Zip lines

Up on the mountain tops

FILE PHOTO Jenny Hunter of Mount Holly zip lines at Sky Valley Zip Tours.

See the High Country through thrilling zip lines

BY CHANDA RICHARDSON

With the recent happenings of the world, it’s easy to find yourself wanting to get away from your normal life. After the COVID-19 pandemic ensued, officials found that many were seeking more outdoor adventures for that perfect breath of fresh air. In the High Country, many outdoor attractions are offered, but one of the most exciting adventures is soaring down a zip line to take in the incredible mountain scenery.

There are a number of zip line tours nestled in the mountains of the High Country and each promises visitors a safe and fun experience. These include Hawksnest Zipline in Seven Devils, Sky Valley Zip Tours of Blowing Rock and Boone’s High Gravity Adventures.

HAWKSNEST

Established in 1964, Hawksnest has been serving the High Country with numerous adventures. Originally opening as a ski resort, Hawksnest has moved from skiing, to snowboarding, snow-tubing and in 2009, they began construction on their zip line.

Hawksnest offers three zip line tours: the Hawk Tour, the Eagle Tour and the Do it All Tour.

The Hawk Tour is the most popular tour the resort offers. It takes about two hours to complete and there are eleven cables total. Over this 1.5 mile zip line adventure, visitors will get to take in the magnificent scenery of the High Country. Participants must be at lease five years of age. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Riders cannot be more than 250 pounds or have a waist larger than a 40 inches. There is no minimum weight for the Hawk Tour.

The Eagle Tour is the second that is offered at Hawksnest. Lasting about two hours and using nine cables, this tour is great for thrill-seekers. It is recommended that riders

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WHAT TO WEAR AND BRING

Among the items that staff recommend to take part in zip line tours include: • Shoes that strap to your feet • Shorts or pants (depending on the weather) • Rain gear (in wet weather) • Long hair tied back • No dangly jewelry. •Please secure any body piercings with athletic tape or remove, if possible, prior to arriving for your tour.

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have previous experience in zip lining. Participants must be at least eight years old and be a minimum of 80 pounds. Riders cannot be more than 220 pounds or have larger than a 40 inch waist.

Finally, the Do it All Tour offers a four hour ride through the mountains and includes 20 cables total. This combination of the two previous tours allows guests to ride all cables and save $30 a person when choosing a tour. Participants must be at least eight years old and be a minimum of 80 pounds. Riders cannot be more than 220 pounds or have larger than a 40 inch waist.

SKY VALLEY ZIP TOURS

Located in Blowing Rock, Sky Valley Zip Tours offers 10 zip lines total. One of the most interesting things this establishment offers is the Night Flight. Riders can experience the thrill of zip lining in the dark on the High Country’s only night tour.

They also offer cliff jumping, ATV rides, ground school and a swinging bridge.

The Canopy Tour includes a thrilling ATV ride that leads to 10 zip lines. Riders will experience a 45 degree vertical descent off of a rock face and a 120 foot cable bridge over a cascading waterfall. Participants must be at least 10 years of age and be between 70 and 250 pounds.

Sky Valley also offers the Kid Zip. This includes seven zips, a small bridge and a 20-foot slide out of the trees. Children must be at least four years old and reach a height of 48 inches.

HIGH GRAVITY ADVENTURES

Nestled in Boone, High Gravity Adventures offers a variety of activities, including an adventure park and a zip line tour.

This tour offers a two-hour soaring experience through the trees. With multiple zip lines, a sky bridge and more, this 1,700-foot zip is sure to give riders the thrill of their lives.

The tour culminates at the Dropzone, 70 feet atop the park. This leap of faith includes a smooth decent and a controlled landing. For those who don’t want to take

PHOTO BY DARRELL CASSELL The Hawk Tour and Eagle Tour are two of the zipline adventures offered by Hawksnest, with the Eagle Tour being a more adventurous and extreme.

ZIP LINE ATTRACTIONS IN THE HIGH COUNTRY

Hawksnest Snow Tubing and Zipline

2058 Skyland Drive, Seven Devils, NC 28604 Phone: (828) 963-6561 To reserve online: hawksnestzipline.com

Sky Valley Zip Tours

634 Sky Ranch Road, Blowing Rock, NC 28605 Phone: (828) 264-0002 online: www.skyvalleyziptours.com

High Gravity Adventures

215 Tweetsie Railroad Road Blowing Rock, NC 28605 Phone: (828) 266-0176 online: www.highgravityadventures.com

the leap, there is a slow-moving rappel option.

Those wishing to experience the our must be between 75 and 265 pounds. Ages seven to 10 must zip with an adult.

PHOTO BY ALICIA GREEN High Gravity Adventure’s Zip Line Tour will take riders through its Blue Ridge Course to experience high-flying fun.