Beat the Smoky Mountain heat with thrilling slides, relaxing pools, kid-friendly splash zones, great food, and insider tips for Dollywood's Splash Country.
Dollywood's Splash Country is a mandatory addition to any Pigeon Forge summer itinerary. I know there are plenty of outdoor activities that shine during summer here, but trust me, you and your family won't want to miss all the fun this incredible water park has in store. Families with toddlers, teenagers chasing thrills, adults looking to relax, and groups wanting a fun day together will all find plenty to enjoy.
Ranked among the nation's top water parks, this 35-acre attraction stands apart from the typical concrete-and-asphalt water park experience. Why? Here, slides wind through wooded hillsides, shady trees line many pathways, and the Smoky Mountain setting gives Splash Country a character all its own. It's a water park set amid one of the most beautiful mountain regions in the United States.
Before we go for a splash, a little about us:
At Smoky Mountain Holiday, we offer a variety of cabins in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville.
We like to think of ourselves as your go-to mountain experts. Our destination blog is packed with local insights, from the best rainy-day activities to the top eats in every town.
Start With the Most Popular Attractions
The smartest strategy to make the most of your day at Splash Country is simple: arrive before opening and spend your first 90 minutes tackling the rides that develop the longest lines.
RiverRush
The park's signature attraction is Tennessee's only water coaster. Instead of simply sliding downhill, RiverRush uses coaster technology to launch riders uphill before sending them through drops, turns, and tree-lined sections.
It's one of the most unique rides in the park, and it should definitely be near the top of your list.
Fire Tower Falls
These twin 70-foot free-fall slides are for those looking for an adrenaline rush at Splash Country. You'll plunge nearly straight down before rapidly slowing in the runout section below. The views from the top are fantastic. So even if you climb the stairs and decide not to ride, you'll still get great vistas.
TailSpin Racer
This six-lane racing slide lets you compete head-first on mats through enclosed tubes and spirals before a dramatic splash finish. If you're visiting with friends or family, expect plenty of rematches.
Big Bear Plunge
Bear Plunge is a fun mix of ride and whitewater adventure. It sends you through dark caverns, steep drops, and sharp turns before ending exactly as a water ride should. This ride is especially fun if you're visiting with a big group.
Don't Miss These Hidden Favorites
Once you've checked off the headliners, don't rush past some of the park's most entertaining attractions, which more often than not get overlooked by visitors.
Mountain Scream is something in between twisting enclosed tunnels and an aggressive open-air drop slide that can briefly lift riders out of their seats.
SwiftWater Run, often nicknamed the "toilet bowl," sends you spinning around a giant bowl several times before dropping through the center. It's a classic water park attraction and a popular choice among those who prefer something a little gentler.
Raging River Rapids is all about providing a family-friendly rafting experience, complete with rotating rafts and gentler rapids.
Wild River Falls combines four separate slides into one attraction. It's a great option when you want multiple ride experiences without having to walk to different sections of the park.
Trade the Thrills for the Park's Relaxing Side
For those who aren't huge fans of slides and adrenaline, Splash Country has plenty of corners dedicated to a more relaxed and laid-back experience.
Downbound Float Trip
This 1,500-foot lazy river winds through mountain scenery and beneath a massive waterfall. It's the quintessential water park attraction for those who prefer to take it easy and cool off in the water rather than be thrown into it.
The Cascades
The Cascades blends waterfalls, grottos, gentle slides, and interactive water features into one sprawling aquatic playground. Don't be surprised if an hour here turns into most of the afternoon.
Mountain Waves
This is the park's 25,000-square-foot wave pool, which serves not only as an attraction but also as a social hub, hosting special events, live entertainment, and DJs.
Visiting With Young Children?
Visiting with younger kids? Here are a few attractions they'll love, and you'll likely enjoy too.
Bear Mountain Fire Tower
This giant multi-level water playground includes seven slides, climbing features, interactive water elements, and a massive 1,000-gallon bucket that dumps water every few minutes.
Little Creek Falls
Designed specifically for babies and toddlers, this splash pad contains no standing water, making it one of the safest and most stress-free areas in the park for young families. You won't have to worry about their safety, so you can simply relax and cool off with the little ones.
A helpful tip: have children measured when you enter the park. They'll receive a color-coded wristband showing which attractions they're eligible to ride, saving time throughout the day.
Take a Break and Grab a Bite
All that splashing, floating, and screaming works up an appetite. Luckily, there are plenty of tasty ways to recharge.
Best Full Meals
The Watering Hole is arguably the standout dining location. Its new Street Corn Nachos with chili-lime chicken, roasted corn, queso, crema, and cilantro are one of the park's most popular delicacies.
Campsite Grill is the go-to option for burgers, chicken tenders, pizza, and vegetarian alternatives.
Best Snacks
Ned's Bear Paws is a must-visit if you want to try mountain fried dough in both sweet and savory varieties. The new Apple Pie Bear Paw is one of the park's most talked-about additions for 2026.
BeaverTails serves flattened fried pastries topped with everything from chocolate hazelnut spread to cinnamon sugar and s'mores toppings. Little sweet tooths rarely walk away from BeaverTails fully satisfied after just one visit.
There's also Mountain Waves Creamery serving Mayfield ice cream, and Dippin' Dots®, where you can try the original beaded ice cream in a variety of flavors including Big Bear Brownie Batter, Mint Chocolate and the new "Midnight Delight" Flavor.
Make Some Time to Visit Splash Country's Shops
Riverside Trading Post
Riverside Trading Post is the main shopping location near the entrance and your best option for forgotten essentials such as sunscreen, water shoes, swim diapers, towels, and sunglasses.
The shop also sells cute Splash Country merchandise, Dolly Parton souvenirs, and grab-and-go meals.
Splash & Dash Sundries
Located near Mountain Waves and RiverRush, this smaller store is great when you need quick access to sunscreen, towels, or water shoes and don't feel like making the trek back to the front of the park.
Splash Photos
If the souvenir you want to take home after a day at Splash Country is a photo, head to Splash Photos. Located across from the Hospitality Check-In Plaza near the park's entrance, it's the park's on-site photo shop where some of the day's best moments come to life. Professional photographers and ride cameras capture memories throughout the day, which you can then purchase as printed keepsakes, photo water globes, and other fun souvenirs.
Don't Miss Neon Nights, the Big New Addition for 2026
The biggest addition this year is Neon Nights, an all-new after-hours event running on select Fridays and Saturdays from June 19 through August 1.
As the sun sets, Splash Country transforms into a playground of glowing lights, music, special entertainment, themed food offerings, and shorter wait times on many major attractions.
You'll be able to ride favorites such as Fire Tower Falls and Mountain Scream after dark and enjoy a completely different vibe than during the day.
Good to know: Neon Nights tickets start at $39.99, and bundled day-and-night packages start at $94.99.
Consider These Upgrades for a Better Experience
Rent a Retreat or Canopy
If you're spending a full day at the park, these private spaces, equipped with lounge chairs, fans, lockers, and shade, help families and larger groups set up a comfortable base between rides. They offer extra space, seating, dining areas, and additional comforts such as power outlets for charging devices.
Use Mobile Ordering
Guests with retreats or canopies can order food directly through the Dollywood app and have it delivered to their location. This is a great way to avoid midday food lines.
Buy a Fill & Chill Mug
If you're planning to spend several hours in the park, unlimited drink refills are well worth considering.
Also Consider TimeSaver H2O
Guests who dislike standing in lines can purchase the TimeSaver H2O system.
Standard packages include five expedited ride entries, and the Unlimited version gives you unlimited access to participating attractions.
Prices generally range from $55-$100 depending on the day and package selected.
Essential Information Before You Go
Location: 2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
2026 Season: May 16 through August 9, with select operating dates through September 20.
Typical Hours: Opens at 10:00 a.m. daily. Closing times vary between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. depending on the date.
Parking: Standard parking costs approximately $20-$25, with discounts sometimes available online. Preferred parking is available for an additional fee. Gold and Diamond Season Passholders receive free parking.
Tickets: Single-day admission starts around $95. One of the best values is the 2-Day, 2-Park ticket, which includes both Dollywood and Splash Country for $99.99.
Children 3 and Under: Free admission.
Cashless System: Splash Country is now completely cashless. Credit cards, debit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay are accepted throughout the park. If you arrive with cash, don't worry. There are free Cash-to-Card kiosks near the entrance, the wave pool, and the Riverside Trading Post that allow you to convert cash into a prepaid card.
Towels: Bring your own towels if possible. The park doesn't provide them free of charge.
Extras: Outside food, coolers, and beverages aren't allowed inside. However, every guest may bring one unopened bottle of water. If you prefer to bring lunch, you can leave a cooler in the car, get a hand stamp, and use the shaded picnic tables outside the entrance before returning to the park.
Make the Most of Your Smoky Mountains Adventure
While you're in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, or Sevierville, make the most of your stay with Smoky Mountain Holiday's curated collection of cabins and vacation homes.
Smoky Mountain Holiday premium cabin rentals offer the perfect blend of rustic charm and modern comfort. From cozy couple's retreats to spacious family lodges, our hand-picked properties provide breathtaking mountain views, top-notch amenities, and easy access to local attractions.