Best Ziplining in the US: 10 Can’t-Miss Zipline Tours fi

Best Ziplining in the US: 10 Can’t-Miss Zipline Tours

By Emily Leikam on May 21, 2025
6 min read

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Looking for the best ziplining in the U.S.? Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or just want a fun outdoor adventure, ziplining is one of the most exciting ways to explore nature. Since the first United States zipline course opened in 2002, the activity has evolved from simple forest lines into full-scale tours offering mountain views, waterfalls, and high speeds. From Kentucky’s Red River Gorge canopy tour to Alaska’s mountains and Colorado’s canyons, this guide rounds up the best ziplines in the US—ten real-deal courses that bring you face to face with unforgettable landscapes.

Best Ziplining in the US: 10 Can’t-Miss Zipline Tours 1
Photo by: tonjung.

Key Takeaways

  • Every course on this list offers something different. Some are short and scenic, others are longer and more technical.
  • You'll find a clear breakdown of what each one includes, how to book it, and the best time to go.
  • There’s no single best option, it depends on what kind of experience you’re after.
  • Some tours are beginner-friendly and others are built for people who want more height, speed, or challenge.
  • This guide is here to help you avoid the tourist traps and pick a course that’s actually worth it.

Top Ziplining in the US

1. Red River Gorge Ziplines – Campton, Kentucky

One of the most fantastic ziplines in the Southeast, this tour zips through the cliffs and hardwood forests of Kentucky’s Red River Gorge. You’ll fly up to 300 feet above the ground on lines stretching over 1,900 feet long. A must for anyone looking for the best zipline tours in Kentucky with unbeatable views.

  • Zipline specs: 5 lines, up to 60 mph, 1,900 feet long
  • Booking: Tours from $99; book through Red River Gorge Zipline Tours
  • Location: Campton, KY (2 hours from Lexington)
  • Stay: Choose from over 100 cabins, hotels, and campgrounds nearby. (See lodging options here)
  • Best time to visit: September through November
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The Red River Gorge Geological Area in Kentucky. Photo by: Zack Frank.

2. Screaming Eagle at Historic Banning Mills – Whitesburg, Georgia

Home to the longest zipline course in the world, Screaming Eagle zipline is a huge network of cables, towers, and rope bridges that turns a single ride into a full aerial adventure.

  • Zipline specs: Over 100 ziplines, with the longest at 2,500 feet
  • Booking: Packages start at $49; book through Historic Banning Mills
  • Location: Whitesburg, GA (45 minutes from Atlanta)
  • Stay: Book onsite treehouses or cozy cabins through Banning Mills Accommodations
  • Best time to visit: Spring or late fall

3. Hoonah ZipRider – Icy Strait Point, Alaska

This course is often called the most intense zipline ride in the country, with a 1,300-foot drop and speeds over 60 mph. It offers one of the best zip lines in the U.S. for sheer adrenaline. But there’s a catch, this ride is mostly available to cruise ship passengers. Unless you're arriving by cruise, public access is extremely limited, with the rare exception of special local events.

  • Zipline specs: 5,330 feet long, 1,320-foot drop, over 60 mph
  • Booking: Generally only available through cruise excursions. Learn more at Icy Strait Point ZipRider
  • Location: Icy Strait Point, AK
  • Stay: Hoonah or cruise-based lodging
  • Best time to visit: June through August (during cruise season)
Best Ziplining in the US: 10 Can’t-Miss Zipline Tours 3
Cable car ride to mountain top at Icy Strait Point Alaska by: steheap.

4. ArborTrek Canopy Adventures – Smugglers’ Notch, Vermont

Set in the Green Mountains of northern Vermont, ArborTrek offers one of the best places to zipline in America with its forest canopy experience that blends eco-education with adventure. Their award-winning canopy tour includes zip lines, sky bridges, rappels, and forest ecology moments woven into the experience.

5. Kapohokine Zipline Through Paradise – Hilo, Hawaii

Lush rainforest, deep ravines, a 250-foot waterfall, and dual side-by-side ziplines make this one of the best zipline experiences for scenery—and one you’re likely to remember.

  • Zipline specs: 8 lines, including a 2,400-foot line over a waterfall
  • Booking: Around $219 per tour; book through KapohoKine Adventures
  • Location: Near Hilo, HI
  • Stay: Hilo Hawaiian Hotel or Volcano Village
  • Best time to visit: April through October
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Hilo, Hawaii. Photo by: Cheryl Ramalho.

6. AVA Zipline Tours – Idaho Springs, Colorado

This Colorado course sits at 8,000 feet and runs through cliffside terrain, pine forest, and remnants of old mining sites just outside Denver. Platforms are built directly into the mountain for fast, scenic descents. A solid pick for anyone looking for the best ziplines at high elevation.

  • Zipline specs: 6 lines, up to 2,000 feet long
  • Booking: Tours start at $65; book through AVA Rafting & Zipline
  • Location: Idaho Springs, CO
  • Stay: Idaho Springs Lodging or in Denver, CO
  • Best time to visit: May through September

7. Navitat Canopy Adventures – Asheville, North Carolina & Knoxville, Tennessee

Navitat runs two well-designed canopy tours in the Southern Appalachians—one near Asheville, the other outside Knoxville. Both include long, fast lines through forested ridgelines and hardwood forests with big views. Asheville is more rugged and remote, while Knoxville is more accessible and beginner-friendly. A top contender among the best places to zipline in America.

  • Zipline specs: Up to 3,600 feet long, speeds up to 65 mph
  • Booking: From $109; book through Navitat Canopy Adventures
  • Location: Near Asheville, NC and Knoxville, TN
  • Stay: Explore Asheville Lodging or hotels and cabins near Knoxville
  • Best time to visit: October
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Photo by: STOCKEROcr.

8. Royal Gorge Zip Line Tours – Cañon City, Colorado

For sheer speed and open-air views, Royal Gorge delivers. This course runs high-speed lines across rugged Colorado canyons and open sky, making it one of the best zipline tours for both thrill and scenery. The nearby town adds to the experience with plenty of lodging and things to do post-tour.

9. Alaska Canopy Adventures – Ketchikan, Alaska

A mix of high-speed ziplines, platforms, and suspension bridges tucked into the Tongass National Forest, this course takes you through old-growth spruce with a final rappel to finish. Expect clean air, possible wildlife sightings, and one of the best zip lines for a true remote wilderness experience.

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Photo by: Novak.

10. CLIMB Works Smoky Mountains – Gatlinburg, Tennessee

This treetop canopy tour kicks off with an ATV ride up a private mountain trail, then launches into a nine-line course that weaves through ridgelines, forest clearings, and scenic treetops. The guides keep things smooth and welcoming, making it ideal for beginners, families, and return visitors looking for the best ziplines in the Smokies.

Tips for Ziplining

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What to Wear and Bring

  • Athletic clothing, closed-toe shoes, and weather-appropriate layers work best.
  • Skip the accessories. Leave jewelry, scarves, and unsecured items behind.
  • Sunscreen and bug spray are smart to pack, especially in forested or tropical areas.
  • GoPros or cameras may be allowed with a chest or helmet mount. Always confirm with your guide.
  • For dependable layers that move with you and handle a wide range of conditions, check out KÜHL’s men’s outdoor clothing or women’s outdoor apparel.

Safety Tips

  • Always follow your guide’s instructions.
  • Check your harness and helmet, and speak up if anything feels wrong.
  • Stay focused and steady on platforms.
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Photo by: Alex Smith.

Best Season for Ziplining

  • Spring and fall offer great visibility and cooler weather.
  • Summer is good for higher elevations and coastal tours, but it can be crowded.
  • Some courses operate year-round, including winter tours in the Catskills.

Conclusion

Ziplining has come a long way from short and simple forest cables. Today’s top courses combine speed, scenery, and design to offer unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re zooming through a Red River Gorge zipline tour, flying across a mountain canyon, or skimming over waterfalls, these are the best zip lines in the U.S. to put on your adventure list.

Featured image by: STOCKEROcr.

FAQs

Is ziplining safe?

Yes, when operated by certified guides, ziplining is very safe. Most risks come from ignoring instructions or missteps before or after the ride.

Do I need experience to go ziplining?

Not at all. Most zipline tours are beginner-friendly and include a full safety briefing and gear check.

What are the best ziplining destinations for first-timers?

CLIMB Works in Tennessee, Navitat in North Carolina, and Kapohokine in Hawaii are all beginner-friendly but still scenic and exciting.

Are there age or weight restrictions for ziplining?

Yes. Most zipline courses require a minimum age of 8 to 10 and weight ranges between 70 to 275 pounds. Always check before booking.

How long does a typical ziplining tour last?

A typical ziplining lasts anywhere from one to three hours depending on the course and group size.
 

What is the longest zipline in the US?

The Screaming Eagle zipline at Historic Banning Mills holds the record for longest canopy tour in the world with more than 10 miles of total cable.

Emily Leikam
Emily Leikam

Emily is an avid traveler and has been all around the world from Alaska and Iceland to Peru and Bali. Her home base is Nashville, TN and when not traveling you can find her hiking, practicing yoga or cooking/baking!

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