Dollywood, the world renowned amusement park owned by the famous country musician Dolly Parton, has opened a new roller coaster named ‘Lightning Rod’. Lightning Rod is the world’s first ever launched wooden roller coaster and thrill seekers from all over have the opportunity to be a part of this historic moment. The park, which is located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is home to 7 roller coasters and 27 other rides. With the addition of Lightning Rod, this all-star lineup of roller coasters and rides just got even more exciting.
Lightning Rod launches riders from zero to 45 miles per hour right out of the starting gate. This launch lifts them up a spectacular 20 stories high. The ensuing two hills are designed for riders to experience some airtime but it’s the ride’s final drop that is stunning, terrifying, and will have thrill seekers coming back for more. This final drop is a staggering 165 feet and propels riders to a top speed of 73 miles per hour – effectively earning Lightning Rod the title of fastest wooden roller coaster in the world.
The roller coaster is also positioned to provide riders with breathtaking views of the surrounding hills, trees, and valleys that surround the amusement park. The 3,800 feet of track that the ride offers should be enough for riders to take in the astounding aerial view of Tennessee’s charming nature. Lightning Rod can seat 24 people per train, with 12 cars that carry two passengers each. That’s enough room for the whole family, so adventurers can invite their loved ones aboard for this special lap.
The ride is themed after the hot rods of the 1950’s, an aesthetic touch that blends perfectly with the Jukebox Junction area of the park where the ride will be located. The juxtaposition of the machinery and metal within hot rod motors and the wooden roller coaster all blends together nicely and riders are sure to enjoy this trip through the history books. Lightning Rod is here to prove that this era is all but forgotten and that wooden roller coaster can still get adrenaline flowing just as well as their metal brethren.
At Dollywood, the slogan is to “Love Every Moment”, and Lightning Rod will certainly help thrill seekers achieve just that. This roller coaster really puts the pedal to the metal, or perhaps it puts the pedal to the wood. Either way, any moment spent on Lightning Rod is a lovely moment that is anything but wasted.
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