The Ultimate Guide to Dollywood’s Unique Roller Coasters!

Welcome to GoExploreTn.com, your go-to source for family vacations to Dollywood theme park and the surrounding areas! As a mama of three kids of different ages myself, I’ve made it my mission to help families like yours plan the most fun and memorable experiences possible.

Located in the Pigeon Forge area of Tennessee, you will find the amazing theme park, Dollywood!. They have top notch entertainment for visitors of all ages, warm Southern hospitality and so many family friendly attractions. This award winning park caters to families, making it the perfect destination for your upcoming adventure.

Explore All Rides Here!

Let’s talk roller coasters – they will not disappoint!. Whether you’re looking to push your thrill seeking limits or simply looking for an unforgettable experience, Dollywood has a coaster for you. In this guide, we give you an overview of each one, from the iconic wooden classics to the family friendly coasters.

On each coaster , we gave you the chance to dive deep, with tips, awesome pictures, and personal experiences that will take you right into the front seat of the action!

Dollywood has 10 amazing coasters for you and your family to enjoy!. Here is a list of all the coasters, where you can find them in the park and all the info you might need for each;

Dollywood’s Roller Coasters

1. Big Bear Mountain

– Wildwood Grove –

Recently opened as their newest roller coaster addition, the Big Bear Mountain coaster is located in the Wildwood Grove’s area of Dollywood, which is also one of the newest areas in the park. Big Bear Mountain is not only the longest roller coaster at Dollywood Park, but it also has moderate thrills that are perfect for families with kiddos of different ages. It does not go upside down at any moment and its not scary fast.

What sets Big Bear Mountain apart from other coasters is its immersive experience and the 3 separate launches. The onboard audio and music brings the story to life. With Ned Oakley’s voice guiding you through the expedition in search of the legendary big bear!. It feels like a real adventure. The audio really enhanced every twist and drop!. This triple launching family coaster is one of our favorites in the park.

Learn More

2. Wild Eagle

– Wilderness Pass –

Wild Eagle is the first wing coaster in the United States. You can find this ride in the Wilderness Pass area of Dollywood. This super smooth coaster has some of the biggest drops and loops in the park.

One of the most unique things on this ride is the wing coaster design. Riders are seated to the side of the track on the wings, there is nothing above or below them, giving you that feeling of flying.

Learn More

3. Lightning Rod

– Jukebox Junction –

When Lightning Rod opened it was the first launch wooden roller coaster of its kind, but Lightning Rod was modified for the 2021 season, with over half of its wooden Track getting replaced with steel I-Box track. Making Lightning Rod a hybrid coaster, with both wooden and steel track.

Now the roller coaster is classified as a steel coaster. This coaster is located in the Jukebox Junction area of Dollywood. As you walk into the queue, you’ll immediately be immersed in the ride’s storyline. Imagine yourself transported back in time to an era of classic cars.

As you walk through, you will realize that you are about to experience a ride in a custom built racecar made to reach dangerous speeds that no racer has ever attempted. This is another one of our favorite coasters in the park!

Learn More

4. FireChaser Express

– Wilderness Pass –

The FireChaser Express is a must ride family roller coaster that is perfect for families with kids of all ages. It combines just the right amount of thrill and fun. This ride is located in the Wilderness Pass area of Dollywood.

The story and theme of FireChaser Express adds an extra layer of excitement to the experience. You’ll become a Volunteer for the Fire Department!. Your mission? To help the fearless firefighters battle a blaze at the fireworks factory.

This roller coaster offers a unique twist, as it launches both forward and backward, taking you through twists, turns, and unexpected surprises.

Learn More

5. Dragonflier

– Wildwood Grove –

Dragonflier is a great roller coaster to introduce your bigger kids to something a little more thrilling than junior coasters. Its a little faster, has a drop at the beginning that is not big or scary and it never goes upside down. It’s located in the Wildwood Grove area of Dollywood, and both the area and the coaster are one of the newer additions to Dollywood.

Dragonflier has a suspended coaster design, which means you’ll be seated in a train that hangs below the track and your feet will dangle in the air. This adds an extra element of excitement and gives you the sensation of flying.

Learn More

6. Mystery Mine

– Timber Canyon –

Mystery Mine is a thrilling indoor / outdoor roller coaster that combines a high speed ride with a great storyline. This ride is located in the Timber Canyon area of Dollywood. As you walk up to the ride, you’ll notice the rustic, mine themed entrance. The queue line is filled with detailed theming, and if you pay attention to all of the details, you will see how its all tied together to the ride itself.

The coaster has a unique, mine cart design. Throughout the ride, you will see stunning visuals and special effects plus the thrilling drops, turns and surprises. The attention to detail in the theming and storytelling is amazing, making Mystery Mine a standout attraction at Dollywood and one of our personal favorites!.

Learn More

7. Thunderhead

– Timber Canyon –

Thunderhead is a fast wooden roller coaster that’s perfect for thrill seekers and coaster enthusiasts. You can find this coaster in the Timber Canyon area of Dollywood. As you walk up to line, you’ll notice the impressive structure towering above the park.

One of the things that sets Thunderhead apart from other roller coasters is that The coaster doesn’t slow down throughout the ride, it crosses over and under itself 32 times, and The nostalgic feel of a wooden coaster always adds to the excitement!.

Learn More

8. Tennessee Tornado

– Craftsman’s Valley –

Tennessee Tornado is an intense, fast steel roller coaster that takes you on a dizzy journey!. This coaster is located in the Craftsman’s Valley area of Dollywood.

If you pay attention to the track as you are walking to the queue, you can see the tracks make an iron butterfly!. The ride features three inversions, including a vertical loop and corkscrew. It really feels like you went through a tornado when you get off.

Learn More

9. Blazing Fury

– Craftsman’s Valley –

Blazing Fury is a nostalgic ride for sure. It’s Dollywood’s oldest indoor “roller coaster” . Blazing Fury is located in the Craftsman’s Valley area of Dollywood. It tells the story of a town, which was struck by a massive fire in 1800s. As you go on this adventure, you will see the brave townsfolk in their fight to save their beloved home.

Blazing Fury combines elements of a slow roller coaster and a dark ride, taking you from scene to scene. Along the way, you will see different funny looking characters, special effects, and of course, fire. This ride is perfect to go with all of your kiddos!.

Learn More

10. Whistle Punk Chaser

– Timber Canyon –

Whistle Punk Chaser is the perfect junior coaster to introduce your little ones to the world of roller coasters!. It’s just right for the newest little thrill seekers. This ride is located in the Timber Canyon area of Dollywood, right after you pass the Thunderhead roller coaster.

You and your kids become honorary “whistle punks”. At the entrance of the ride, you will find information about what a whistle punk was and what they did. You can even pull a real whistle and try to send out some of their signals!.

Once you hop on the coaster, get ready for a fun ride. Whistle Punk Chaser has a family friendly layout with gentle drops, twists, and turns. It never goes upside down. It provides just the right amount of excitement to thrill the littlest riders without being too intense, making it a fun and safe experience.

Learn More

frequently asked questions

How Many Big Roller Coasters Are There at Dollywood?

There are 6 big/intense roller coasters at Dollywood, which are Thunderhead, Tennessee Tornado, Wild Eagle, Lightning Rod, Mystery Mine and Big Bear Mountain.

What is the scariest roller coaster in Dollywood?

This really depends on personal tolerance, but for me it would be either Tennessee Tornado or the Wild eagle coaster. They are both intense!.

Do Roller Coasters At Dollywood go upside down?

If you don’t like the roller coasters that go upside down, don’t worry! Dollywood has both roller coasters that do go upside down like Tennessee Tornado, and some that don’t like the Firechaser Express.

What is The Newest Roller Coaster At Dollywood?

The newest roller coaster addition at the moment is Big Bear Mountain!
I can tell you its an amazing ride the whole family can enjoy together, even if you have kids of different ages. It’s a personal favorite for sure.

Does Dollywood Have Good Roller Coasters?

Dollywood’s roller coasters will not disappoint! They range from intense, fast coasters to mild and junior coasters. Dollywood really has roller coasters for the whole family to enjoy.

Back To All Rides

Get ready to experience the joy, excitement, and pure magic of Dollywood. Have fun!

The Complete Guide to Dollywood’s Roller Coasters!