Dollywood is getting a new attraction — Big Bear Mountain. Dolly Parton herself announced the newest addition at Dollywood Parks & Resorts on Friday.
The ride, located in Wildwood Grove, Tenn., will allow guests to see the Smokies while searching for the “Big Bear.” Riders will race through mountains, tunnels and even pass behind a waterfall.
Dolly Parton and Dollywood say the roller coaster will be nearly 4,000 ft. long, will reach a speed of 48 mph, and last nearly two minutes. The announcement of the addition was made during a media event at Dollywood on Friday.
“The Smokies are all about adventure and going exploring,” she said in a statement.
“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!”
Dollywood is expanding over the next decade — set to spend over half a billion dollars on the park and resorts.
As for whether Parson herself would ride the roller coaster for a test run, she gracefully declined.
“You know I’m not going to get on that,” she said.
The roller coaster will also be the first attraction at the park to feature on-board audio, including music and narration from Ned Oakley, the fictional caretaker of Benjamin Bear.
“Whether he’s out there or not, I’m sure they’ll find a lot of memories along the way that’ll keep forever.”
Dollywood announced at a media event that Big Bear Mountain will be the next attraction added to the park.
Big Bear Mountain is set to make its debut in spring 2023.
