Dollywood

The Basics

The 150-acre (61-hectare) Dollywood theme park welcomes around 2.5 million visitors annually, making it Tennessee’s top ticketed attraction. Visitors can choose between 1-, 2-, or 3-day tickets that grant access to all rides, shows, and attractions. Travelers planning to spend more time in the Smoky Mountains region should consider a multi-attraction pass, which includes entrance to Dollywood, as well as Anakeesta, Titanic Museum, Ole Smoky Moonshine distillery, and the Island in Pigeon Forge.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Dollywood is a must-visit for families, and theme park or Dolly Parton enthusiasts.

• Buy a mobile ticket ahead of time to skip the line (and hassle) at the ticket office.

• Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to walk; flip-flops are not allowed on some rides.

• Bring along sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, and remember to stay hydrated.

• A majority of the park is wheelchair accessible, as are many rides and attractions.

How to Get There

Dollywood is located in Pigeon Forge, 35 miles (56 kilometers) southeast of Knoxville. The best way to get there is to drive, but it’s also possible to ride the Fun Time Trolley from Pigeon Forge.

When to Get There

For the best balance of good weather and short lines for attractions, plan to visit on a weekday in spring or autumn. Plan to arrive first thing in the morning if you’re visiting during spring break, summer, or on a weekend. The park closes for much of January, February, and March.

TimeSaver Line Management Pass

Dollywood is one of Tennessee’s most popular attractions, so ride lines can be long. Visitors who want to make the most of their time in the park can purchase a TimeSaver pass, which allows for expedited access to select rides and shows throughout the day.

Ways to explore

Dollywood is one of Pigeon Forge’s top attractions and tends to attract large crowds. It’s worth buying an admission ticket in advance to enjoy guaranteed access to the park’s rides, live shows, and seasonal festivals. Depending on your schedule, you can choose single-day entry or multi-day tickets that allow you to explore the park at a relaxed pace. Time-saving add-ons such as line-skipping ride passes and VIP tours are also available to enhance your visit.

Alternatively, book a guided day trip from nearby destinations such as Nashville to bundle transportation with park entry for a hassle-free visit.

Accessibility

The park is wheelchair and stroller accessible; manual wheelchairs are available to rent from guest services.

Age limits

All ages are welcome; ride access depends on height.

What to pack

Reusable water bottle, sunscreen, portable phone charger, compact rain jacket

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, lightweight layers, quick-dry clothing, sun hat or cap

Not allowed

Outside food and beverages, pets (service animals are permitted), selfie sticks, drones

Amenities

Restrooms, EV chargers, storage lockers

Address 

Dollywood is located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, at the scenic gateway of the Great Smoky Mountains. The park is easy to reach by car and is well-connected to nearby tourist hubs, including Gatlinburg and Sevierville.

Driving

Dollywood is about a 10-minute drive from the center of town. Head south on Pigeon Forge Parkway (US 441) and turn left onto Dollywood Lane. Paid parking is available on-site; trams run regularly to the park entrance.

Public transportation

Pigeon Forge’s Fun Time Trolley connects the park with hotels and attractions along the Pigeon Forge Parkway and links to Gatlinburg trolley services. Rideshare services are also widely used in the area.

Best times to visit

The ideal time to visit Dollywood is early in the morning, when the park opens. The first hour is when the most popular rides typically have the shortest wait times.

Best days to visit

Midweek is the best time to visit Dollywood, as weekends and holidays draw larger crowds. Visiting the park on weekdays offers easier access to its top attractions.

Best months to visit

April through May and September through October offer pleasant weather and moderate crowds. Spring’s mild temperatures and fall’s crisp air provide a more comfortable park experience.

Special events

Dollywood hosts several seasonal events throughout the year, including the Flower & Food Festival in spring, the Harvest Festival in fall, and the Smoky Mountain Christmas event in winter.