Blog for Zipline Attraction in the Smoky Mountains
Located in Pigeon Forge, TN and near Gatlinburg and Sevierville.
Dollywood Introduces New Section For 2019
By Ross Bodhi Ogle
Posted on February 5, 2019
While Smoky Mountain Ziplines is on winter hiatus, we've been taking some time to promote some other great attractions here in Pigeon Forge and throughout the Smokies area. More specifically, we've been sharing information about new points of interest that will be making their debut in the very near future – by spring, in most cases.
This week, the spotlight shines on Dollywood theme park, which will be unveiling a brand-new section called Wildwood Grove when it opens its gates next month to start its 2019 season. It marks the largest single expansion in park history and is designed to provide an adventurous place for guests to explore, imagine and play together as a family.
Guests will enter Wildwood Grove through the hollow trunk of a massive fallen tree, a thematic entrance to an area that will boast a centerpiece feature called the Wildwood Tree. Growing from a cluster of natural rock and boulders, the Wildwood Tree serves as a natural venue for performances throughout the day and evening at Dollywood. The foliage is adorned with thousands of butterflies dancing playfully in the breeze, and as the sun sets nightly, Wildwood Grove glows warmly as lanterns and lights glimmer from the canopy. Once night falls, the tree comes to life with a unique after-dark show in which the butterflies glow in a kaleidoscope of spectacular color.
Meanwhile, six new rides and attractions await boys and girls (of all ages) who venture into Wildwood Grove. Here are previews of just a few:
The Dragonflier – a suspended roller coaster that dips and darts amongst gushing geysers and lush landscaping. (In fact, Dollywood has complemented the park's natural beauty with nearly $1 million worth of landscaping, including 400 new trees and 1,000 new shrubs.)
Sycamore Swing – A large-scale, leaf-themed swing ride.
Treetop Tower – A tower that gives guests a sky-high view of Wildwood Grove as they soar nearly 40 feet in the air seated inside giant acorns that spin around the top of a tall oak tree before gently drifting back to the ground.
The Mad Mockingbird – Based on the state bird, this ride takes visitors on a circular path around a tall tree at high speed.
In addition, there's Hidden Hollow, a 4,000-square-foot, climate-controlled area where families can recharge before heading out for their next adventure. It features climbing structures, slides and lots of games. On warmer days, the kids will enjoy Wildwood Creek, where splashing pools, unique musical instruments and more await fun seekers.
No Dollywood addition would be complete without new interactive characters. This spring, Wildwood Grove will introduce the section's butterfly ambassadors, Flit and Flutter, as well as Benjamin Bear, who loves to explore the grove with visitors.
Guests will also find new dining options within Wildwood Grove. An eatery called Till & Harvest will feature a selection of Southwest favorites, including burritos and salads, all created with a Southern twist. A walk-up window will serve sweet treats like churros and ice cream.
Of course, Wildwood Grove is just one part of the overall Dollywood experience, which also offers dozens of acres' worth of roller coasters, rides and attractions, music shows, themed eateries, mountain crafts and shops featuring unique merchandise. Plus the park hosts multiple festivals throughout the year, including Festival of Nations, Barbeque & Bluegrass, Harvest Festival and Smoky Mountain Christmas.
And if that's not enough things to do, Pigeon Forge is also home to our exciting zipline canopy tour. We're looking forward to launching our 2019 season in just a matter of weeks now. We hope you make plans to visit the Smokies this spring. Just leave enough time to ride our ziplines and also check out Wildwood Grove at Dollywood!
