Mauch Chunk Railway was the first wooden railroad built in the world. It was originally used as a form of transportation for people who worked in the coal mines. By the time night fell, people would just ride the cars for pleasure instead of simply for work. When the cars reached the end of the line, the attendants had to push the wooden cars back to the starting point in order for more people to ride. Le Marcus Thompson built the first wooden coaster, Thompson’s Switchback Railway, in the United States after visiting the Mauch Chunk Railway.

Wooden coasters cost much more to operate than steel coasters. They have a shaky frame making it difficult to turn upside-down and perform many of the tricks that steel roller coasters can perform.

The tallest wooden roller coaster in the world is the Son of Beast. The longest wooden coaster in the world is The Beast. Today, there are many more steel coasters than wood because steel coasters can maneuver more hoops and perform more tricks to attract more riders.