Ziplining in West Virginia: Seven Lines Through Hemlock Forest

Seven zip lines and four sky bridges through a forest most people never reach

Ziplining in West Virginia's New River Gorge canopy tour sends you across seven zip lines ranging from 150 to 640 feet, four sky bridges, and a rappel descent through an endangered hemlock forest. Groups stay under six with two certified guides. The whole experience runs three hours. Weight must fall between 90 and 260 pounds, and you'll need close-toed shoes.

The experience

You start on the ground learning to brake, stop and position yourself on a practice zip line before the real course begins. Your guides fit you into a full-body harness, helmet and gloves, then walk you through the skills you'll need in a low-risk setup so you can feel confident when you step onto the first platform. Once you've shown you can handle it, the 190-foot opening zip crosses into the canopy proper.

The course strings together five more zip lines between 230 and 590 feet, each one carrying you deeper into the forest and higher above the ground. Your first sky bridge, 205 feet long, crosses directly above Mill Creek. Later you'll tackle a triple set of bridges that connects three platforms in sequence. The longest single zip, the 640-footer at the end, drops you toward the final platform where you'll rappel the rest of the way down to solid ground. Two short shuttle rides bookend the hiking sections and get you back to the resort with a complimentary drink.

Groups max out at six people plus two guides, which keeps the pace steady and the platforms from getting crowded. The whole outing, from gear-up to the shuttle ride back, takes about three hours. You'll need sneakers or hiking boots with closed toes, and your weight has to land between 90 and 260 pounds for the harness and rigging to work safely.

What’s included

• Professional guide and all taxes and fees.
• full-body harness, helmet and gloves.
• practice instruction on a low-risk zip line before the course.
• two short shuttle rides to and from the platforms.
• complimentary beverage on the return shuttle.

Before you book

Days and timesFriday and SaturdayDepartures at 09:00, 12:00 and 15:30Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Youth (10 to 12 years) · Under 10: can't be booked

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancy

Operated by Adventures on the Gorge

Is this one for you?Book this if you have a free afternoon and want to move through the forest under your own power rather than watch it from a platform: the seven lines and four bridges mean you're operating the gear the whole time, not observing someone else do it.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (10 to 12 years). Children under 10 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How many zip lines will I actually cross on this course?

Seven zip lines total: a 190-foot practice run to start, then four more between 230 and 590 feet each, and finally the 640-foot finale before you rappel down.

What's the longest zip line on the course?

The final zip line stretches 640 feet and ends at the rappel platform, making it the longest single run of the day.

Do I need any experience to do this, or will the guides teach me?

No prior experience is needed. Your guides will teach you braking, stopping and line positioning on a practice zip before the real course starts, and you'll have to demonstrate those skills in a low-risk setting before moving on.

What happens if I'm afraid of heights or not very fit?

The course requires at least a moderate level of physical fitness because of the hiking between platforms and the physical demands of operating the zip line equipment. The practice session and your guides' support help build confidence, but this activity involves sustained time at height.

Are souvenir photos available?

Souvenir photos are available to purchase during or after your tour. Check at checkout if you'd like to add them to your booking.