New Attractions at Dollywood 2004:

$2 Million Bear Mountain Fire Tower

Dollywood’s Splash Country guests climb to new heights of fun and adventure with the addition of Bear Mountain Fire Tower, a new $2 million interactive, multi-level water-filled attraction which opened in 2005.

Themed in the spirit of the many fire towers that dot the East Tennessee landscape, Bear Mountain Fire Tower is located adjacent to Big Bear Plunge which opened in 2004. Each level of Bear Mountain Fire Tower features various water-based activities including a 1,000-gallon bucket situated atop the highest level. After warning bells sound indicating that a fire has been spotted, the large bucket spills, setting off a chain reaction of subsequent, smaller buckets throughout the lower levels creating a four-alarm soaking for the entire family.

"Bear Mountain Fire Tower is unlike anything we’ve ever done at Dollywood’s Splash Country," said General Manager Gene Scherrer. "Guests will be drawn to it visually because of the tower’s bright colors and multi-level design. Upon closer inspection, they’ll discover the fun, inviting atmosphere that appeals to every member of the family."

Bear Mountain Fire Tower’s fire fighting theme is complete with hand cannons, hoses and buckets which allow every member of the family to engage in some friendly, water-based exchanges. Sliding poles, escape chutes and ladders are just a few of the tower’s many other fun-filled attractions.

The area also introduces another restaurant to Dollywood’s Splash Country with the addition of the Brushfire Grill featuring a variety of food selections.

Opened in 2001, Dollywood’s Splash Country is a 27-acre water park located adjacent to Dollywood family adventure park. Situated in a lush, wooded mountain setting, Dollywood’s Splash Country features a 25,000-square-foot wave pool; the Lazy River; two interactive children’s play areas and 17 water adventure slides. The water park operates Memorial Day weekend through mid September.

Roller Coaster - Thunderhead

Dollywood introduced a new $7 million addition in 2004; a new wooden roller coaster, Thunderhead.

     
Thunderhead Ride at Dollywood

A new railroad trestle is 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.

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 will travel through the ride station at approximately 40 mph on tracks eight feet above the exit platform where future riders wait to board the coaster.

BIG BEAR PLUNGE
Dollywood’s Splash Country guests love the Big Bear Plunge.

This white water rafting experience takes passengers on a 548-foot-long ride through dark caverns featuring winding bends and steep drops reminiscent of challenging river expeditions.

"With our Big Bear Plunge, we’ve brought all of the thrills and excitement of white water rafting right here to Dollywood’s Splash Country," said Dolly. "It’s a great way for families to enjoy one of the most fun outdoor adventures we have to offer here in the Great Smoky Mountains."

The attraction anchors Big Bear Ridge, a new themed area reminiscent of the Smoky Mountain’s turn-of-the-century logging industry. A vital mode of transportation, the region’s many rivers once fueled thriving commerce as the mountains’ timber was harvested. Big Bear Plunge will offer passengers an adventure-filled white water experience as it travels a man-made waterway featuring design elements that make it similar to those once used to transport lumber through the rugged mountain terrain.