Top Dollywood Rides for Visitors All Ages
On August 12, 2022
Voted the #1 Theme Park in the United States by TripAdvisor this year, Dollywood is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Pigeon Forge. Experience a true Smoky Mountain adventure with rides and exhibits you don’t want to miss! From thrilling coasters to kid-friendly rides and more, here’s our roundup of the best Dollywood rides and attractions for visitors of all ages.
Thrilling Dollywood Roller Coaster Rides
Wild Eagle
Soar high above the Smoky Mountains on the Wild Eagle, the first wing coaster of its kind in the United States. Riders are seated on each side of the track with nothing but air above and below for an experience that truly feels like you’re flying.
- Located in: Wilderness Pass
- Minimum height requirement: 50 inches
- Maximum height requirement: 78 inches
Thunderhead
Prepare yourself for a wild ride on the Thunderhead. This massive wooden coaster is situated between two mountains and takes riders on a journey through the mighty trees and rough mountain terrain at a top speed of 55 mph. Like many Dollywood coasters, the ride offers great views of the Smoky Mountains.
- Located in: Timber Canyon
- Minimum height requirement: 48 inches
Tennessee Tornado
Go for a spin on the Tennessee Tornado where you’ll find out what it’s like to be caught up in a real twister. The coaster boasts an impressive triple spiral loop and 128-foot drop, all while reaching speeds of nearly 70 mph. Although a short ride, the Tennessee Tornado is not for the faint of heart.
- Located in: Craftsman’s Valley
- Minimum height requirement: 48 inches
Lightning Rod
One of the most extreme roller coaster rides at Dollywood is the Lightning Rod. The 1950s-era hot rod themed ride reaches speeds of up to 73 mph and gives riders nearly 20 seconds of airtime as it speeds up hills and races around twists and turns. This is one Dollywood ride that will get your heart racing!
- Located in: Jukebox Junction
- Minimum height requirement: 48 inches
Mystery Mine
See if you have what it takes to make it through the Mystery Mine! Go on a journey through an abandoned coal mine where uncertain encounters are found around every turn. This thrilling ride races through the mine at speeds of up to 46 mph and includes a 95-degree, 85-foot vertical drop into total darkness.
- Located in: Timber Canyon
- Minimum height requirement: 48 inches
Best Dollywood Rides for Kids
Dragonflier
No visit to Dollywood would be complete without a ride on the Dragonflier. The ride mimics the flight of a Smoky Mountain dragonfly, one of the most playful creatures found along the creekside in Wildwood Grove. As you speed through twists and turns in an unpredictable path, you’ll feel as if you’re riding on the wings of a dragonfly!
- Located in: Wildwood Grove
- Minimum height requirement: 39 inches
- Under 48 in. must be accompanied by someone 16 or older
Black Bear Trail
A ride on Black Bear Trail is a must-do! No kid can resist climbing onto one of the friendly and fun-loving black bears at Black Bear Trail. The bears take riders for a journey through the beautiful backwoods. As you meander along the trail, prepare for a few surprises along the way!
- Located in: Wildwood Grove
- Minimum height requirement: 36 inches
The Amazing Flying Elephants
A ride on the Amazing Flying Elephants is a must-do for the little ones. Take a seat aboard one of the elephant cars for an amazing adventure. The elephants soar gracefully through the sky, moving up and down, as they go ‘round and ‘round.
- Located in: Country Fair
- No minimum height requirement
- Under 48 in. must be accompanied by someone 16 or older
Frogs & Fireflies
No kid can resist a ride on one of the playful frogs at Frogs & Fireflies. The frogs chase each other through the marsh while dodging up and down as they try to catch fireflies.
- Located in: Wildwood Grove
- No minimum height requirement
- Under 36 in. must be accompanied by someone 16 or older
Sky Rider
What kid wouldn’t love to be the pilot of their own plane! The Sky Rider soars through the air 70-feet above the park. Each plane can accommodate both a pilot and a co-pilot. Either rider can control the rudders which move the wings to make for an incredibly fun ride. Mom and dad will enjoy the great views of the Smoky Mountains from the top.
- Located in: Country Fair
- Minimum height requirement: 42 inches
- Under 48 in. must be accompanied by someone 16 or older
Fun Family Rides and Attractions at Dollywood
Whistle Punk Chaser
The Whistle Punk Chaser is a junior-size roller coaster, perfect for kids that dream of the day when they’re able to ride on one of the big coasters at Dollywood. The thrilling twists and turns as the coaster speeds along the track are sure to please those younger thrill seekers in training!
- Located in: Timber Canyon
- Minimum height requirement: 36 inches
- Under 42 in. must be accompanied by someone 16 or older
Shooting Star
Kids are sure to love the Shooting Star drop tower. Riders can take in the stunning mountain views during the slow climb to the top before the ride begins a rapid descent back down to the ground. And there’s plenty of room for the whole family to ride at the same time!
- Located in: Country Fair
- Minimum height requirement: 36 inches
- Under 42 in. must be accompanied by someone 16 or older
Dollywood Express Train Depot
Hop aboard the Dollywood Express for a 20-minute excursion through the mountains. The coal-fired steam engine takes riders on a journey through the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. Enjoy the stunning mountain views and pastoral scenery on this fascinating trip!
- Located in: The Village
FireChaser Express
FireChaser Express is a dual-launch firefighter-themed roller coaster that offers a blazing good time for the whole family. The journey begins as the coaster launches from the fire station. Riders are then blasted both forward and backward while making their way through fun twists and turns.
- Located in: Wilderness Pass
- Minimum height requirement: 39 inches
- Under 48 in. must be accompanied by someone 16 or older
Eagle Mountain Sanctuary
Eagle Mountain Sanctuary is a great place for the family to get up close with nature. The aviary is home to a number of non-releasable bald eagles. Guests can catch a rare glimpse of nature’s most impressive birds of prey in a beautiful mountain setting.
- Located in: Craftman’s Valley
BONUS: New Ride coming to Wildwood Grove in 2023
Big Bear Mountain
Wildwood Grove is getting bigger! Big Bear Mountain will be the longest coaster at Dollywood, taking guests of all ages on an unforgettable family-friendly expedition in search of the Big Bear. According to legend, Big Bear is a massive black bear who has been roaming through Wildwood Grove for as long as anyone can remember, but he’s never been spotted. Join Wildwood Grove’s resident wilderness explorer, Ned Oakley, on an adventure to find Big Bear next spring!
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Ride details:
- Opening Spring 2023
- Nearly two minutes long on 3,990 ft. of track
- Has a top speed of 48 mph
- Big Bear Mountain is a first of its kind at Dollywood with onboard audio, including music and announcements from Ned Oakley himself
- Minimum height requirement of 39 inches
While Dollywood is known for its exciting roller coaster rides, that’s not all you’ll find at this top-rated theme park! From incredible shows to delectable cuisine to demonstrations by skilled craftsmen and artisans, there’s something for everyone at Dollywood.
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