Ultimate Guide to Ziplining in Asheville: Thrills, Views & Family Fun
If you’ve ever dreamed of flying through the forest like a caffeinated squirrel—or at least pretending you’re Tarzan for a day—then ziplining in Asheville, North Carolina is about to make your wildest, whoosh-filled dreams come true.
Tucked in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is where scenic beauty meets heart-racing adventure. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a nature lover, or just someone who enjoys screaming in public (but in a fun way), ziplining here is an absolute must-do.
So strap in, grab your harness (and maybe your courage), and let’s explore the best places to fly through the trees around Asheville—no pilot’s license required.
Why Ziplining in Asheville Is Totally Worth Screaming For
Let’s be honest: few things compare to zooming between mountaintops, wind in your face, and treetops below you. Asheville brings the perfect combo of epic views, fresh mountain air, and a forest canopy that feels like it was built for ziplining.
Here’s why this area is zipline paradise:
- Mountains + forest = perfect elevation and tree cover
- The views are straight out of a Bob Ross painting
- It’s fun for nearly all ages (aka even your nervous cousin Jeff)
- It makes for the perfect humblebrag on Instagram
The Best Ziplining Spots in and Around Asheville
1. Navitat Canopy Adventures – Barnardsville, NC
Just 25 minutes from downtown Asheville
Tours start at around $100
Let’s start with the Beyoncé of Asheville ziplining: Navitat. With two seriously awesome zipline tours, this place is equal parts thrill ride and eco-adventure.
Why you’ll love it:
- Ziplines up to 3,600 feet long (bring snacks—it’s that long)
- Sky bridges, rappelling, and tree-to-tree goodness
- Your guides are part aerial experts, part stand-up comedians
- Views for days—especially in the fall
If you want a zipline experience that’s as Instagrammable as it is unforgettable, Navitat is your spot.
2. Adventure Center of Asheville
A hop, skip, and a zip from downtown (5 minutes)
Tours from $60
This one’s for folks who want max fun with minimal travel time. Right in the city, Adventure Center serves up forest thrills without needing a GPS and a granola bar for the drive.
Features:
- 7 zip lines and 2 sky bridges (a.k.a. forest playground)
- Perfect for first-timers and kids ages 8+
- Add-on ropes course for extra giggles and wobbly knees
- Super convenient—zip and be back in time for lunch tacos
It’s like a theme park made of trees—but better because it’s real.
3. French Broad Adventures Zipline
Just 35 minutes from Asheville
Zipline tours starting at ~$55
Ready to zip and splash? At French Broad Adventures, you can zipline one day and go whitewater rafting the next—or do both in one wild afternoon if you skipped your nap.
Why it rocks:
- Beautiful forest setting along the French Broad River
- Chill vibes and awesome guides
- Great value for the price (and the laughs)
- Family-friendly and beginner-approved
Bonus: Their guides are funny, supportive, and will 100% help you look cool when your knees are shaking on the platform.
Asheville Treetops Adventure Park
Located in West Asheville
Zip + adventure combo from $50–$90
Not just ziplining—this place is an adventure obstacle course in the sky. Think swinging bridges, wobbly platforms, and high-flying fun for all ages.
Highlights:
- Over 60 challenges + ziplines mixed in
- Great for families, school groups, and people who enjoy mild chaos
- Multiple difficulty levels, so you can feel like a ninja without actually being one
- Zipline-only tours also available if you’re here for the glide, not the grind
Highlands Aerial Park – Scaly Mountain, NC
A bit of a drive (2 hours), but totally worth it for a day trip
Ziplines from $89
Okay, this one isn’t technically in Asheville, but it’s too good to leave out. Highlands Aerial Park is a zipline wonderland in the clouds.
Perks:
- One of the highest zip platforms in the region (hello, butterflies)
- “Squealing Mare” zipline lives up to its name (yep, that’s real)
- Views of the Nantahala National Forest and waterfalls
- Great for leaf-peeping in fall or escaping summer heat
When’s the Best Time to Zipline in Asheville?
Let’s break it down like a weather forecast—but for fun.
- Spring – Flowers, fresh air, and fewer crowds. Excellent time to zip in peace.
- Summer – Warm, green, and shady in the trees. Just hydrate and bring bug spray.
- Fall – The BEST time. The foliage is basically nature showing off.
- Winter – Some places still run tours, but be ready to bundle up (and maybe shiver a little mid-zip).
What Ziplining in Asheville Actually Feels Like
If you’ve never zipped before, here’s the play-by-play:
1. Check-In & Gear Up
- Sign waivers (it’s like online shopping but with harnesses)
- Get fitted with your gear (no, it’s not the most flattering outfit—you’ll live)
- Meet your guide, aka your airborne spirit animal
2. Safety 101
- Learn how to zip, brake, and not panic
- Practice on a small line (a.k.a. warm-up for greatness)
3. Time to FLY
- Climb up to the launch platform
- Take a deep breath
- Zip line #1: scream optional but encouraged
- The rest? Just vibes and views
4. Celebrate the Zip Life
- High-fives all around
- Take that post-zip selfie (helmet hair = badge of honor)
- Maybe buy the photo of your midair panic face. Frame it. Own it.
What to Wear and Bring (So You Look Cool and Stay Safe)
- Closed-toe shoes (sneakers > sandals unless you want to zip barefoot)
- Comfy clothes (nothing too loose—wind + baggy pants = nope)
- Hair tie if you’ve got long locks (wind tunnels are not kind)
- GoPro or phone straps if allowed—don’t risk your tech doing its own freefall
How Much Does Ziplining Cost?
| Experience | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Basic zipline tours | $55–$75 |
| Full canopy adventures | $90–$120 |
| Combo adventures | $100–$150 |
| Kids’ zip courses | $25–$45 |
Ways to Save:
- Book online in advance
- Go midweek (quiet trails + cheaper rates = win-win)
- Bring a group and ask about discounts
- Check for seasonal deals or combo packs
What to Do After You’ve Zipped Through the Trees
Because no zip adventure is complete without a proper celebration.
Cheers to Gravity
- Burial Beer Co. – craft beers and a spooky-cool vibe
- Wicked Weed – great beer, even better patio
- Highland Brewing – mountain views + live music = perfection
Feast Like You Flew There
- 12 Bones Smokehouse – BBQ dreams are made of this
- White Duck Taco Shop – weird taco combos that totally work
- Tupelo Honey – southern comfort food that comforts your soul
Ziplining FAQs (aka “Wait, what if…”)
Q: Is it scary?
A: Just a little. The fun kind. Like rollercoasters, but prettier.
Q: What if I’m afraid of heights?
A: You’re not alone—and most people end up loving it anyway. You’re safely clipped in the whole time.
Q: Can kids go ziplining?
A: Yep! Most courses allow kids 8+ (with some weight limits). Some have mini zips just for kids.
Q: Do I need to be athletic?
A: Not really. If you can climb a staircase without calling 911, you’ll be fine.
Final Thoughts: Ready, Set… ZZZZZIP!
Whether you’re flying through the trees for the first time or returning for your next round of sky-high fun, ziplining in Asheville is pure magic. With breathtaking views, pro-level guides, and courses for every age and adventure level, there’s no better way to turn your vacation into a full-on storybook experience.
So grab your sneakers, shake off your nerves, and get ready to zip your way into legend.
See you in the trees, Tarzan.
