A day spent Ziplining adds fun to any vacation. However, not all areas and courses are created equal. You want a ziplining experience that offers super views and fun options, with plenty to keep you busy and views that make your investment worthwhile.
Ziplining in the Smokies does just that. Prepare to be amazed at the beautiful flora and fauna, great views of the mountains and rivers, and various options designed to give you the best possible experience. What makes the Smoky Mountains the best place to plan your next zipline adventure? Read on to find out.
Key Takeaways:
1. Unlike regular Ziplining, a canopy tour includes multiple ziplines to enjoy in a forest setting.
2. When ziplining in the Smokies with our Canopy Tour, you can expect 2400 feet of lines above the scenic Pigeon River.
3. Following a few basic guidelines can ensure your Smoky Mountains ziplining trip is as stress-free and fun as possible!
What is a Zipline Canopy Tour?
While it’s easy to confuse a regular zipline adventure with a canopy tour, the two are different experiences. A zipline canopy tour involves multiple different ziplines in a forest setting. A canopy tour includes sky bridges and other treetop elements, providing an immersive wilderness adventure. While a trip on a regular zipline is fun, a canopy tour takes things to a new level, allowing you to spend around an hour gliding through the treetops and enjoying unparalleled views of local plants and wildlife.
Our Pigeon River Zipline Canopy Tour
Ziplining in the Smokies is always an incredible experience due to the soaring trees, beautiful landscape, and diverse plant life. The tour features six ziplines and two sky bridges reaching 60 feet above the ground for 2400 feet of Ziplining! Here’s what you can expect to see on your Rafting in the Smokies Canopy Tour:
Pigeon River
The 70-mile-long Pigeon River boasts multiple levels of rapids, making it a favorite for whitewater rafting, canoeing, and kayaking. On your zipline canopy tour, you’ll get an elevated view of the river’s eddies and currents. The Pigeon River gives you great views and beautiful scenery to ensure the best possible zipline experience.
Diverse Trees
It’s a fact that Ziplining is more fun when there are trees involved. Not only do they offer shade, but you get an up-close and personal view of the wide variety of trees that populate the nearby Great Smoky Mountains. Effortlessly glide past towering maples and stately hemlocks.
Depending on the time of year, you might be able to spot a flowering dogwood up close.
Regardless of the species, ziplining near the Smoky Mountains gives you an excellent opportunity to admire the diverse trees of the area from a close range.
Natural Beauty
Our Ziplining in the Smokies canopy tour gives you an excellent view of our Family Adventure Island. You can wave to friends on the ground before disappearing into the trees. You’ll also get an amazing view of the other elements on the island, including a beautiful nature trail and some of the best views of the Pigeon River.
In sum, with the Zipline Canopy Tour, you can expect a fun-filled ziplining trip in the heart of the Smokies!
Canopy Tour Availability
We offer canopy tours on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday from Memorial Day to Labor Day. While walk-ups are welcome, we recommend you make a reservation to ensure that ziplining in the Smokies will be available at your preferred time.
At Rafting in the Smokies, we prioritize safety for all our guests. Thus, there are a few requirements and guidelines for zipliners. All guests must be five years or older to take the tour and weigh between 55 and 250 pounds. We provide mandatory helmets and full-body harnesses for all participants so you can be confident in your safety as you glide high above the treetops.
For more information about canopy tour availability and requirements or to book your tour, visit our Ziplining in the Smokies page!
Tips for a First Time Zipliner
Will this be your first time ziplining in the Smokies? We’re glad you’ve chosen to join us on a canopy tour. Below are a few tips to help you come prepared and ready to have the most fun on your trip!
1. Make reservations and fill out a waiver ahead of time.
Make sure that you secure your preferred ziplining time in advance! While spots might be available when you arrive, you don’t want to leave it to chance. It’s also a good idea to complete this waiver beforehand–we’ll have it available if you forget, but you’ll get up in the trees much faster if you come prepared!
2. Listen to the guides and trust your equipment.
Feeling nervous before embarking on your first Ziplining in the Smokies adventure is normal! After all, you’re about to soar high above the ground on a zipline for the first time, which is exciting and a bit scary. To help conquer your nerves, listen to the guides as they explain the equipment to you. Learning about safety elements can help you feel more confident about your adventure. At Rafting in the Smokies, all our ziplines are self-braking. You’ll wear a full-body harness that attaches to the overhead belay cable with ropes and carabiners. Our system is carefully tested and monitored for safety so you can zip confidently!
3. Empty your pockets.
You don’t want to spoil a serene glide through the treetops with the sound of your phone slipping out of your pocket and hitting the trees below. Keys, phones, loose change, and anything else should be removed from your clothes before you start your tour. We can hold your keys at our office while you zip to make things easier.
For more tips and advice to help you feel confident about your first ziplining tour, check out our article on the subject!
Make the Most of Your Smokies Visit with our Additional Family Activities
To get the most value from your zipline canopy tour, consider bundling it with another adventure at Rafting in the Smokies. Our Family Adventure Island is a free way to relax and connect with family after you finish your ziplining tour! Bring food and barbeque at our grills, and let your kids burn off energy at our playground. If you’d like even more excitement, check out one of our combo packages below!
Whitewater Rafting + Ziplining
Save money when you book your whitewater rafting trip along with your Ziplining in the Smokies adventure! Start with a 5.5-mile journey down the river, experiencing multiple Class III and IV rapids. You’ll get an experienced guide in every raft, helping you navigate the rapids and sharing more information about the scenic views you’ll encounter as you float through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cherokee National Forest, Martha Sundquist State Forest, and the Appalachian Trail!
Family Float + Ziplines
Are whitewater rapids a little too intense for your group? You can still experience the river scenery with a fantastic and relaxing Family Float combo! Before or after your ziplining adventure, enjoy six miles of gentle waves and splashes in the lower section of the Big Pigeon River. You can expect gentle Class I and II rapids, plus a trained guide to navigate you along the river and answer your questions about the scenery. Finish with an exhilarating tour on our ziplines course.
Family Float + Ziplines + Ropes
Want even more fun? Round off a full day in the Smokies with a combo that includes Ziplining, a family float, and time on our ropes course! Gain confidence as you navigate twelve activities above the treetops, including balance beams, climbing nets, and rope bridges. The ropes course starts easily so you can find your footing before becoming progressively harder. You can drop out anytime or challenge yourself to complete the entire course!
For more information about additional activities at Rafting in the Smokies or to book a combo package, check out our website!
There’s no more incredible thrill than ziplining high above the trees of the Smokies as you enjoy the view of the river, wildlife, and local plants. A Canopy Tour with Rafting in the Smokies is a great way to see the Gatlinburg area from a new and thrilling perspective!
Plus, when you book a combo, you can experience a river trip along with your 2400 feet of treetop thrills. Make your reservation today for guaranteed fun and excitement!
