Getaway Guide: Nearby Zipline Courses
The sensation of flying through the air, harnessed to a cable, above treetop level at 50 miles an hour is exhilarating, thrilling, petrifying, challenging…pretty much all of the above. It's called ziplining, as in the sound the cable makes as your harness-hook races from station to station. So where can you experience this airborne rush? Follow me. – Jay Lloyd
SPRING MOUNTAIN ADVENTURES
757 Spring Mount Rd.
Spring Mount, PA 19478
www.springmountainadventures.com
When Rick and Gail Buckman launched the region's first zip line a decade ago at their Spring Mountain Ski Area, only five ski resorts in the country had one. Now, they grow like bean stalks, and bucket lists are written by people who are compelled to scale the heights and soar above the trees. I recently caught up with a group here from New York who spent nearly three hours on the "Canopy Tour" course and admitted finding the thrill of a lifetime as well as a few challenging moments. You're accompanied by skilled guides and the tours are tailored to ability.
Cost: The full tour starts at $70, but there are a variety of options: Find them all here.
Reservations are required.
ELMWOOD PARK ZOO
1661 Harding Blvd.
Norristown, PA 19401
www.elmwoodparkzoo.org
It doesn't get much better than this! There's a birds-eye view of exotic animals as you zip across the Norristown Zoo on the newly opened "Tree-Top Adventure" course. A variety of challenge courses offer visitors of varied ages and physical conditioning a chance to get in on the action. You'll be guided from tree top to tree top while navigating bridges, logs, ladders, platforms and zipline connections for thrills that keep adventurers in their own comfort zone.
Cost: Prices which include zoo admission range from $15 to $65, depending on the course. Check out the options here.
FERNWOOD RESORT
5795 Milford Rd. (route 209)
E. Stroudsburg, PA 18302
www.fernwoodresortpoconos.com
Hard by the banks of the Delaware River, Fernwood is a full-service Pocono Mountain resort that has jumped feet first into high flying antics on ziplines and a dynamic "TreeVenture" series of courses. I watched the courses being laid out and tested -- talk about Tarzan-ing your way from tree to tree! These challenging aerial pathways combine ropes, bridges and platforms that are color-coded by ability levels. Well-conditioned swingers can work up a sweat, while recreational riders can ease their way from point to point. Everyone can share the thrill of high-flying ziplines that include a pair a racers. Packages are available for multi-day stays in comfy condos with access to the course, along with water sports, horseback riding, dry land tubing and a top-notch golf course.
Cost: Day-trip prices range from $20 to $50. Check out the options here. Find the combination packages here.
CAMELBACK MOUNTAIN ADVENTURES
243 Resort Drive
Tannersville, PA 18372
www.camelbackmountainadventures.com
If you enjoyed the winter challenges on the slopes and trails of Camelback Mountain, you'll rev to the summertime thrills soaring and climbing high into the trees and over the trails. Camelback takes ziplining to another level with the "Zip Flyer." It combines a harness and sailor's Bos'n chair (the chair sailors use to work on high masts on the high seas). The Camelback Adventure courses add the challenge of ropes, bridges, platforms and swinging narrow walkways to the mix. Pick your course by ability level and go for it. Also, look for the new Camelback Lodge to make a weekend of it.
Cost: Depending on the course or zip ride and how long you want to spend in the trees, the prices run from $10 to $65. Find all the costs here.
A few tips: All the zipline and treetop courses have age or height requirements. Check them first so you know where your child fits in. Be smart about clothing: Make it comfortable rather than fashionable. Wear sneakers or sport shoes with soles that have good traction. Ditch the sandals, flip-flops and open toes. Bring sun block and bug repellent. Scratches are possible, so it doesn't hurt to have a band-aid or two and some antiseptic pads. Avoid wearing loose bling like a necklace or bracelet. Helmets are usually provided. Stay away from alcohol until you bag it for the day. And bring a few lozenges -- you might just scream yourself hoarse.
Enjoy!
