Dollywood is home to the hot-rod-themed Lightning Rod roller coaster.
Located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, Lightning Rod opened at Dollywood in 2016. Rocky Mountain Construction designed and manufactured the ride, which was built in the park’s Jukebox Junction area, a section themed around mid-century American music and automotive culture.
The coaster’s trains resemble 1950s hot rods, complete with features such as injector scoops, header pipes and flame-style paint. When it opened, Lightning Rod used a launch system and reached 73 mph, making it the world’s fastest wooden roller coaster at the time.
The ride’s classification and mechanics later changed. Much of its wooden Topper Track was replaced with steel I-Box track before the 2021 season, and its launch system was replaced by a high-speed chain lift for 2024. Those changes do not alter its home: Lightning Rod remains a signature attraction at Dollywood.