Dollywood Announces New Roller Coaster Set To Open Spring 2023

After a week of teasing on their social media platforms, Dollywood has finally announced the highly anticipated new roller coaster! Dolly Parton revealed the plans for the park’s newest and largest attraction at a special event at Dollywood today.

The new coaster is called Big Bear Mountain and will make its grand opening in spring of 2023 at the popular Wildwood Grove expansion in Dollywood. The new family friendly roller coaster is costing Dollywood $25 million to build. It is the largest and most expensive attraction that Dollywood has invested in to date.

For nearly two minutes, riders will be taken on a journey to find the elusive “Big Bear” as the coaster circles Wildwood Grove. Big Bear Mountain will also feature “three separate launches, multiple airtime hills, high-speed carousel turns and tunnels, including a pass behind a waterfall,” according to a news release.

Dolly Parton stated in a press release, “The Smokies are all about adventure and going exploring, 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.”

Big Bear’s Story

Dollywood has been sharing the legend of Big Bear on their social media channels. There is a legend that a great big bear lived not far north of the Wildwood Tree and has plagued Wildwood Grove since the land was founded. Dubbed ‘Big Bear’, the tales have gotten more and more outrageous with each retelling. Some even say that Big Bear is twenty-feet tall when standing. Ned Oakley, a wilderness explorer, is ready to get to the bottom of these wild legends. Park goers will be able to join Ned Oakley at the Adventure Outpost Base Camp and help him track down this Big Bear.

Dollywood’s New Roller Coaster 

Big Bear Mountain is Dollywood’s longest coaster with nearly 4,000 feet of track. It is the first roller coaster at Dollywood to have onboard audio which will make the ride even more thrilling. The coaster has a ride duration of 2 minutes with the top speed of 48 MPH and a maximum elevation of 66 feet. This new coaster is also a family coaster with the height requirement of just 39 inches, so the youngest kiddos can join in the ride.

Big Bear Mountain Stats

• Longest Coaster at Dollywood at 3,990 ft.
• Maximum Speed of 48 MPH
• Ride Duration of 99-104 Seconds
• 66 Feet at Highest Track Elevation
• 20 Passengers Per Train
• Minimum Height Requirement of 39 inches

When Will Big Bear Mountain Open?

Big Bear Mountain is set to open at Dollywood in spring 2023. The exact opening date has not yet been announced. But there is some good news for season pass holders. The 2023 season pass holders will have access to an exclusive ride event for Big Bear Mountain in spring of 2023. The 2023 Season Passes will be on sale beginning October 17, 2023.

You can get a first look at Dollywood’s Big Bear Mountain roller coaster in the video below!

Dollywood Rollercoasters

Check out our post for Dollywood Roller Coasters Ranked!

Dollywood Tips

If you are planning a trip to the Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge, get the most out of your trip with these top insider tips. We share tips from where to park, how to get discounts, the best times to go to the park, and popular rides, shows, foods, and festivals. Dollywood is rated one of the best family vacation destinations and the friendliest theme park in the United States! Before you visit Dollywood check out our Dollywood Tips: 17 Things You Need To Know Before Your Next Visit.