The 10 best rides at Dollywood for the whole family
Dollywood is more than just a theme park. It's a complete vacation destination that combines rides and attractions that showcase the natural beauty of the Smoky Mountains while also honoring the music, artistry and cuisine of those who call the Knoxville, Tennessee, area home.
Dolly Parton's brainchild has more than 50 rides that weave in and around the foothills of the Smokies. They range from "fun for all ages" to "fast and furious," so everyone in your party will find a favorite at this family-friendly theme park. To help you plan for your next visit, these are the best rides at Dollywood.
Dollywood Express
Location: The Village.
Rider requirements: No minimum height requirement.
The authentic steam locomotives that power the Dollywood Express date back to the 1930s and 1940s; they were built for use in World War II, making it the oldest attraction at Dollywood.
On this peaceful 20-minute journey through the park, you will see some of Dollywood's most popular attractions, while taking in gorgeous views of the mountains that border the park.
The conductor shares interesting facts and park history along the 5-mile ride, making it a great "first ride" if you have never visited Dollywood and want to familiarize yourself with the park. After that first visit, it's sure to become an instant classic.
Mystery Mine
Location: Timber Canyon.
Rider requirements: Must be at least 48 inches tall to ride.
Mystery Mine is an indoor/outdoor roller coaster that travels through an abandoned coal mine. When you board the coaster and descend into the pitch-black depths of the mine, you quickly realize the mine isn't abandoned but rather haunted by the miners who once worked there.
Though it only reaches a top speed of 43 miles per hour, Mystery Mine's two vertical lift hills, beyond-vertical drop and multiple inversions make it one of the more intense rides at Dollywood.
Big Bear Mountain
Location: Wildwood Grove.
Rider requirements: Must be at least 39 inches tall to ride.
Big Bear Mountain is the longest roller coaster at Dollywood, coming in at about three-quarters of a mile. There are no loops or massive hills on this family-friendly coaster, but there are multiple tummy-tingling twists, turns, airtime hills and high-speed launches. As the name suggests, the coaster follows the story of a bear spotted in the area.
When you ride Big Bear Mountain, you become part of the search team looking for the "Big Bear." You can hear his growls many times during your ride, but he always seems to stay one step ahead. Regardless of whether you spot him, your whole family will have a bear-y good time on this coaster.
Related: My '9 to 5' sent me to sleep in Dolly Parton’s $10,000 tour bus suite — here’s what it was like
Lightning Rod
Location: Jukebox Junction.
Rider requirements: Must be at least 48 inches tall to ride.
Like all of the attractions in Jukebox Junction, Lightning Rod has a 1950s flair. The ride was inspired by Parton's own childhood in nearby Sevierville, Tennesee. She has said it reminds her of "those colorful cars cruisin' up and down Main Street in downtown Sevierville back when I was in high school."
Lightning Rod's train cars look like hot rods, and they move like them, too. Rather than a traditional lift hill, Lightning Rod launches riders up a 20-story lift hill at 45 miles per hour. The ride only gets faster from there as it climbs toward a top speed of 73 miles per hour. This coaster is definitely one for thrill seekers.
Rockin' Roadway
Location: Jukebox Junction.
Rider requirements: No minimum height requirement. Riders under 42 inches must be accompanied by someone 14 or older.
Rockin' Roadway is adjacent to Lightning Rod. If you are traveling with younger kids who are scared off by the towering coaster, they can take a more leisurely ride along a scenic country road and still catch a glimpse of Lightning Rod as it speeds by.
Rockin' Roadway allows kids to get behind the wheel of a colorful Corvette, Thunderbird or Cadillac — even if they are years away from getting their license.
FireChaser Express
Location: Wilderness Pass.
Rider requirements: Must be at least 39 inches tall to ride.
Double the launches means double the fun. On the family-friendly FireChaser Express, you launch forward at the start of the ride then launch backward for your return trip to the loading station. The train cars are themed to look like fire engines, and riders become volunteer firefighters, charged with keeping the Smoky Mountains safe from forest fires.
This coaster is mild enough that riders of all ages should be brave enough to take on the challenge.
Thunderhead
Location: Timber Canyon.
Rider requirements: Must be at least 48 inches tall to ride.
If the terms "relentless" and "roaring" get you excited to hop on a coaster, Thunderhead is the ride for you. This massive wooden coaster features a 100-foot drop and hits a top speed of 55 miles per hour as it rushes through the Tennessee wilderness.
Thunderhead may look intimidating from a distance, but it is designed to be enjoyed by children and adults alike. If your child is ready for their first "big kid" wooden coaster, Thunderhead is an excellent choice.
Lumberjack Lifts
Location: Timer Canyon.
Rider requirements: Must be at least 40 inches tall to ride. Riders under 48 inches must be accompanied by someone 14 or older.
Lumberjack Lifts is one of the few attractions at any theme park that is powered by its riders. Groups of two strap in and use a rope between them to pull themselves to the top of a 30-foot tower. When you get to the top of the tower, you are treated to views of the park and surrounding mountains. You can take in the sights or let go of the rope and travel slowly to the bottom of the tower and do it all over again until your time is up.
This ride tests your strength and competitive spirit should you choose to challenge members of your group to see how many times you can ascend to the top of the ride.
Wild Eagle
Location: Wilderness Pass.
Rider requirements: Must be between 50 and 78 inches tall to ride.
Wild Eagle earned its name not only because it is the country's first winged coaster, but also because you will soar high above the Smoky Mountains during your ride. Riders sit on either side of the coaster track, so there is nothing above or below you; this leaves you free to fly through the countryside. After climbing to the top of a 210-foot light hill, you come soaring back down at speeds of up to 61 miles per hour.
Bonus: rides for young kids
Location: Country Fair.
Rider requirements: No minimum height requirement.
The Country Fair area of Dollywood is themed after a small-town fair with rides and games designed for families to experience together. There are a lot of family-friendly rides in this area. The Amazing Flying Elephants, Busy Bees, Lemon Twist, Lucky Ducky and Piggy Parade are all intended for toddlers and preschoolers to ride all by themselves — even if they are too short (or too frightened) to get on some of Dollywood's other rides.
Bottom line
Dollywood is well-known for its Southern-style country cooking, sensational live entertainment, family-friendly atmosphere and world-class ride lineup. Whether you are looking for thrills or something with a little more relaxed pace, you'll find it at Dollywood.
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.