If you’re an adrenaline junkie, Pigeon Forge, TN is the place for you! Our Smoky Mountain city is home to a number of thrilling roller coasters that are sure to get your heart racing. Many of the coasters are part of the famous Dollywood theme park, while others are separate attractions.
When you stay at Eagles Ridge Resort, you will be near all of the incredible coasters in the Smokies. To help you prepare for your vacation, we have put together a guide to the top five Pigeon Forge roller coasters.
1. Lightning Rod (at Dollywood)
Dollywood’s Lightning Rod is the fastest wooden coaster in the entire world! Designed to look like a 1950s hot rod, this coaster reaches a top speed of 73 miles per hour. The secret to Lightning Rod’s blazing speed is its state-of-the-art 1,500 horsepower launch system. Passengers on Lightning Rod will shoot up a hill and then drop 165 feet at a 73 degree angle for a truly thrilling descent. During the ride, passengers will experience 12 airtime drops where they feel like they are coming out of their seat. Guests will find Lightning Rod at the Jukebox Junction area of the theme park.
2. FireChaser Express (at Dollywood)
FireChaser Express is a wonderful roller coaster that the whole family can enjoy. Guests only need to be 39 inches tall to ride this coaster, so even the younger members of your group can join in the fun. Themed around firefighting in the Smoky Mountains, FireChaser Express is the nation’s first dual-launch family coaster. After passengers make the exhilarating ride to the end of the track, FireChaser Express launches again and you get to experience the entire roller coaster in reverse! FireChaser Express is located in the Wilderness Pass section of the park.
3. Thunderhead (at Dollywood)
Thunderhead is an amazing wooden roller coaster inspired by the lumberjacks who once worked at Thunderhead Gap in the Smoky Mountains. Passengers on this coaster will be treated to beautiful mountain views as they conquer a 100-foot drop at a top speed of 55 miles per hour. It’s easy to see why Thunderhead is one of the most popular Pigeon Forge roller coasters! You will find Thunderhead at the Timber Canyon area of Dollywood.
4. Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster
Located along Wears Valley Road in Pigeon Forge, the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster is a different type of coaster than the ones you can enjoy at Dollywood. The alpine coaster is totally immersed in the mountains and offers breathtaking views of some of the area’s most spectacular scenery. Another thing that sets this coaster apart from typical theme park rides is the fact that you can use a lever on your seat to determine the speed of your journey, with a max speed of 25 mph. For a totally unique experience, you can also ride the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster at night. The attraction’s LED lighted track makes the coaster feel even more intense. To get the best of both worlds, you can take advantage of the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster’s same day discount and visit the attraction for both a daytime and nighttime ride.
5. The Coaster at Goats on the Roof
The Coaster at Goats on the Roof is another awesome mountain coaster on Wears Valley Road. Guests are able to control the pace of their ride using a hand break, or you can let The Coaster reach its maximum speed of nearly 30 miles per hour. After your ride, you can check out the other fun things to do at Goats on the Roof, such as mining for gems, sampling homemade fudge and ice cream, or feeding the attraction’s famous goats.
When you stay with us, you’ll be a short drive from all of the best Pigeon Forge roller coasters! Our beautiful cabin resort is located a mile from the Parkway and 15 minutes from Dollywood. To start planning your vacation, browse our selection of cabin rentals in Pigeon Forge.
