Calling all adventure junkies! Did you know that North Carolina is home to the country’s steepest and fastest zipline canopy tour? The Gorge, located in the town of Saluda, is an aerial adventure that is not for the faint of heart. But if you are brave enough to attempt it, the feeling of flying through the air and the views of the surrounding mountains are pretty hard to beat.
The Gorge is America’s steepest and fastest zipline tour, descending 1,100 vertical feet and spanning a total of 1.25 miles. After checking in and going through an orientation session, you’ll start your adventure at the Outpost perched on the rim of the Green River Gorge. The views are dramatic and breathtaking, reaching all the way to Lake Lure, Linville Gorge and on particularly clear days, Grandfather Mountain. But they are still nothing compared to what you’ll see once you hit the air.
Then, you’ll begin a 3 hour tour, making your way down a staggering 1,100 feet in elevation as you soar from tree-top to tree-top over the course of 11 different ziplines. Don’t worry if you’ve never zipped before. Besides the extensive orientation session given at the beginning of your visit, you will have expert guides with you during your entire trip, ensuring you a safe and enjoyable experience.
In addition to the ziplines, you’ll also cross a “gravity defying” sky bridge and travel down 3 huge vertical rappels during the course of the tour. It’s the perfect mix of adrenaline and tranquility all rolled into one, as you take in the views of the old growth forest and over 18,000 acres of protected river gamelands that stretch as far as the eye can see.
When you finally make it to the end, you’ll ride a shuttle back to the beginning where you can bask in the bravery of what you did. In fact, you’re probably going to want proof to show all of your friends back home, so make sure to check out the pictures and videos from the day’s tours and see if you can spot a few good shots of yourself.
You can also purchase a multitude of souvenirs to commemorate the day at The Gorge Shop. They have everything from hats, shirts and hoodies, to mugs, water bottles and beer glasses. But perhaps the best souvenir you can buy is also the simplest – a sticker that proudly tells the world, “I survived The Gorge.”
