A Zip Through The Smokies

I’m standing in the treetops enveloped by the lush vegetation of the Smoky Mountains. The Cardinal’s bird song is urging me on, saying “Come join us, you won’t be sorry.” I inhale a long, deep breath and smell the moist aroma of the forest and then...take a step off the platform. I feel the cool breeze against my face and remember to exhale with a high pitch squeal of delight; flavored with excitement mixed with little fear.

I just took my first zip on the new Nantahala Gorge Canopy Tours, located 12 miles outside of Bryson City. I checked in at Wildwater Ltd. Rafting then went across the street to the Falling Waters Adventure Resort. The Resort sits on 22 acres and began with lodging of eight Yurts and a Group Lodge. The Lodging used about 5 acres. The rest of the steep and rolling acreage was not utilized, until this spring. Construction began first with an arborist recording the trees health and location then, the course was laid out. All told there are 11 sections; some zip lines side-by-side, 5 sky bridges and 3 transfer bridges.

The half-mile, Canopy Tour course runs from ridge to ridge. The ecosystem is comprised of hardwoods, native rhododendron, azaleas, mountain laurels as well as filled with songbirds. As we waited for the other flyers to complete their zips, the Canopy Ranger explains the history of the area and the uniqueness of the environment.

I’m equipped with a full body harness of webbing that wraps around my upper body and legs. A carabiner and safety line comes from the center up to a trolly. I’m wearing a helmet and gloves for my hands. The course takes about three hours so I'm thankful that the gear is a comfortable fit.

July 10 is the launch date for the new Nantahala Gorge Canopy Tours. This is to be a four-season activity which is a nice addition for the Nantahala area. Individual rates are $69 per person and group rates are also offered . Each session has two Canopy Rangers assigned to each group of 12. 1-877-398-6222 www.nantahalagorgecanopytours.com.