Dollywood is a popular tourist destination in Pigeon Forge that is widely known for its fun rides. Some of them are calm and scenic, while others are fast and thrilling. This variety makes it easy for every visitor to find something they like. To prepare for your first or 100th visit, read about 5 of the best rides in Dollywood:
1. FireChaser Express
This roller coaster is one of the best rides in Dollywood because it is the first of its kind. It is the first dual-launch roller coaster in the United States. This means that it goes both forward and backward. As for speed, you will feel like you’re on fire, as the ride reaches 16 miles per hour in just one second. Don’t get too comfortable though because the ride reaches a top speed of 35 miles per hour and has a 12-story incline.
2. Wild Eagle
The Wild Eagle is one of the other rides in Dollywood that is the first of its kind. It is the first wing roller coaster in the United States. The ride gets its name because the train is an eagle with its wings stretched out. The rider sits under the wing, and they don’t have any track beneath them. During the ride, you get a sense of what flight feels like, especially when you race down a 210-foot drop. As if it couldn’t get any more exciting, you will continue to be wowed during the ride as you are turned upside down.
3. Tennessee Tornado
The Tennessee Tornado may be one of the shorter rides in Dollywood, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less thrilling. The ride is set in a mine, and it gets its name because of the fast speeds and big loops. In fact, the ride reaches a maximum speed of 70 miles per hour and has a 110 foot loop. With these exciting elements, it’s safe to say that this ride packs a punch. If you want to keep the adrenaline rush going, you’ll just have to experience the tornado all over again.
4. Lightning Rod
The Lightning Rod roller coaster is located in Jukebox Junction. This particular area of Dollywood is special because it is modeled after Dolly Parton’s hometown of Sevierville in the 1950’s. There are lots of fun activities there, one of which is the Lighting Rod roller coaster. You will ride in a sleek red hot rod that reaches speeds of up to 70 miles per hour. As for the track, your heart will be racing as you barrel down a 165 foot drop.
5. Dollywood Express
Whether you need a break after conquering all the roller coasters in the park or just prefer the more laid back rides in Dollywood, the Dollywood Express is for you. You can sit back, relax, and reflect on the good times you’ve had that day. You will be wowed by the ride itself as it looks like a classic, old-time train. When the train does start chugging along on its 5-mile journey through the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, you will be amazed by the gorgeous scenery. Another great thing about this ride is that there is no height requirement. Therefore, visitors of all ages can enjoy the pretty sights!
There are a lot of fun rides in Dollywood! If you want to experience all of them in person, start planning your trip. Read over our Dollywood Guide for more information about the park!
