If you’re an adrenaline junkie on the hunt for heart-pounding thrills and breathtaking views, look no further than the United States. With its diverse landscapes, from towering mountain ranges to lush forests and pristine coastlines, the country offers a plethora of ziplining adventures that will leave you both exhilarated and awestruck. Let’s go through some of the scariest ziplines in the United States.
Skyline Zipline, Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Nestled in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is home to the Skyline Zipline, a thrilling adventure that’s not for the faint of heart. The experience begins with a scenic chairlift ride up to the top of Crockett Mountain, where you’ll be greeted by panoramic views of the Smokies. But it’s what comes next that will send shivers down your spine.
The Skyline Zipline boasts four ziplines, each more daring than the last. You’ll start with a warm-up on the first line, gradually building up to the grand finale – a 2,500-foot-long monster that spans a stomach-churning 500 feet above the forest floor. As you soar through the treetops at speeds of up to 50 miles per hour, the sensation of flying is matched only by the breathtaking scenery below.
Kapalua Ziplines, Maui, Hawaii
Hawaii is renowned for its stunning landscapes, and Kapalua Ziplines on the island of Maui allow you to experience these natural wonders from a whole new perspective. Located on a former pineapple plantation, this zipline adventure takes you on an exhilarating journey through the lush, tropical rainforest.
What makes Kapalua Ziplines so heart-pounding is the sheer scale of the ziplines. The highlight, known as the “Big Daddy,” stretches over 2,600 feet and provides an adrenaline-pumping ride with speeds that can reach 45 miles per hour. As you glide through the dense canopy, you’ll catch glimpses of waterfalls, lush valleys, and the sparkling blue Pacific Ocean, creating a truly unforgettable experience.
ZipRider, Icy Strait Point, Alaska
Alaska’s wilderness is renowned for its beauty and unforgiving nature, and the ZipRider at Icy Strait Point showcases both in a thrilling and memorable way. This zipline is not only one of the steepest in the world but also the longest zipline in North America, stretching over 5,330 feet.
The adventure begins with a scenic ride up to the launch platform, perched high in the treetops. From there, you’ll be harnessed into a secure seat, ready for an exhilarating descent. As you plunge down the mountainside, you’ll reach speeds of up to 60 miles per hour, all while taking in breathtaking views of the Alaskan wilderness, the icy waters of Icy Strait, and snow-capped mountains. It’s a thrilling experience that combines the beauty of nature with the excitement of adventure.
New York Zipline Adventure Tours, Hunter Mountain, New York
Located in the Catskill Mountains of upstate New York, the New York Zipline Adventure Tours at Hunter Mountain offers a high-flying adventure that’s sure to make your heart race. This zipline park boasts the largest and fastest zipline canopy tour in North America, featuring six ziplines that crisscross the lush forest and provide stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
The highlight of this tour is the “SkyRider,” a 3,200-foot-long zipline that reaches speeds of up to 50 miles per hour. What sets this zipline apart is its dual-racing design, allowing you to challenge a friend or family member to a thrilling race through the trees. As you zip through the canopy, you’ll experience a sense of freedom and exhilaration that’s hard to find anywhere else.
ClimbWorks Keana Farms, Oahu, Hawaii
Another Hawaiian gem, ClimbWorks Keana Farms on the island of Oahu offers a ziplining experience that combines adrenaline-pumping thrills with a deep connection to the natural world. What sets this adventure apart is its commitment to sustainability and education, making it as informative as it is exhilarating.
The zipline course features eight dual lines that span across the lush North Shore of Oahu. As you soar through the treetops, you’ll not only enjoy the rush of speed but also gain insights into the island’s unique ecosystem, agriculture, and culture. The longest line, dubbed “The King Kong,” stretches over half a mile and provides panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the vibrant landscape below.
Out of Africa Wildlife Park, Camp Verde, Arizona
Imagine ziplining over a wildlife park filled with exotic animals like lions, tigers, and giraffes. That’s exactly what you’ll experience at Out of Africa Wildlife Park in Camp Verde, Arizona. This unique zipline adventure combines the thrill of flying with the excitement of encountering wild animals in a safe and controlled environment.
The park offers two thrilling zipline courses. The Predator Zip Line takes you soaring over enclosures inhabited by big cats, while the Soaring Over Africa course offers breathtaking views of the African savannah and its resident animals. The experience is not only thrilling but also educational, as you learn about wildlife conservation and the park’s efforts to protect these magnificent creatures.
Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, Canon City, Colorado
If you have a fear of heights, the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park in Canon City, Colorado, might not be for you. However, if you’re looking for an adrenaline rush like no other, this is the place to be. The Royal Gorge Bridge is one of the world’s highest suspension bridges, towering 956 feet above the Arkansas River, and it’s home to the Royal Gorge Zip Line Tours.
This zipline adventure offers multiple thrilling options, including a classic zipline tour and the heart-pounding Royal Rush Skycoaster. The zipline tour consists of nine lines that traverse the stunning Royal Gorge landscape, providing breathtaking views of the bridge, the river below, and the surrounding cliffs. The Royal Rush Skycoaster is a swing-like ride that launches you off the edge of the gorge, offering an unparalleled adrenaline rush.
Banning Mills, Whitesburg, Georgia
Banning Mills in Whitesburg, Georgia, is home to the Guinness World Record-holding Screaming Eagle Zipline, the world’s longest zipline course. With over 11 miles of ziplines and numerous courses, it’s an adventure park designed for thrill-seekers.
The Screaming Eagle Zipline itself is a jaw-dropping experience, spanning a staggering 7,380 feet. Riders can reach speeds of up to 60 miles per hour as they zoom through the pristine forested landscape and across the tranquil Snake Creek Gorge. The sheer scale of this zipline course is enough to make anyone’s heart race, and it’s an experience that will leave you in awe of both nature and human ingenuity.
Whistler Zipline, Whistler, British Columbia (Canada)
While technically located in Canada, Whistler’s zipline adventures are easily accessible from the United States and are well worth the trip for thrill-seekers. Whistler, known for its world-class skiing, offers a different kind of adventure during the summer months with its ziplining experiences.
The Sasquatch® Zipline is a standout attraction at Whistler, offering an incredible 7-kilometer-long ziplining experience (4.4 miles) that ranks among the longest and fastest in the world. You’ll reach speeds of up to 80 miles per hour as you fly through the forest and over the stunning Fitzsimmons Creek. The sheer length and speed of this zipline make it a must-do adventure for adrenaline enthusiasts.
Conclusion
For those who crave the thrill of defying gravity and the beauty of breathtaking landscapes, these scariest ziplines in the United States offer an unforgettable combination of excitement and natural wonder. From the heights of the Great Smoky Mountains to the depths of the Royal Gorge, these zipline adventures provide heart-pounding experiences that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
Whether you’re an experienced zipliner or a first-time adventurer, these destinations promise an exhilarating ride for those seeking the scariest ziplines in the United States.
Before you leave you must read: The 15 Best Places to Zipline in the USA
