Log Jammer's Last Day at Kennywood

I was fortunate enough to visit Kennywood's Log Jammer on its last day in 2017. For those who don't know, Log Jammer opened in 1975 as Kennywood's first million-dollar ride.  Luckily, my dad and I had season passes back then, so we were able to spontaneously go when Kennywood announced the ride's closure with two days left in the season. Following are some pictures we took on that last day.

All these people were willing to wait in line an hour/ride that last day.

Before we go for a ride, let's take a look around the area. The ride truly was beautiful, winding through the tree canopy above some picnic groves. Sadly, this is something that will be completely lost in the new Steelers Country area.



That day, the area directly under the trough was closed, but I must have known something, because I took these pictures earlier that same month.

See? It's really what made Log Jammer so peaceful and relaxing.

For whatever reason, some of that year's old Fall Fantasy floats were being stored in the area.

Even though it was a classic ride's last day, I recall there being an air of happiness, as these people likely felt grateful that they were being given the opportunity to take a last ride.

Also, the ride had been opened, closed, and opened again just that day, something I didn't realize until after the fact, as I got there later in the afternoon.

If anything, this probably showed to riders that the attraction was showing its age and was in need of either a complete refurbishment or replacement.

It is a shame that Kennywood did not refurbish the Jammer instead of removing it, but it would've likely been an un-cost-effective measure in the long run.

I remember being really excited to see the dual load station in action that day. Many log flumes were built with this feature, but not enough of them still use it today.

Here comes a log! This ride was a major nail in the coffin to Kennywood's falling rival in the late 1970's, West View Park, which would close two years later, in 1977.

Even Kenny Kangaroo was saying goodbye.

Look how happy all those people are seeing Kenny!

The water wasn't this green. I promise.

Our chariot awaits. See you after!

We were lucky enough to get two rides that day. It was bittersweet, as at that time we weren't sure what would replace Log Jammer. With a little guessing, though, we could've probably guessed what was announced less than a year later - a huge, multi-looping roller coaster. I feel very fortunate to have been able to experience Log Jammer as many times as I did. It will be missed.


Sorry there was no pictures of the spillway drop; that was a last-of-its-kind feature that made the ride truly special.