Phoenix / Rocket

Originally built for Playland Park in San Antonio, Texas where it debuted as the Rocket, this double out and back woodie ran between 1947 and 1980 before it was abandoned. Then in the early 1980s Knoebels Grove Park in Pennsylvania decided to move, rebuild and refurbish the coaster where it became one of the most popular wood coasters ever due to an abundance of bunny hop hills that are loaded with airtime. The park continues to maintain the Phoenix with impeccable care, assuring a smooth ride that can be ridden comfortably over and over again. The structure stands 78 feet tall with a first drop of 72 feet.

The design was made by Herbert Schmeck of the Philadelphia Toboggan Company and is the most loved of his 72 known coasters. The Meyer's Lake Comet in Ohio had a layout and series of drops that were very similar to the Phoenix except for being a little bit taller at 83 feet. Although not ranked very high among coaster fans, the Wolverine Wildcat wood coaster at Michigan's Adventure was based on the design of the Phoenix.