Articles from Dollywood Parks & Resorts

What started as a small roadside attraction in 1961—a simple train ride through the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains—has now become an innovative force within the theme park industry. The attraction that now sits on that same ground has blossomed to become a place known around the world as the home of authentic family fun and memory making. Since its opening in 1986, Dollywood Parks & Resorts has grown to become a complete family destination; a beloved powerhouse within its industry, much like its namesake Dolly Parton has become to generations of fans worldwide.

Dolly Parton today announced the newest addition to Dollywood Parks & Resorts, the $25 million Big Bear Mountain, a nearly 4,000 ft. long roller coaster which allows guests to embark on an unforgettable expedition through the Smokies in search of the elusive “Big Bear.” Big Bear Mountain, which at 3,990 ft. becomes the longest roller coaster at the Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, park, marks the expansion of Dollywood’s newest area, Wildwood Grove.