Thunderhead at Dollywood | Massive Timber Canyon Wooden Coaster
Celebrated globally for its “wild” and relentless profile, Thunderhead at Dollywood is a world-renowned wooden roller coaster nestled in the rugged Timber Canyon. This high-intensity attraction features a 100-foot drop and speeds of 55 mph, weaving through a dense lattice of 3,230 feet of track. The experience is famous for its classic “wood-on-wood” feel, including a record-breaking 32 crossovers and a unique station fly-through that roars over the loading area. Utilizing the natural mountain landscape to enhance the sense of speed, Thunderhead at Dollywood captures the raw power of a storm and remains a cornerstone for coaster enthusiasts.
Ride Experience
Celebrated globally for its “wild” and relentless profile, Thunderhead is a world-renowned wooden roller coaster nestled in the rugged Timber Canyon. This high-intensity attraction features a 100-foot drop and speeds of 55 mph, weaving through a dense lattice of 3,230 feet of track. The experience is famous for its classic “wood-on-wood” feel, including a record-breaking 32 crossovers and a unique station fly-through that roars over the loading area. Utilizing the natural mountain landscape to enhance the sense of speed, Thunderhead captures the raw power of a storm and remains a cornerstone for coaster enthusiasts.
Ride Duration
2 Minutes 30 Seconds
Quick Facts
- Park Area
- Timber Canyon
- Ride Type
- Thrill
- Minimum Height
- 48”
- Maximum Height
- N/A
Additional Information
The Thunderhead is subject to closures during inclement weather conditions, including lightning, snow, extreme cold, or hot temperatures and high winds.
During the Spring and Fall seasons, the social behavior of bees and wasps changes, causing them to swarm our tall attractions. Flying insects are a natural part of this area in the Spring and Fall. During the warmest part of the day, there are bees and wasps flying around the top of this attraction. We encourage each Guest to use discretion when deciding to ride.
For additional information on attraction height requirements, please visit the official Dollywood website.
TimeSaver Pass Eligibility
Yes, Thunderhead has expedited line access with a TimeSaver Pass.
- Resort TimeSaver Pass
- Yes, access is allowed as part of the five expedited entries for participating TimeSaver attractions.
- TimeSaver Pass
- Yes, access is allowed as part of the five expedited entries for participating TimeSaver attractions.
- TimeSaver Plus Pass
- Yes, unlimited TimeSaver entries
- TimeSaver Premium Pass
- Yes, unlimited TimeSaver entries
Safety and Accessibility Information
This wooden coaster ride includes a 100-foot drop, 22 accelerating quick turns, extreme banking and maximum speeds of 55 mph.
This ride creates a 3.5x G-force on the rider.
A seat belt and lap bar restraint must be engaged at all times.
Due to the nature of the restraint system and seat configuration, Thunderhead may not accommodate Guests of larger stature. These Guests are encouraged to use the test seat prior to entering the ride queue.
Riders will encounter strobe-like effects when photographed during the ride.
Rider Requirements
All Riders must have the ability to sit upright independently during the dynamic conditions of the ride.
Riders must have control of the upper torso, head and neck.
Riders should have the physical and cognitive ability to assist in their own evacuation in the event the ride vehicle stops in a location other than the loading position.
Transfer Information
- ECV To Wheelchair Transfer
- Wheelchair Transfer To Ride
- Walk To Ride
- Riders may need companion assistance transferring to the ride vehicle.
- Guests using a motorized wheelchair or ECV (Electric Convenience Vehicle) must transfer to a Dollywood provided wheelchair located at the ride elevator.
Health Recommendations
Riders with the following conditions or any other condition that could be affected by the forces of this ride or that will prevent the rider from following all safety rules and guidelines must not ride:
- Heart Trouble
- High Blood Pressure
- Back Or Neck Injury
- Recent Injury Or Illness
- Pregnancy
Limb Requirements, Amputations and Prosthetics
Riders with prosthesis are required to disclose the existence of a prosthesis to a Thunderhead Ride Host prior to boarding.
Riders with one or two amputated legs above the knee may not ride.
Riders must have one functioning natural (not a prosthetic) leg while the other leg must not be amputated above the knee.
Riders with one amputated arm or hand, with or without prosthesis, may ride provided they have the ability to hold on with one functioning hand (may be a prosthesis) and to brace themselves with two functioning legs.
For additional safety and accessibility information, please visit Dollywood’s official Accessibility and Rider Requirements Guide.
Loose Articles
All loose articles must be secured with a strap that sits across the chest. Purses and small bags secured around the individual’s shoulder or waist are permitted provided they are closed and do not interfere with the restraint system(s) and/or proper riding position or cause hazard to Guests, employees, and/or the attraction. Cellphones, cameras, and video equipment must be secured in an approved purse, bag, hip pack, or pocket and may not be used during the attraction cycle. Restricted articles must be placed in the designated storage area or left with a non-rider. Hats with brims (such as cowboy hats and boonie hats) and visors may not be worn and must be secured or left with a non-rider. Baseball style caps may be worn provided they are worn with the bill turned to the back of the head. Individuals wearing headcover for religious reasons may be asked secure it to their head or shoulders, however, any heavy, large, or brimmed religious headwear is not permitted. Dollywood is not responsible for articles that are lost, damaged, or stolen.
Parent Swap
Dollywood’s Parent Swap program, also known as Rider Switch, allows families with children who do not meet ride height requirements to enjoy select attractions without waiting in line twice. All members of the group enter the ride through the regular Guest line, where a Ride Host will assist with the Parent Swap process. One adult remains in a designated, secure waiting area with the non-rider while the rest of the group boards the attraction. After the first ride cycle, adults switch places so the waiting adult can ride. On select attractions, additional group members may be permitted to ride again. All Guests exit the attraction together following the Parent Swap experience.
Strollers and loose articles are not permitted.
Now that you know exactly what to expect from the Thunderhead, it’s time to map out your day! Don’t waste time waiting in line—we’ve got the tools to help you budget, save time, and book your stay.
📌 Need a Plan? See exactly how to fit the Thunderhead into your day with our Ultimate 1-Day Dollywood Itinerary.
⌚ Worried about Long Lines? Find out if the TimeSaver Pass is worth the cost in Your Guide to the Dollywood TimeSaver Pass
