Dolly Parton reveals Dollywood’s new longest roller coaster, Big Bear Mountain, coming in 2023

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn — Dolly Parton announced Friday that Dollywood is getting a new attraction, Big Bear Mountain, which will be the longest roller coaster at the park.

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According to a news release from Business Wire, the new Big Bear Mountain roller coaster costs $25 million, is 3,990 feet long and takes guests through the Smokies. It will become the longest roller coaster at the park.

The Knoxville News Sentinel said the new roller coaster is the largest single attraction investment in Dollywood history.

“The Smokies are all about adventure and going exploring,” Dolly Parton said in a news release. “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 ride’s speed is about 48 miles per hour as it goes through three separate launches, multiple airtime hills, passes through a waterfall and so much more, according to a news release.

“Big Bear Mountain is an exciting ride that really is going to be a game changer for us,” said Eugene Naughton, President of the Dollywood Company, in a news release. “Not only is it the largest coaster we’ve built, but it includes features—like on-board audio—that are new for our company. Big Bear Mountain also expands the footprint of Wildwood Grove and serves as another monumental step in the ongoing investment plan Dolly and I announced in June 2021. She’s keeping me busy. Now that we’ve announced Big Bear Mountain, I’ll start working on the next projects she has lined up for me!”

According to People Magazine, the Big Bear Mountain roller coaster is set to open in spring 2023.

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