Big Bear Mountain opened at Dollywood on May 12, 2023, and immediately changed what a family roller coaster could be. Built by Vekoma for $25 million, it stretches 3,990 feet through the Tennessee hillside — the longest coaster in the park’s history — and packs in three LIM launches, 23 airtime hills, tunnels, and a signature pass behind a waterfall, all while an on-board audio system narrates your pursuit of the legendary Big Bear.
Located in the Wildwood Grove section of Dollywood, Big Bear Mountain threads through 6 acres of natural terrain in a way that makes 48 mph feel considerably faster. Its 39-inch height requirement opens it to a wide range of riders, and the combination of genuine excitement and deep narrative theming earned it the Golden Ticket Award for Best Family Coaster in its debut year. For many children, it will be their first real roller coaster — and it is a genuinely excellent one.
Quick Answer
Big Bear Mountain is a Vekoma Family Launch Coaster at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. It is the park’s longest coaster at 3,990 feet, reaches 48 mph across three LIM launches, requires riders to be at least 39 inches tall, and sits inside the award-winning Wildwood Grove area. It opened May 12, 2023, and won the Golden Ticket Award for Best Family Coaster that same year.
Big Bear Mountain Stats at a Glance
Park: Dollywood, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Area: Wildwood Grove. Manufacturer: Vekoma (Family Launch Coaster). Opened: May 12, 2023. Cost: $25 million. Track length: 3,990 feet — the longest at Dollywood. Maximum height: 66 feet. Top speed: 48 mph. Launches: 3 (LIM). Airtime hills: 23. Inversions: 0. Ride duration: approximately 100 seconds. Capacity: 20 riders per train (10 cars, 2 abreast). Height requirement: 39 inches.
The coaster occupies a 6-acre footprint within Wildwood Grove. Rather than stacking elements vertically, Vekoma designed Big Bear Mountain to use the rolling landscape of the Smoky Mountain foothills as a natural canvas — keeping the track close to the ground and letting the terrain amplify every drop and curve.
The Story: Chasing Big Bear with Ned Oakley
Big Bear Mountain is built around a specific piece of Wildwood Grove lore. Somewhere in these hills roams Big Bear — an enormous black bear that has allegedly prowled Wildwood Grove for generations, leaving signs of his presence everywhere but never being seen. Your guide is Ned Oakley, a wilderness explorer who has spent years searching for the creature and who enlists guests as his crew for one final attempt.
The theming goes deeper than most family coasters manage. The queue features maps, field notes, wildlife research posters, artifacts, and audio recordings from Ned Oakley that build the backstory before you board. Ride vehicles are styled as four-wheel-drive SUVs with working headlights and taillights — a detail that comes alive inside the tunnels. On-board audio, a first for any Dollywood attraction, keeps Ned’s narration and the sounds of Big Bear’s approach running throughout the entire two-minute expedition.
The Ride: Three Launches, 23 Airtime Hills, and a Waterfall
Big Bear Mountain uses LIM (linear induction motor) launches rather than a traditional chain lift hill, so there is no slow build-up before the first burst of speed. The ride delivers three separate launches: the first sends riders out of the station and into the terrain; the second extends momentum through the midcourse; and the third pushes guests into the ride’s final and most exhilarating sequence. Riders and enthusiast reviewers consistently describe the back half after the third launch as the highlight of the experience.
The 23 airtime hills are the ride’s backbone. Where most family coasters offer a handful of gentle floater moments, Big Bear Mountain delivers airtime almost continuously, particularly in the final third. High-speed carousel turns add directional variety, and multiple tunnels — including one that runs directly behind a cascading waterfall, close enough that riders on the outside seats can feel mist — give the ride several standout moments that hold up on repeated rides.
At roughly 100 seconds from first launch to final brake run, Big Bear Mountain feels substantially longer than most rides in its class. The pacing stays tight with no dead zones, which also contributes to the impression that the coaster is moving faster than its 48 mph top speed.
Why Big Bear Mountain Works for Families
The 39-inch height requirement is the headline family credential — significantly lower than Dollywood’s major thrill coasters, which have higher height requirements. Big Bear Mountain is accessible to children who have outgrown kiddie rides but are not yet ready for the park’s most intense machines. Dollywood has positioned it explicitly as a gateway experience: for many guests, this will be their first real roller coaster.
What sets Big Bear Mountain apart from typical family coasters is that it does not sacrifice adult appeal for accessibility. Three LIM launches and 23 airtime hills mean the ride genuinely excites older riders and enthusiasts alongside its younger audience. The absence of inversions keeps the experience approachable without making it feel tame. It is rare for a coaster to satisfy a young child on their first big ride and a seasoned enthusiast on their fifteenth — Big Bear Mountain pulls it off.
The queue itself is practically family-friendly too: it is almost entirely shaded, equipped with fans throughout, and lined with Ned Oakley’s expedition materials that keep children engaged while waiting. Note that Big Bear Mountain does not offer a single-rider line, unlike some other Dollywood coasters, so groups should plan for the standard queue during busy periods.
Big Bear Mountain and Wildwood Grove
Big Bear Mountain anchors Wildwood Grove, the themed expansion area Dollywood opened in 2019 that has won the Golden Ticket Award for Best Theme Park Kids’ Area every year since its debut. The Grove is designed around an immersive nature-fantasy setting — winding trails, forest creatures, and hidden nooks that reward exploration — and Big Bear Mountain fits into that world as a full-scale adventure rather than a standalone attraction.
The coaster’s 6-acre layout threads between trees and over natural terrain, making it feel embedded in the landscape rather than placed on top of it. Approaching from the Grove entrance, the ride’s orange track with green supports is visible winding through the hillside ahead, building anticipation well before you reach the queue.
Awards and Recognition
Big Bear Mountain won the Amusement Today Golden Ticket Award for Best Family Coaster in 2023, its debut year. It has continued to rank highly in the Golden Ticket steel coaster standings in subsequent years, including a 32nd-place finish among all steel coasters globally in the 2024 rankings.
Dollywood had a dominant 2023 Golden Ticket showing overall, also taking home Best Park, Best Guest Experience, Best Kids’ Area, and Best Christmas Event. Big Bear Mountain was central to that sweep and reflects the park’s longstanding approach of building coasters that serve both families and enthusiasts rather than choosing between them.
Tips for Riding Big Bear Mountain
Arrive early. Big Bear Mountain draws some of the longest queue times in the park, particularly on summer weekends and holidays. Reaching Wildwood Grove within the first hour of park opening significantly cuts wait times. The Dollywood app provides live wait estimates and an interactive park map and is worth checking throughout the day.
There is no single-rider line for Big Bear Mountain. Front-row seats offer the best unobstructed view through the tunnels and behind the waterfall; seats toward the rear tend to amplify the airtime on the hills. Both positions are worth trying — Big Bear Mountain is among the most reridden coasters in the park, and neither disappoints.
Big Bear Mountain FAQs
How long is Big Bear Mountain at Dollywood?
Big Bear Mountain’s track is 3,990 feet long, making it the longest roller coaster at Dollywood. The ride lasts approximately 100 seconds from the first launch to the final brake run.
How fast does Big Bear Mountain go?
Big Bear Mountain reaches a top speed of 48 mph, achieved through three separate LIM (linear induction motor) launches rather than a traditional chain lift hill.
What is the height requirement for Big Bear Mountain?
Riders must be at least 39 inches tall to ride Big Bear Mountain. This is lower than Dollywood’s major thrill coasters, making it accessible to most school-age children and a natural first big coaster for younger riders.
Is Big Bear Mountain scary?
Big Bear Mountain is a family coaster with no inversions, but three launches and 48 mph make it more intense than a traditional family ride. It is designed to be approachable for riders who meet the 39-inch height requirement while still exciting older riders and adults.
Who built Big Bear Mountain and when did it open?
Big Bear Mountain was designed and manufactured by Vekoma, a Dutch roller coaster company. It was officially announced on August 5, 2022, and opened at Dollywood on May 12, 2023, at a cost of $25 million.
Has Big Bear Mountain won any awards?
Yes. Big Bear Mountain won the Amusement Today Golden Ticket Award for Best Family Coaster in 2023, its debut year. It also ranked 32nd among all steel roller coasters globally in the 2024 Golden Ticket Awards.
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