Image: RiverRush will include twists and turns

Dollywood's Splash Country, the waterpark located adjacent to the Dollywood theme park in Tennessee, US, has unveiled plans to open the state's first water coaster in May 2013.

RiverRush - a hydromagnetic ride experience - is to combine the climbs, drops, twists and turns of a traditional land-based rollercoaster with water and will stand four storeys tall.

The coaster will feature four-person toboggan-style boats, which will be propelled by high-speed conveyor belt to a height of 237ft (72m) followed by a 25ft (8m), 45-degree drop.

Visitors will continue along the 1,175ft (358m) track through three additional drops driven by linear induction motors, before experiencing multiple hairpin turns and dark tunnels.

Pro-Slide Technology, the Canada-based engineering firm and manufacturer, is involved with the project, while Dollywood is responsible for the design and development.

Dolly Parton said: "At Dollywood, we made history with Wild Eagle, the country's first wing coaster, so I thought, why not do it again at Dollywood's Splash Country?"

Amy Owenby, vice president of waterparks, added: "We are thrilled that Dollywood's Splash Country will be home to Tennessee's first and only water coaster for families to enjoy."

RiverRush's track will span 1 acre (0.4 hectares) of Dollywood's Splash Country, which already features 23 water slides; a wave pool; a lazy river; and a leisure pool.

Details: www.dollywood.com