There’s a legendary new adventure rolling through the Adirondacks—and it has plenty of twists, turns, and spins in store.
Paul Bunyan’s Log Haul is the family-friendly spinning roller coaster at Enchanted Forest Water Safari in Old Forge, New York. Inspired by the larger-than-life lumberjack who has welcomed generations of guests to the park, this attraction combines classic Water Safari storytelling with an unpredictable ride experience the whole family can share.
Whether you’re preparing a little lumberjack for a first roller coaster or looking for a new attraction to enjoy together, here is everything you need to know before taking a spin on Paul Bunyan’s Log Haul.
What Is Paul Bunyan’s Log Haul?
Paul Bunyan’s Log Haul is a family spinning coaster featuring free-spinning cars and a compact figure-eight track.
Unlike a traditional roller coaster, the ride vehicles rotate independently as they travel around the course. Your direction, your view, and the timing of every spin can change from one ride to the next. You might face forward through one turn, rotate sideways around the next, and finish the journey laughing face-to-face with the rest of your crew.
That free-spinning design makes every trip around the track feel a little different—and gives families a great reason to ride again.
Is Paul Bunyan’s Log Haul a Good First Roller Coaster?
Yes! Paul Bunyan’s Log Haul was designed with families and younger thrill-seekers in mind.
The coaster carries a medium thrill rating, making it an exciting step up for children who are ready to try their first roller coaster without immediately taking on one of the tallest or fastest rides around. The figure-eight layout delivers coaster excitement, while the rotating cars add a playful surprise that older children, teens, and adults can enjoy too.
For many young guests, this could be the ride that turns “I’m not sure” into “Can we go again?”
Paul Bunyan’s Log Haul Height Requirements
Before getting in line, make sure everyone in your group meets the current ride requirements:
- Guests over 48 inches tall may ride independently.
- Guests between 36 and 47 inches tall must be accompanied by an adult.
- The maximum rider height is 77 inches.
- Guests must be at least 4 years old to ride.
Ride requirements are established to help every guest enjoy the attraction safely. Measurements and operating requirements are subject to the park’s official guidelines, so check the Paul Bunyan’s Log Haul ride page before your visit and follow all instructions provided by the ride team.
Why Does the Ride Spin Differently Every Time?
The coaster’s vehicles are free-spinning, meaning they can rotate as they move along the track. Several factors may influence the way a car turns during a ride, including how riders are seated and how the car moves through the figure-eight layout.
The result is an experience that isn’t perfectly choreographed from beginning to end. Even if you ride twice in the same day, your second Log Haul may not feel exactly like your first.
It’s also part of what makes the attraction so much fun to experience as a family. You can compare spins afterward, decide who had the best view, and then climb aboard again to see what happens next.
A Legendary Theme for a Water Safari Original
Paul Bunyan has been part of the Enchanted Forest Water Safari story since the park opened in 1956. The park’s towering Paul Bunyan statue has greeted guests for generations, becoming a familiar landmark and a favorite part of countless family photos.
Naming the coaster Paul Bunyan’s Log Haul connects a brand-new attraction with that long-running Adirondack tradition. The ride celebrates Paul’s legendary strength and adventurous spirit, with colorful details inspired by his tall tales. Keep an eye out for his faithful companion, Babe the Blue Ox, as part of the attraction.
It’s a fitting combination: a larger-than-life character, a load of logs, and a spinning journey that feels like it was built for little lumberjacks.
Who Will Enjoy Paul Bunyan’s Log Haul?
This new family coaster is an especially good choice for:
- Children who are ready to try their first roller coaster
- Families looking for an attraction they can experience together
- Riders who enjoy spinning rides and playful surprises
- Paul Bunyan fans and longtime Water Safari visitors
- Guests who want to add some dry-ride thrills to their water park day
Because the attraction combines approachable coaster elements with free-spinning action, it can entertain both first-time riders and experienced coaster fans.
Guests who are sensitive to spinning should consider how they typically feel on rotating attractions before riding.
Tips for Riding Paul Bunyan’s Log Haul
A little preparation can make your first Log Haul even more enjoyable.
Confirm Everyone’s Height Beforehand
Review the height and age requirements before your visit, especially if Paul Bunyan’s Log Haul is at the top of your child’s must-do list.
Secure Loose Items
Follow all posted instructions for phones, hats, glasses, bags, and other loose belongings. The ride team will explain where items should be stored before boarding.
Let New Riders Know About the Spinning
First-time coaster riders often feel more confident when they know what to expect. Explain that the car can turn as it travels around the track, making each ride different.
Consider Riding Earlier in the Day
New attractions can be popular. Making Paul Bunyan’s Log Haul one of your first stops may help ensure your family gets a ride in—and leaves time for a second spin later.
Take a Photo with Paul Bunyan
Complete the experience with a family photo near the park’s iconic Paul Bunyan statue. It’s a fun way to connect the legendary Water Safari landmark with your adventure on his namesake coaster.
Make Paul Bunyan’s Log Haul Part of a Full Day of Fun
Paul Bunyan’s Log Haul is only one part of the adventure at Enchanted Forest Water Safari. The park offers more than 50 rides and attractions, including 33 heated water rides, classic amusement rides, enchanted attractions, and family entertainment. That means your crew can spin around the figure-eight track, cool down on a water ride, visit familiar park favorites, and make an entire day of your trip to Old Forge.
Browse all rides and attractions before arriving so every member of the family can choose a few must-do experiences.
Looking to turn your visit into a getaway? Explore accommodations at Water Safari Resort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Paul Bunyan’s Log Haul a water ride?
No. Paul Bunyan’s Log Haul is a dry amusement ride and spinning roller coaster. It makes a great addition to a day filled with Water Safari’s heated water rides and other attractions.
How thrilling is Paul Bunyan’s Log Haul?
The attraction has a medium thrill rating. It is designed as a family-friendly coaster and can be a good introduction to roller coasters for younger riders who meet the requirements.
Do the coaster cars spin?
Yes. The cars spin freely while traveling along the figure-eight track, creating a ride experience that can vary each time.
Can children ride Paul Bunyan’s Log Haul?
Guests must be at least 4 years old and at least 36 inches tall. Riders between 36 and 47 inches must be accompanied by an adult. Guests over 48 inches may ride independently. A maximum height of 77 inches applies.
Where is Paul Bunyan’s Log Haul located?
The coaster is located at Enchanted Forest Water Safari, 3183 State Route 28 in Old Forge, New York.
Plan Your Ride: Experience Paul Bunyan’s Log Haul at Water Safari
Paul Bunyan’s Log Haul brings together everything families love about Enchanted Forest Water Safari: shared adventures, classic Adirondack storytelling, playful surprises, and memories that bring families back year after year. Gather your crew, climb aboard, and hold on as your car spins around the figure-eight track!
- Buy Tickets: Purchase Water Safari Tickets Online
- Plan Your Stay: Explore Old Forge & Water Safari Stay ‘N Play Add-Ons
- Explore More: View All Water Park Rides & Family Attractions
At a Glance: Planning Your Trip
- Location: Enchanted Forest Water Safari (Old Forge, NY)
- Best For: Kids, families, and first-time roller coaster riders
- Tickets & Hours: Check daily operating schedules and discount pass options before heading out.
- Stay ‘N Play options
- Season Passes
- Siesta Savings
- Military Discount
Gather your crew, climb aboard, and hold on as your car spins around the figure-eight track. Will you face forward, backward, or sideways through the next turn? There’s only one way to find out.
Buy discount tickets online and plan your visit to Enchanted Forest Water Safari!
