Mystery Mine is one of Dollywood's most unique and intense coasters. The theming is top-notch from the moment you step into the abandoned mine setting, it feels dark, creepy, and immersive. The vertical lift, sudden drops, and fire effects make it exciting in a way that feels different from the other rides in the park. read more

Mystery Mine was the first ride I rode right after entering the park. It was a great way to start the day as it started the adrenaline pumping in my body. I appreciate a themed ride that is part dark and part outdoor. From the time that you enter the queue you are immersed in the whole mine theme. You are made to feel that you are about to enter a mine, and if you pay attention in the line area, you'll come to see that it is a condemned mine. The line moves swiftly, or maybe it was because I was one of the first people in line for the day, but I was in a car in no time. The cars allow for up to eight people to ride and are consistently running. You are sent out of the platform and on your way. The theme continues as you see crows and canaries and it looks like you are about to be ground up by a boring machine. I went and look up the history of this ride and see that it was the first of it's kind in the US and at that time held several records. At the time it was the biggest investment into the park itself. read more

SOOO MUCH FUN! You get to be by fire and they have there own theme song It's SOOOI MICH FUN

If Dollywood had its own version of Space Mountain this ride comes very close to it. In fact when you get here when the park opens there usually isn't any wait. However, most of the crowds congregate to Big Bear Mountain nearby (reviewed separately) which means by the time you get back to this ride there is a bit of a wait. Having a timesaver pass cuts the wait time. Part dark ride and part outdoor there are two 90 degree vertical accents on this ride and you never know what to expect. Unlike most coasters this one starts off with a drop which adds to the fun. Pyrotechnic elements such as fire are near the end of the ride and seem to bar your way. This ride can be vicious. I few times with all the curves and twists my ears got tossed from side to side. Still it doesn't take away the fun of it. The ride looks innocent enough but if you are a coaster fan then this is definitely a not to be missed attraction at Dollywood. read more

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Mystery Mine is a Gerstlauer Euro-Fighter steel roller coaster that opened in 2007. Built at a cost of 17.5 million dollars, it was most expensive ride in Dollywood's history until Wild Eagle was built in 2012. It is located in the Timber Canyon portion of the park near Thunderhead rollercoaster. Mystery Mine is both an inside (dark) and outdoor coaster. The theme is a haunted mine from the 19th century which fits in perfectly with the park and the history of the Smoky Mountains. As you go through the que you see old articles condemning the mine shaft. Two flights of stairs takes you to the boarding area. Once you board your mine car you are launched quickly out into a small drop and hairpin curves. The car is then taken to a complete stop before you are lifted straight up a vertical wall of track at a 90-degree angle as you are on your back. This takes you to the outside portion of the coaster where at the top you descend a small hill before a larger drop. Some of the unique features of the coaster are its 95-degree, beyond-vertical 85 foot drop inside the ride building, two inversions, and a top speed of 43 mph. During the 2020/2021 off-season of the park, the layout of the outdoor section following the first lift hill was changed which resulted in a shorter layout of the ride by a few feet. As a coaster fan I really loved this ride. My friend hadn't been on a coaster in years and I talked her into it. I was hoping she wouldn't be mad at me but I didn't need to worry, she loved it. We ended up riding it several times along with all of the other coasters in Dollywood. It is not as intense as Wild Eagle which I think is the premier coaster in the park so make sure you definitely do that one. I think this was my second favorite coaster. The theming at Dollywood is definitely at a level equal to Disney or Universal. Mystery Mine is just one of the reasons I loved my visit to this theme park. read more

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FOSSIL FUELED FRENZY This Gerstlauer custom roller coaster is packed with more surprises than an exploding coalmine. Of all of the attractions at Dollywood, this is the one that intrigued me most. I'd seen photos of the ride's finale, as well as a few exterior shots of the building......but as this coaster is situated mostly in darkness, it was all, well.....a big ol' mystery! When I visited with Nichole C on 3/28/18, the park hadn't yet got Mystery Mine up and running until after noon. This presented a problem, since I expected a long wait. Fortunately, guest throughput is 1000 riders/hour despite the cars themselves only seating 2 rows of 4 across. After half an hour, we arrived at the platform and the anticipation peaked. Everything was themed around a dilapidated coalmine that'd been sealed off for decades. The swinging lamps inside and rickety looking façade really helped to drive the point home. Bravo! We didn't get lucky with the front row (drat!) so I had to deal with an obstructed view in the 8-person mine cart. The shoulder restraints weren't uncomfortable and the station crew dispatched those little trains in a hurry, so props to them for expediency. Mystery Mine starts off great, with a sharp 10ft drop RIGHT out of the station. A series of odd, meandering turns in the dark really enhance the mood on your way to the first of two vertical chain lifts. If you've never experienced a slow chain lift hill at a 90° angle, you're in for a trip. This takes you outside the building for the ride's 2nd act, where another steep drop leads to a "horseshoe" fan turn and an upward helix before a block brake section. A quick dip and downward helix rushes the mine cart back into the building for the 3rd and final act. Earlier, a scene with a canary showed the bird happily chirping in its cage. At this point it's dead on the floor of the mine, indicating a serious gas leak (which coincidentally happens to me after eating a beef & bean burrito, but I digress). Another vertical chain lift -- this one at 85ft -- brings the mine cart towards the crest in a very dramatic fashion. A screen flashes above you as lightning and a simulated storm begins to brew. Just as you're brought over the top, flame jets erupt and the holding brake releases! The final drop is taken at a 95° angle, which is slightly beyond vertical. It's here where the car bursts into sunlight at 44mph and enters a truly awesome maneuver: an inclined heartline roll followed by a dive loop that subjects you to MAJOR hangtime. No bullsh*t, you're suspended upside down for a solid 1-2 seconds. One cycle lasts an astounding 2-1/2 minutes, making it one of the longest rides (in terms of duration) at the park. ______________ FINAL VERDICT: This is a shining example of why Dollywood is one of the greatest **theme** parks in the world. They're committed to selling every bit of the ride, both inside and out. I honestly thought I was on a roller coaster at one of the Disney or Universal properties. Though it's rather intense and boasts a maximum force of 4.5G's, Mystery Mine should NOT to be missed on your visit. It's wicked good! Eric S's Dollywood coaster ranking = 3rd out of 7! read more

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This is a very good ride. The sudden drops are very good and the lifts are exciting. However, there is a drop qt the end that is very unexpected. read more

Not that good on its own. The ride is rough and very short despite having two lift hills. However, it has some saving graces... 1: The ride has one of Southeastern America's better beyond vertical drops, partly because of the fact that you're slowed a bit before it. 2: Dollywood has a lot of good theming for their rides, but this has one of the best theming in Dollywood. There's a lot of cool moments both on and off the ride, there's fire, a vulture that talks, and an amazing facade. This ride is more of an experience then a really good ride, but the experience itself is good. It's up a lot more then Lightning Rod, too (but it broke down while I was about to ride, I was in the car) read more

Went here in vacation and definitely had a blast would recommend to anyone!!! We bought season passes and are planning on going back very soon. The park itself is huge and there is plenty of things to do. read more

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This ride is just okay. It can be a little jerky and bumpy and head banging and stomach banging on some parts of the ride. It is cool how they lift you at 90 degree hill and drop you until you head bang. It is good theming. I would not ride this as a marathon though read more

Mystery Mine - Amusement Parks Near Me - Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

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I watched this coaster and thought the ride system looked so smooth. I had no idea what the ride was like on the inside. So, I decided I was going to ride it. I'm So glad I did. WOW! What a ride. This is one of my top rollercoasters! It's SO MUCH FUN! The straight up lift hills, the smooth ride mechanisms, the way it's handled, it's just one of the best coasters I've ever ridden. I didn't expect this from Dollywood, I'm so glad I went! read more

I loved it! However, at one point, I did say, "I now know what my laundry feels like" and I was met with reactionary laughter that told me I was not alone and that statement is perfect. Totally ride it, worth it. Thank you Dolly for the overall experience - will definitely be back! read more

Unexpected roller coaster steep inclines, multiple inversions slow upside down roll a few secs. Dark inside building area all around one of favorite coasters I've ridden anywhere read more

I, too, have been on the Mystery Mine ride at Dollywood but I take this review with a differnt approach. 99.9 percent of the people are there for the thrills of the ride but I was part of the .1 percent that actually took it as a museum with a roller coaster placed in the middle of the exhibit. The Dollywood people have actually tried to show through text and graphics and actual mine equipment on display how dangerous mining is (and was) in the US, especially the southern US. I felt like I was walking through a intepretative center and was very impressed but did not have enough time to look at all the exhibits. Yes, the ride was thrilling but so were the educational efforts of the Dollywood staff on showing what miners had to (and still have to) go through. read more

Went on this with my 15 year old son who absolutely loved this ride. It is definitely not a ride for the faint at heart. I have to admit I have not been on a ride like this since I was a kid and was hesitant, but I knew my son would be happy to have me go with him on it. It starts of crazy and gets even crazier where towards the end you do a few loops. I have to admit it was fun, but also had to sit afterwards and regain my balance.. lol Dollywood is definitely fun and has something for everyone. For people who like my son likes thrill rides, they have plenty! The lines were not horrible and it's great to go on a water ride to cool off after a day in the heat. I also thought it was great they offer free water throughout the park at the restaurants and have fans with water misting all over the park. They have a wide range of shows and other rides that are more subtle. The design layout is great and as you stroll through each land there is plenty to explore and discover. read more

I'm not really an expert to comment on rollercoasters, but this one really, reaaaaaally took my breath away. Whoaaa...now that's what you call a Roller Coaster ride. It's been a year since this almost right-angled, spine chilling ride hit the track. Nonetheless, I being a late bird rode it just last weekend. Gosh! I was screaming at the top of my lungs, hair blown with wind and mouth wide open. It was perhaps one of the most exhilarating rides I have ever ridden. I think it is one of the best themed (for those not in the loop, mystery mine is themed as an abandoned coal mine with a sinister past) coasters by far, else than Disney of course. Located in Dollywood's Timber Canyon region, this place offers awesome ambience, breathtaking special effects, thundering sounds, and needless to say, excitement galore. read more

This is really great ride! big hills, awesome turns, goes upside down, is indoors and outdoors, is suspenseful and includes blasts of real fire! I loved it! read more

I feel like was offended because the harness that goes over you when you ride would not go all the way down..yes I am a little over weight so we're the other three people who were with me..and they made me get off..but when I rode the other roller coaster in Dollywood I fit just fine and was not told to get off..so yes I feel I was offended. Thank you! read more

I was cracking up the whole time! I can't remember a ride that has almost made me puke from laughter. Right from the start you drop and your stomach is in your throat. You go straight up, sideways, up side down, every which way possible. I was not expecting to go upside down. I'm not gonna lie, I almost peed myself when the fire came shooting out at you, you can feel the heat off of it. If you're feeling a bit queasy, do not ride this ride. Let's just say when we exited, puke was on the ground. read more

This thing is sooo amazing...love the fire ball and the huge drop at the end. It's a bit jerky at the end but man overall this is a cool ride. read more

Love the ride. It's kind of short and it makes you expect more thrill than you get with the darkness and noises. For a small theme park this ride surprised me. I rode it twice. Definitely ride it no matter the wait. (I have been to Disney and Universal several times and this is still a good ride in my opinion.) read more