Dollywood Roller Coasters Ranked (By Our Kids)

Dollywood roller coasters ranked. Dollywood is tucked away in the mountains of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. We keep annual passes to this theme park, a must-visit destination in the United States. Dollywood offers a range of adrenaline-inducing, fast-paced thrill rides and family-friendly adventures.

Let’s check out the top roller coasters at Dollywood, ranked from the most intense to the gentlest.

How We Ranked Dollywood’s Roller Coasters

To start with, we surveyed some Dollywood experts: our kids! We spend a lot time at Dollywood each year, thanks to annual passes. The rankings are also based on speed, height, drops, and inversions.

Top 10 Roller Coasters at Dollywood

#1 Lightning Rod

Lightning Rod, in the Wilderness Pass area of the park, holds the title of the world’s fastest wooden coaster, reaching a top speed of 73 mph. Its first drop, a heart-stopping 165-foot plunge, and the 90-degree banked breaking wave turn provide a level of intensity that rivals those of major roller coasters at Cedar Point and Six Flags Magic Mountain. Lightning Rod is unique in that it doesn’t slow down much from when you leave the station.

#2 Wild Eagle

Wild Eagle, Dollywood’s soaring steel roller coaster, offers riders a unique experience as they sit on either side of the track, simulating flight. This was the first wing coaster in the United States and continues to be a favorite. With its 210-foot height and 135-foot drop, Wild Eagle gives an intense, eagle-like flying experience across 3,127 feet of steel track.

#3 Mystery Mine

Mystery Mine, an indoor roller coaster located in the Timber Canyon, combines the thrill of a coaster with the suspense of a dark ride. It offers a unique blend of indoor and outdoor experiences, making it one of Dollywood’s best things to try.

#4 Tennessee Tornado

This steel roller coaster promises a twister ride with a 128-foot drop into a mountain tunnel and multiple inversions. It offers an exhilarating experience, earning its place among Dollywood’s most popular rides, just like El Toro at Six Flags or Top Thrill Dragster at Cedar Point.

#5 Thunderhead

This classic wooden coaster, located in Timber Canyon, features a wooden track with a 100-foot drop and a top speed of 55 mph. Thunderhead is a joy for the entire family, reminding coaster lovers of the classic wooden roller coasters found at places like Kings Island or Knott’s Berry Farm. Just be warned: This coaster rides like a classic wooden coaster too, no smooth rides here!

#6 Big Bear Mountain

New for 2023: Nestled in the Wildwood Grove area of the park, Big Bear Mountain is a gentler coaster, perfect for families with young kids or first-time roller coaster riders. With gentle drops and turns, this ride is a perfect introduction to the world of roller coasters.

#7 FireChaser Express

FireChaser Express is another family-friendly coaster in the Wilderness Pass area of the park. It offers a unique roller coaster experience with forward and backward motions, ensuring a fun-filled ride for the entire family.

#8 Blazing Fury

Blazing Fury, a tamer indoor roller coaster with a storyline, has been a park favorite since 1978.

When you get on, it’s easy to notice that it’s pretty old. But its unique blend of mild thrills and engaging theme makes it an enduring family favorite.

#9 Whistle Punk Chaser

A newer addition is the Whistle Punk Chaser, a junior coaster that provides a fantastic ride for the younger thrill-seekers in your group. It’s the perfect stepping stone for kids just starting to explore the world of roller coasters.

Other Thrill Rides

Barnstormer

While not a traditional roller coaster, Barnstormer is a giant swing ride with an 81-foot rise and fall at speeds of up to 45 mph. This unique ride is a must for those looking to experience all the different roller coasters and rides Dollywood offers.

Drop Line

Drop Line is Dollywood’s answer to thrill-seekers who favor the heart-stopping sensation of vertical drops over roller coasters. This 230-foot tall drop tower treats riders to a few seconds of nervous anticipation before plummeting them back to earth.

Conclusion

Come and experience the roller coasters, the shows, the food, and the magic of Dollywood. It’s an experience you won’t forget!