Highlands Aerial Park Adventures in Scaly Mountain, NC - Asheville

Highlands Aerial Park Adventures in Scaly Mountain, NC

Ashevillemoderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

2–4 hours depending on package

Fitness Level

Participants should have basic fitness, able to walk short distances and handle some climbing and balance challenges.

Overview

Experience the thrill of ziplining and UTV touring at Highlands Aerial Park in Scaly Mountain, NC. A unique blend of aerial adventure and mountain exploration awaits visitors looking to savor the southern Appalachian outdoors.

Details

Set against the rugged, verdant backdrop of Scaly Mountain, North Carolina, Highlands Aerial Park delivers hands-on aerial and off-road adventures that showcase the region’s natural beauty in a fresh, exhilarating way. This mountain destination, located on the border of North Carolina and Georgia near the southern Blue Ridge, is known for its abundant forested slopes and crisp mountain air, making it a perfect playground for thrill-seekers and families alike.

Highlands Aerial Park offers a range of experiences that highlight the diverse landscape—from adrenaline-pumping ziplines that stretch across treetops at various heights to guided UTV tours that carve through forest trails and mountain terrain. The zipline courses come in half and full mountaintop lengths, providing sweeping views of the Appalachian ridges and the fall line valleys below, letting visitors feel the pulse of the forest canopy beneath them. Guests consistently praise the knowledgeable and approachable staff who provide thorough safety briefings and share local insights, creating a welcoming environment for newcomers and seasoned zipliners.

The park also combines unconventional pairings such as its Golf and Zip Package, blending leisurely rounds on nearby green courses with thrilling zipline runs. Families can opt for the HAPpy Day Camp, a curated day filled with aerial challenges and outdoor play designed for kids, ensuring young adventurers build confidence in a secure setting.

Maintaining clean, well-organized facilities and emphasizing small details like onsite hair ties shows the team’s commitment to a seamless experience. The forest here features mixed hardwoods typical of the southern Appalachians, with wildlife encounters often including deer and songbirds. Whether you’re pushing your limits on the longest zipline or cruising mountain trails in a UTV, Highlands Aerial Park is a standout destination that raises the bar for aerial and off-road adventure in this part of North Carolina.

Adventure Tips

Wear closed-toe shoes

Sturdy footwear is essential for safety on zipline platforms and UTV trails.

Arrive early for check-in

Plan to arrive 30 minutes before your tour to accommodate safety gear fittings and briefings.

Hydrate before your adventure

Mountain air and physical activity can be dehydrating even in cooler weather, so bring water or use provided stations.

Follow staff instructions closely

Guides prioritize safety and will provide important tips on equipment handling and course navigation.

Local Insights

Hidden Gems

  • The quiet hiking trails around the park’s ridge lines
  • Secluded viewpoints near zipline platforms 5 and 6

Wildlife

  • White-tailed deer
  • Eastern chipmunks

History

Scaly Mountain sits at a crossroads near the historic Appalachian Trail corridor, an area with deep Cherokee roots and early settler history.

Conservation

Highlands Aerial Park emphasizes minimizing environmental impact by using sustainable materials for platforms and promoting Leave No Trace principles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Photography Tips

Best Times

Golden hour
mid-morning
late afternoon

Best Viewpoints

  • From the top zipline platforms
  • UTV trail clearings
  • lookouts near the golf course

What to Photograph

Mountain ridges
Aerial zipline action
Forest canopy layers

Recommended Gear

Closed-toe hiking shoes

Essential

Provides grip and protection on zip platforms and mountain trails.

Lightweight layered clothing

Essential

Allows adjustment to changing temperatures on the mountain.

spring|fall|winter specific

Sunscreen

Essential

Protects skin during exposed stretches on zipline courses and UTV stops.

summer specific

Insect repellent

Helpful to reduce discomfort from bugs in warmer months.

summer|spring specific

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