Featured Image Courtesy: Dollywood
While known for its festivals and family atmosphere, Dollywood is also home to several world class roller coasters.
Thunderhead is a classic yet updated wooden rollercoaster located in a wooded area of Dollywood. Upon entering the park, take the winding path to the left and head to the entrance of the Timber Canyon section of the park. The coaster began operation in 2004 and features a 100 ft. drop with speeds of up to 55 mph.
As you continue on the walking path through Timber Canyon, you will encounter the Mystery Mine coaster on your right. The Mystery Mine coaster is a steel coaster that began operation in 2007. The coaster is themed as a haunted mine operation that includes both indoor and outdoor sections. Special effects are used to enhance the experience.
Passing through the Timber Canyon section of the park, you will enter the Wilderness Pass area. The Wild Eagle coaster will be on your right. This coaster was placed in service in 2012. Dollywood really upped their game with this one. It is a steel coaster with a height of 210 ft and speeds of up to 61 mph. It was the first “winged” coaster in the United States with riders seated outside the track. The ride is one of the smoothest we have ever experienced.
The Fire Chaser Express coaster opened in 2014 and is located across from the Wild Eagle. It is a “family styled” steel coaster but don’t let that fool you. The coaster has 79 ft. lift hill and several sections where you experience air time. On top of that, the ride reverses course and ends with the occupants going backwards. Dollywood did a great job on the theme of this coaster being a volunteer fire department with nice special effects.
The top thrill coaster on Dollywood is the Lightning Rod coaster located in the Jukebox Junction area. Opening in 2016, this hybrid wooden/steel coaster hits speeds of up to 73 mph. It uses a magnetic launch system to accelerate to the top of a pair of hills leading to a 165 ft. drop. The coaster then goes through a series of sharp turns and drops that never gives you time to think about what is coming next. The energy of this ride is amazing. This is the top coaster at Dollywood and perhaps one of the top coasters in the country. If you are a fan of roller coasters or any type of thrill rides, be sure to put this one on your list of must do’s.
For more fun at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, stick with That Park Place!
