Big Bear Mountain, Dollywood's Longest Coaster, Comes to the Great Smoky Mountains

Posted by Jon Hoffman in Smoky Mountain Attractions

Have you seen Big Bear?

According to Smoky Mountains legend, this massive black bear has been roaming around Dollywood's Wildwood Grove for as long as anyone can remember. Local folks have occasionally glimpsed him in the distance. And telltale signs of his presence are everywhere. But nobody has ever seen the mysterious bruin right up close.

Now Ned Oakley, Wildwood Grove's intrepid explorer, is getting set to lead an SUV expedition in search of the elusive bear. And he's inviting Dollywood visitors to join him in his daring quest.

Sound like a tall tale? Well, yes, it is – but that's the point. It's all part of the theme for Dollywood's new Big Bear Mountain, the longest rollercoaster in the park's 38-year history.

Slated to open in May 2023, this $25-million coaster will run along 3,990 feet of steel track, cover six acres of land, reach speeds of 48 mph, and ascend to a top height of 66 feet. The entire ride will last about 100 seconds – almost two full minutes – with lots of adventure all along the way.

Family-Friendly Yet Packed with Excitement

Specially designed for families, Big Bear Mountain will be open to riders who are at least 39 inches tall. That means it's perfect for children from preschool age on up. (The average four-year-old is 40 inches tall.)

But, make no mistake, this kid-pleasing ride will provide plenty of heart-pounding thrills for children and adults alike. As you twist, turn, drop, and soar around the outer edge of Wildwood Grove, you'll experience:

• Three separate launches
• Two twisted airtime hills
• Two tunnel passthroughs – one underground and one behind a waterfall
• One twisted double-down with two dramatic drops
• One high-speed helix – a 360º spiraling turn
• One high-speed carousel turn
• One twisted camelback turn
• Plus plenty of bunny hops

To Top It Off, You'll Get to Participate in the Search for Big Bear

Big Bear Mountain will feature on-board audio – a first for a Dollywood coaster – with music and narration furnished by fictional explorer Ned Oakley. You'll get hints and clues about Big Bear's whereabouts, so you can help solve the mystery as you enjoy the ride.

All This Plus a Unique Car Design, Engineered to Add to the Fun

It's an SUV expedition, remember? So, all the cars resemble blue 4WD SUVs – authentic to the last detail – complete with working headlights and taillights.

Each coaster train will have 10 two-seated cars accommodating up to 20 passengers.

Almost Ready for the Grand Opening

Big Bear Mountain's lengthy steel track has already been completed. Now the Dollywood crew is working on finalizing the ride station, entry plaza, electrical work, and theming. Once that's complete, they'll spend several weeks test-riding the trains and triple-checking safety.

According to park officials, skilled construction workers are putting in extra time to make sure the coaster is ready to open in May. And, when it does open, Miss Dolly herself will be on hand to launch the attraction.

Reserve Your Smoky Mountains Cabin Now

Big Bear Mountain is only one of many delights awaiting you here in the Smokies. Contact Volunteer Cabin Rentals now to book your spring/summer Smoky Mountains getaway.

This content posted by Volunteer Cabin Rentals. Visit our home page, www.volunteercabinrentals.com to book your next vacation cabin today.

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