Want to soar through the air like a bird and feel the wind rushing against your face? While bungee jumping, paragliding, and skydiving are some of the thrilling options you may consider, there’s something exhilarating about ziplining.
The United States has many incredible ziplines that will give you lifetime memories.
Experts say that when you experience the best ziplines in the US, you can expect an adrenaline-pumping adventure with breathtaking views and a unique perspective of nature.
Whether it’s a lush forest, a rugged canyon, or a sparkling coastline you’d like to zoom by, take your pick from the best ziplines across the country to satisfy your adventurous spirit.
Icy Strait Point, Alaska
ZipRider at Icy Strait Point, Alaska, boasting the highest zipline in North America, offering a thrilling experience above Hoonah’s rainforest canopy. This zipline also holds the title of the world’s longest zipline ride over water, with a total length of 5,330 feet and a vertical drop of 1,320 feet.
Soaring above the stunning Icy Strait at incredible speeds of up to 60 miles per hour, zipping through old-growth forests while enjoying panoramic ocean views will make an unforgettable experience.
They launch six side-by-side ziplines simultaneously, making it a perfect group or family experience.
The ride isn’t described as “an experience of a lifetime” for nothing. While the adrenaline rush kicks in on your way down, the way up to the top is worth it, too. There’s a good chance to spot local wildlife like deer, bears, eagles, and even whales.
Icy Strait Point is a popular cruise ship port; if you’re taking an Alaskan cruise that stops here, don’t forget to book your zipline adventure in advance.
Soaring Tree Top Adventures, Colorado
Are you seeking an adrenaline rush unlike any other? Soaring Tree Top Adventures in Colorado is among the world’s longest and safest zipline courses, over a mile long. That’s not all; it includes eco-friendly practices and gourmet meals during the tour.
Located in Durango amidst the majestic San Juan Mountains of Colorado, this zipline tour focuses on sustainability while offering thrilling rides.
With over 27 ziplines spanning over 1.5 miles, you soar above the stunning Animas River and towering Ponderosa Pines, witnessing the beauty of Colorado’s untouched wilderness.
The adventure begins with a Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Train ride. Owing to its mountainous location, the zipline course is open only during summer, when the temperature is around the 70s and humidity levels are low.
Skyline Eco-Adventures, Hawaii
The enchanting Hawaiian island of Maui has an abundance of natural wonders to offer, and among them is the Skyline Eco-Adventures Zipline, located in Haleakala National Park.
Spanning over two miles, this is also the longest zipline course in the state, providing stunning views of Maui’s lush landscapes.
The Sunrise & Zipline Tour is among their popular packages, allowing you to witness Maui’s number one attraction – the Haleakala Sunrise. Following this, you get to zip through Haleakala’s subtropical rainforest landscape.
Are you looking for something more adventurous? Try their 5-line zipline tour to send you soaring at over 45 mph across canyons and 90-foot drops. Hawaii’s only pendulum line is a part of this award-winning zipline tour.
Are you worried about your safety? They have top-quality gear and highly trained guides who have undergone 80 hours of training (twice what the industry requires). The zipline course is regularly inspected and maintained to meet rigorous safety standards.
While Hawaii is a spectacular vacation destination, you can take it up a notch by crossing deep chasms on a zipline or a suspension bridge.
The Royal Gorge Zipline, Colorado
The Royal Gorge Zipline in Colorado is truly an adrenaline-pumping adventure, crossing the Arkansas River at heights of up to 1,200 feet. Just peering down the massive canyon of Royal Gorge can cause even the bravest visitors to feel dizzy.
Whether you’re a beginner or an expert zipliner, their Classic Tour suits everyone. It features nine lines that will send you soaring over forests and rolling hillsides at speeds of 45 mph.
If you want to soar fast and drop far, their Extreme Tour is the one for you. Claiming to be North America’s fastest zipline, you’ll glide through splendid mountain views and vistas overlooking the Arkansas River at over 55 mph.
Their highest speed line is a crazy 1,700 feet long. After you land on the massive seven-story tower, you can choose an epic finish with the True Blue belay (used by firefighters and military tactical teams) or the Flightline Free Fall (a 30-foot free fall while the system gradually lowers you to the ground).
It’s so exhilarating that you’ll want more after you’ve finished.
Hocking Hills Canopy Tours, Ohio
Located in Rockbridge, Ohio, this is one of the top-rated zipline destinations and is known for its picturesque beauty and variety of courses suitable for all skill levels.
Nestled in the scenic Hocking Hills region of Ohio, Hocking Hills Canopy Tours offers a thrilling zipline course through dense forests, towering trees, and rugged cliffs.
Among the ziplines offered is their famous Super Zip, spanning over 1,100 feet and reaching up to speeds of 50 miles per hour.
Other options include The Original Canopy Tour with ten zip lines, The X Tour with 11 zip lines, and the DragonFly for kids.
The cherry on top is that they’re the only canopy tour that offers free photos.
Slotzilla, Las Vegas
Are you seeking a unique urban ziplining experience? Las Vegas’ Slotzilla is the perfect choice. This is an 11-story slot machine-inspired zipline attraction.
Unlike most ziplines on this list that will take you through nature with 360-degree views of mountains, rivers, and other breathtaking scenery, Slotzilla involves ziplining over the famous skyline of Sin City.
Located on the iconic Fremont Street Experience, Slotzilla offers an exhilarating ride, flying through the heart of downtown Las Vegas, soaring under a dazzling light show canopy.
Gliding along a 1,750-foot line, you’ll see a stunning panorama of dazzling LED signs, iconic vintage casinos, and bustling crowds.
You can choose between two zipline options – the lower zipline (seven stories high and two blocks long) and the upper Super-Hero Zoomline (11 stories high and five blocks long).
This adrenaline rush will make an unforgettable adventure if you dare to plunge.
Climb Works, Tennessee
Located within the mesmerizing landscapes of Smoky Mountains National Park, Climb Works Ziplines in Gatlinburg offers heart-pounding outdoor adventures.
This Gatlinburg Zipline Tour allows you to glide through scenic forest areas while enjoying panoramic mountain views.
Their Mountaintop Zipline Tour has six dual zip lines you can zip on side-by-side, four aerial bridges to walk across, followed by rappelling off one of their platforms and enjoying a fun ATV adventure to the mountaintop.
The professional guides are knowledgeable about ziplining techniques and passionate about the natural surroundings. All along the tour, they’ll tell you about the local flora and fauna and different Smoky Mountain eras, from its original inhabitants to becoming the country’s most-visited National Park.
Other Notable Mentions
Here are some other ziplines in the US that deserve mention on this list:
- Descanso Beach Club Zip Line Eco Tour, California
- Sundance Resort Ziptour, Utah
- Stowe Mountain Ziptour, Vermont
- Wahoo Ziplines, Tennessee (known for its speed)
- Adirondack Extreme Adventure Course, New York
Interesting Facts
You might be surprised that ziplining suits people of all ages and fitness levels. Most zipline courses offer different options, allowing beginners to start with slower and shorter lines before progressing to longer and faster ones.
Safety is a top priority for these zip lines. Participants receive thorough safety briefings before starting their adventure. High-quality harnesses, helmets, and other necessary equipment help ensure a secure experience.
The best ziplines often feature multiple lines interconnected by platforms or towers. This allows you to enjoy not just one thrilling ride but a whole series of them while traversing through the course.
Some zipline experiences may include additional features like rappelling stations or suspension bridges between lines. Such elements add excitement and variety to your adventure.
All Set to Get Your Adrenaline Rush?
The best ziplines in the US offer thrilling experiences with splendid views and high safety standards.
Ziplining offers an incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in stunning surroundings. You’ll find several courses in picturesque locations like dense forests, mountainsides, or even over waterfalls.
So, gear up for the thrill and embark on the journey of some incredible zip lines that will take you soaring through some of America’s most breathtaking landscapes.