Ziplining at Adventures on the Gorge: Which Tour Fits Your Zipping Style?

Think about New River Gorge in West Virginia and you'll undoubtedly think about white water rafting and Bridge Day. Yes, both activities are definite tourist attractions, but when I think of exhilaration, I think of Mr. Locke and my zipline tours at Adventures on the Gorge. Whether you want high speed thrills or beautiful tree canopy views, there's zipline tours to fit every style. 

Gravity Zip Line Tour

Ok, this tour at Adventures on the Gorge is the beast of zip lining in the area. It's a 1.5 mile course with 200 foot tall lines for guests age 12 and over that speed you over a mountain bowl. And the views? Wow! If you think that's a bit intense, you try a couple of warm-up lines in the beginning and work your way up to the 3,150 foot AdrenaLine- the longest zip line on the East Coast. I have never felt such a rush and the ability to race Mr. Locke was a blast. Riders must weigh between 100 and 260 pounds as well.

Guess who won?

Tip: Plan on 3-4 hours for a Gravity Zip Line Tour. It's a definite half-day activity, so make sure you're not starving when you arrive. Tours run daily from April through November.

TreeTops Zip Line Canopy Tour

Less exhilarating then the AdrenaLine but much more laid back and easy is Adventures on the Gorge's TreeTops Zip Line Canopy Tour. Winding through an endangered Hemlock Forest, the tour provides stunning views of the tree canopy and the ground below. Know about the Wooly Adelgid? You will before the tour's over. The tour is for guests age 10 and up (so if you have a child that won't meet the age requirement of Gravity Zip Line Tour this one will be a great alternative) and riders must weight between 90 and 260 pounds.

We loved zipping from tree platform to tree platform and, even on hot, summer days, the canopy was cool and pleasant. The course offers seven zip lines, four sky bridges, and two pretty decent hikes so be prepared for vigorous activity.

Tip: The tour lasts 3-4 hours (a half-day activity) so make sure you're well feed and hydrated before you arrive. TreeTops Zip Line Canopy Tour is open year round, so if you don't mind chilly winter weather in West Virginia, the canopy is unbelievably gorgeous covered in snow. 

What You Need to Know

Here's some additional information about Adventure on the Gorge Zip Line Tours:

• Both tours meet at Mill Creek Campus at Adventures on the Gorge. You will either walk (TreeTops) or take a bus (Gravity) to the actual canopy tours.
• Adventures on the Gorge tour guides are highly skilled and trained for safety and security. Trust them.
• To avoid feet injuries, please wear closed-toe shoes. You really don't want a splinter in your foot or a banged-up toe. 
• Each course has practice zips at the beginning to make you comfortable with the rest of the tour. You're free to opt out at any time during the practice zips. 
• Prices for each tour vary and can be found on the official website. 

Special thanks to Adventures on the Gorge for hosting Mr. Locke and me last summer to give you fine folks the scoop on what makes each zipline tour so much fun. All opinions are my own!