25 Best Rides at Dollywood (2024)
Dolly Parton is one of the most popular country singers of all time. She is also the owner of Dollywood, a world-renowned theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee in the United States. The park is home to some of the best rides and attractions in the country.
Plus, it has an affordable hotel. There are some incredible rides at Dollywood amusement park with so many options and limited time, it is important to know which are the best rides at Dollywood.
Here’s the scoop on the best rides at Dollywood!
Types of Rides
There are a variety of rides for all ages at Dollywood that will add thrill and memories while visiting the amusement park!
1. Wild Eagle
Are you interested in adding a little thrill to your life? Then you need to check out Wild Eagle, America’s first wing coaster! This unique ride is unlike anything else in the country and will have you feeling like you’re soaring high above the Smoky Mountains.
Wild Eagle seats riders on either side of the track, so there is nothing but air above and below you as you zip around 21 stories up! Plus, there is a 135-foot drop that runs smoothly as it is a steel roller coaster! And with stunning views of the mountains, you’ll be left feeling exhilarated and wanting more.
So come on out and experience the thrill of a lifetime at Dollywood with this fan favorite ride today!
2. Daredevil Falls
Are you looking for a real thrill? Then come on down to Daredevil Falls and take a ride on a one-of-a-kind logging camp boat expedition. This ride is great for any thrill seeker!
The daredevil guides will navigate you through some close calls with the bears and old lumber machinery, and then when you least expect it, your boat will go careening over a 60-foot waterfall at a heart-racing 50 mph!
This is an experience you won’t soon forget, so come on down and let Dollywood show you a good time.
3. Lightning Rod
Lightning Rod features a 165-foot drop and is the best wooden coaster around! This wooden roller coaster reaches its fastest speed at over 70 miles per hour! The best part is that it’s near rockin’ road way in jukebox junction!
4. Mystery Mine
The Mystery Mine train is one of the most popular rides at Dollywood Theme Park! This unique experience allows you to twist, turn, and vertical drop! Without a doubt, this ride is one of the best rides at Dollywood!
5. Smoky Mountain River Rampage
Next on our list of the best rides at Dollywood is Smoky Mountain River Rampage. This ride is a great way to cool off on those hot days. The white water rafting ride is best enjoyed with family and friends who dares to get soaked!
As a bonus, water rides are fun for people of all ages, so even the younger children will enjoy this ride!
6. Firechaser Express
Firechaser Express is one of the first roller coasters to be dual-launch! Plus, it’s located in the wilderness pass! This unique ride is easily one of the best Dollywood rides.
Plus, it’s near the firehouse fun yard! The most notable part of the ride is the roller coaster’s ability to blast people forward and backward!
7. Dragonflier
Do you want to experience a real adrenaline rush? Then come fly with Dragonflier at the Wildwood Grove! This thrilling ride will have you zipping and zooming through the air, mimicking the flight of a dragonfly.
You’ll twist and turn in an unpredictable path, never knowing where you’ll end up next. With the wind rushing through your hair, it’s an exhilarating experience you won’t soon forget! So come on and take flight on the wings of a dragonfly today!
8. Tennessee Tornado
The Tennessee Tornado rollercoaster is a real force of nature. The high speeds make this one of the best roller coasters at this family-friendly park! This coaster has a top speed of up to 65 miles per hour and has six loops!
Plus, one of the best things about it is that it has a 128-foot drop!
9. Barnstormer
This ride is an incredible experience! While you are on the swing ride you get to see priceless views of your surroundings. The Barnstormer increases in height with the maximum speed hitting 45 miles per hour!
If this is going to be your first trip to Dollywood then you should make sure to experience this one.
10. Dollywood Express
The Dollywood Express is a steam engine train that allows you to take the scenic route through the foothills of the Smoky Mountains.
Your whole family will enjoy experiencing the heart of the Smoky Mountains. The foothills of the great smoky mountains are such a great view!
11. Drop Line
Drop Line is a gondola ride that raises its riders over the Timber Canyon. However, what goes up 20 stories must also come down! This ride takes you 200 feet up in the air before dropping you back down to the ground. Drop Line has to be one of the best rides at Dollywood!
12. Thunderhead
This ride is definitely in the running for the fastest wooden coaster. This wood coaster features a 100-foot drop and goes up to 55 miles per hour through the woods. The attraction is between two mountains, towering over the tall trees for quite an intimidating ride!
Just be sure to check the height requirement on this one!
13. Dizzy Disk
Dizzy Disk is a classic spinning ride found in the country fair area. The entire family will enjoy this much fun ride as it takes you back and forth while spinning you in circles. Plus, it’s near the lemon twist and busy bees!
14. Great Tree Swing
Do you want an exhilarating thrill ride? Check out the Great Tree Swing! Wound with vines and decorated with bright leaves, this swing will take you flying high through the skies.
With its stunning visuals and thrilling experience, the Great Tree Swing is a must-ride for anyone looking for an adrenaline rush. So come on by and take a swing on the Great Tree Swing today! It’s one of Dollywood’s best thrill rides!
15. Village Carousel
Dollywood’s carousel is a truly classic experience. Featuring 60 beautifully painted animals, the carousel is perfect for kids and adults alike. The lead horse affectionately referred to as “Dolly,” is a real standout with its flowing blonde mane.
The calliope music creates a festive atmosphere that is perfect for making memories with loved ones. So come on aboard and take a spin on the carousel – you’re sure to have a blast!
16. Amazing Flying Elephants
Dollywood’s Amazing Flying Elephants are the perfect ride for your little guests! These elephant cars seat up to three riders, and fly ’round and ’round and up and down, providing an exciting adventure for all.
Don’t miss your chance to create lasting memories with your family on one of the best rides at Dollywood!
17. Whistle Punk Chaser
Dollywood’s junior loggers will love the Whistle Punk Chaser coaster! This thrilling ride throws plenty of twists and turns, getting little ones prepared for the day they can join their parents aboard the award-winning Thunderhead wooden coaster.
With its exciting theme and great design, the Whistle Punk Chaser is sure to be a big hit with the whole family! This is definitely one of the best coasters at Dollywood!
18. Black Bear Trail
There’s nothing like a friendly black bear to show you around Wildwood Grove! The Black Bear Trail is one of the most popular attractions in the park, and it’s easy to see why. Glide through the scenic backwoods on the back of a friendly bear, enjoying the fresh air and beautiful scenery.
You’ll make plenty of new discoveries along the way, and you might even get a chance to play with some of the other bears at the water’s edge. It’s a fun-filled adventure for all ages!
19. Waltzing Swinger
Dollywood’s Waltzing Swinger is the perfect ride for families looking for a little thrill. Soar through the air on this exciting 25-foot-tall swing ride and enjoy beautiful views of the Country Fair.
The specially designed seats allow young children to sit alongside an adult, making it a great experience for the whole family. With the Waltzing Swinger, there’s nothing like the swings to bring out the kid in everyone!
20. Blazing Fury
This is one of the best Dollywood rollercoasters! Welcome to Blazing Fury, the indoor roller coaster and dark ride that will have you screaming for your life! This exciting ride is based on the true story of an out-of-control fire that threatened to destroy an entire town in the 1800s.
As you blast through the town on this heart-pounding coaster, you’ll see all the mayhem and chaos that ensued as the town’s residents tried to escape the blaze. From firefighters to gunslingers to damsels in distress, everyone was in a panic as they raced to get away from the flames.
You’ll feel like you’re right in the middle of the action as you zoom through the burning town at lightning speeds. Every hill and curve will test your limits as you try to outrun the flames. With every twist and turn, you’ll be screaming for more!
So come experience the thrill of a lifetime on Blazing Fury. It’s an adventure you’ll never forget!
21. Demolition Derby
Next up is the Demolition Derby! This exciting game is perfect for family and friends and is guaranteed to provide hours of fun. In Demolition Derby, players take control of bumper cars and attempt to navigate through a chaotic arena.
Be careful though, as other cars may come out of nowhere at any time! This game is perfect for those looking for some excitement and competition. So gather your family and friends and get ready for a good time with Demolition Derby!
22. Shooting Star
Next up is the Shooting Star, a whole new galaxy of fun for kids! On this thrilling first drop tower ride, you’ll experience the excitement of a slowly ascending hot rod to the top of the tower, followed by a daring but not-so-scary descent back to ground level.
It’s the perfect way to spend an afternoon with mom and dad – if they’re up for the challenge! Take a chance and choose the Shooting Star! Plus, it’s near good restaurants with delicious food!
23. The Scrambler
Do you want a ride that will really get your blood pumping? Then hop on board the Scrambler! This thrilling ride will have you twisting and shouting as it shuffles you around in every direction.
Things definitely look a little “scrambled” as you move back and forth, but it’s all part of the fun. So go with the flow and enjoy one of the best rides in Dollywood as you glide from one side to the other.
24. The Mad Mockingbird
Come fly with The Mad Mockingbird! This exciting ride will have you soaring and dipping through the air in an aerial ballet. You’ll feel like you’re part of the flock as you enjoy the view of Wildwood Grove from up high.
The Mad Mockingbird is the perfect way to add a little thrill to your day. So what are you waiting for? Come take flight!
25. Big Bear Mountain
Meet Big Bear Mountain, Dollywood’s newest and most thrilling coaster! Debuting in the spring of 2023, this massive coaster will take guests on an unforgettable expedition in search of the elusive Big Bear. With nearly two minutes of track and onboard audio featuring music and announcements from Ned Oakley himself, this is one coaster you won’t want to miss.
Register for the 2023 Season Pass Pre-Sale now to be among the first to experience this amazing new attraction. Plus, you’ll receive the guaranteed lowest price on 2023 Season Passes. Don’t wait – act now and get ready for the ride of a lifetime!
A Guide to the Best Rides at Dollywood
That is the scoop on the best rides at Dollywood! From family-friendly games to thrilling coasters, there is something for everyone to enjoy. So head on down and have a blast!
Still not too sure what to ride, you can always look to the Dollywood app to help you plan your trip and to check wait times and performance times!
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