Western North Carolina is an incredible treasure. The mountains, rivers, and brilliant waterfalls beckon you to explore. Although the region offers beautiful views every place you look, nothing compares to what you’ll see on a canopy tour. If you are looking for one of the most thrilling ways to explore Western North Carolina, then it’s time to take a ride down The Gorge Zipline.
The Gorge Zipline is just one unique attraction that you’ll find in the Asheville area. For more great outdoor recreation, download our free Chimney Rock Vacation Guide. Our guides includes over 100 local recommendations on hiking, river rafting, bouldering, and more.
Preparing For a Ride Down the Gorge Zipline
Preparing For Your Tour
The Gorge Zipline is America’s steepest and fastest canopy tour, but before you get there, you’ll take a short hike. Canopy tours run through rain and shine, so dress accordingly and come prepared for two short hikes (on well maintained trails). From start to finish, tours typically take about three-to-four hours. Remember to take everything out of your pockets and leave valuables in your vehicle. You will zoom through the mountains, and belongings can easily fly away. In addition, no cameras or phones are allowed on the course, but your guides will take plenty of fantastic photos for you along the way.
The Canopy Tour
By now, you have reached the beginning of your tour. Buckle up! This is going to be the fastest and most exhilarating trip you will ever take through the mountains of Western North Carolina. Are you ready? Go! You descend an unprecedented 1,100 vertical feet, zipping from tree top to tree top through Western North Carolina’s ancient forests. Hear the Green River roar beneath you, and take in the views of tens of thousands of beautifully preserved protected forests! This canopy tour is unlike any other. Currently, The Gorge Zipline offers 11 zip lines spanning 1.25 miles.
More Tips for Your Trip
- If you’ve never zipped before, no problem! The guides at The Gorge Zipline will make your experience as easy as possible. You will have a blast!
- Although zip lining is fun for the entire family, children under 10 are not allowed on the Gorge Zip Line. In addition, children must weigh at least 70 pounds.
- After your zip lining adventure, check out The Gorge Zipline’s sister company, Green River Adventures. Popular activities at Green River Adventures include kayaking, the Swimming Hole Hike, and the Waterfall Trek!
Where to Stay
After a long day of zipping through the mountains of North Carolina, head home for a relaxing night in at The Esmeralda Inn & Restaurant. You will enjoy convenient proximity to the beautiful Hickory Nut Gorge, downtown Chimney Rock, and the area’s best dining at The Esmeralda Restaurant.
Book our Mountain View Queen room for stunning views of Chimney Rock, the Rocky Broad River, and the surrounding Hickory Nut Gorge. In the morning, you can look forward to complimentary fresh baked breakfast at The Esmeralda Restaurant. This room features plush linens, a flat screen TV with HBO, and free WIFI. We are booking up quickly for the summer, so check our availability today!
Looking for more fun outdoor recreation like The Gorge Zipline? Read our blog on Green River Cove Tubing!