Okay, lists like these can be quite subjective, to be honest. But if you’re here in Dollywood and you want the try out the most unforgettable rides, then you’ll need to prioritize. The thing with Dollywood is that it’s a popular park, and there are often large crowds that make it basically impossible to get through every ride you might want to try out.
So, to maximize your enjoyment, try these rides at Dollywood first—these are among the best of them all:
Tennessee Tornado
On paper, the 2-minute duration of this ride might seem a bit short for you. But the ride has you screaming most of the way through, so it might actually feel like it goes on for a long while. Time is subjective, and this ride is proof of that concept.
After all, you won’t be able to stop screaming during all those twists and turns, since the ride was actually designed to feel like a scary twister making its way through an old mining company. You’ll get through one loop and love it, only for the next loop to be even better.
Lightning Rod
This is supposed to simulate a ride on a “hot rod” of the 1950s, which might not seem all that impressive for all those lovers of modern sports cars out there. But this wooden roller coaster has you experiencing drops of 165 feet—that’s like a drop from the roof of a 15-story building. Add the speeds of up to 70 miles per hour and even 20 seconds of actual air time, and it’s truly exhilarating.
Mystery Mine
How would you like to explore an abandoned mine? You’re not walking slowly along tunnels this time, though, as you hop into a mine cart that will take you the ride of your life. It’s a terrifying journey involving inline twists and even a 95-degree drop that will scare the pants off you.
Daredevil Falls
This time, it’s through an abandoned logging camp, and you’re going through a boating expedition. The high point of the ride (not just in a literal sense) is a 60-foot drop down a huge waterfall, but that’s not the only scary aspect. There are lots of close calls along the way, involving black bears and old equipment.
Wild Eagle
Yes, you’re flying this time. This was the very first wing coaster in the US, and it hasn’t lost its thrill over the years. It really feels like you’re flying on this ride, as along the way the track under you disappears and it feels like you’re just soaring through the air all on your own. Be ready for the various inversions along the way, and there’s a 210-foot drop as well. That’s like diving from the roof of a 19-story building!
FireChaser Express
This was the first dual-launch coaster in the US, and you’ll blast off quick towards a highly combustible warehouse stuffed with gasoline and fireworks. At least this time, you’ll get a small inkling of how it feels like to be a real firefighter!