The Tennessee Tornado at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge features a dramatic first drop of 128 feet (39 meters). As a custom-built Arrow Dynamics steel looper, it is unique because it was designed with much more modern, smooth transitions than earlier Arrow coasters. The ride begins with a slow climb up the lift hill, followed by a sweeping 110-degree right turn that plunges into a tunnel at the base of the mountain. During this drop, the train reaches a top speed of 63 mph (101 km/h). What makes this drop feel particularly intense is the "terrain" aspect; the coaster is built into the side of a hill, so the descent feels like you are diving deep into the forest. Following the initial drop, the ride immediately enters a massive "Spiraling Loop" that is 110 feet tall, which was the largest in the world when it opened in 1999. In 2026, it remains a "cult favorite" among coaster enthusiasts for its powerful G-forces (up to 3.7g) and its short but extremely "punchy" layout that provides a high-intensity experience without the head-banging typical of older steel coasters.