New Canopy Tour Zip Line in the Smoky Mountains

Nantahala Gorge, NC–No need to travel to the tropics to fly through a rain forest. The first Canopy Tour in the North Carolina Smokies is now as close as a few hours drive with no need for a passport to visit.

This three-hour glide and slide experience simulates flying and is fueled by gravity and a gradual 3 percent elevation change. More than just a zip line ride, Nantahala Gorge Canopy Tours takes you through multiple ecosystems; over hemlocks, and into hardwood treetops, above the forest floor blanketed with mountain laurel, dogwood, fern, rhododendron, flame azalea, wild magnolia, and many other native plants. Your Canopy Ranger will also share the natural and cultural history of the gorge as you travel from section to section.

While traveling over the half-mile course across the 20 acres, the zip line is just one way to get to each platform. Participants will also use three Sky Bridges and five transfer bridges to get to the 11 zip line sections that zigzag from the slope sides, trees, and elevated platforms. State-of-the-art equipment; a helmet, full body harness, trolley, gloves, and tether lines, are provided. The professional Canopy Rangers that accompany each group provide all the necessary instruction and assistance.

All participants must be in reasonably good physical condition; you must be able to raise your arms over your head to self-regulate speed and braking. Comfortable clothing and closed toed footwear is required.

Nantahala Gorge Canopy Tours is working with the original outdoor company in the southeast–Wildwater Ltd. Rafting. Wildwater Ltd. started their operations in 1971 on the Chattooga River. Since then they have expanded their white water rafting to four other rivers in the southeast and offer several outdoor adventure firsts; the first on the Chattooga River, the first to offer the Raft & Rail© Excursion with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad and the first Yurt-specific lodging in the southeast.

Now they have added the first Canopy Tour zip line in the North Carolina Smokies. For a complete eco-adventure, just stay close to home and add a white water rafting trip and a night in the Yurts to your Canopy Tour experience.

The Canopy Tour launches July 10th. It is a four-season experience, as weather permits andis a welcome and needed addition to the area’s shoulder and winter season’s activities. The Tour is located 12 miles west of Bryson City, North Carolina at the Falling Waters Adventure Resort in the Nantahala River Gorge. For reservations and availability call 877-247-5535, www.nantahalagorgecanopytours.com.

Contact Information

Carolyn Allison

Media Liason

Wildwater Ltd. Rafting

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