Legacy of Water Rides at Carowinds

By Andrew Stilwell @ Coaster 101

Carowinds made a massive splash with the recent announcement of a new water ride. When Rip Roarin’ Falls debuts in 2027, the super flume will be one of the most ambitious attractions in the park’s history as it breaks three world records and towers over 100 feet tall.

The addition of a new signature water ride has been a long time coming. In fact, a log flume has been our Passholders’ most requested attraction since 2016, and from 2009 to 2025’s addition of Charlie Brown’s River Raft Blast, Carowinds lacked a water-based attraction outside of Carolina Harbor Waterpark.

Relief from the heat, family accessibility and shared group experiences undoubtedly make a new water ride the perfect addition for 2027, but perhaps nostalgia also plays a role. Carowinds has a long history of popular water rides throughout the park’s history, and before we welcome Rip Roarin’ Falls, the biggest and boldest of them all, let’s take a plunge down memory lane for a look at the legacy of water rides at Carowinds.

Powder Keg Log Flume (1973-2009)

The granddaddy of them all. The Powder Keg Log Flume, also pictured above, was an original park attraction, featuring double-barrel log vehicles and more than 1,600 feet of track. The Arrow Dynamics-designed attraction also featured a 44-foot drop and a midcourse "spillway drop." It was removed in 2009 for the construction of Intimidator, now Thunder Striker.

Rip Roarin’ Falls will be almost twice as long as Powder Keg Log Flume and more than double its height.

Rip Roarin' Rapids (1982-2019)

Six-seater rafts took guests through a 2,100-foot man-made river that circulated more than 36,000 gallons of water per minute. Designed by Intamin, it featured separate load and unload stations rather than a rotating platform. The new Rip Roarin’ Falls pays homage to this classic ride and is located on the same four acres of land that housed Rip Roarin’ Rapids.

Rip Roarin’ Falls will be more than 100 feet longer than Rip Roarin’ Rapids with a completely different layout.

Bamm Bamm's Boat Float (1987-2002)

A miniature river raft ride, Bamm Bamm's Boat Float opened in the Happy Land of Hanna-Barbera in 1987. The 248-foot-long boat chute didn't feature any rapids like its cross-park "big brother," Rip Roarin' Rapids, making it the perfect introductory water ride for Carowinds' younger guests. It was renamed Wally Gator's Tube Shoot before closing in 2002, along with Elroy's Space Station.

White Water Falls (1988-2016)

The 45-foot-tall White Water Falls was a simple "Shoot the Chutes" attraction manufactured by Hopkins Manufacturing. Opening in 1988, the ride replaced the Hillbilly Jalopies but kept the same entrance. Guests got soaked on and off the ride thanks to an elevated "Splash Zone" viewing area. In 2016, White Water Falls was removed to make way for Copperhead Strike and Blue Ridge Junction.

Flying Super Saturator (2000-2008)

This Paramount-era attraction was the first roller coaster to feature interactive water features and was one of only two in the world. Riders could release four-gallon “flash floods” onto unsuspecting guests below as each ride vehicle was refilled with water during each loading cycle. It closed in 2008 to make way for Carolina Cobra, now known as The Flying Cobras.

For a more in-depth read on the Flying Super Saturator, be sure to check out Coaster101’s feature from their "20 in 2020" series.

Charlie Brown’s River Raft Blast (2025-Present)

One of two major new rides added during 2025’s Camp Snoopy expansion, Charlie Brown’s River Raft Blast is an instant fan favorite. Riders and park guests partake in an interactive water battle as each raft leisurely completes its 415-foot journey. With water blasters onboard and ashore, don’t be surprised if you get drenched.

Rip Roarin’ Falls (New for 2027)

In 2027, Carowinds will debut Rip Roarin’ Falls. As Carowinds' newest signature attraction, this family thrill water ride is the perfect addition to the park. Not only will this record-breaking water ride provide relief from the Carolina heat, it is also accessible for families with a height requirement of 35 inches and packs an amazing 6.5-minute experience that combines the nostalgia of a traditional log flume with cutting-edge design, technology and storytelling.

As Carowinds' latest and greatest water ride, Rip Roarin’ Falls will bring generations of Carolinians together in a way only Carowinds can.