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Thunderhead Emerges at Dollywood

Dollywood's new wooden roller coaster, Thunderhead opened to the public in April of 2004.

The wooden framework for the thrilling ride used more than 700,000 board feet of lumber.

"Thunderhead makes a really bold statement as it continues to emerge from its beautiful mountain setting in Thunderhead gap," said Barbara Joines, VP/General Manager of Dollywood. "Whether you're a coaster fan or an admirer from afar, I think our guests are going to be impressed."

A new railroad trestle was required as part of a connector project to connect the park's existing Showstreet area to Thunderhead Gap, a new five-acre area which will be anchored by the new coaster. This is the first time Dollywood has expanded the size of the 118-acre park since Dollywood Boulevard in 1996.

During the construction, the Dollywood Express, the park's 110-ton coal-fired steam train, did not operate to provide construction crews access to the site, but it is now back in operation.

Thunderhead features a 3,230-foot long ride with a drop of 100 feet and maximum speeds of 55 mph. It also features "the world's first fly-through station." Half-way though the ride, the coaster travels through the ride station at approximately 40 mph on tracks eight feet above the exit platform where future riders wait to board the coaster.

For roller coaster fans, this new addition is welcome. Some fans are calling it the best they've ever ridden. If you find yourself in the area and are looking for a great wooden roller coaster... check out Thunderhead at Dollywood!