Lightning Rod ®

Themed after a tricked-out 1950s-era hot rod, Lightning Rod ® launches riders from zero to 45 mph more than 20 stories up its lift hill to one of the ride’s first airtime moments. At the crest of the hill, riders face twin summit airtime hills before tackling the daring first drop. Lightning Rod races down the 165-foot drop and propels guests along its 3,800-foot track to a top speed of 73 mph. There is no surprise why USA Today readers have consistently named Lightning Rod ® one of the top-10 best roller coasters in the country.

Located in Dollywood’s Jukebox Junction, Lightning Rod gives riders nearly 20 seconds of airtime across its unique hybrid track structure, which includes both a wood stack “Topper Track” and a steel “Ibox” track atop a massive wooden frame. The coaster train comprises 12 cars, carrying two passengers each, for a total of 24 people per train.

Update: To provide guests with a more consistent and efficient ride experience, Lightning Rod is closed for the season for crews to install a variable frequency chain lift in place of its linear synchronous motor (LSM) launch system. Despite the removal of the launch system, once the coaster trains reach the first drop, the ride experience will remain the same as it is currently. The ride is scheduled to reopen Spring 2024.

Note: Guests with casts above the elbow or hard casts on legs are not permitted to ride.

Special Attraction Information: Lightning Rod is subject to closures during inclement weather conditions including lightning, snow, extreme cold, or hot temperatures and high winds. Learn More