic wood coaster at Lakemont Park. Designed by John Allen and built by PTC, this coaster originally opened at Roseland Park in 1960 and it was relocated to Lakemont Park in 1987. This coaster has a unique location next to a baseball stadium and while it's not a looker, it does have its moments.
Video Credits
Home Run (AltoonaCurveBaseball)- • Curve vs. Rubberducks ...
Background Music
Patriotic March (DVP Music)- • Patriotic March - No C...

[@Axis.Mundis.]

I used to love this ride 20 years ago. It’s never busy there so you can just ride it back to back as much as you want usually.

[@CanobieCoaster]

That's what it looked like.

[@clairefunnell8481]

I love wooden coasters. They are my favorites. I'd ride this. Looks fun.

[@CanobieCoaster]

It is fun.

[@JulianDale94]

A view of the Golden Arches AND baseball? No coaster could possibly be more American than this. Plus that one drop is a better airtime moment than anything you'll find on Phoenix

[@CanobieCoaster]

It is very American.

[@michaeltoobased]

Great American Scream Machine

[@pixelythegamer3260]

@@CanobieCoaster what’s next, A roller coaster in canada that has a view of a Tim Horton’s and an hockey rink

[@CoasterRoaster]

I noticed a huge difference in a ride with and empty vs full train. Biggest such difference that I’ve noticed on a coaster

[@CanobieCoaster]

I have something to look forward to on a return trip then.

[@Whatchamawhozit]

I rode this when it stood at ROseland just outside of Rochester, NY

[@CanobieCoaster]

Nice! Was it smoother then?

[@FlatTireGarage]

My favorite coaster just out of nostalgia

[@CanobieCoaster]

Nostalgia is a powerful thing.

[@PattonPolice]

The kiddy coaster at Lakemont was featured on an episode of rescue 911 back in the 90s because the operator lost his leg. 🙏

[@CanobieCoaster]

Oh my!

[@timothylampel815]

5:49 always go for the back ejector airtime!

[@CanobieCoaster]

That drop is excellent.

[@dennisdeal3323]

I rode that coaster as a boy in the 1970's. That shimmy has always been there. Though I am sad to see its slow decline. I hope the owners would be willing to give the coaster a little TLC that it needs.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I hope they give it some TLC.

[@OklahomaCoasterFan]

Visiting on a Saturday last year, all 11 rides had at least a few other people on them. Some rides were almost a full train. I think it did ride stronger than what you described, but the valley after that first drop was brutal, whether you're in the front or the back. The ejector airtime on the drop in the back, or the rising up in the front, was extremely powerful. That's what kept me going back for more rides.

[@CanobieCoaster]

That valley was bad, but the airtime was good enough on those first 2 elements to keep me coming back.

[@ScottyMania313]

The highlight of the video is the sinister circus music in the background. Lol. If I was a hometown player, I would definitely be distracted by the coaster as I would not want to injure the hometown fans, but if I was an away team, I'm going for the front row to teach people that backseat is where the action is. If I was to describe this old school wooden coaster in one word, that word is character. This puppy has got that in all the places it's been

[@CanobieCoaster]

I'm guessing the visitors are more surprised by the coaster.

[@askjeevescosby2928]

It's the new jankiest coaster in PA since bluestreak is gone lol. No way it's more janky than blue streak. I miss that psychopath ride. The dude that bought indiana beach should buy this place. I'm sure he could turn it into a successful park again.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Blue Streak closing gave this one the title.

[@nicoleackerman205]

Lakemont used to be an actually amusement park it is sad.

[@radbricks8298]

this ride would have been demolished decades ago if this was anywhere else is the world. love how its still standing. its so dodgy looking especially at night with the lights! I love this ride so much

[@CanobieCoaster]

It's a unique one.

[@johnchambers8528]

I have visited Lakemont Park several times and road the Skyliner evenly time. Unfortunately as you noted the park was usually not too busy so I never got to feel it with a full load. I always like to ride the front car and see the drops as I ride. As you mentioned the ride is a little rough but at other than Kenobles I kind of expect that due to the age of the wooden coaster. This park if it is to prosper and survive I feel needs more family oriented rides. While the coasters are the reason I came most families want a variety of rides some of which should be not to wild surface rides. This park was always relatively small and inexpensive so now with so few rides it does not attract the non coaster riding families it needs to survive. They need to reevaluate their limited appeal and try to get more families or groups to attend on a regular basis. Otherwise I feel we will just lament the closing of another small amusement park and see the slow deterioration of their two classic coasters.

[@CanobieCoaster]

It's unfortunate running the coasterd wasn't economically viable for them.

[@TheKurtsPlaceChannel]

Very entertaining and fun to watch. Thanks for posting this.

[@CanobieCoaster]

You're welcome.

[@summersands8105]

If I'm not mistaken, this is the oldest wooden rollercoaster in the US and maybe the world. It was a damn scary ride back in 2010. I can't imagine how it is now. I think you'd have to pay me a hefty sum to ride it...LOL

[@CanobieCoaster]

The other wood coaster at this park (Leap the Dips) is the oldest one.

[@summersands8105]

@@CanobieCoaster Is it still even running? It was soooo rickety when I rode it last and that was back, probably more than 30 years ago...lol I don't live that far from Lakemont, but I haven't been there in eons. I didn't know it was still open. Last I heard, it shutdown.

[@nicoleackerman205]

The jankiest coaster in PA was Blue Streak at Conneaut Lake Park but the new owners burnt it down he is crazy.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Sad to see it burned down.

[@GregBatte]

I love the show you got of them fixing the train. So awesome.

[@CanobieCoaster]

It was quite funny.

[@Derangedlefty]

Skyliner has been especially brutal this year. Last year it was awesome, but it's been almost unridable this year

[@CanobieCoaster]

I had no trouble riding it a ton as long as I avoided a wheel seat.

[@elevatoralarmcoasterandarc1214]

This ride should operate next year!

[@mateoalvira3514]

Canobie Coaster, did you like all valleys, drops and turns on Skyliner at Lakemont Park?

[@CanobieCoaster]

Some were brutal.

[@jonathansima7591]

Definitely rough for ware, but having ridden it back in 2020 and then again in 2022, I can say it got a bit smoother (as it was a rougher ride in 2020). Hopefully overtime they are able to fix the problem spots off of the main valleys, as it is a solid ride overall.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I hope so!

[@bradboyd1229]

In 2020, my 3 year old could ride Skyliner but not the kiddie coaster. I was very confused.

[@CanobieCoaster]

It's so bizarre.

[@mateoalvira3514]

How many other wooden coasters did you find to have brutal valleys? Examples:

[@CanobieCoaster]

Coaster Express, Hellcat, etc

[@darkridedan1]

I rode this POS today. I’ve ridden it in years past and I usually tolerate it, if not borderline enjoy it. Today, there was no airtime, no sense of speed. There was definitely no smoothness. It gave me a headache and it was a one-in-done. Also Leap-the-Dips was closed. I rode the coasters at Kennywood the day before. What a difference!! In a state that has Knoebels, Kennywood, Hershey and Dorney, it amazed me how this park gets it all wrong. This coaster easily stands out as the worst coaster in the state, in a state that has a boomerang!!

[@CanobieCoaster]

Ouch! That's a shame you got no airtime.

[@SuperNorstShow]

This looks amazing. Thank you for reviewing this as well as the review of the park that came out today. I will need to make it a point to get here next time I pass thru PA.

[@CanobieCoaster]

You're welcome.

[@noahkessler5500]

Interesting thing they did on one of my visits is when it was the top of the 9th they stopped the train on the lift to watch the last out

[@CanobieCoaster]

Wow that's cool!

[@AmaranTheTauren]

In 2002 it was amazing, in 2020 it was the same as your review, although I had a 3/4 full train on my one ride. Was definitely going faster than your PoV.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Not surprised it can run a bit faster with more people.

[@appalachianenthusiast9499]

I don't think I've ever gotten a full train, but during Covid no less I got a half-full ride in the back seat with strong ejector.

[@CanobieCoaster]

On multiple hills?

[@mateoalvira3514]

Did you like all pullouts, drops and turns on the ride?

[@CanobieCoaster]

Some are very bumpy, particularly the first.

[@rollercoasterheaven2170]

I like the logo on top of the station

[@CanobieCoaster]

Me too.

[@easynhonest]

This coaster was a very underrated coaster back in the late 70s and early 80's. it packed a good punch for the size and that was the main reason it was saved and moved. If it was in the condition, it's in now I highly doubt they would have saved it. The park doesn't make enough revenue to maintain those two classic rides. The time it would take to have a massive fundraiser maybe too late for those withering structures. It is why I always suggest that Leap The Dips should be moved to that classic ride retirement & rehab home called Knoebels for awesome TLC. Any other suggestions? 🤔

[@S.J.C._Entertainment]

Lakemont seems to be doing ok at the moment. But if things go downhill again I could definitely see leap the dips being saved, possibly by knoebels. I’m not too sure what the future holds for skyliner but I hope it stays around for awhile longer.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I'm glad both woodies still run and the employees working them clearly love the rides. I just wish the park had more money for maintenance.

[@micoasters]

I recently interviewed lakemont for park of a school project and asked why skyliners height requirement is lower than the kid coaster and they said that the reason is that the dipper is a custom orders 4 car model and they don’t want parents that are heaverier to ride with there kids since the train is already heiver it would put more stress on the chain and motor

[@CanobieCoaster]

If that were the case, they should just cap the number of adults per train.

[@cscarpaci3217]

You didn’t mention that it’s one of if not the last L shape coaster in the USA if not the last if it’s so crappy why does the American Coaster Enthusiasts ACE make. It a point to come and ride

[@CanobieCoaster]

Yankee Cannonball and Magnum have an L shape too.

[@maxhagenauer24]

Weird how in a park with 3 coasters, really 2, one of them being the single oldest coaster in the world that's still in operation, it's not the janky one.b but a little roughness doesn't bother me, I guess I don't exactly understand what you mean by jank If that's sketchy or rough or what?

[@CanobieCoaster]

It's rough and awkwardly profiled at points. And I saw them repairing a lap bar with me onboard.

[@Jacobsamusementparkadventures]

I believe skyliner should be rmcd

[@CanobieCoaster]

It will never happen at this park though.

[@S.J.C._Entertainment]

Nuh uh, retrack it or give it titan track at the very most.

[@Jacobsamusementparkadventures]

@@CanobieCoaster I made it in planco it’s a wip but I also want to reach out to Alan Schilke to design it

[@porcelainthunder2213]

Its a great ride. My record on this was 12 rides in less than an hour during an afternoon stop when it was still the full Lakemont Park . Its still smoother than many GCIs.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I think I did that on Leap the Dips in a half hour since the op just let my car roll through the station.

[@porcelainthunder2213]

@@CanobieCoaster Your poor back. I did it twice that day (it was still pay per ride) and that was enough. It was running fast and I got slammed pretty good. Also, the Chance Toboggan was still there, which aggravated the pain. That was a one and done. Skyliner was like a big comfy couch compared to those.

[@mateoalvira7826]

What do you think about Skyliner?

[@CanobieCoaster]

One or two powerful spots of airtime.

[@rollercoasterheaven2170]

That’s some shuffling at 3:32

[@Wolf_Tycoons]

That’s what I was thinking! Looks like it’s trying to break off and watch the game!

[@CanobieCoaster]

Yes

[@intimidator305enthuiast5]

Skyliner rides better with full train and airtime on the first hill makes it even more God tier for me it's better than wildcat atleast

[@S.J.C._Entertainment]

This is way rougher but has a more to offer.

[@Derangedlefty]

@@S.J.C._Entertainment I disagree. I thought Wildcat was better in every way. Wildcat was rough sure, but it wasn't unbearable like Skyliner is. Wildcat had better trains, more airtime, and a longer and more comfortable ride.

[@S.J.C._Entertainment]

@@Derangedlefty I never felt much airtime on wildcat tbh. But I did actually like wildcat.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I'll have to try again with a fuller train someday.

[@officialchase02]

I wonder what this ride would look like if it was given the RMC treatment

[@CanobieCoaster]

I don't think it'll happen, but it would look weird.

[@officialchase02]

@@CanobieCoaster at least it would be smooth

[@ramseywondersek3216]

I remember trying to ride this for the first time last summer- I got in the back row and easily pulled down the buzz bar. Everything was going fine until the restraint check, when it was discovered that that lap bar did not lock at all. I was moved to another row, but I guess that kind of stuff just goes to show how important restraint checks are😅

[@CanobieCoaster]

True! I saw a broken bar during my visit too.

[@urbex_coasters]

It may have some rough patches but it is more than worth it to ride, given that it has violent ejector airtime and buzbars. Based on my trips to Lakemont I would say this is probably the locals' favourite ride. And I would say they're correct with this assesment. I love Leap The Dips for its history and the 2 coasters compliment each other nicely, but I do prefer Skyliner (and not like Skyliner doesn't have a storied history given its relocation, if the world's oldest known operating coaster weren't in the same park Skyliner would get a lot more attention among enthusiasts). My unpopular opinion is that Skyliner is second only to Phoenix when talking woodies in PA. There were a lot of local kids riding it back to back to back. My favourite seat is definately the back, with violent airtime. With the local kids marathoning it on my most recent trip, I experienced it with full trains. Never had to wait but got a full train basically every time. The potholes were more than forgivable given the quality of airtime.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I prefer Leap the Dips to Skyliner, but the latter still has some good moments.

[@urbex_coasters]

@@CanobieCoaster They both should be on every enthusiast's bucket list. Violent ejector airtime with a buzbar, and they don't even care if the seatbelt is it's loosest position (Skyliner), and one of the few remaining side friction coasters that has 0 restraint and some solid airtime on the dips (Leap The Dips). And both are designated ACE Coaster Classics and have storied histories. I solute the city of Altoona for preserving both coasters when they converted the property to be essentially an FEC with the focus on sports, primarily baseball. It's too bad the Curve are a Pirates affiliate though because I imagine that means they aren't a good team, so thus the partnership doesn't bring the numbers I think they were hoping.

[@michaeltaylor1603]

0:07 Spit TAKE @ description! To many baseballs knocked the paint off the ride. LOL! I've NEVER understood a drop that would lead into a flat straight away? I've seen it on some other coasters. That design feature puzzles me. Adjectives to desribe coaster. Janky, fUnKy, BuMpY, Base Bally. Flicking sign Green Mile or Tower of Terror. Image what they could do to this coaster for Halloween? BTW Love sign on Skyliner, also LOVE Leaps massive station & cupola on lift. I agree about ballpark (stuck on lift) I'm a baseball fan as well.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I'm guessing it was so the turns lined up to share structure.

[@cliquet3scliquet3s96]

What means "janky"?

[@CanobieCoaster]

Odd or quirky profiling.

[@lucomc32607]

Still not as janky as that Frank ‘N Coaster you rode awhile back

[@CanobieCoaster]

True, but that one isn't Pennsylvania.

[@elevatoralarmcoasterandarc1214]

Hey, Canobie Coaster! This ride does need to get retracked!

[@CanobieCoaster]

Yes

[@alladreamwedreamed]

It's a janky jawn, as yinz know

[@CanobieCoaster]

Nice

[@rollercoasterheaven2170]

How fun a broken lap bar

[@CanobieCoaster]

And a front row seat to the repair.

[@intimidator305enthuiast5]

Second

[@CanobieCoaster]

Nice!