Big Bear Mountain is Dollywood’s longest roller coaster and the centerpiece of the park’s Wildwood Grove area. This family triple-launch coaster sends riders winding nearly 4,000 feet through the Tennessee hillside, with launches, airtime hills, tunnels, and even a pass behind a waterfall.
Built by Vekoma and opened on May 12, 2023, the $25 million Big Bear Mountain was designed to be approachable for families while still delivering the terrain-hugging speed Dollywood is known for. It was also the first ride at the park to feature on-board audio.
Stats at a Glance
- Park: Dollywood, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
- Area: Wildwood Grove
- Manufacturer: Vekoma (family launched coaster)
- Opened: May 12, 2023
- Length: 3,990 feet (longest at Dollywood)
- Top speed: 48 mph
- Launches: Three
What Makes Big Bear Mountain Special
- Three separate launches that keep the momentum building through the ride.
- A terrain-hugging layout that weaves through the Smoky Mountains foothills.
- Tunnels and a signature pass behind a waterfall.
- On-board audio — a first for Dollywood — that scores the chase for the elusive Ben Bear.
- A family-friendly height requirement, making it one of the most rerideable coasters in the park.
Family launched coasters are one of many styles — see how they compare in our guide to the types of roller coasters, or explore more roller coasters.
FAQs
How long is Big Bear Mountain?
At 3,990 feet, Big Bear Mountain is the longest roller coaster at Dollywood.
How fast is Big Bear Mountain?
It reaches a top speed of 48 mph across three launches.
Is Big Bear Mountain good for families?
Yes — it has a lower height requirement than Dollywood’s thrill coasters, making it a family-friendly launched coaster.
Photo: Jeremy Thompson / CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.