Do any rides at Dollywood go upside down?

Wild Eagle The Wild Eagle was the first ride of its kind in the United States and is situated 21 stories above Dollywood, providing a true bird's eye view of the park. Enjoy this unique experience as you turn upside down three times and soar high above the Smoky Mountains!



Yes, Dollywood features several high-thrill roller coasters that include inversions (going upside down). The most famous is Wild Eagle, a wing coaster that flips riders four times, including a giant loop and a zero-G roll. Another is Tennessee Tornado, a classic "looper" known for its smooth but intense triple inversions. Mystery Mine, a themed steel coaster in Timber Canyon, also features a heartline roll that turns guests upside down in the dark. In 2026, the park continues to balance these high-intensity rides with family-friendly options like the new NightFlight Expedition, which focuses on immersive storytelling rather than inversions. For 2026 thrill-seekers, Dollywood offers a robust "inversion" lineup that rivals many larger corporate parks while maintaining its unique Smoky Mountain charm.

People Also Ask

FireChaser Express Located in Wilderness Pass, this coaster looks like a miniature red train and travels both forward and backward along the track. Thrill-factor: This is another one of Dollywood's coasters that would be considered just thrilling enough for beginner or intermediate thrill-seekers.

MORE DETAILS

I'm a coaster veteran so scary criteria may be biased, but here is my list.
  • Lightning Rod. Hands down the most thrilling, absolutely terrifying on an overcast night with no moon or starlight. ...
  • Mystery Mine. The 90-degree lift is enough to un-glue most riders. ...
  • Wild Eagle. ...
  • Blazing Fury. ...
  • Tennessee Tornado. ...
  • Thunderhead.


MORE DETAILS

Blazing Fury, Dragonflier, Firechaser and Thunder Head are all great roller coasters that aren't too jarring and don't go upside down. Lightning Rod doesn't go upside down, but is very intense, so I would advise against riding it.

MORE DETAILS

In September 2023, Dollywood announced that it would close Lightning Rod between October 30, 2023, and spring 2024 so it could replace the ride's launch system with a chain lift hill. The change was intended to improve reliability, although the ride would retain its top speed of 73 miles per hour (117 km/h).

MORE DETAILS

If the views from Drop Line aren't breathtaking enough, the 20+ story drop definitely is! The instant acceleration from 0 to 78MPH as you hurtle towards the ground and experience -3.2G's for nearly three seconds of free fall is sure to scare even the bravest person in your group.

MORE DETAILS

Dollywood's Accessibility Guide states that “certain attractions may not accommodate individuals approaching 270 lbs. and/or 6-ft. -4-in height.” We made every effort to account for this and to be as thorough as possible when testing out each of these attractions.

MORE DETAILS

That's because Dollywood is closed from early January to mid-March to get ready for a new season. Dollywood is also closed on some random days in 2023 and certain holidays.

MORE DETAILS

Dollywood is truly for everyone and certainly, in some ways, adults will get more out of a visit to this exciting theme park than young children. But this theme park is just the start of what Pigeon Forge has to offer.

MORE DETAILS

Blazing Fury is located in Craftsman's Valley, is the oldest coaster ride in the park, and is a holdover from Silver Dollar City days, before the park became Dollywood.

MORE DETAILS

Dollywood is a large theme park, but perhaps more importantly, a very hilly theme park. If you have even moderate mobility issues, you might be intimidated.

MORE DETAILS

The Fire Ball, a looped carnival roller coaster ride, had a mechanical failure while it was operating Sunday, July 2, at the Forest County Festival in Crandon, Wis., about 55 miles from the border with Michigan's Upper Peninsula, authorities said.

MORE DETAILS

Yes, it can be done, but to have the most satisfying experience, it takes some strategic planning and prioritizing. Here's my guide and tips on making the best of Dollywood in a day: First, know that Dollywood is more than roller coasters.

MORE DETAILS

Visit on a Lighter Day Generally, you'll find Dollywood is most crowded in summer and fall. While going to Dollywood in the low season is ideal, visiting on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday during summer is the best way to dodge crowds and long lines.

MORE DETAILS

One of the Dollywood roller coasters, the Wild Eagle, soars 21 stories high at 61 miles per hour. While millions of visitors a year visit Dollywood without incident, accidents have occurred at the popular amusement park. In the summer of 2019, several Dollywood guests suffered injuries when two trams collided.

MORE DETAILS

Are all rides free in Dollywood? There are more than 50 rides and attractions at Dollywood ranging from roller coasters to kiddie rides to the Dollywood Express train. All rides and regular shows are included with admission to Dollywood.

MORE DETAILS

Each guest may bring in one unopened bottle of water, which can be refilled at stations throughout the park. Free cups of ice water are also available. One more thing worth noting: Dollywood does not serve alcohol inside the park.

MORE DETAILS

In 2023, the park is making it all about the bears. This brand new attraction is called Big Bear Mountain, and it is largest and longest roller coaster at Dollywood! On this unique attraction, riders will join Ned Oakley, Wildwood Grove's resident explorer, on a search party for Big Bear.

MORE DETAILS

Also new at Dollywood in 2024 is the updated Lightning Rod coaster, which will offer a new high-speed chain lift.

MORE DETAILS