Click on any photo to see a larger version of it.



The station looks like an old garage and I really dig that the ride ops are all dressed in mechanic uniforms.  Every little detail that a park can add to a ride to make the experience that much more unique cements it in the memories of their gets that much more.  That's way I absolutely love parks like Dollywood and its sister park Silver Dollar City because they understand that they are in business to make memories.



Speaking of memories Lightning Rod's launch/lift is quite memorable in itself as you feel as if you should be going nice and slow up a lift but just as you get to the base of it the magnetic launch system kicks in and for 3/4 of the "lift hill" you are accelerating. 

Once you are shot over the top of Lightning Rod's hill that is the last of you see of the ride until...



...Lightning Rod crests the hill off in the distance as it begins it's airtime filled downhill run back towards the station.



What Lightning Rod does on the other side of the hill that can not be seen from inside of Dollywood is a hundred and sixty-five foot drop, several highly banked turns including one gives airtime while you are turned completely perpendicular to the ground as the ride takes you from one side of a valley to the other.



There is no "slow" on Lightning Rod as it is an all out assault on your senses and body.



Next


Copyright 1999 - 2025

Paul B. Drabek