Known for its award-winning shows, delicious food, and one-of-a-kind roller coasters, Dollywood is a can’t-miss spot on your trip to the Smoky Mountains! Dollywood provides rides for all ages and thrill-seekers. Whether you’re looking for jaw and stomach-dropping roller coasters or awesome water rides to keep you cool, Dollywood has got you covered. Here are the 5 best rides in Dollywood that you have to try:
1. Barnstormer
Grab 32 of your closest friends and head to the Owens Farm section of the park where you’ll find the Barnstormer. Featuring two pendulum arms with enough room for 32 riders, the Barnstormer will swing your progressively higher and higher at speeds up to 45 miles per hour and 230 degrees of rotation. At the peak of Barnstormer, you’ll sit at 81 feet in the air before zooming back towards the ground, both forwards and backwards.
2. FireChaser Express
For those who want to dip their toes into the world of roller coasters, the FireChaser Express is a good place to start. FireChaser Express pays respect to the brave men and women who fight the forest fires that threaten the Smokies. Celebrate our firefighters and enjoy this awesome roller coaster with the whole family. FireChaser Express is the nation’s first dual-launch family coaster, meaning you’ll have just as much fun when the coaster shoots you backwards as you did going forwards!
3. Daredevil Falls
On those hot summer days where you’re ready to cool off after exploring the park, climb aboard your log boat on Daredevil Falls! Modeled after an abandoned logging camp, you’ll have to face bears, faulty lumber machinery and waterfalls on Daredevil Falls. We hope you don’t mind getting wet because you’re sure to get splashed traveling down the 60-foot waterfall at 50 miles per hour! This fan-favorite ride has been thrilling visitors since 1998, making it easily one of the best rides in Dollywood.
4. Lightning Rod
Calling all adrenaline junkies! If you love high speeds, big drops, and 1950s hot rods, this roller coaster is for you! Located in Jukebox Junction, Lightning Rod launches riders zero to 45 miles per hour up 20 stories before cresting the hill where riders will face twin summit air time. In all, riders will see 20 seconds of air time on Lightning Rod. Get ready for the 165-foot drop at top speeds of 73 miles per hour down the 3,800 feet of steel track. If you’re a thrill seeker, then you’ve come to the right place!
5. Wild Eagle
Still haven’t gotten your adrenaline fix? Head to Wilderness Pass and grab a seat on the Wild Eagle. The Wild Eagle is America’s first wing coaster and gives riders a one-of-a-kind view of the Smokies from 21 stories up. Instead of sitting in a train car on the tracks, the Wild Eagle seats riders off the sides on the tracks, leaving your legs dangling with nothing but air underneath.
Now that you know the best rides in Dollywood you can buy your tickets and start planning your Smoky Mountain vacation today! When you stay at one of our condos and villas, you’ll be just minutes away from Dollywood and all these amazing rides. Check out all of our rentals and get ready for your best trip to the Smokies yet!
