Thunderhead, Wooden roller coaster in Dollywood, Tennessee, US
Thunderhead is a wooden roller coaster at Dollywood that winds through dense forest with tight turns and intersecting track sections throughout its course. The ride runs through hilly terrain with steep descents and sharp curves that keep riders engaged from start to finish.
The coaster was built in 2004 by Great Coasters International on a site that once operated as a sawmill serving the regional timber industry. This location had deep roots in the mountain's logging heritage.
The name comes from a peak in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and refers to the local term for storm clouds that roll across the ridges.
Riders need to be at least 48 inches tall and wear both a lap bar and seat belt during the ride. Visiting early in the day or during less busy seasons helps reduce wait times.
The structure was built from over 700,000 board feet of Southern Yellow Pine held together with an enormous number of fasteners and bolts. This construction method reflects traditional wood roller coaster engineering practices.
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