Pigeon Forge, TN
Photo by Roc0ast3r, via Wikimedia Commons (CC0)
About Dollywood Express
Riding the Dollywood Express aboard two restored White Pass & Yukon 2‑8‑2 “Mikado” steam locomotives, guests travel a 2.5‑mile narrow‑gauge loop from the Village up to the park’s northern mountain rim. The three‑foot (914 mm) track winds through forested scenery, while each engine burns five tons of coal daily. Opened in July 1961, it remains the oldest attraction in Dollywood and a signature park feature.
At a Glance
Verified daily- Type
- Heritage railroad & tourist attraction
- Location
- Pigeon Forge, TN
- Rating
- 4.7 ★ 1,996 Google reviews
Upcoming Events
No ticketed events are currently listed for Dollywood Express. Many heritage operators publish schedules seasonally or run on regular open hours instead of dated events.
Check the operator’s website for current hours and special runs, or subscribe to event alerts and we’ll email you when something is scheduled.
Plan Your Visit
- Parking
- Paid lot
- Accessibility
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance · accessible restroom · accessible parking
- Hours
- Monday: 10:00 AM – 9:30 PMTuesday: 10:00 AM – 9:30 PMWednesday: 10:00 AM – 9:30 PMThursday: 10:00 AM – 9:30 PMFriday: 10:00 AM – 9:30 PMSaturday: 10:00 AM – 9:30 PMSunday: 10:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Find the Depot
The Trains
The Dollywood Express runs on a 3 ft (914 mm) narrow‑gauge, 2.5‑mile loop‑to‑loop track that connects the Village area with the park’s north‑side mountain entrance. The train is hauled by two former White Pass & Yukon Route 2‑8‑2 “Mikado” steam locomotives—originally USATC S118 Class units numbered #192 (the primary engine on the Dollywood line) and #70 (added in 1977)—each consuming about five tons of coal per day and pulling a set of open‑air passenger cars. Additional WP&YR locomotives #71 (acquired in 1977) are kept on site for backup and special service.
History
See full history
The attraction began when Grover Robbins opened Tweetsie Railroad in 1957 and, after acquiring two USATC S‑118 Class 2‑8‑2 locomotives in 1960, launched the Rebel Railroad at the Smoky Mountains in July 1961. It was renamed Gold Rush Junction in 1966, sold to the Cleveland Browns in 1970, then purchased by Jack and Pete Herschend in 1976 and rebranded Silver Dollar City Tennessee, with two additional WP&YR locomotives added in 1977. Dolly Parton became part owner in 1986, the park became Dollywood and the train was renamed the Dollywood Express, a title it still holds as the oldest attraction in the park; the balloon stacks were removed after the 2004 season. Subsequent milestones include a passenger‑fall incident on April 14 2004, a grease fire on locomotive 70 on October 18 2020, a passenger‑car derailment on October 1 2023, and the conversion of one locomotive from coal to oil announced on February 24 2026.
Around the Depot
The Dollywood Express shares eastern Tennessee with the Little River Rail Road and Lumber Company Museum, 15 mi away; the Three Rivers Rambler and the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad each sit about 25 mi from the park.
Wild EagleAttraction·★ 4.9 (3078)6 min walkDirections →
Getting There & Staying Nearby
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Rent a Car
Most heritage railroads sit well off the interstate. Picking up a rental at the nearest airport is usually the easiest way in.
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Tours & Activities near Pigeon Forge
Tours
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