Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, will add a new steel roller coaster to its selection of rides in 2023.

With a track-length of 3,990ft and top speed of 48 miles per hour, the new Big Bear Mountain will take riders on a 1minute 40-second journey.

At US$25m, it is the largest single investment ever in an attraction at Dollywood.

Designed by Vekoma, each coaster train seats 20 guests and embarks on a search for the elusive “Big Bear” in the hills just beyond Dollywood’s newest area, Wildwood Grove.

Big Bear Mountain features three separate launches, multiple airtime hills, high-speed carousel turns and tunnels, including a pass behind a waterfall.

“Big Bear Mountain is just that – big," said Eugene Naughton, President of Dollywood Parks & Resorts.

“This ride is going to be a game changer for us at Dollywood for several reasons, including the fact it’s the largest coaster we’ve ever built and our first ride with on-board audio.

"We’re excited about what Big Bear Mountain means for Dollywood – things are going to get big at Dollywood in 2023, and we hope everyone will come share in the fun.”

The 160-acre Dollywood theme park is part of the Dollywood company, which also includes the adjacent, 35-acre Dollywood’s Splash Country and Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa.

An additional element, Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort, is currently under construction and is scheduled for completion in 2023.