Parasailing in Asheville, NC? Best Aerial Adventures & Alternatives Nearby
Parasailing in Asheville? You might be wondering if someone spiked your kombucha. Asheville is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, not exactly beachfront property. So, traditional parasailing—the kind where you’re flying behind a boat over the ocean—isn’t happening here.
But don’t cancel your flight just yet! While you won’t be skimming over the Atlantic, Asheville and its nearby wildlands offer seriously awesome alternatives for high-flying, heart-thumping adventures. Think paragliding, zip-lining, boat-towed tubing, and even hang gliding off mountain ridges. Let’s dive in, or rather, fly high, into the best places for parasailing-style fun near Asheville.
Wait—Can You Parasail in Asheville?
Short answer? Nope.
Long answer? Nope… but hold on!
Parasailing as we usually imagine it—being yanked into the air behind a speedboat over turquoise waves—isn’t an Asheville thing. What is a thing? Paragliding, powered gliding, scenic zip-lining, and epic lake adventures that give you a similar feeling of flying… with mountain views thrown in as a bonus.
So, if you came here expecting salty air and ocean vibes, think again. But if you’re down for blue skies, forest canopies, mountain lakes, and screaming your lungs out in joy (or terror), then Asheville’s got your back.
1. Lake Lure Adventure Company – Lake Thrills with a Side of Views
If you’re looking for that “wind in your hair” feeling, Lake Lure, just 40 minutes from Asheville, is your best bet. No, they don’t offer parasailing in the traditional sense—but you can ride behind a boat at exhilarating speeds while tubing, wakeboarding, or waterskiing.
Here’s what you can do instead:
- Rent a pontoon boat and cruise like a lake king/queen.
- Grab a tow rope and go tubing, wakeboarding, or waterskiing.
- Paddle around with a kayak or stand-up paddleboard if you want to pretend you’re chill (but we know you want the speed).
Why it’s awesome:
Lake Lure is absurdly pretty. You’re flying (sort of) over calm waters, surrounded by mountains. It’s like if the Alps had a southern cousin who liked barbecue.
Pro Tips:
- Book early in summer—slots go fast!
- Bring water shoes and waterproof phone pouches unless you want to say goodbye to your tech.
- Rates start around $250/hr for boat and gear, so bring friends and split the fun.
2. Chimney Rock – Hike It, Don’t Glide It
Okay, so you can’t parasail off Chimney Rock (unless you enjoy park rangers chasing you), but you can hike up to one of the most jaw-dropping viewpoints in the area. The elevator takes you most of the way if you’re not feeling athletic.
Why it rocks (pun intended):
- The 315-foot monolith gives aerial vibes without the adrenaline.
- Panoramic views of Lake Lure and Hickory Nut Gorge.
- You’ll feel like a mountain goat—but, you know, in a cute hiking outfit.
3. Real Flying: Paragliding & Hang Gliding Adventures
So you really want to fly? Like, bird-mode activated? These are for you.
Thermal Valley Hang Gliding (Lenoir, NC)
- About 1.5 to 2 hours from Asheville.
- Tandem hang gliding with experienced pilots (they fly—you scream).
- You’ll run a few steps off a hill, then BOOM—you’re gliding like a red-tailed hawk.
Bonus: They film the whole thing, so you can post proof of your bravery on Instagram.
Blue Ridge Paragliding (Johnson City, TN)
- A bit further out, but worth it.
- Fly with the wind in the Appalachian skies.
- Views for days, and instructors who won’t let you nosedive (very comforting).
Zip-lining: High Speeds, Low Risk, Big Fun
Not ready to fly solo? No worries—zip-lining is basically the gateway drug to sky sports.
Asheville Treetops Adventure Park
- Ropes, zips, climbs, and aerial bridges.
- Multiple levels of challenge (aka: “Mild Thrill” to “OMG Why Did I Agree To This?”).
- Right in Asheville, perfect for families and folks who want a quick adrenaline fix.
Canopy Ridge Farm (Lake Lure)
- Fly through the forest canopy at up to 35 mph.
- Crazy scenic, and the guides have jokes (good ones).
- Close to Lake Lure, so you can pair it with water fun.
River Adventures – The Horizontal Thrill Ride
Okay, so it’s not flying, but whitewater rafting will definitely get your adrenaline up. It’s like the splashy cousin of parasailing.
French Broad River Rafting (NOC & Others)
- Easy to access from Asheville.
- Class II–III rapids: wild enough to scream, but not too wild.
- Great for groups and families.
What You Need to Know Before You Fly (or Zip, or Paddle)
Safety First!
- Most operators are certified, insured, and experienced. If not—run.
- Tandem flights always include a pro in charge. You just enjoy the ride and the scream therapy.
Who Can Do It?
- Kids? Usually yes, for zip-lining and lake activities.
- Adults? Definitely.
- Grandma? If she’s adventurous, why not? (There are videos of 90-year-olds hang gliding. True story.)
What to Bring
- Sunscreen (you’re closer to the sun, remember?)
- Closed-toe shoes
- Snacks and water
- Extra pants… just in case
Best Time to Soar
- Spring to early fall is your sweet spot—April through October.
- Summer? Green trees, warm water, big crowds.
- Fall? Fiery foliage + crisp air = perfection for flying or zip-lining.
Avoid rainy days unless you enjoy mud facials and weather-induced rescheduling.
Sample Itinerary: 2 Days of Airy Adventure
Day 1: Lake & Trees
- Morning: Wakeboarding at Lake Lure Adventure Co.
- Afternoon: Zip-lining at Canopy Ridge Farm
- Evening: Chill lakeside with a craft beer and your dignity mostly intact
Day 2: Sky & River
- Morning: Hang gliding with Thermal Valley
- Afternoon: Rafting the French Broad
- Evening: Celebrate survival with local BBQ and live music in Asheville
Common Questions (You Know You Were Gonna Ask…)
Q: Can I actually parasail in Asheville?
A: Nope. But you’ll still fly—just in a different way.
Q: Is it scary?
A: Only when you look down. (Kidding! It’s totally manageable—and exhilarating.)
Q: Will I fall?
A: Only metaphorically… into a new obsession with aerial sports.
Q: How much does it cost?
- Lake activities: ~$250/hr (boat & gear)
- Zip-lining: $60–120/person
- Hang gliding: ~$250–300 per flight
- Rafting: ~$70/adult for a half-day trip
Final Thoughts: Fly High, Laugh Hard, and Scream a Little
So, Asheville might not offer ocean parasailing, but what it does offer is a buffet of air, water, and tree-top thrills that will leave your heart racing and your cheeks sore from smiling.
Whether you’re gliding over mountains, zipping through forests, bouncing across lake wakes, or just watching from the ground while your braver friends scream like banshees—you’re in for a wild, unforgettable ride.
