Dollywood, the theme park located in Pigeon Forge and ranked #1 in the United States by Tripadvisor, announced it is debuting its largest and longest roller coaster in the park in Spring of 2023.
Join Ned Oakley in Spring 2023 on our largest family adventure yet: Big Bear Mountain.
This multi-launch coaster contains 3,990 ft. of track, expanding Wildwood Grove with a six-acre ride.
Prepare for things to get BIG by watching our exclusive first look at ride animation. pic.twitter.com/nKzsNX5NXp
— Dollywood Parks & Resorts (@Dollywood) August 5, 2022
The roller coaster, named Big Bear Mountain, will circle the Wildwood Grove section of the park for nearly two minutes on a 3,990-foot track across 6 acres of land. According to a news release by the theme park, Big Bear Mountain is “a first of its kind at Dollywood with onboard audio, including music and announcements from Ned Oakley.”
The ride reaches a top speed of 48 mph and has a minimum height requirement of 39 inches.
According to Dollywood’s website, “Big Bear” is a giant black bear that has been roaming through Wildwood Grove. Although no one ever sees him, signs that he is near have appeared around the area. Riders of the new roller coaster will join Ned Oakley in his specially-outfitted, four-wheel drive SUVs in search of the bear legend.
“The Smokies are all about adventure and going exploring,” Dolly Parton wrote in a Facebook post. “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.”
The theme park urges park goers interested in riding Big Bear Mountain when it debuts to register for its 2023 Season Pass Pre-Sale now through September 30th. Pre-registrants are able to purchase 2023 Season Passes beginning October 17th and will receive the “guaranteed lowest price,” plus access to an exclusive ride event for Big Bear Mountain in spring of 2023.
More than 3 million people visit Dollywood every year. Right now, park guests can enjoy the final days of the Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration presented by Bush’s Beans, followed by the all-new Hoot Owl Hollow as part of this year’s Harvest Festival presented by Humana (September 23rd-October 29th). Finally, park guests can experience the award-winning Smoky Mountain Christmas presented by Humana (November 5th-January 1st, 2023).
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Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network.
