Going up? Atlanta adventurers in search of fresh air fun can rest assured the state provides some of the most adrenaline-rushing attractions in the Southern sky.
Not only do the following aerial tours offer rarely seen views of Georgia, these mind-blowing landscapes come with reasonable price points.
Credit: Photo courtesy of Balloons Over Georgia
Credit: Photo courtesy of Balloons Over Georgia
Hot air balloon rides over Georgia
Balloons Over Georgia, 112 Jason Lane, Cumming, 678-283-4033
Up, up and away is exactly where you're heading in this wicker basket sky trip. Balloons Over Georgia floats across the northern part of the state, affording views of Atlanta's skyline, Lake Lanier, Stone and Kennesaw mountains and the beginnings of the Blue Ridge and Appalachian ranges. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the occasional sightings of red-tail hawks, blue herons and large cranes.
Prices: $250 per person (adult), $150 for kids (under 12), $425 for private, 2-person flights; $25 discount for seniors, military and police/fire department personnel
Aerial tours during The Masters
Augusta Aviation, 1775 Highland Ave., Augusta, 706-733-8970
Get an exclusive, bird's-eye view of golf's greatest during the 2019 Masters Tournament, held in Augusta on April 11 through 14 at the Augusta National Golf Club. Daniel Field Airport's Augusta Aviation provides the best views of the private 18-hole course and 9-hole par-3 course. A sleek Cessna 172 takes you on a 30-minute scenic ride across the property to see some of the pro golfing action and the stunning topography of this world-famous course. The experience is also an ingenious way to surprise and spend a romantic evening with your significant other.
Price: $125
Tree climbing up state parks
Tree Top Excursions, 2620 Highway 155, Stockbridge, 770-389-7801
Definitely not your childhood tree climbing days! Panola Mountain's Tree Top Excursions lead you much higher into the canopy spaces of Southern red oaks like "Naomi Ruth," which reaches roughly 100 feet. Climbs range from intro and group excursions to off-the-beaten path tours. You can even catch a few ZZZs in the trees.
Prices: $15-$90, depending on the climb
Credit: Photo courtesy of Historic Banning Mills
Credit: Photo courtesy of Historic Banning Mills
Zip lining through an outdoor resort
Historic Banning Mills, 205 Horseshoe Dam Road, Banning, 770-834-9149
Swoop pass canopy tops, walking bridges and pristine lake life by way of Historic Banning Mills' high-speed zip line and adventure tours. In fact, the tree top fun is a record-breaking event: the resort's longest zip line, Screaming Eagle, earned a spot in the Guinness World Records for the longest and largest zip line canopy tour on the planet. Zigzag for hours down nearly ten miles of zip lines between forested tracts.
Prices: $49-$249, depending on the course
» RELATED: Climb Stone Mountain in under 3 minutes with stunning timelapse video
Summit hikes around Georgia mountains
East Palisades Trail, 1425 Indian Trail, Sandy Springs, 404-730-7911
Georgia features some of the most captivating mountaintop views around. One place to scale towering peaks and catch isolated scenery outside the city limits is a hike along Sandy Springs' East Palisades Trail. One of the most picturesque sites to witness the constant flow of the Chattahoochee River, this 3.4-mile trail meanders 400 feet above the waterway. During your ascent, you'll encounter bamboo-filled forests, the ruins of an old mill and several cliff-hanging outlooks.
Price: Free
