Top Bungee Jumping Spots Near Asheville & Extreme Adventures to Try Instead
Asheville: Nature, Beer, and… Bungee Jumping? (Sort of.)
Alright, let’s set the scene.
You’re in Asheville, North Carolina—land of jaw-dropping mountain views, craft breweries every five steps, and vibes so chill even the squirrels seem laid-back. But you? You’re not just here to sip IPAs and buy handmade candles. You came to fly through the air with a scream and a smile. You came for bungee jumping.
Here’s the twist: Asheville doesn’t technically have bungee jumping.
Wait—don’t panic. That doesn’t mean your thrill-seeking dreams are over. It just means we’re gonna turn this into a choose-your-own-adventure guide—with a bit of road-tripping, a whole lot of excitement, and some truly ridiculous facial expressions along the way.
So, Can I Bungee Jump in Asheville?
Nope. Nada. Not right now.
But don’t worry, we’ll get you that free-falling, heart-thumping, “I-may-have-just-screamed-my-own-name” kind of rush.
The good news? There are bungee jumping spots within driving distance of Asheville, and even more activities in town that are just as bananas (in the best way possible).
Closest Bungee Jumping Spots Near Asheville (A Little Road Trip Never Hurt Anyone)
1. Track Recreation Center (Myrtle Beach, SC)
- Distance: About 2.5–3 hours
- What’s the vibe? Classic beach-town fun with a side of “YES I JUST DID THAT.”
- Bungee status: Seasonal setups pop up at parks and amusement centers—check first!
- Why go? You can jump, hit the beach, and eat your weight in funnel cake all in one day.
2. Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
- Distance: Just over 2 hours
- What to expect: While traditional bungee spots like Extreme World are no longer fully active, there are slingshot rides and extreme towers that will definitely make your stomach flip (in a good way… probably).
- Bonus: You’re in Dollywood country. Bungee jump, then ride a rollercoaster with Dolly Parton’s face smiling down on you. #Goals
3. Pop-Up Bungee Operators (Georgia/South Carolina)
- Pro move: Follow companies like Bungee Adventures on social media. They host temporary jumps at festivals, fairs, and events throughout the region.
- Distance: 3–5 hours depending on where they set up.
- Worth it? If you love road trips, spicy gas station snacks, and adrenaline? Absolutely.
No Bungee? No Problem. Asheville’s Got Wild Alternatives
Trust me, Asheville might not have a bungee cord, but it’s got plenty of ways to terrify your mom via text message.
1. Navitat Canopy Adventures – Zipline Like a Forest Ninja
- Fly through trees at speeds up to 65 mph.
- There’s dual racing lines. Challenge your bestie. Loser buys post-zip tacos.
- Pro tip: Don’t look down. Or do. Either way, scream as needed.
2. Whitewater Rafting – Nature’s Washing Machine
- Paddle through Class III–IV rapids on the French Broad River.
- You will get wet. You may fall out. You should go anyway.
- Local guides like Blue Heron Whitewater know how to keep it thrilling but safe-ish.
3. Rock Climbing & Rappelling – Vertical is the New Cardio
- Head to Looking Glass Rock or Linville Gorge for some legit cliff action.
- Not into solo climbs? Hire a guide. They’ll even tell you where to put your feet.
- Spoiler: Coming down the rope backwards is almost as wild as bungee jumping.
4. Skydiving – Because One Rope Isn’t Enough?
- Closest drop zone: Skydive Carolina, ~2 hours away.
- Jump from 14,000 feet and pray your camera catches your good side mid-scream.
- You get a video, bragging rights, and probably a new life perspective.
5. Paragliding or Hang Gliding – Float Like a Chill Superhero
- No engines, no cords—just you, the wind, and your instructor probably yelling “LEAN LEFT!”
- Try Thermal Valley Hang Gliding for epic aerial views and chill glides.
Weekend Itinerary: Asheville, But Make It Extreme
Friday – Pre-Adventure Vibes
- Check into a cute cabin or funky Airbnb.
- Grab dinner at White Duck Taco Shop (trust me, the Bangkok Shrimp is life-changing).
- Optional: spooky ghost tour or brewery hop to loosen up those nerves.
Saturday – Jump Day!
- Wake up. Eat a power breakfast (no regrets if it’s donuts).
- Head out to your chosen bungee or skydiving spot.
- Return to Asheville, hit a brewery like Wicked Weed or Burial Beer Co and toast to not dying.
Sunday – Splash & Chill
- Morning rafting or a guided rappel session.
- Afternoon picnic at Craggy Gardens with panoramic views.
- End with a cozy coffee from High Five Coffee and a satisfied sigh.
Safety Stuff (Because We Want You to Come Back)
Look, no matter what you’re jumping off of, safety is non-negotiable. Here’s the basics:
- Weight limits: Usually between 90–240 lbs
- Medical concerns: Got heart stuff? Talk to your doctor first
- Gear check: Reputable operators use pro-grade equipment—don’t settle for anything sketchy
- Mental prep: It’s okay to be scared. Screaming is practically required.
What to Pack for a Wild Weekend
- Grippy shoes you can scream in
- GoPro or phone mount for your heroic face
- Layers (mountains = unpredictable weather)
- Snacks, water, more snacks
- An “I survived!” outfit for post-jump selfies
- Optional: tiny bottle of liquid courage (aka coffee or kombucha)
FAQ Time
Q: Can I jump off a bridge in Asheville with a bungee cord?
A: Not legally. And we’d rather you not start a headline.
Q: So…where can I bungee jump?
A: Pigeon Forge, Myrtle Beach, or seasonal pop-ups nearby.
Q: What if I’m scared of heights?
A: Perfect. That’s what makes it exciting. Do it anyway.
Q: Any way to bungee and still stay in Asheville?
A: Sadly, not yet. But you can zip, glide, rappel, or freefall from a plane—basically the same thing but with different screaming styles.
Final Thoughts: You Can’t Bungee in Asheville (But You Can Still Be a Legend)
Sure, Asheville doesn’t have an official bungee tower. But honestly? Who cares.
You’ve got ziplines that make you feel like Batman, waterfalls to rappel down like Indiana Jones, and skydiving to basically become a bird with a bucket list.
Whether you’re jumping off something, flying through the trees, or just rafting like a wild beast, Asheville is the place where thrill-seekers go to play, laugh, scream, and high-five strangers.
So grab your harness, your courage, and maybe a spare pair of underwear (just in case). Your adventure is waiting.
