Dollywood is the ultimate amusement park that has it all– shows, restaurants, annual festivals, and places to shop; not to mention the many rollercoasters, thrill rides, play areas, and rides for young children. It’s impossible to try out all of them in one day, which is why many families return year after year. So whether you’ve never been to Dollywood, have only visited once or twice, or are a season pass holder, here is everything you need to know about the best rides at Dollywood Theme Park so you don’t miss out on any of the thrills!
Daredevil Falls
Location: Craftsman’s Valley Height Requirements: 42 inches
One of the best water rides at Dollywood, and it’s not at Splash Country! Only the most adventurous dare to venture on the Daredevil Falls boat expedition. You’ll venture into an abandoned logging camp before plunging down a 60-foot waterfall at 50 mph!
Smoky Mountain River Rampage
Location: Rivertown Junction Height Requirement: 36 inches
Another Dollywood ride with a water element is the Smoky Mountain River Rampage. Perfect for the summer, it mimics the feeling of white water rafting, where no two excursions are the same, but promise a good soaking for those brave enough to face the rapids!
Dragonflier
Location: Wildwood Grove Height Requirements: 39 inches
Wildwood Grove is easily the most popular area at Dollywood and has many fun things to do in Pigeon Forge for kids, including thrill rides! As the name suggests, the Dragonflier is a thrilling flight ride with unpredictable twists and turns– the kids especially will love it!
Big Bear Mountain
Location: Wildwood Grove Height Requirements: 39 inches
Big Bear Mountain is Dollywood’s newest and biggest rollercoaster, nearly 4,000 feet long! With features like onboard audio and music, this ride takes you on a journey with Ned Oakley, Wildwood Grove’s resident wilderness explorer, to find the most elusive inhabitant of the Grove– Big Bear!
Lightning Rod
Location: Jukebox Junction Height Requirements: 48 inches
Lightning Rod is one of the most iconic rides at Dollywood Theme Park with its 20-story climb before the drop along the 3,800-foot track. Its hybrid wood and steel framework means the coaster is lightning fast and features a stomach-plunging 165-foot drop.
Sky Rider
Location: Country Fair Height Requirements: 42 inches
You can be the pilot of your own plane on the Sky Rider! This 2-seater ride allows you or your co-pilot to steer the rudder and wings, so each ride can be a completely unique experience.
Thunderhead
Location: Timber Canyon Height Requirements: 48 inches
Get ready for a wild ride on this thrilling wooded coaster! This daring ride features a 100-foot drop with a max speed of 55 mph. This one isn’t for the faint of heart and certainly provides an adrenaline rush, unlike any other rollercoaster at Dollywood.
FireChaser Express
Location: Wilderness Pass Height Requirements: 39 inches
FireChaser Express is perfect for families since it can easily seat everyone with its spacious cars. This ride blasts passengers both forward and backward, making it an experience you’ll want to do over and over!
Wild Eagle
Location: Wilderness Pass Height Requirements: 50 inches
Wild Eagle is the first of its kind in the US, a wing coaster that’s perched 21 stories above Dollywood. Instead of having seats over the track, you’re suspended on either side, so you’re completely exposed to the air above and below your seat!
Where to Stay Near Dollywood
Our cabin rentals in Pigeon Forge come in all sizes, from cozy 1-bedroom rentals to large group cabins. Stay only a few minutes from the Pigeon Forge Parkway while also enjoying peaceful secluded locations, mountain views, and luxury amenities; it really is the best of both worlds! We also offer pet-friendly cabins so your entire family can enjoy a Smoky Mountain vacation, and your dog will love the Doggwood daycare while you’re having fun riding the rollercoasters!
Are you ready to experience these incredible rides at Dollywood Theme Park for yourself? Browse through all of our Pigeon Forge cabins near Dollywood and start planning your family vacation to the Smokies today!
