Course 11: Tall, Tall Mountain

Welcome to Tall, Tall Mountain, a treacherous, vertical course filled with unique challenges, slippery slopes, and a few surprises. This guide will help you navigate its peaks and valleys to collect every Star.

Star 1: Scale the Mountain

Your primary goal for this Star is to reach the very summit of Tall, Tall Mountain. This is a straightforward ascent, but don't let your guard down. Here's how to do it:

From the start, head straight and begin climbing the initial slope.
You'll encounter several Goombas and a few small ledges. Utilize triple jumps and wall kicks to gain height efficiently.
As you ascend, you'll come across a narrow, winding path with rolling boulders. Time your movements carefully to avoid being knocked off.
Near the top, you'll find a small waterfall. You can either wall jump up the side of the waterfall or take the slightly longer path around.
Continue upwards, jumping across gaps and avoiding the occasional Fwoosh.
The Star is located on the very top platform, next to a small tree.

Star 2: Mystery of the Monkey Cage

This Star involves a bit of interaction with the local wildlife and some careful platforming.

Start by heading up the mountain as if going for Star 1, but stop when you reach the area with the first set of rolling boulders.
Look to your left (from Mario's perspective facing up the mountain) for a narrow ledge leading to a small alcove.
Inside this alcove, you'll find a monkey named Ukiki. Approach Ukiki, and he will steal your hat!
Chase Ukiki. He will lead you on a path across several platforms and up a few ledges. Be quick, but don't rush into danger.
Eventually, Ukiki will stop near a large cage suspended over a chasm. He will then drop your hat into the cage.
To retrieve your hat and the Star, you need to perform a ground pound on the cage. Carefully position yourself directly above the cage and execute a ground pound.
The cage will break, releasing your hat and the Star.

Star 3: Blast to the Lonely Mushroom

This Star requires precise cannon usage to reach a secluded platform.

First, you need to activate the cannon. Head to the very top of the mountain (where Star 1 was).
From the summit, look down towards the lower sections of the mountain. You should spot a small, fenced-off area with a Bob-omb Buddy.
Jump or slide down carefully to reach this area. Talk to the Bob-omb Buddy to open the cannon.
Now, locate the cannon. It's usually found near the base of the mountain, often hidden behind some trees or rocks.
Enter the cannon. Aim carefully for the large, isolated mushroom platform that floats high above the mountain's lower slopes. This mushroom is distinct due to its size and solitary position.
Fire Mario towards the mushroom. If you land successfully, the Star will be waiting for you there.

Star 4: 8 Red Coins of the Mountain

Collecting all eight Red Coins on Tall, Tall Mountain can be tricky due to the verticality and moving platforms. Here are their locations:

Coin 1 & 2: Near the start, on the initial climbing path, you'll find two Red Coins on small ledges.
Coin 3 & 4: In the area with the rolling boulders, two Red Coins are located on the narrow paths. Be careful not to get knocked off.
Coin 5: After the first waterfall, on a small platform to the side of the main path.
Coin 6: On the large, rotating wooden platform that moves across a chasm. Time your jump carefully.
Coin 7: Near the summit, on a small ledge just below the very top platform.
Coin 8: On the "Lonely Mushroom" platform (the one you blast to for Star 3). You may need to use the cannon again or carefully jump from a high point if you've already collected Star 3.

Once all eight Red Coins are collected, the Star will appear at the base of the mountain, near the cannon's location.

Star 5: Fall into the Cavern

This Star requires a controlled fall into a hidden area.

Climb the mountain until you reach the area with the large, rotating wooden plank that moves across a chasm.
Instead of crossing the plank, look down into the chasm. You should see a small, hidden entrance to a cavern below.
Carefully jump or fall into this entrance. You'll land in a small, enclosed cavern.
Inside the cavern, you'll find the Star. Be mindful of any enemies or slippery surfaces within.

Star 6: Bouncing Flower

This Star involves using a specific item to reach a high-up platform.

Ascend the mountain until you reach the area with the large, rotating wooden platform.
Look for a Wing Cap Block nearby. If you don't have the Wing Cap activated, you'll need to find the Red Switch Block in the castle's basement.
Hit the Wing Cap Block to gain the Wing Cap.
Now, locate the Flower Launcher (a large, red flower that propels Mario upwards). It's typically found on a ledge above the rotating platform.
With the Wing Cap equipped, jump into the Flower Launcher. It will propel you high into the air.
While airborne, use the Wing Cap's flight ability to guide Mario towards a distant, high-up platform where the Star is located. This requires good control and understanding of the Wing Cap's mechanics.

100 Coin Star

To earn the 100 Coin Star on Tall, Tall Mountain, you'll need to be thorough. Here are some key areas to focus on for coin collection:

Goombas: There are numerous Goombas throughout the course, each dropping a coin when defeated.
Coin Rings: Look for rings of coins on various platforms and ledges, especially near the start and along the main climbing path.
Rolling Boulders: The path with the rolling boulders often has coins scattered along it.
Hidden Cavern: The cavern where Star 5 is located contains a good number of coins.
Lonely Mushroom: The isolated mushroom platform (from Star 3) has a few coins.
Waterfalls: Check behind and around the waterfalls for hidden coins.
Ukiki's Path: The route Ukiki takes for Star 2 has several coins along the way.
Blue Coin Block: There is a Blue Coin Block located near the start of the course, often on a small ledge. Hit it to spawn several Blue Coins worth 5 coins each. Be quick to collect them before they disappear.
Invisible Blocks: Keep an eye out for invisible coin blocks, which can be found by jumping in suspicious-looking empty spaces.

Remember to collect coins from every enemy you defeat and explore all nooks and crannies. The 100 Coin Star will appear once you've collected your 100th coin.