January 09, 2025
9 Roller Coasters at Dollywood You Have To Experience
Nothing says fun in the Smoky Mountains quite like the feeling of wind blowing in your face and through your hair as you enjoy one of many thrilling roller coasters at Dollywood! This Pigeon Forge theme park is the perfect place for families to visit to make fun family memories that won’t soon be forgotten! Adrenaline junkies just can’t get enough of all the heart-pumping fun they enjoy from the rides at Dollywood! Here are 9 of the best roller coasters at Dollywood you have to experience:
1. Big Bear Mountain
Big Bear Mountain is one of the newer rides at Dollywood! The longest roller coaster at Dollywood, Big Bear Mountain is 3,990 feet long and takes visitors on a nearly 2 minute ride as part of an unforgettable family friendly expedition in search of Big Bear! This is the first Dollywood roller coaster to feature on-board audio, including music and announcements from Ned Oakley. Big Bear Mountain opened in the spring of 2023 as part of a $500 million investment project and has been entertaining guests ever since.
2. Wild Eagle
Soar high above the picturesque Smoky Mountains aboard Wild Eagle ! Wild Eagle is the first-ever wing coaster in the United States and takes visitors for a ride 21 stories above Dollywood, where the most incredible mountain views await! Riders sit with their legs dangling, so this ride truly feels like you’re flying through the Smoky Mountain sky just like a bird.
3. Lightning Rod
If wooden roller coasters are your thing, you’re going to love Lightning Rod ! One of the top Dollywood roller coasters, it's themed after a 1950s era hot rod and is the first launching wood coaster of its kind! Lightning Rod launches riders up more than 20 stories before flying down a 165-foot drop at speeds that reach up to 73 mph! You'll have nearly 20 seconds of airtime! This Dollywood roller coaster is routinely voted as one of the top 10 roller coasters in the country , according to USA Today readers, making it among the must-try rides at Dollywood.
4. Tennessee Tornado
There’s always a Tennessee Tornado warning in effect for Dollywood! Tennessee Tornado is exactly how it sounds, taking visitors on a journey that makes them feel as if they’ve just landed inside a giant funnel cloud. This spiral-looping coaster shoots riders down a 128-foot drop through an actual mountain at speeds that reach close to 70 mph, making for a ride that’s full of excitement!
5. Dragonflier
Dragonflier mimics the flying patterns of the beautiful dragonflies you’ll find in the Smoky Mountains! Hop on this Dollywood roller coaster and speed through twisting terrain on an unpredictable path that’s sure to have you coming back time and time again! You’ll enjoy the freedom and exhilaration you’ll experience by riding on the wings of a Smoky Mountain dragonfly! This is one of several exciting rides at Dollywood perfect for families.
6. Thunderhead
Thunderhead is a massive wooden roller coaster that you’re likely to hear rumbling before you ever see it! Situated between 2 mountains, the views you’ll enjoy on this Dollywood roller coaster will blow your mind! This daring ride features a 100-foot drop and reaches a top speed of 55 mph. Experience some incredible airtime and numerous thrilling twists and turns on one of the best roller coasters at Dollywood!
7. Blazing Fury
A blazing fire threatens this 1880s town, causing pandemonium among the town’s residents! A cast of characters that includes firefighters, gunslingers and damsels in distress rush to escape the fire. Blazing Fury is an indoor roller coaster that flies around each hill and curve as you try to outrun the encroaching blaze! As you travel on this favorite among Dollywood roller coasters, you’ll see buildings, houses, stores and barns engulfed in flames.
8. Mystery Mine
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to work inside of a mine? Mystery Mine is your opportunity to find out! This steel coaster travels along a 1,811-foot track for a 3-minute ride through an abandoned coal mine! This Dollywood roller coaster features incredible maneuvers like a 95-degree, 85-foot vertical drop that plunges you deep into the darkness of the mine. Watch out for mining equipment and crows as you await what’s around each corner!
9. FireChaser Express
FireChaser Express is a another favorite among families visiting Dollywood! FireChaser Express is the country’s first dual-launch family coaster, blasting riders both forward and backwards! This Dollywood roller coaster celebrates the brave men and women tasked with the responsibility of putting out blazes in the Smoky Mountains to preserve the Smokies for generations to come. You and the family are sure to have a blast riding some of the best roller coasters at Dollywood! You’ll find a number of fun kids rides at Dollywood that your children won’t be able to get enough of!
Beyond the Best Roller Coasters at Dollywood
These exciting Dollywood roller coasters aren't the only fun things you can do at the theme park when you visit. There are also shops, restaurants, games, live shows, and more! For more ideas of what to do while you're there, check out our ultimate guide to your day at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge.
