THE ZIPLINE EXPERIENCE
We promise: You’ve never zipped like this! Simply put, our 11 ziplines are steep, fast, and AWESOME! From serene forest beauty to epic views, The Gorge ziplines have it all! And perhaps best of all, our zipline braking systems are operated by your highly-trained Canopy Guides, so you can sit back, relax, and soar.
C’mon… you can DO it! Step over the edge and experience the thrill of conquering 3 huge rappels on The Gorge zipline canopy tour. Rappels allow the opportunity to slow down with your group a bit, and take in the beauty of the Green River Gorge as you descend further into North Carolina’s most enchanted forest!
Here’s a moment to really take in your surroundings: You’re high in the tree-tops, where birds make their home — and bragging rights are earned! Crossing the sky bridge at The Gorge brings big smiles, gifts memorable photos, and is sure to leave you wishing for a treetop home of your own.
It can be hard to find fun that everyone will love, but at The Gorge – we’ve got it! Family-friendly adventure that is sure to deliver! We recommend guests be at least 10 years old, and everyone must weigh between 70 and 250 pounds. Fit the bill? Then get ready for the thrill! We’re stoked to adventure with you!
INDIVIDUALS
$129
PER PERSON
GROUPS (8+)
$119
PER PERSON
MORE INFO
WEIGHT REQUIREMENTS
All participants must weigh between 70 and 250 lbs, and we discreetly verify weight at check in.
AGE REQUIREMENTS
Our suggested minimum age is 10 years old. However, everyone must meet our weight requirement of 70 to 250 lbs.
PHYSICAL CONDITION
All participants must be in reasonably good physical condition, with the ability to reach above your head and hold onto a cable (your weight is supported by a harness).
There are two very short hikes on well maintained trails, but participants should be comfortable walking on uneven terrain.
Also remember that our tours last 3 to 3.5 hours.
EXPECTING?
Congrats! But we don’t want to put you or your baby at risk, so we don’t allow pregnant people to zip. We look forward to seeing you in 9 months!
MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS
Guests with conditions that require fast-acting medication, like epinephrine, should bring their medication with them and make their guides aware of the condition prior to the start of the trip.
ARRIVAL
Our tours begin at the scheduled tour time. Therefore, we recommend guests arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled tour time in order to allow for parking, checking in, etc. If you are running late, we will do our best to accommodate you on another trip that same day, if we have availability. No refunds will be issued to late arrivals – if you fail to show up for your trip on time, we still incur the same costs and may have turned others away.
WHAT TO WEAR
Our tours operate rain or shine and regardless of temperature. Check the local weather before you come (zip code 28773). Please wear appropriate clothing for the conditions. Close-toed footwear that is suitable for hiking on variable terrain is required. No crocs or slingbacks are allowed. Avoid wearing loose clothing, such as ponchos, scarves, and excessively baggy clothing. Short shorts are not recommended. Due to the nature of the tour, we recommend that participants leave valuables such as jewelry and cell phones behind, stored in a safe place (so do plan ahead).
CAMERAS & PHONES
Cameras and phones are not permitted on the trip due to the liklihood that they will be dropped and/or broken, as well as as a courtesy to other guests. Our guides do take photos during your tour, and these are available for purchase both prior to your tour (online) or after your tour (in the Outpost).
WEATHER CONDITIONS
Our canopy tours run rain or shine, in all weather conditions, unless extreme winds or lightning interfere with operational safety. The Course Manager on duty will determine tour cancellations, and guests may be notified at any time regarding cancellation. In the event that your tour is cancelled by The Gorge, you will receive a full refund or rain check voucher depending on the circumstances. We reserve the right to postpone (or pause) a tour for up to one hour to wait out inclement weather and then resume normal operations.
RESTROOMS
Participants should be comfortable without access to restroom facilities for over 3 hours. Restrooms are available at our outpost and at the pick up point at the end of your tour.
A NOTE ABOUT CLIENT RESPONSIBILITY:
All participants are required to:
- Follow the company’s policies and procedures
- Follow guides’ instructions
- Sign a release and waiver document before participating
What is included in the Canopy tour?
During your experience at The Gorge, you’ll fly through the treetops on over a mile of cable covering 11 zip lines in the breathtaking Green River Gorge. You will wear a safety harness connected to the zip line cables, allowing you to travel from platform to platform. Additional elements are included in the tour such as a suspension bridge, 3 free fall rappels and a short hike down hill. Each tour is led by 2 knowledgeable and experienced guides.
What if I’ve never zipLINED before?
That’s okay! Most of our guests have never experienced the thrill of a zipline canopy tour adventure before. That’s why our guides make sure that they give a complete orientation session before starting ground school, and why we make sure we do everything we can to make you feel comfortable about your adventure. Our program is designed for intergenerational participants. That’s what we love about this canopy tour, just about everyone can do it. Please read our requirements prior to booking your tour.
Are reservations required?
Reservations are strongly encouraged. Without a reservation, we cannot guarantee that there will be an open space on a trip, although we will try to accommodate people stopping in, if we have space available. Plan your canopy tour now with an online reservation.
What is your cancellation policy?
All reservations are charged in full at the time of booking. If you need to cancel or modify your reservation you are required to notify us 72 hours prior to your scheduled tour start time. Reservations are considered final 72 hours prior to your scheduled tour start time and are not eligible for a refund OR rescheduling.
How long does it take to complete the course?
From departure time our course takes 3 to 3.5 hours to complete with a fully booked trip of 8 to 10 participants, smaller groups my move through the course more quickly. We ask that you plan for at least 4 hours total.
What are the age and weight requirements?
Our suggested minimum age is 10 years old, and all participants must weigh between 70 and 250lbs. Guests are discreetly weighed at check-in. Those not meeting our requirements will not be able to participate and are ineligible for a refund.
Do I have to sign a waiver?
Yes, all participants are required to sign a participant agreement before being allowed on course.
- If under 18: A parent or legal guardian must also sign the waiver.
What should I wear?
We suggest that you dress as if you were going for a hike. You will be wearing a helmet, full body harness and gloves so dress for comfort. The temperatures can be different at the Outpost so we suggest bringing layers and making the final decision once you arrive.
What if it rains?
Our canopy tours run rain or shine, in all weather conditions, unless extreme wind or lightning interfere with operational safety. The Course Manager on duty will determine tour cancellations and guests may be notified at any time regarding cancellation. In the event that your tour is cancelled by The Gorge, you will receive a refund or a rain check voucher depending on the circumstances. We reserve the right to postpone or ‘pause’ a tour for up to one hour to wait out inclement weather and resume normal operations. Rain gear is not provided and you are expected to dress appropriately for the weather. Synthetic clothing is recommended when wet weather is expected.
What if it’s too cold outside?
Please be aware that our winter months can be quite cold. Zipping in the cold is fun, if you are dressed for the weather. We recommend you layer your clothing. Based upon the temperature we recommend that you consider wearing long underwear, wool socks, warm cap, warm jacket, glove liners (full gloves will not fit under the gloves you will be required to wear to zip). We have ‘hot hands’ and glove liners for sale at the Outpost.
If you have any questions, feel free to call the office. *there is no such thing as bad weather, just “bad clothing choices.”
What if I am running late?
All canopy tours begin at the booked time, so please arrive on time. If you expect to arrive late, please call us at 828.749.2500 and we will determine if we can accommodate you on another tour that day. This will be case-by-case basis, determined by our manager on duty. Refunds will not be issued to late arrivals, so please plan accordingly.
Can I make reservations for a group of more than 8?
Yes, we can accommodate large groups! You can book online across multiple tour departure times and a discount will be automatically applied if you have a group of 8 or more. Need help? No problem! Just call 828.749.2500 and allow our Reservation Team to facilitate the booking. Our group discount starts with 8 participants and is $10 off per guest. NOTE: Group discounts must be paid with one credit card at the time of booking and group discounts may not be combined with any other discounts.
If I am not able to participate, can I stay and watch?
Spectators are welcome to hangout on our deck. You will be able to observe ground school and see the participants take their first zip. We do not allow anyone to walk the trail systems setup on course or to meet a group at the bottom for safety reasons.
Do the guides take photos?
Yes they do, SMILE! The guides will carry a camera throughout the course. Getting comfortable on the lines is first priority, so they will start snapping photos after the first 3 ziplines. If you have a special request for a photo, the guides will do their best to provide, but please remember that safety comes before the photos. Photos are available for purchase prior to your tour as an “add on” in our online reservation system or in the Outpost following your adventure. Note: Our gloves don’t work with cell phone screens. Please leave cells phones and other valuables behind, stored in a secure location.
Are there any bathrooms along the way?
There are restrooms located at the Outpost before you take off, and a portalet located at the bottom of the course before you are shuttled back. There are NO restrooms on the course, so be sure to empty your bladders before going into the gear room.
Can I wear my glasses?
Yes, but you might consider wearing an eyewear retainer to ensure that your glasses do not fall off. Retainers are available for purchase in our on-site retail area. The Gorge is not responsible for and cannot recover any items dropped from the course.
Is there someplace for me to store my purse, wallet, etc. while I am on my tour?
No. Please leave bags and valuable items at home or locked in your car. We do have a place to keep your keys while on your tour, but we are not responsible for any items left in the Gear Room.
If I am pregnant, can I still zip?
For the safety of the parent-to-be and the baby, we do not allow people who are pregnant in any stage to participate in our canopy tour. But we do, of course, hope to see you in the future!
Do we have to hike back to the outpost?
We have a large passenger van that will meet you at the bottom and shuttle you back to the Outpost.
What else is there to do in the area?
Our sister company, Green River Adventures (what started it all…) is located in downtown Saluda. Plan multiple activities during your stay!
Check out saluda.com/adventureguide for more to do while in the area.
Should we tip our guides?
Sure! It’s always nice to reward those working in the service industry, and tips are greatly appreciated. Your guides work hard to make sure you have a memorable tour. If they succeeded, feel free to reward their effort – and thanks!
You can either tip your guides directly, or if you’d prefer to tip by credit card, talk to the staff at the check in desk, as they’d be happy to help!
Please make sure that everyone in your party is aware of these policies:
Participant Requirements
Guests are expected to arrive 15 minutes prior to trip time. If you are running late, we will do our best to accommodate you on another trip that same day, given availability. No refunds will be issued to late arrivals – if you fail to show up for your trip on time, we still incur the same costs and may have turned others away.
All guests are required to sign a waiver.
- If under 18: a parent or guardian must also sign the waiver.
Participants must weigh between 70 and 250 pounds. Guests are discreetly weighed at check-in.
Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are required. No crocs or slingbacks are allowed.
Please dress appropriately for the weather. We suggest you dress as if going for a hike. Because guests will be in a harness, longer shorts or pants tend to be more comfortable.
If your trip spans a meal time, please eat prior to arrival.
Cancellation Policies
All reservations are charged in full at the time of booking. If you need to cancel or modify your reservation, you are required to notify us 72 hours prior to your scheduled tour start time. Cancellations or modifications made within 72 hours of your scheduled tour start time are not eligible for refund.
Reservations are considered final 72 hours prior to your scheduled tour start time and are not eligible for a refund or rescheduling.
Weather Policies
Our canopy tours run rain or shine, in all weather conditions, unless extreme winds or lightning interfere with operational safety. The Course Manager on duty will determine tour cancellations, and guests may be notified at any time regarding cancellation. In the event that your tour is cancelled by The Gorge, you will receive a full refund or rain check voucher depending on the circumstances. We reserve the right to postpone (or pause) a tour for up to one hour to wait out inclement weather and then resume normal operations.
Groups
- Groups of 8 or more are eligible for a group discount.
- Groups of 8 or more reserving multiple trips in a day or throughout the season may contact our outpost manager for customized payment and scheduling arrangements.