Riding the Ridge: Highlands’ Mountaintop Ziplines Through a Temperate Rainforest
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Fog clung to the Blue Ridge like a secret as we clipped in, the forest still waking and the air beaded with the kind of moisture the Highlands Plateau is famous for. A whip-poor-will signed off its night shift. Far below, creeks chatted and pushed downhill, daring you to follow their restless energy. Then—go. The line hummed, the trees slid past, and the canopy opened to a burst of rolling green hills that looked like an ocean paused mid-swell. This is ziplining at Highlands Aerial Park, where the ridge itself seems to lean forward and urge you on.
Trail Wisdom
Lock down your footwear
Closed-toe, closed-heel shoes are mandatory—think trail runners or light hikers with good tread for platforms and short walks.
Start low, then level up
Nervous? Book the Half Tour and decide at line four if you want to upgrade on the spot to the Full Tour—no pressure, just options.
Plan for rain—even when it’s sunny
Highlands is a temperate rainforest. Pack a light shell; the course runs in rain and you’ll love how the forest comes alive in it.
Empty those pockets
Leave phones and loose items behind; guides capture photos and video for purchase so you can focus on flying and safety.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Blue Valley Overlook for big-sky panoramas right off the highway
- •Glen Falls trail for a multi-tiered waterfall walk minutes from town
Wildlife
Black bear, Peregrine falcon
Conservation Note
Stay on platforms and follow guide instructions to protect living bark and understory plants; supporting local land trusts helps keep these forests healthy for future generations.
The Highlands Plateau sits on ancient Appalachian rock; nearby Whiteside Mountain is among the oldest exposed cliffs on earth, and Cherokee trails once laced these ridges long before resorts and roads.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Cool, crowd-light rides, Wildflower views
Challenges: Passing showers, Variable temps
Mornings are crisp and green pops back into the forest. Expect quick-moving showers and bring a light layer.
summer
Best for: Longest operating hours, Family trips
Challenges: Afternoon thunderstorms, Higher humidity
Canopy shade keeps it comfortable, but plan early or late slots to dodge pop-up storms and midday heat.
fall
Best for: Peak foliage color, Clear mountain views
Challenges: Cooler mornings, High demand on weekends
Gold and scarlet hills roll to the horizon; book ahead for October weekends and add a warm layer for early tours.
winter
Best for: Quiet platforms, Crisp air and long views
Challenges: Cold hands, Occasional weather holds
Bluebird days are stunning; check forecasts and bundle up. Tours pause only for lightning, high winds, or limited visibility.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Lightweight rain jacketEssential
Showers pass quickly and zipping in the rain can be fantastic—stay dry and focused.
Trail running shoes or light hikersEssential
Closed-toe, closed-heel footwear with grip keeps you stable on platforms and short trails.
Sunglasses with retainer strap
A strap keeps eyewear secure when the wind picks up on longer lines.
Warm, thin-layer gloves
Keep hands comfortable on cold mornings without compromising dexterity for braking.
Common Questions
What are the age, height, and weight requirements?
Participants must be at least 8 years old and 54 inches tall. Minimum weight is 60 lb for the Half Tour and 70 lb for the Full Tour; maximum weight is 250 lb.
Can I upgrade from the Half Tour to the Full Tour midway?
Yes. After the first four lines, you can choose to continue onto the final four for the Full Tour and pay the difference.
What if I booked the Full Tour but decide to stop halfway?
You may end after line four and receive a $40 refund back at the office.
Do tours run in the rain?
Yes—tours operate in rain, shine, or snow and pause only for lightning, high winds, or low visibility.
Can I bring my phone or camera on course?
For safety and privacy, personal cameras aren’t allowed on the course. Guides capture GoPro photos and video available for purchase.
What should I wear?
Dress for active movement with closed-toe, closed-heel shoes. Avoid tank tops under harnesses. Bring a light jacket if rain or cooler temps are possible.
What to Pack
Closed-toe, closed-heel shoes for platform traction; lightweight rain shell because Highlands’ rainforest weather changes fast; sunglasses with a retainer to keep them secure on windier lines; a warm layer for early starts or shoulder seasons when the canopy runs cool.
Did You Know
The Highlands Plateau is one of the wettest places in the eastern United States, often receiving over 80 inches of rain annually—supporting a rare temperate rainforest ecosystem.
Quick Travel Tips
Book ahead for fall weekends—peak color fills time slots fast; Arrive 15 minutes early for weigh-in and a smooth gear-up; Plan a waterfall stop—Dry Falls or Glen Falls—before or after your tour; Cell service can be spotty near the park, so download directions and your booking confirmation.
Local Flavor
Refuel in Highlands with a craft coffee and pastry downtown, then celebrate your flight with a farm-to-table dinner. For a relaxed post-zip, grab a burger and a locally brewed beer before catching sunset at Sunset Rock—locals flock there when the sky shows off.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airports: Asheville (AVL) ~2 hours; Greenville-Spartanburg (GSP) ~2–2.5 hours; Atlanta (ATL) ~2.5–3 hours. Trailhead: Highlands Aerial Park office, minutes from Highlands and Clayton, GA. Drive: ~15 minutes from downtown Highlands, ~20 minutes from Clayton. Cell service: Spotty near the park—download directions. Permits: None; reservations required. Arrival: 15 minutes early for check-in and weigh-in.
Sustainability Note
This ridge-line forest is part of a sensitive Appalachian ecosystem—stay on platforms, avoid touching live bark and lichens, and pack out everything you bring. Consider donating to local land trusts that protect Highlands’ headwaters and trails.