A Guide to Mountain Coasters and Other Similar Attractions in Sevier County, Tennessee

Hi Everyone,

Sevier County, Tennessee is home to eleven unique mountain coasters, one of the most popular attractions in the Smoky Mountains, and one of the highest concentrations of mountain coasters anywhere on the PLANET! While well-known Dollywood is famous for its roller coasters, these mountain coasters offer a unique experience that can only be found in Sevier County.

I've created a list of all of the current operating mountain coasters in Sevier County, Tennessee, along with some additional information to help you choose the right one for you. Some of the coasters require separate admission, while others are included in a wristband that gives you access to multiple attractions. I'll break down the information for you below the link to my spreadsheet.

To See The List Of Mountain Coasters, CLICK HERE!

🔵There are two main types of mountain coaster tickets:

• Single tickets: These tickets allow you to ride one or two coasters. They are typically the most affordable option.
• Wristbands: These tickets give you access to multiple coasters and other attractions. They can be a good option if you plan on riding multiple coasters or visiting multiple attractions.

🔵Wristbands can be either:

• Timed: These wristbands are valid for a certain period of time, such as 2 hours or 4 hours. After the time expires, you will need to purchase another wristband or single ticket to ride the coasters.
• Unlimited: These wristbands give you unlimited access to the coasters and other attractions for the entire day. They are typically the most expensive option, but they can be a good value if you plan on riding multiple coasters or visiting multiple attractions.

🔵The best type of ticket for you will depend on your budget and your plans for the day. If you are only planning on riding one or two coasters, then a single ticket may be the best option. If you plan on riding multiple coasters or visiting multiple attractions, then a wristband may be a better value.

🟢How are the coasters different from one another, or are they all the same?

Answer: Different! Read on to learn more.

All of these rides share one common feature: the brake. Each ride has one or two handles that you push forward to move forward or coast, and pull back or release to brake and slow down.

Weigands are more sophisticated than other rides in that each cart is "aware" of where the next cart is. If you get too close to another cart, it will automatically brake to avoid a collision. Weigands also have "brake zones" at the end of the course and before the next lift hill, where the carts will automatically brake.

🚨If your lift hill happens to stop, remain seated and calm. It will start up again momentarily. DO NOT TRY TO REMOVE YOURSELF FROM THE CART.

The Smokies are home to several Weigand mountain coasters, which come in two generations: Generation 1 and Generation 2. Both generations are visually similar and offer a similar ride experience.

🔷Here's a Weigand Gen 1, below.

You'll find these Gen 1's at Rocky Top Mtn Coaster, Smoky Mtn coaster, Goats & Moonshine Mtn.

🔷Here's Gen 2

You'll find Gen 2 at Skyland Ranch, Lost Mine, and at Anakeesta

🔷Anakeesta has a single rail coaster and they're building a dual rail....a Generation 2, I think.

Single Rail Mountain Coaster at Anakeesta in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. 

What other types are there??

🔷The Powered Coaster at Rowdy Bear

Hill not required.  This one is powered the whole trip around the course.

🔷The Suspended Coaster with Shooting Targets, also at Rowdy Bear

Ready, aim, fire!  Compete against your buddy for high score.

🔷At Ober, two more styles are waiting for you!

🔹This is the ADG's version...similar to the Weigand model.

🔹This is the OG Alpine Slide of the Smokies - sliding since 1976.

You ride a chair-lift to the top of the course, disembark, and slide from there.  No lift hill like the others.  You can race here, unlike all the others.

🔷This is what you will find at the Wilderness at the Smokies resort. Now Open as of 10/31/2023.

Rendering of the Cloud Coaster at Wilderness at the Smokies

Here's an actual Cloud Coaster somewhere in the world.  It must be pretty amazing; it bends your arms backwards!

As you can see, there are many different options available, each with its own unique features. And with the Smoky Mountains being home to the highest concentration of mountain coasters on the planet, this is the perfect place to experience them all!

Let me know what you think about these in the comments! Good Luck!!

The Great Smoky Mountains Are the Perfect Place to Get Away in 2023! Let's See What's Up!

Hi Everyone, I came across this detailed article in the Knoxville News Sentinel about all of the new attractions coming soon to Sevier County-Smoky Mountain FunPlex Area.  Obviously, this is a great story to share on the blog for all of you trip planners from out of town or region.   Check out their article below.  Source:  https://www.knoxnews.com/

Looking for things to do in the Smokies? These attractions are open now or will be soon.

Here's what's new in the Great Smoky Mountains in 2023 including roller coasters, water slides and treehouses!

Devarrick Turner - Knoxville News Sentinel

Published 5:10 AM EDT Apr. 14, 2023 Updated 5:10 AM EDT Apr. 14, 2023

The vision for the 407: Gateway to Adventure attraction on Interstate 40 in Sevierville is becoming a reality. Smoky Gap, the area’s entertainment hub, just broke ground and Buc-ee’s is slated to open in the coming months.

But you don’t have to wait to have some springtime fun. Various new and updated attractions in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg have opened and are available to enjoy right now, including waterparks, treehouse adventures and, of course, Dollywood.

More attractions will open as summer moves in, and there are plenty of new experiences and expansions to look forward to as well.

What's open in spring 2023 in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg?

Anakeesta

• The mountaintop adventure park is open, and guests can enjoy its newest attraction, Astra Lumina. The celestial experience brings the stars into a Smoky Mountain Forest lit with projections and lights.

• Other things to do at the park include Chondola and Ridge Rambler rides, Treetop Skywalk, Vista Gardens, and the TreeVenture Challenge Course.

• You can check anakeesta.com/events for a full list of attractions and events available.

• Location: 576 Parkway, Gatlinburg

• General admission tickets: $22.99-$34.99; Free for children age 3 and younger; Astra Lumina add on: $15.99

Dollywood

• Offering rides, shows, food and Dolly Parton, one of America’s favorite theme parks opened for its 2023 season in March.

• Dollywood’s Flower and Food festival begins April 21, Splash Country waterpark open May 13 and the Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration starts June 17.

• The 2023 calendar can be found at dollywood.com/calendar.

• Location: 2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd., Pigeon Forge

• Tickets: $89+

Sanctuary Treehouse Resort

• This unique treehouse resort with mountain views in Sevierville offers luxe accommodations outfitted with slides, drawbridges and scavenger hunts.

• The first seven treehouses, including a double tree fort, are open for reservations, but there is limited availability until around July. More treehouses will be built and available for reservations throughout the year.

• Location: 107 Pheasant Ridge Road, Sevierville,

• Single treehouse price: $275 to $796 per night; Double treehouse: $651-$1,522 per night.

Wilderness at the Smokies

• The Lake Wilderness outdoor waterpark and the yearlong Wild WaterDome, Tennessee’s largest indoor waterpark, are both open.

• Only the slides are currently open at Lake Wilderness. Full access to the outdoor waterpark begins May 27.

• Visitors also can enjoy the dry indoors family entertainment center, Adventure Forest. Admission for those who aren't resort guests is based on availability.

• Check wildernessatthesmokies.com for pricing options and passes.

• Location: 1424 Old Knoxville Highway, Sevierville

"Sanctuary Treehouse Resort in Sevierville," "Dollywood," "Anakeesta in Gatlinburg"

What’s opening soon in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg

Soaky Mountain

• The waterpark’s 2023 season begins the weekend of May 13-14. It will be open daily starting May 20. Regular day admission is $47.99.

• Location: 175 Gists Creek Road, Sevierville

Salamander Springs outdoor waterpark

Visitors enjoy at Soaky Mountain waterpark, Buc-ee's' billboard, Dolly Parton during an event at the resort's construction site of HeartSong Lodge and Resort

• Salamander Springs at Stone Hill Lodge is the second Wilderness at the Smokies outdoor waterpark, and is scheduled to open May 27.

• Check wildernessatthesmokies.com for pricing options and passes.

• Location: 190 Gists Creek Road, Sevierville

Dollywood’s Big Bear Mountain

• Dollywood’s longest roller coaster, Big Bear Mountain, is set to open in May.

• The two-minute roller coaster ride in the Wildwood Grove section of the Pigeon Forge theme park will travel through hills, turns, tunnels and even waterfalls at speeds up to 48 miles per hour and maximum elevation of 66 feet.

• Location: 2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd., Pigeon Forge

Buc-ee’s

• The popular travel center is opening its Great Smoky Mountains location in Sevierville. A grand opening had been set for early June but has since been delayed to a yet-to-be-announced date, a spokesperson told Knox News.

• It will be open 24 hours a day and will feature 120 fueling stations, a 250-foot-long car wash, and, of course, the famous Buc-ee’s snacks and beaver mascot merchandise.

• The 74,000-square-foot location is set to be the world’s largest Buc-ee's, until a slightly larger one opens in Texas later.

• Buc-ee's will be the first business to open as part of upcoming 407 attraction in Sevier County.

• Location: 170 Foretravel Drive, Kodak

Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge and Resort

• The massive 302-room resort inspired by Parton’s love for the Great Smoky Mountains is scheduled to open in November. Many of the rooms will have balconies with a view of the Smokies.

• Located in Pigeon Forge, the resort will feature family suites, bunk rooms, a large pool, balconies on half the suites and even a Dolly suite that will be available when she’s not using it.

• Reservations for the resort will open in June. Visit dollywood.com/heartsong for more information.

• Location: 2525 Dollywood Resorts Blvd., Pigeon Forge

New Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg attractions opening later in 2023 and beyond

Dig ‘n Zone

• This construction-themed park for adults and kids is scheduled to open in Sevierville this spring.

• The park will have more than 25 attractions allowing families to ride, drive and operate different construction equipment like forklifts on a go-kart track and excavators with modified buckets to swing around.

• An opening date has not been announced yet, but tickets are available. Tickets are $50-$55; it’s free for children age 4 and younger. More information is available at dignzone.com.

• Location: 1707 Veterans Blvd., Sevierville

BirdVenture and Hellbender Mountain Coaster

• A $34 million expansion is still underway at Anakeesta and is expected to open in 2023.

• BirdVenture: This interactive attraction will feature three large birdhouses, a dozen adventure zones and seven giant slides.

• HellBender: Named after the salamander species native to the Smoky Mountains, this roller coaster will navigate a steep mountain incline, sway through tunnels, slither through twists and turns and offer 360-degree views of the Smokies.

• Location: 576 Parkway, Gatlinburg

Wilderness at the Smokies expansion

• The Sevierville waterpark and resort is celebrating its 15th season with a $40 million and 40,000-square-foot expansion set to open in fall 2023.

• The expansion includes a three-story water coaster with a 22-foot drop at 29 mils per hour, a lazy river with an immersive tunnel experience, rooftop pool with glass edges and a new XD adventure theatre.

• Location: 1424 Old Knoxville Highway, Sevierville

407: Gateway to Adventure

• Development of Smoky Gap, the planned entertainment district at the 407: Gateway to Adventure attraction off Interstate 40, began April 11. The entertainment hub is set to open in 2025.

• Smoky Gap, an immersive entertainment experience, will have an Americana theme with restaurants and retail stores. The area will also be home to a Marriott Courtyard hotel and a still-to-be-announced attraction that will anchor the Smoky Gap district.

• Phase two of the massive 407 project will feature a resort, which might be sports-themed.

• Location: Exit 407 off Interstate 40

Devarrick Turner is a trending news reporter. Email devarrick.turner@knoxnews.com. Twitter @dturner1208. 

Support strong local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe.

© 2023knoxnews.com, All rights reserved.

Wilderness At The Smokies Announces $40 Million dollar Expansion

 

Hi Everyone,

I see on social media that a lot of Dollywood fans are also big fans of the Wilderness At The Smokies waterpark resort.  And now there's going to be even more to love about Wilderness, because they have big expansion plans in the works.  They're adding a water coaster, a new lazy river, a ''cloud coaster'' that will go over parts of the Adventure Forest area, and a rooftop pool with a bar and grill.  As if that wasn't enough, Wilderness is building twelve 2,600 sq ft villas that can accommodate up to twelve guests.

Here is WATE's Report on this epic expansion:

SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Tennessee’s largest indoor waterpark has announced plans for a $40-million expansion, the largest in the 15-year history of the Wilderness of the Smokies.

 

The Sevierville resort will add nearly 40,000 square feet to their Wild WaterDome indoor waterpark, offering several new attractions and improvements to existing amenities.

A groundbreaking ceremony will be held on September 15 with the project expected to be completed by fall 2023.

Headlining the renovations is the ‘Switchback Mountain,’ a three-story water coaster where riders will reach 29 miles per hour and feature a 22-foot drop. ‘

A release from the park said it will be the world’s first slide with Reverse AquaLucent effects, bringing eye-catching colors and patterns to the indoor park.

Other new attractions include the ‘Lookout Lagoon,’ a rooftop pool with a glass edge. The expanded rooftop area will also be home to an entertainment stage, bar and grill, and cabanas.

A new lazy river with LED color-changing kaleidoscope lighting and other visual effects will be constructed. The park will also add 500 seats to the waterpark and additional cabanas on the mezzanine and main levels.

In addition to the waterpark expansion, the resort will add a suspended ‘Cloud Coaster’ called the ‘Rocky Top Glider’ to the Adventure Forest section of the park. A park release said it will be the first of its kind in Tennessee and only the ninth in the world.

It will have a track length of approximately 400 linear feet with two lift hills, launching riders at a starting height of 18 feet with maximum heights of around 25 feet. This project is anticipated to be completed by Spring 2023 and the Adventure Forest will remain open during the construction.

An eight-person theater will also be added to the Adventure Forest, combining three-dimensional graphics and visual effects. The theater will be completed later this year.

The renovations will also expand food and beverage offerings throughout the park.

Lastly, the resort will construct a dozen, three-bedroom villas. These 2,600-square-foot villas will accommodate up to 12 guests, overlook the Sevierville Golf Course and are fully furnished with an electric fireplace, game room and pool table.

🏄🏄🏄🏄🏄

Here is the press release from Wilderness At The Smokies:

OUR WILD WATERDOME IS ABOUT TO GET BIGGER!

August 18, 2022

We’re super excited to announce that in honor of our 15th anniversary which we will be celebrating in 2023, we have started a 40,000 square foot expansion of our Wild WaterDome.

The expansion will include:

Switchback Mountain, a three-story water coaster which will feature three steep drops, uphill blasts, high speeds and the premier of the world’s first slide with Reverse AquaLucent effects with colorful, spellbinding patterns. These special tubes will also allow light to filter through, adding brightness to the Wild WaterDome.

According to Pete, our Managing Director, “Switchback Mountain is guaranteed to be amazing! To get riders’ adrenaline pumping, the water coaster begins with a heart-pounding 22-foot drop at 29 mph before propelling the riders up into a right hairpin turn inside the first Reverse AquaLucent section. A second drop will follow into an open flume, followed by an uphill blast into a sharp left turn inside another Reverse AquaLucent tube with different patterns. For thrill’s sake, the coaster will repeat a third time into a final set of patterns inside another Reverse AquaLucent tube. To round out the sensations, riders will loop through a dark tube before finishing in an open flume.”

The waterpark expansion will also include Forbidden Caverns Lazy River, featuring an immersive tunnel experience complete with LED color changing kaleidoscope lighting, mirrors and projections.

Finally, the resort will be taking advantage of the waterpark’s expanded rooftop by adding Lookout Lagoon, a roof top pool with a glass edge. This area will also be home to the Peak Rooftop Bar and Grill, three rooftop cabanas and entertainment stage area. For convenience, an elevator will transport guests to and from this area.

Pete adds that per guest’s requests, the resort will be adding 500 seats to the waterpark, six additional cabanas on the mezzanine level of the waterpark and nine additional on the main level.

The anticipated completion of this expansion is fall of 2023. Watch our blog for other developments in the works!

🏄🏄🏄🏄🏄

Wow, well that is a lot to look forward to!  With the new Soaky Mountain Water Park and now these new additions to Wilderness, there will be a lot to see and do at this location.  What are you looking forward to the most?  Let me know your thoughts in the comments!

Until next time!