Visitors this 2025 season will see some changes to the Carowinds skyline as you enter the park. One of the park’s larger roller coasters, Nighthawk, is in the process of being demolished.
RideRover had a fantastic view of the park this morning from the Carolina Skytower. The roller coaster has been dismantled and only the bases of its supports remain.
Nighthawk was 1/2 of the last Flying Coaster in the United States. The ride was manufactured by Vekoma and opened in 2004. The last remaining Flying Coaster is BATWING Coaster at Six Flags America in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.
As seen in the comparison (last year vs. this year), it is a big contrast! Especially right at the front of the park.
The entry Safety Guide could still be seen at the front of Nighthawk. The supports are absent, just like the rest of the roller coaster, and just the bases are still intact.
As of right now, Six Flags has not announced anything replacing the attraction, and that likely won’t happen till 2027. Unless their record-breaking water ride announced for 2026 goes in this spot.
Unfortunately, Nighthawk isn’t the only permanent ride closure at Carowinds in 2025.
What Other Rides Are Permanently Closed At Carowinds?
Six Flags announced Nighthawk would close in November 2024, along with another slew of closing attractions at the park.
One of the rides is Scream Weaver. This was a Schwarzkopf Enterprise model, a very popular flat ride of yesteryear. Scream Weaver opened in 1979.
Drop Tower also had its last season last year. The Intamin-manufactured Giant Drop 4 model opened in 1996. Dropping riders from 174 feet, it’s a huge loss for thrill seekers at the park.
Six Flags has cited high operating costs as the reason for the removals of these rides. All three had a significant amount of downtime at the park in recent years due to their age.
For more updates, stay tuned to RideRover!