THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Take to the skies with Above All Balloon Rides for a 30–60 minute flight over Ghent’s picturesque countryside at sunrise or sunset. This immersive hot air balloon experience combines stunning vistas with a unique group adventure.
Take to the skies with Above All Balloon Rides for a 30–60 minute flight over Ghent’s picturesque countryside at sunrise or sunset. This immersive hot air balloon experience combines stunning vistas with a unique group adventure.
Book with Above All Balloon Rides
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Above All Balloon Rides · Ghent, New York
Above All Balloon Rides offers an extraordinary way to see the landscape around Ghent, New York, with their Watkins Glen Balloon Festival Untethered experience. This three-hour adventure frames the day’s best light—sunrise or sunset—setting the stage for an unforgettable hot air balloon flight. With 30 to 60 minutes spent gliding over the terrain, passengers gain a rare aerial perspective of fields, rolling hills, and the gently winding waterways characteristic of Columbia County.
Ghent, part of New York's Hudson Valley region, is defined by its mix of farmlands, forests, and small-town charm. The ride showcases this diverse scenery, highlighting the patchwork of open farmland along with wooded areas dominated by maples, oak, and beech trees. Seasonal changes transform the view: vibrant spring greens, lush summer foliage, a fiery autumn palette, and the quiet white of winter’s early frost.
Above All Balloon Rides stands out for more than its views—they create an engaging experience that includes a hands-on balloon inflation, setting a tone of camaraderie among guests. Operating out of Castel Grisch Winery adds a local flavor, linking flight to the region’s agricultural roots and wine culture.
Group-friendly and welcoming to riders ages five and older, this flight is both safe and accessible, barring certain restrictions like pregnancy or mobility limitations for insurance reasons. Whether drifting in the golden light of dawn or the stretching shadows of dusk, the journey connects passengers intimately with the open sky and the peaceful landscape below.
Ideal for those seeking something different from classic hiking or paddling, Above All Balloon Rides offers a serene, thrilling vantage point to appreciate New York’s countryside in motion—and a memory that rises above the ordinary.
easy.
3 hours total (30–60 minutes flight).
Suitable for most fitness levels; participants should be able to stand for periods and manage minor physical activity during launch and landing.
The flight lasts between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on wind and weather conditions.
Passengers must be at least 5 years old. Adults 18 and over are required to book the ride.
You will receive a full refund or can reschedule if the pilot cancels for safety reasons.
Yes, guests are encouraged to assist in the balloon inflation process as part of the experience.
Groups exceeding six people or 1,200 pounds total are split into multiple balloons to ensure safety.
No, for insurance and safety reasons, pregnant women are not permitted to participate.
Ballooning in New York State traces back to early 20th century exhibitions, connecting today’s flights to a long tradition of flight innovation.
Above All Balloon Rides adheres to strict environmental practices, minimizing impact on natural areas and supporting local conservation efforts.
Above All Balloon Rides is a hot air balloon operator based in Ghent, New York that offers scenic sunrise and sunset flights. Featured on The Adventure Collective, the business lists two primary experiences: the Hot Air Balloon Ride and the Watkins Glen Balloon Festival Untethered. The Hot Air Balloon Ride includes a pre-flight briefing and 40–60 minutes of flight time, delivering panoramic views during sunrise or sunset. The Watkins Glen Balloon Festival Untethered experience runs about three hours overall, with 30–60 minutes of flight time and is designed to accommodate groups at festival events. Experiences are suitable for participants aged 5 and up. Trip listings specify flight durations and age recommendations so guests can choose the right option. Pre-flight briefings cover boarding, landing, and on-board expectations to help guests prepare. Bookings include arrival instructions and meeting points for Ghent operations. The business provides clear itineraries and timeframes at booking, enabling families and groups to compare options and plan travel logistics before arrival.
Book with Above All Balloon Rides