Hiking along forest trails is one way to get close to nature, but thrill seekers who want a little excitement in their outdoor experience might prefer an aerial view as they fly through the treetops. Thanks to the growing number of zip line tours operating in the Southeast, the opportunity to commune with the birds in their own environment is easy to come by.
Just this month, Leah and Kirk Watkins opened North Georgia Canopy Tours in Lula, 13 miles northeast of Gainesville. Here visitors age 10 and up don gloves and helmets, strap into harnesses suspended from a cable and zip from one strategically placed platform to another as they maneuver through the course.
“Zip lines are the closest thing to flying other than hang gliding and sky jumping, which are more expensive and require more skill and have much greater risks,” said Leah Watkins.
Visitors to North Georgia Canopy Tours have their choice of two options. The Sky Bridge Tour takes about two hours to complete and consists of two nature walks and nine stages that cross two sky bridges and the North Oconee River three times. The Adventure Tour includes three nature hikes and a dozen stages that cross three ponds, the North Oconee River twice and includes rappelling. Both tours end with a dual 680-foot zip over the Hilltop Pond in front of the observation deck. $69-$89. Children must be at least 10 years old to participate. Reservations recommended. 5290 Harris Road, Lula. 770-869-7272, www.northgeorgiacanopytours.com.
While in the area, stop by the Elachee Nature Science Center in Gainesville. Attractions include an interactive museum, a forested refuge, live animal and plant exhibits and hiking trails. $5 adults, $3 children. 2125 Elachee Drive. 770-535-1976, www.elachee.org.
Stay: Heron Cove Guest House. Located on Lake Lanier. $100-$115. 3527 Southview Circle. 770-536-1944, www.heroncoveguesthouse.com.
Eat: Papa Jack's Country Kitchen. Southern cooking and sandwiches. $5.50-$7. 7437-B Spout Springs Road, Flowery Branch. 770-965-7007, www.papajackscountrykitchen.com.
Info: The Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce, 770-532-6206, www.ghcc.com.
MORE ZIP LINE TREKS
Earthshine Mountain Lodge Zip Line
Lake Toxaway, N.C.
The Earthshine Mountain Lodge claims to have one of the first zip lines in the United States. The seven-stage course takes about two-and-a-half hours to complete. $60. Minimum age is 10. Reservations required. 1600 Golden Road. 828-862-4207, www.earthshinelodge.com.
For more outdoor adventure, visitors can canoe, kayak or tube along the French Broad River with the help of local outfitters, including Headwaters Outfitters (25 Parkway Road, Rosman, 828-877-3106, www.headwatersoutfitters.com).
Stay: Earthshine Mountain Lodge. A two-story cedar lodge with log beds, rocking chairs and storybook-themed rooms. $177 per adult, including meals and activities. 1600 Golden Road. 828-862-4207, www.earthshinelodge.com.
Eat: Brown Trout Mountain Grille. Located in an old train depot, the restaurant serves a variety of trout dishes as well as honey-glazed salmon, blackberry chicken and cream clams with linguine. Entrees $16.95-$29.95. 502 Blue Ridge Road. 828-877-3474, www.browntroutgrille.com.
Info: Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce. 828-743-5191, www.cashiersnorthcarolina.com.
Screaming Eagle Zip Line Tours
Whitesburg
More than 35,000 people experience the outdoor activities offered at Historic Banning Mills, an inn, corporate retreat and conservation center about 45 miles southeast of Atlanta. And one of its most popular attractions is the Screaming Eagle Zip Line, which is two miles long, reaches heights of 300 feet and crisscrosses the Snake Creek Gorge seven times. $65-$139. Reservations recommended. 205 Horseshoe Dam Road, Whitesburg, 770-834-9149, www.historicbanningmills.com.
Other outdoor attractions at Historic Banning Mills include horseback riding, swimming, skeet shooting, an 18-hole putting green and a ropes course. Nearby attractions include the scenic walking trails at Dunaway Gardens ($10 for children and $8 for children. 3218 Roscoe Road, Newnan. 678-423-4050, www.dunawaygardens.com).
Stay: The Lodges at Historic Banning Mills. Accommodations include cabins, cottages and rooms. $99-$189, including breakfast. 205 Horseshoe Dam Road, 770-834-9149, www.historicbanningmills.com.
Eat: Sprayberry's Barbecue. A local favorite since 1926, serving chopped pork, ribs, catfish, hamburgers, steaks and Brunswick stew. $7.50-$17.95. 229 Jackson St., Newnan, 770-253-4421, www.sprayberrysbbq.com.
Info: Carroll County Chamber of Commerce. 770-832-2446, www.carroll-ga.org.
Dollywood’s SkyZip
Pigeon Forge, Tenn.
The zip line trek at Dollywood amusement park boasts five stages, with the point-to-point zips ranging from 100 feet to a whopping 1,000 feet in distance. Participants cross a 100-foot swinging rope bridge before zipping near Dollywood's infamous Tennessee Tornado roller coaster. The course takes between 60 and 90 minutes to complete. Individuals must weigh at least 80 pounds to participate. $45 plus tax, plus park admission fee. 2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd. 1-800-365-5996, www.dollywood.com.
While they’re in the area, visitors should check out the Elvis Museum, featuring memorabilia and live shows by Elvis impersonators. 2638 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, 865-428-2001, www.elvismuseums.com.
Stay: Music Road Inn. This inn is within walking distance of Dollywood, shops and eateries. The rooms are large, and some balconies overlook the inn's water park. $74-$174. 314 Henderson Chapel Road. 1-866-429-8803, www.musicroadinn.com.
Eat: Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant. Surrounded by apple trees, this eatery serves Southern cooking, and each meal begins with apple fritters. Entrees $10-$15. 220 Apple Valley Road, Sevierville, 865-428-9903, www.applewoodrestaurant.com.
Info: Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism. 1-800-251-9100, www.mypigeonforge.com.
-- Demand Studios
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