Gatlinburg ziplines feature some of the longest and best courses you’ll find anywhere. Both Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge offer exhilarating ziplining experiences that will leave your heart pounding and your spirit soaring. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or a nature enthusiast, ziplining across the lush landscapes of this region is an adventure like no other.
If you’re feeling a bit adventurous and looking for some unique fun, ziplining might be just the activity you and your family or friends could enjoy.
images courtesy of Legacy Mountain Ziplines
Imagine a thick steel cable strongly anchored from higher elevation and running down above the trees to a finishing place lower down the mountain. Now imagine you, securely strapped into a slider, gliding down that cable, high in the air, over hills, across dips and valleys, through some of the best scenery in the Smoky Mountains. Whoosh!
First, let’s discuss some of the nitty gritty:
How Should You Dress?
You’ll definitely be in the outdoors, so wear appropriate clothing, on the durable side. Shorts are okay and you’ll be most comfortable if they’re about mid-thigh length.
Ziplining requires a certain level of preparation in terms of attire to ensure comfort and safety.
- Footwear: Closed-toe shoes, like sneakers or hiking boots, are mandatory. Sandals or flip-flops are not allowed.
- Clothing: Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothes are crucial. Avoid loose garments that could get tangled in the equipment.
- Accessories: Remove jewelry, scarves, and anything that could snag. Tie back long hair.
- Weather Gear: Bring a light rain jacket if rain is forecasted, as ziplining often continues in light rain.
Mountain temperatures can vary with elevation so wear layers of clothing – ask staff advice when you get there. Do not wear any shoes with open toes – anything else, such as a basic sneaker or hiking boot, is fine.
Can Kids Go Ziplining?
Yes, but check with each course beforehand. Many zipline courses are family-friendly, offering modified adventures suitable for children.
However, each outfitter has its own age, weight, and height restrictions. Some cater to children as young as 3 to go ziplining, while others have a minimum age of 18 with more intense courses.
- Weight Limits: Typically range from 45 lbs to 275 lbs.
- Age Limits: Most places require children to be at least 7-10 years old.
How much Does it Cost?
Ziplining adventures vary in price based on the course length, number of ziplines, and included activities. On average, expect to pay:
- Adults: $50 – $100+
- Children: $30 – $70+
Again it depends on the course you go to – tickets can be purchased at some courses for as little as $60. Group rates are worth checking into if you can muster around ten people – this is great way for everyone to bolster any nervousness they may have too.
Safety
Ziplining has a good reputation for safety, provided the lines are well installed, and the staff are well trained. Zip lines are no place for horseplay, showing off, or ignoring procedures.
The Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT) sets safety standards for ziplining. You want your zipline provider to have ACCT-certified staff. The company should be conducting self-inspections daily, with a third-party inspection annually. Good zipline companies expect you to have questions about safety and welcome the chance to give you all the answers you need – so ask!
Popular Ziplining Destinations
Okay, let’s go ziplining in the Smokies! Here are some top destinations and some details about each:
1 – Legacy Mountain Ziplines
Some of the longest zip lines in the world are right here in the Smoky Mountains, and Legacy Mountain Ziplines has 4.5 miles of them in 7 different zip lines. Children as young as 3 are permitted, and staff are ACCT certified. All lines are twin-cable for extra safety! Legacy Mountain Ziplines features a zipline adventure for the whole family through 400 acres of some of the area’s premier scenery.
- Address: 800 Legacy Vista Dr, Sevierville, TN 37876
- Website: Legacy Mountain Ziplines
- Zipline Highlight: 7 ziplines up to 3,400 feet long and 450 feet high.
2 – Ober Mountain (aka Ober Gatlinburg)
Though it’s best known as a ski resort, Ober Mountain offers a 13-line ziplining course that’s over a mile long and includes four sky bridges. The course takes riders over the Big Pigeon River and through a dense mountain forest. This course features more ziplines than any other course in the Smokies. Some say the ride is exciting but not scary.
- Address: 1339 Ski Mountain Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
- Website: Ober Mountain
- Zipline Highlight: Offers a dual-line system for side-by-side racing and stunning mountain views.
3 – Anakeesta
Anakeesta is a 70-acre, award-winning outdoor theme park in Gatlinburg that offers a Smoky Mountain experience for all ages. The park offers ziplining, treetop canopy walks, and much more. Fun fact: the name Anakeesta is Cherokee for “place of high ground” or “place of the balsams”.
The park’s zipline course features dual ziplines for a fun race between friends, over a 2,600 feet of travel at around a 60-foot height.
- Address: 576 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
- Website: Anakeesta
- Zipline Highlight: Dual-racing ziplines up to 2,600 feet long, plus a rappel.
4 – CLIMB Works Gatlinburg
CLIMB Works provides world-class canopy tours with unparalleled views and unique educational insights. A family-friendly adventure destination, the company offers two zipline tours: Mountaintop Zipline and Treetop Zipline. The Mountaintop Zipline tour includes 11 adventures and six side-by-side zipline runs, and some say it offers 360-degree panoramic views.
- Address: 155 Branam Hollow Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
- Website: CLIMB Works Smoky Mountains
- Zipline Highlight: 9 ziplines over two miles, 3 sky bridges, and a thrilling ATV ride.
5 – Wahoo Ziplines
Wahoo Ziplines boasts a comprehensive adventure park with a long-standing reputation for safety and fun. The park’s six ziplines are between 40 and 250 feet above the ground and almost two miles long, and are suspended through a canopy of oak and beech trees.
- Address: 605 Stockton Dr, Sevierville, TN 37876
- Website: Wahoo Ziplines
- Zipline Highlight: 6 ziplines ranging from 900 to 1,600 feet long, offering unique canopy views.
