Peter Greenberg: U.S. Ziplining Destinations
By: Peter Greenberg | Source: AARP.org | 2008-11-20
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I would like to find an area within the United States to go ziplining. Do you know where I would find this activity?
-Carolyn, Decatur, Ala.
One option is Lake Tahoe at Heavenly Mountain Resort, which claims to have the longest zipline in the continental United States, at 3,100 feet across, and down almost 525 feet. The "Heavenly Flyer" offers panoramic views of the mountain and is open in the summer and winter. Oddly, you'll save money if you DON'T book ahead: It's just $30 for a same-day purchase, as opposed to $40 if you reserve in advance. One caveat: ski passes (in winter) or sightseeing passes (in summer) are required to get you to the Heavenly Flyer, which make it more expensive than it might sound at first glance.
Another possibility is Hocking Hill Canopy Tours in Ohio, which combines ziplining, sky bridges, and a rappel-into-an-adventure course. At $75 per person, it's a fairly affordable experience that lasts about three hours.
Soaring Tree Top Adventures in Durango, Colo., isn't shy about reminding visitors that they were rated the number-one attraction in Colorado by TripAdvisor. Interestingly, to access the area, you'll need to hop on the Durango & Silverton Railroad, as there are no roads in the area. Prices are $339 per person, which allows you to fly down 22 zipline spans. Their season runs from May 13–Oct. 19.
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