Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee has announced the opening of its longest coaster to date, the $25 million Big Bear Mountain, in spring 2023.
Located in Dollywood’s newest area Wildwood Grove, Big Bear Mountain is nearly 4,000 ft. long and will let guests see the Smokies while searching for ‘Big Bear’ in SUV-style ride vehicles.
“The Smokies are all about adventure and going exploring,” said Dolly Parton.
“I’m excited our guests will be able to head out on their own trip into the Smokies to see if they can find that Big Bear! Whether he’s out there or not, I’m sure they’ll find a lot of memories along the way that they’ll keep forever.”
Riders race through the wilderness at speeds of up to 48 mph, also soaring above the forest. The ride boasts three separate launches, multiple airtime hills, high-speed carousel turns and tunnels.
Big Bear Mountain is also the first ride at Dollywood to include on-board audio. According to a release, Big Bear is a huge black bear who roams through Wildwood Grove. Guests will join the area’s resident wilderness explorer, Ned Oakley.
“Big Bear Mountain is an exciting ride that really is going to be a game changer for us,” said Eugene Naughton, president of the Dollywood Company.
“Not only is it the largest coaster we’ve built, but it includes features – like on-board audio – that are new for our company,” he added.
$25m roller coaster in Wildwood Grove
“Big Bear Mountain also expands the footprint of Wildwood Grove and serves as another monumental step in the ongoing investment plan Dolly and I announced in June 2021.
“She’s keeping me busy. Now that we’ve announced Big Bear Mountain, I’ll start working on the next projects she has lined up for me!”
Home to more than 40 world-class attractions, Dollywood is a 160-acre theme park jointly owned by Parton and Herschend Family Entertainment.
Currently under construction, the HeartSong Lodge & Resort is the first project in a $500m investment plan over the next decade. It is scheduled for completion in 2023.
Images: Herschend Family Entertainment
