There’s nothing quite like the freedom of flying through the treetops at top speeds with the wind in your face and the world at your feet. These amazing zipline adventures offer stunning vantage points, a unique perspective of the world, and fun for the entire family. Whether you’re a daring thrill seeker or a novice flyer, there are options for everyone. Keep reading to discover the best places for ziplining in the Smoky Mountains!
Anakeesta Dueling Zipline Adventure
Anakeesta is Gatlinburg’s premiere outdoor family theme park, showcasing the beauty and adventure of the Great Smoky Mountains, and there’s a reason why their ziplining team has won the Best Zipline Award three years in a row. The Dueling Zipline Adventure is not only an exhilarating and adrenaline-pumping ride high above the treetops, but the side-by-side lines allow you to race against your friends and family.
Choose from three ziplines and exciting rappels that are more than 50 feet high, making for a stomach flipping thrill. When you’re done zooming through the treetops, climb aboard the Chondola for a ride back up to the summit, where you can take advantage of the rest of the food, shopping, and fun that Anakeesta has to offer.
CLIMB Works Canopy is one of the best spots for ziplining in Gatlinburg. They deliver on high adventure and big fun. You get a true treetop canopy tour with 9 world-class ziplines, cool sky bridges, a wild ATV ride to the top, and a bonus surprise at the end. And while you’re having a great time, you can rest easy knowing that this organization has an admirable respect for the environment. They use sustainable practices in every part of their business operations and all of their education pieces.
Legacy Mountain Ziplines
Rated the number one zipline adventure in America, Legacy Mountain Ziplines near Pigeon Forge is an unforgettable outdoor adventure. Take on some of the longest and highest ziplines in the Smoky Mountains for high-flying thrills and jaw-dropping views. You’ll zip along 7 unique and exciting lines, soaring up to 500 feet off the ground. And even though you’ll reach speeds up to 50 miles per hour between mountaintops, you’ll still have plenty of time to take in the amazing scenery that you can only find here in the Smokies.
Nantahala Gorge Canopy Zipline Tour
Soar across two miles of fantastic mountain-to-mountain zip lines that take you above the treetops and into the open air. This high-flying, fully guided trek located in Bryson City is the original zipline canopy tour in Western North Carolina. You’ll soar deep into the woods as you navigate a network of treetop platforms high in the air. Test your balance on 7 swinging sky bridges, and zoom across 11 heart-pumping zip lines, naturally fueled by a gradual elevation change.
As you pick up speed, the forest canopy opens up before you and you feel the exhilaration of the wind whipping your hair. Take a breather in between zips on aerial platforms with stunning views of Clingman’s Dome, Fontana Lake and the Nantahala Gorge. Make an entire day of it and add on a guided whitewater rafting trip.
Navitat Canopy Adventures
This exciting spot in Barnardsville, North Carolina offers up multiple options for you to feel the wind at your face and the world at your feet. The Treetop Tour takes you from tree to tree, across sky bridge, and down ropes on an eco-tour through Moody Cove. Choose the Mountaintop Tour for an incredible aerial adventure where you can race a friend on side-by-side ziplines, reaching thrilling speeds and spine-tingling heights. Or if heights aren’t really your deal, ride along in a guided RTV excursion and explore the sights in the cool of the cove with the “Shadow Tour.”
The folks at Navitat are committed to conservation. Everything they do is focused on nature and being a good steward of the environment so that our beautiful natural surroundings can be enjoyed by generations to come. Their pledge to leave the world better than they found it makes this a top spot for ziplining in the Smoky Mountains.
Canopy Ridge Farm
This amazing family-owned and operated outdoor adventure park spreads out over 60 breathtaking acres in Lake Lure, NC, a great area for hiking. Led by a team of friendly and knowledgeable guides, it’s safety first here! No matter your ability level, your guides will be there at every platform to literally show you the ropes.
Kids 4 years old and up will enjoy flying through the hardwood forest canopy and soaring across gorges, hillsides, and water. Experience the rush of adrenaline as you cross 6 ziplines that reach up to 100 feet into the air and zoom along at speeds up to 35 miles per hour. Guaranteed to deliver adventure, laughter, and tons of fun, you’ll have an unforgettable day swinging through the trees.
Highlands Aerial Park
This stunning 96-acre property bordering the Nantahala National Forest in Scaly Mountain, NC has a ton of fun and natural beauty. Inspired by both European alpine adventure courses and rain forest canopy tours of Central America, the folks at Highlands Aerial Park have combined these into one incredible outdoor adventure.
At 3,400 feet high, these zipline tours offer up wide views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. You’ll soar through lush old-growth forests dotted with knolls, creeks, springs, and waterfalls that come together to create a remarkable natural terrain.
The 4 ziplines on the Half Mountaintop Tour are a great intro for beginners. The 2 ziplines and 7 challenge elements on the Brave Indian Challenge Course are designed for little ones ages 4 and up. Or if you’re out for the greatest views and biggest thrills, then head straight for the 8 ziplines through the canopy on the Full Mountaintop Tour. No matter which option you choose, you’re sure to take your adventures to new heights when you go ziplining in the Smoky Mountains.
