Dollywood's Splash Country

About Dollywood's Splash Country

Dollywood's Splash Country is a 35-acre water park located adjacent to Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Voted a Top 10 Outdoor Water Park by USA Today readers, the park features over 16 rides and attractions ranging from gentle lazy rivers to high-speed water slides and Tennessee's only water coaster.

The park operates seasonally from late May through early September, making it the perfect summertime complement to a Pigeon Forge vacation. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Smoky Mountains, Splash Country offers a uniquely scenic water park experience unlike the flat concrete parks found in most cities.

Whether you are traveling with toddlers who need gentle splash areas, teenagers seeking adrenaline-pumping slides, or adults who just want to float lazily down a river, Splash Country has something for every member of the family. The park's combination of mountain setting, Dollywood-quality theming, and diverse attractions makes it one of the best family-friendly activities in the Smoky Mountains.

Thrill Rides and Water Slides

Splash Country's thrill rides deliver serious excitement. These are the attractions that draw the biggest crowds and the longest lines, so hit them first thing in the morning for the shortest waits.

RiverRush

The crown jewel of Splash Country, RiverRush is Tennessee's first and only water coaster. Unlike traditional water slides that rely solely on gravity, RiverRush uses powerful water jets to propel four-person rafts up steep inclines, delivering a genuine roller coaster experience on water. The ride spans 1,175 feet of twists, turns, tunnels, and drops, with the sensation of actually climbing uphill before plummeting back down. RiverRush was ranked among the top 10 water coasters in America by USA Today and is consistently the park's most popular attraction.

Mountain Scream

A high-speed body slide that sends riders plummeting down an enclosed tube at speeds that will have you screaming the whole way down. This is one of the fastest slides in the park and is not for the faint of heart.

Fire Tower Falls

Step into a launch capsule, cross your arms, and brace yourself. The floor drops out beneath you, sending you into a near-vertical free fall before leveling out into a splash pool. This is the park's most intense thrill ride.

Wild River Falls

A tube slide with sharp turns and sudden drops that keeps you guessing what comes next. Ride solo or with a partner for shared screaming and laughing.

Big Bear Plunge

A multi-person raft slide that takes your group through dark tunnels and around banked turns before a final splashdown. Great for groups who want to ride together.

Family Attractions

Splash Country shines when it comes to rides the whole family can enjoy together. These attractions are designed for riders of varying ages and comfort levels, so parents and kids can experience them side by side.

TailSpin Racer

Grab a mat and race head-first down one of multiple parallel lanes. The competitive element makes this a favorite for families and friend groups who want to see who reaches the bottom first. Lines move quickly since multiple riders go at once.

Slick Rock Racer

Similar racing concept to TailSpin but on tube slides. Race side by side through twisting channels down the mountainside. Another family favorite with fast-moving lines.

Raging River Rapids

A family-friendly raft ride that simulates white water rafting on a mountain river. Board a large raft and navigate through churning rapids, splashing waves, and gentle drops. Perfect for families with kids who are not quite ready for the big thrill slides but want more excitement than a lazy river.

SwiftWater Run

A tube slide with moderate thrills that the whole family can enjoy. Gentle enough for nervous riders but exciting enough to keep thrill seekers entertained. An excellent stepping stone for kids working their way up to the bigger slides.

Mountain Twist

An enclosed tube slide with sweeping turns that takes riders on a winding journey through the mountainside. The enclosed sections add an element of surprise since you cannot see what is coming next.

Kids Areas

Families with young children will appreciate Splash Country's dedicated kids areas, which offer age-appropriate water play in safe, supervised environments. If you are visiting Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge with toddlers or young children, these areas alone make a visit worthwhile.

Little Creek Falls

A multi-level interactive water playground designed specifically for younger children. Features mini slides, water sprayers, dumping buckets, and shallow wading areas. Parents can relax on nearby loungers while keeping their kids in sight. The area is fenced and has a soft, non-slip surface throughout.

The Cascades

A zero-entry pool that gradually deepens, allowing children to wade in at their own comfort level. Features gentle water features and small slides that are perfect for children experiencing a water park for the first time.

Bear Mountain Fire Tower

A massive interactive play structure featuring seven kid-friendly slides, water cannons, climbing elements, and a giant bucket that dumps 1,000 gallons of water on unsuspecting visitors below. Children must be at least seven years old or supervised by someone 16 or older. No height restrictions, and the ground-level water features are wheelchair accessible.

Relaxation and Floating

Not every visit to a water park needs to be about adrenaline. Splash Country offers several ways to relax, float, and soak up the mountain sun. These attractions are perfect for parents who want to take a break while older kids hit the slides, or for anyone who prefers a more laid-back pace.

Downbound Float Trip

Splash Country's lazy river winds through the park on a gentle, meandering route. Grab a tube, float along with the current, and enjoy the mountain scenery surrounding the park. The loop takes about 15 to 20 minutes, and most people do multiple laps. Tubes are included with admission.

Mountain Waves

One of the largest wave pools in Tennessee, Mountain Waves generates continuous waves that range from gentle ripples to body-surfing swells. The pool features a gradual entry that makes it accessible for all ages. Lounge chairs line the perimeter for spectators and sunbathers.

The Butterfly

A relaxing tube float experience through a lush, landscaped section of the park. Less crowded than the main lazy river, this is a hidden gem for visitors seeking a quieter floating experience.

Tickets, Passes, and Pricing

Splash Country offers several ticket options to fit different budgets and visit lengths. Purchasing tickets in advance online typically saves money compared to gate prices.

Ticket Options

• Single-Day Ticket: Grants access to Splash Country for one day. Best for visitors who want to sample the park without a multi-day commitment.
• Multi-Day Tickets: Two-day and three-day tickets are available at a discount per day. These can be used for Splash Country, Dollywood theme park, or a combination of both.
• Season Pass: Unlimited visits throughout the summer season. Season passes also include perks like early entry, discounts on food and merchandise, and special passholder events. If you plan to visit more than twice, a season pass often pays for itself.
• Combo Tickets: Bundle Splash Country with Dollywood for savings on both parks. This is the best value for families planning to visit both attractions during their trip.

Children under three are admitted free. Prices vary by date, with weekdays generally being less expensive than weekends and holidays. Check dollywood.com for current pricing.

Planning Tips for Your Visit

When to Go

Splash Country operates from late May through early September. The park is open daily during peak summer (mid-June through mid-August) and on weekends only during the shoulder periods at the start and end of the season. Summer in the Smokies brings warm temperatures in the 80s and 90s, making water park days ideal.

What to Bring

• Sunscreen: High SPF, waterproof. Reapply every 90 minutes. The mountain sun is stronger than you think at this elevation.
• Water shoes: The pavement gets extremely hot in the afternoon. Water shoes make walking between attractions much more comfortable.
• Towels: Bring your own or rent from the park. Having multiple towels for your group is recommended.
• Cash and cards: The park accepts both for food, merchandise, and locker rentals.
• Waterproof phone case: If you want to bring your phone on rides, a waterproof case is essential.

Maximizing Your Day

• Arrive at opening: The first 60 to 90 minutes offer the shortest lines. Head straight to RiverRush and the major thrill slides first.
• Rent a locker: Available near the entrance. Secure your valuables early before lines form at the rental counter.
• Claim seating early: Lounge chairs and shaded spots go fast. If your group includes non-riders, have someone secure seating while others hit the slides.
• Take a midday break: Lines are longest from noon to 2 PM. Use this time for lunch, the lazy river, or relaxing at your spot. Hit the big slides again in the afternoon when crowds thin.
• Stay until close: The last hour of the day often has the shortest lines of all, as many families leave early.

Food and Dining at Splash Country

Splash Country offers several dining options throughout the park. While the food is a step above most water parks (this is Dollywood, after all), prices reflect theme park pricing. You are welcome to bring a small cooler with snacks and non-alcoholic beverages into the park.

• Splashin' Snacks: Quick bites including hot dogs, nachos, ice cream, and drinks.
• Mountain Grille: Burgers, chicken tenders, and other grilled fare.
• Various carts: Funnel cakes, lemonade, and seasonal treats throughout the park.

For a more substantial meal, consider heading to nearby Pigeon Forge restaurants after your park visit. The Parkway is lined with dining options just minutes from Splash Country. The Old Mill is a local favorite for a hearty post-park dinner.