America’s longest zip line comes to the Great Smoky Mountains
WildSide, the newest adventure park in Pigeon Forge, has announced a record-breaking roller coaster ride.
Provided by WildSide
Looking for new thrills in Florida? Feeling like a little adventure? Are you just here for the zipline? Maybe there’s something for you.
With the news that the longest zip line in the country will open in Tennessee next year, some may be wondering: What is the longest zip line in Florida?
This Ocala park boasts that its ziplines are both the longest and fastest in the state. Here’s what you need to know:
How long is Florida’s longest zip line?
The longest zip line in Florida is at Canyons Zip Line and Adventure Park in Ocala. The zip lines are approximately 1,150 feet long and 150 feet above the ground. Canyons also offers a 1,100-foot zip line over Lost Spring Lake.
“Because Florida is mostly flat, other zip lines require participants to climb quite a few stairs at the beginning and throughout the course in order to gain height. On ours, however, there are very few stairs and we zip from tree to tree and tree to cliff, etc.,” the organizers write on the website.
“The only exception to this is our Sky High tour, which only requires climbing stairs at the beginning of the tour. Because of our natural elevation, we have the longest, highest and fastest zip lines in the state on our routes.”
Where is Florida’s longest zip line?
Canyons Zip Line and Adventure Park is located at 8045 NW Gainesville Road in Ocala.
The park is just a short drive from Gainesville, just over an hour from Orlando, 90 minutes from Tampa and less than two hours from Jacksonville.
How much do zipline experiences cost at Canyons Adventure Park?
According to its website, Canyons Zip Line and Adventure Park offers five experiences, including:
- Great Cliff Canyon – Starts at $119.99 and includes nine zip lines, two sky bridges, and a rappel.
- The best of the best – Starts at $119.99 and includes six ziplines, two sky bridges, and a rappel.
- Treetop Express – Starts at $89.99 and includes five ziplines and two skybridges.
- Sky High Tour – Starts at $65.99 and includes three ziplines.
- Nighttime zipline tours – Happens once a month during the full moon. Starts at $99.99 and includes five ziplines and two skybridges
The website states that the requirements for the zipline are that park visitors must weigh between 32 and 122 kilograms and be at least 10 years old. It is also recommended to make reservations as this will guarantee availability without having to book in advance.
For those not interested in soaring through the skies, the park also offers horseback riding, kayaking and gemstone mining.
What are the Canyons Zip Line opening hours?
Official opening hours are from 9am to 5pm. The last tour usually leaves between 3:30pm and 4pm.
The website also states that tours operate in all weather conditions, but will be cancelled if dangerous weather occurs. If your tour is cancelled due to dangerous weather or unforeseen circumstances, a voucher or refund will be issued unless your tour is already underway.
Where is the longest zip line in the USA?
Currently, the Catamonster Zip at Catamount Mountain Resort in Hillsdale, New York, is the longest zip line in the country at 5,523 feet long, but it is expected to be dethroned next year.
WildSide, a new adventure park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, will open the “Mega Zip” in spring 2025. According to USA TODAY, the zip line will be 5,800 feet long, with users starting at an elevation of 2,500 feet in the Smoky Mountains and descending over 1,000 feet down the giant zip line until it ends at an elevation of 1,380 feet.
“Our goal with this new attraction was to push the boundaries of adventure and provide our guests with a unique and unforgettable experience that they won’t find anywhere else in the United States,” said WildSide founding partner Bryce Bentz in a press release.
Zipline Safety Basics: What to Know Before You Go (or Zip)
The Canyons reminds park visitors to wear comfortable clothing, including closed-toe shoes and longer garments. Long hair should be tied back in a low ponytail near the neck. They also advise avoiding short shorts and dangling jewelry.
They share that all ziplining tours start with an introduction to ziplining, including a practice ride, so don’t worry if you’ve ziplined before.
Further tips: It is advisable to eat something before you arrive – enough to have energy to complete the course.
