In case you’re looking for an adrenaline rush with jaw-dropping natural beauty, the Best Zipline Adventures in North Carolina must be on your list.
The Heel State is surrounded by beautiful forests, hilly mountain formations, and running rivers – all of which make for a memorable backdrop when flying through the air.
Ziplines in North Carolina offer a heart-pounding adventure that allows you to enjoy the outdoors like never before.
Ziplining is not only about the excitement, but also about the view. It will give you an aerial view of things that you can never see on the ground. It is the best method for enjoying the discovery of nature and the thrill of adrenaline.
And so, strap on to find a great place to zip and fly in North Carolina!
Why Ziplining in North Carolina is a Must-Try Adventure
The geography of North Carolina has positioned it as an outdoor playground. The Great Smoky Mountains are in the west, and the Blue Ridge Parkway cuts across all picturesque ridgelines.
It makes a perfect combination of dramatic rises. It falls in dense forests and huge valleys, and this is where an ideal combination of coarse ziplines can be enjoyed, both in a mild ride and in a record-breaking adrenaline rush.
Ziplining here is versatile, and this is one of the reasons. It is not only extreme adventurers; there are family-friendly courses that cater to kids, as well as heart-stopping ones that reach the highest speeds and heights.
Another attraction is seasonal beauty; turn a few pages and fantasize about flying through blazing autumn leaves, forest green summer trees, or even snow-covered winter scenes. Ziplining in North Carolina is a memorable experience with nature, regardless of the time of year.
Ziplining offers an adventure experience that is neither too much excitement nor too much wonder, whether you are a family visiting the ziplines or you and your friend just want a date outing.
Top 6 Best Zipline Adventures in NC
Ready to take flight? These are six of the most fun and most beautiful ziplines in North Carolina. They are all unique and interesting enough to have the adventure of your travel type.
Nantahala Outdoor Center Zipline Adventure Park – Bryson City, NC
The Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) is an adventure center in Bryson City, and its Zipline Adventure Park is a must-visit for anyone in the region.
- The course entails 600-foot zip lines, climbing structures, and treetop obstructions.
- This destination is all the more special because you can add an extra adventure to your zipline tour, such as whitewater rafting on the Nantahala River, kayaking, or mountain biking.
- It is here that adventure travelers can plan a complete day, or even a weekend-long adventure of fun outdoors.
Better still, the NOC is located near Elk Hollow Resort, making it easy to have a comfortable mountain stay and continue with the adventure nonstop.
Details
| Time | Monday to Sunday: 8 am to 7 pm |
| Address | 13077 US-19, Bryson City, NC 28713, United States. Get Location |
| Contact | +1 828-785-5082 |
Navitat Canopy Adventures – Asheville Zipline Tours
Navitat Canopy Adventures is an award-winning zipline park situated in the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering a range of tours that feature long ziplines, sky bridges, and breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
- Here, it is not only about adrenaline but also about being in touch with nature.
- Navitat offers two primary tours: the Moody Cove Adventure, featuring six long ziplines, and the Blue Ridge Experience, which includes ziplines that run alongside each other, with some as long as 3,600 feet.
- Guided tours make the event company-friendly, and the informed employees also present ecological facts, making it both entertaining and educational.
Details
| Time | Thursday to Monday: 9 am to 5 pmClosed: Tuesday and Wednesday |
| Address | 242 Poverty Branch Rd, Barnardsville, NC 28709, United States. Get Location |
| Contact | +1 855-628-4828 |
Highlands Aerial Park – Family-Friendly Zipline in Scaly Mountain NC
Highlands Aerial Park is located in the southern Appalachians and is characterized by kiddish attractions and memorable mountain views.
- You will also cross suspension bridges and skywalks as you pass through old-growth forests, and all this makes the experience even more adventurous.
- To the families, this is a good choice because it has shorter queues, allowing the kids to use them, while the adults can go on the longer and faster runs.
- There are also the Giant Swing and nature trails in the park, making the whole park an adventure for everyone of all ages.
Details
| Time | Monday to Sunday: 10 am to 4 pm |
| Address | 9625 Dillard Rd, Scaly Mountain, NC 28775, United States. Get Location |
| Contact | +1 828-482-1422 |
The Gorge Zipline – Steepest & Fastest Zipline in North Carolina
If pure adrenaline is on your list, then The Gorge Zipline in Saluda is the ultimate destination.
- This course is billed as the steepest and fastest zipline in the state, and your heart will be racing through it all the way up.
- These 11 ziplines span an acre-and-a-half canopy, dropping a mind-blowing 1,100 vertical feet into Green River Gorge.
- You will encounter sky bridges and rappels along the way; however, the best part is the fantastic views, achieved with unmatched speed.
Details
| Time | Thursday to Monday: 8 am to 5 pmClosed: Tuesday and Wednesday |
| Address | 166 Honey Bee Dr, Saluda, NC 28773, United States. Get Location |
| Contact | +1 828-749-2500 |
Sky Valley Zip Tours – Night Ziplining in Blowing Rock NC
At Sky Valley Zip Tours, you can experience an exhilarating combination of ziplines, cliff jumps, rope bridges, and more, making the company the perfect destination for groups and families.
- These 10 ziplines are situated in a canyon with numerous trees, offering an abundance of speed, height, and distance.
- The experience at Sky Valley is unique, as it offers visitors the chance to enjoy ziplining at night using headlamps (Night Flight Tour).
- It is an impressive experience that will leave a mark on the adventure traveler.
Details
| Time | Monday to Sunday: 9 am to 5 pm |
| Address | 634 Sky Ranch Rd, Blowing Rock, NC 28605, United States. Get Location |
| Contact | +1 828-264-0002 |
Beanstalk Journey Zipline Park – Kid-Friendly Zipline in Morganton NC
If you are traveling with children or simply want to have a fun experience with a zipline, Beanstalk Journey in Morganton is the perfect choice.
- This adventure playground is similar to a treetop playground, featuring a variety of treehouses, climbing structures, and sky bridges.
- It is designed in a manner that is accessible to people of all ages, while also providing a great deal of excitement.
- Families can spend the entire day here, exploring the various challenges and ziplines at their own pace.
Details
| Time | Monday to Sunday: 9 am to 5 pm |
| Address | 701 Sanford Dr, Morganton, NC 28655, United States. Get Location |
| Contact | +1 828-430-3440 |
Stay Close to the Best North Carolina Zipline Parks at Elk Hollow Resort
You will be tired of flying around the trees, and you will be ready to have a lovely, relaxing home to stay at, and that is where Elk Hollow Resort comes in.
This resort is situated in Bryson City, providing an ideal location close to some of North Carolina’s top outdoor attractions, including the Nantahala Outdoor Center, Deep Creek, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
- Ek Hollow Resort is a blend of rustic and modern elements.
- Tourists will be able to enjoy spacious rooms with a stunning mountain view, private decks, and proximity to local trails and rivers.
- It is the perfect home base for adventurers, nature lovers, and families.
Elk Hollow is comfortable and convenient, whether you are planning a summer trip of rafting and ziplining or an escape in the fall to see the foliage on fire.
Trip planning tip to keep in mind: It is a good idea to book in advance, particularly during the peak summer season and the fall color season, when Bryson City is a popular tourist destination.
Essential Travel Tips for Ziplining in North Carolina
The planning of your zipline adventure in North Carolina is not only about the choice of the right park; it is also about preparation, safety, and maximizing the time you spend in the mountains.
Here are some of the most essential travel tips to know before you strap in the harness and fly between the trees.
What to Wear
Wear comfortable and safe clothes for ziplining.
- Sneakers or hiking boots are necessary because they provide a good grip and complete foot protection.
- A dressing must be neat, yet relaxed, in summer wear moisture-wicking shirts; in spring or fall wear lightweight ones.
- Keep loose objects, such as scarves or dangling jewelry, out of the body, as they can get entangled in the equipment. A sunglass strap and some sunscreen will also help you on your adventure.
Age & Weight Restrictions
In North Carolina, safety, age, and weight limits have been established in zipline parks due to concerns about safety.
- The majority of them require the presence of children who are at least 7-10 years old, with a minimum weight of approximately 70 pounds.
- The top weights are typically 250-275 pounds, to suit harness and braking system capabilities.
- Such regulations ensure a secure experience for all, including children and adults. It is always advisable to check the park’s guidelines to avoid any surprises when making a booking.
Safety First
The issue of safety is a significant concern, and the licensed operators in North Carolina take it very seriously.
- This is because every tour is led by certified guides who will instruct you on how to wear the harness, maintain proper body position, and land safely.
- The equipment is regularly checked, and staff members are trained in rescue techniques.
- Whenever in doubt, ask questions: they are supposed to make you feel at ease. After being safe, you can easily concentrate on the fun and the views.
Best time to visit
North Carolina has year-round ziplining, although the seasons are more beautiful.
- A pleasant time of year is spring, when the wildflowers are in blossom, and the time of year when everyone loves to enjoy the greenery and long days is summer.
- Fall is magnificent when the foliage is in full color, and this is the busiest season.
- Some of the parks even open during winter, with snowy treetops making it look like a fairy tale. You can always book in advance, whether in high seasons or not, particularly during peak seasons.
Ziplining with Other Adventures
Ziplining is a great activity to combine with other outdoor activities. You can take the zip in Bryson City in the morning, and in the afternoon, you can go rafting or tubing on the Nantahala River.
- The town of Asheville offers an opportunity to combine ziplining with scenic walks along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
- Thrill-seekers would have the added excitement of hiking in the Green River Gamelands when they are in the area of Saluda.
- Several parks also offer combo packages, allowing you to save money and fill your trip with fun.
Conclusion: Experience the Best Zipline Adventures in North Carolina
Ziplining in North Carolina is not just a rush of adrenaline; it is an opportunity to experience the state’s natural beauty from a totally different perspective.
Between the eco-friendly tours of Asheville and the extreme, fast-paced excitement of Saluda, each zipline park offers a unique way to experience the mountains and the woods.
And when you are tired after having a day of adventure, the Elk Hollow Resort in Bryson City places you in the middle of it all.
It boasts all the modern amenities, rural beauty, and unparalleled access to zipline parks and outdoor adventures, making it the ideal starting point for your mountain getaway.
So, what are you waiting for? Bring your adventure, reserve your room at the Elk Hollow Resort, and prepare to zip through the treetops of North Carolina!
FAQs | Best Zipline Adventures in North Carolina
What is the best zipline adventure in North Carolina?
The Gorge Zipline in Saluda is considered the best for thrill-seekers, as it’s the steepest and fastest in the state. For family-friendly options, Highlands Aerial Park and Beanstalk Journey are great choices.
Is ziplining in North Carolina safe?
Yes. All major zipline parks in North Carolina follow strict safety standards. Certified guides provide instructions, and equipment is regularly inspected to ensure a secure experience.
Can kids go ziplining in North Carolina?
Yes. Most parks allow kids as young as 7–10 years old with a minimum weight of about 70 lbs. Parks like Highlands Aerial Park and Beanstalk Journey are especially kid-friendly.
What should I wear for a zipline tour in North Carolina?
Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothes and closed-toe shoes like sneakers or hiking boots. Avoid loose accessories, and bring sunscreen and sunglasses with a strap.
When is the best time of year to go ziplining in North Carolina?
Spring, summer, and fall are the most popular seasons. Spring offers wildflowers, summer has lush greenery, and fall is stunning with colorful foliage. Some parks even offer winter ziplining.
How much does it cost to go ziplining in North Carolina?
Prices vary by park but generally range from $50–$120 per person depending on the course length, number of ziplines, and whether combo packages are included.
Which North Carolina zipline park is best for families?
Highlands Aerial Park and Beanstalk Journey are top family choices thanks to their kid-friendly ziplines, treetop playgrounds, and short wait times.
Are there any unique zipline experiences in North Carolina?
Yes! Sky Valley Zip Tours in Blowing Rock offers night ziplining with headlamps, and Navitat Canopy Adventures in Asheville combines eco-tours with breathtaking mountain views.
Can I combine ziplining with other outdoor adventures in North Carolina?
Absolutely. In Bryson City, you can pair ziplining at NOC with rafting or tubing on the Nantahala River. In Asheville, combine it with scenic drives on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Where should I stay near the best zipline parks in North Carolina?
Elk Hollow Resort in Bryson City is the best basecamp. It’s close to NOC, Deep Creek, and the Smoky Mountains, offering rustic-chic cabins, mountain views, and family-friendly amenities.
