Inside Dollywood’s Summer Season: Iconic Rides and Hidden Gems

From America’s first steel wing coaster to the legendary Grist Mill cinnamon bread, here is why Dollywood remains a top-tier theme park destination.

Nestled in the heart of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, Dollywood combines world-class thrills with classic Southern charm. Dollywood Parks & Resorts

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn.—The summer is upon us! And the thrill of a ride—that is, roller coasters and log flumes—can be found at your nearest theme park.

On the heels of its 40th anniversary celebration, Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is not done unveiling innovative coasters for eager thrill-seekers. Set to open sometime this summer (no official word has been given on the exact date), the NightFlight Expedition is a $50 million “indoor family hybrid coaster and whitewater river raft ride.” It is a one-of-a-kind attraction that takes guests on a 5 1/2-minute “flight” through the Smoky Mountains, a rapid whitewater excursion, a trek up the edge of a mountain ridge, and boating in a bioluminescent lake, all using interactive multimedia presentations and special lighting effects. With so much anticipation for this ride, it may seem a big disappointment for Dollywood guests who have already visited the park to miss its maiden voyage.

Nevertheless, Dollywood currently has an award-winning lineup of coasters that will not disappoint new and returning guests. Of the 10 roller coasters found at the park, there are a few notable ones that first-timers should not miss.

As America’s first steel wing coaster, the Wild Eagle leaves riders suspended over the sides of the track with nothing but mountain air beneath them. Dollywood Parks & Resorts

The Rides of One’s Life

Dollywood’s innovative firsts include offering America’s first steel wing coaster, on which riders are seated on either side of the track with nothing above or below them (mimicking an eagle’s wings) and are literally hanging off the sides of the track. The Wild Eagle has a really long, suspenseful climb up the tracks before it “takes off.” To make it even more of a thrill ride, there are tons of quick turns and loops, and it is not for the faint of heart.

The Lightning Rod is a hybrid wooden-and-steel track roller coaster dressed up as a 1950s hot rod. It is one of the country’s fastest coasters, with a top speed of 73 miles per hour. Its first dip is a 165-foot drop, and the ride covers 3,800 feet of “no-lulls” thrills from start to finish. It is consistently ranked among the best roller coasters in America by numerous publications.

Fashioned as a 1950s hot rod, the Lightning Rod hybrid coaster blasts thrill-seekers through sharp bank curves. Dollywood Parks & Resorts

Located within Wilderness Grove, Dollywood’s biggest park expansion ever, Big Bear Mountain is the longest ride in all of Dollywood, with a track length of nearly 4,000 feet. Newly opened in 2023, it is a steel roller coaster with high-speed turns, loops, and tunnels. Another first for a coaster ride is the onboard audio accompanying riders on their quest for Big Bear.

Dollywood capitalizes on the park’s Smoky Mountain setting, and this is executed well on the Tennessee Tornado ride, which passes through an actual mountain tunnel. The steel looping roller coaster ride features a 128-foot drop and reaches speeds of 63 to 70 miles per hour. The real thrills are found in its vertical loops and its sidewinder loop.

Big Bear Mountain is Dollywood’s longest coaster, taking riders on a high-speed, 4,000-foot trek through Wilderness Grove. Dollywood Parks & Resorts

Strategic Layouts

With most parks switching to apps, Dollywood is one of the few theme parks still distributing paper maps for ease of navigation.

The park is divided into 11 themed areas. Most areas have a high-level thrill ride for thrill-seekers, alongside mid-level rides for those who would prefer to keep their lunch. Family-friendly carnival rides and games in the Country Fair area are perfect for those with little ones, and then take the whole crew on the Dollywood Express. As you chug your way through the park, the train also passes by the area where the NightFlight Expedition ride will be, so that you can check out its progress.

Need to cool off a bit? Head to Craftsman’s Valley and get on the Daredevil Falls. It is a super flume ride on which guests ride in a big “log” and meander through the course, with the ultimate climax of a 60-foot drop, soaking both boat riders and splash deck spectators. Next to the Valley is Rivertown Junction, where you can simulate rafting on the Smoky Mountain River with the Smoky Mountain River Rampage. It’ll be a nice respite after a long, hot summer day.

Guests cool off from the summer heat aboard the Smoky Mountain River Rampage, a whitewater rafting simulation that promises to leave everyone soaked. Dollywood Parks & Resorts

Take a Break

The theme park experience can get a little overwhelming, especially when lines are exceptionally long and you’re baking under the hot summer sun. Thankfully, there are plenty of opportunities to step into some shade once in a while to catch a breath—and a show.

It wouldn’t be Dolly Parton’s theme park without some mini-concerts happening. You can catch Dolly’s own niece, Heidi Parton, along with other family members and friends, singing a wide variety of popular songs across genres. Or be enthralled by Dolly’s own Southern gospel group, the Kingdom Heirs. There’s also a string band, country singing groups, and solo artists who will fill the mountain air with their voices and instruments.

If you’re a die-hard fan, there are a few Dolly-centric shows that you can catch as well. There’s a museum that showcases her fashionable concert outfits and the mobile home she uses on the road. Visit a replica of Dolly’s childhood home, specially furnished by Dolly’s own mom, to capture the details of her childhood. And if there’s ever any doubt about where you are, catch the newly erected Hollywood-style Dollywood sign up on the hillside near the train station.

The newly erected Dollywood sign proudly sits on the hillside near the train station, offering a Hollywood-style welcome to visiting fans. Lynn Topel

Home to Dollywood's world-famous cinnamon bread, the Grist Mill in Craftman's Valley might be the sweetest spot in the park. Dollywood Parks & Resorts

Theme park food, in general, is not always the best. Dollywood offers some of the usual fare found in most theme parks; however, one thing stands out: the cinnamon bread. Make your way to the Grist Mill located in the Craftsman’s Valley area for their freshly baked signature cinnamon bread. Fluffy and warm, topped with its sweet icing, it is the perfect way to end the day.

Fluffy, warm, and dripping with icing, Dollywood's signature cinnamon bread is the park's undisputed culinary star. Dollywood Parks & Resorts

The "Tennessee Mountain Home" plaque bearing Dolly Parton's signature marks the replica of her childhood home. Dollywood Parks & Resorts

Of the many theme parks here in America, Dollywood is one of the better-laid-out and better-run. With Dolly’s crystalline singing in the background serenading guests throughout the park, fun summer memories can be had here in Dolly’s backyard.