The Longest Zip Lines In The United States
The longest zip line in the United States is the MegaZip in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, a single 5,771-foot span that stretches more than a mile and drops riders over a thousand feet. It took the title from a line on the New York and Massachusetts state line that still bills itself as the longest in the nation, and only one other span in the country, in Alaska, runs over a mile. The rest of the lines here are shorter, but several top 60 mph and run hundreds of feet above the ground. They appear longest to shortest, starting with the record holder.
Wildside at Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Wildside in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is the home of the MegaZip, the current record holder for the longest zip line in the United States. At 5,771 feet, the MegaZip stretches more than a mile over the ridges above downtown Pigeon Forge, with views of the Great Smoky Mountains. With four lanes and a self-braking system, riders control their own speed, travelling as fast as 55 mph and dropping down 1,000 vertical feet. Starting at an elevation of 2,472 feet, enjoy incredible views of the Smokies as you soar high above the Volunteer State, racing up to three friends or family members to the ground below.
Catamount Mountain Resort, New York/Massachusetts State Line
Catamount Mountain Resort, on the state line between New York and Massachusetts, is the home of the CataMonster, the second-longest single-span zip line in the United States and former first. Although the CataMonster's website still lists it as the longest zip line in the nation, its 5,523-foot length comes in just behind the MegaZip. Also more than a mile long, the CataMonster boasts dual lines, so that riders can ride side by side. After taking a chair lift to the top, riders can enjoy three separate zip line spans before taking the CataMonster all the way down. Also featuring a self-braking system, riders can zip down at speeds of up to 55 mph, enjoying breathtaking views of the Berkshires and Hudson Valley below!
Icy Strait Point at Hoonah, Alaska
Icy Strait Point, on Chichagof Island near Hoonah, Alaska, is the home of the ZipRider. According to their website, the ZipRider was formerly the longest single span of zip line in the United States, no doubt before the CataMonster and MegaZip came along. With a length of 5,495 feet and a vertical drop of 1,320 feet, the ZipRider attains speeds of up to 65 mph! Riders reach the launch point by gondola through the Tongass National Forest, speeding almost three hundred feet over the old-growth rainforest below. Featuring six side-by-side cables and a stunning view of Hoonah, Port Frederick, and Alaska's Inside Passage.
Outfitters at Kauai, Hawaii
Located at Outfitters in Kauai, Hawaii, the next epic zip line on our list is the FlyLine. Riders traverse more than 4,000 feet headfirst...Superman style! Although there are six separate zip lines in the tour, riders can take the FlyLine alone, facing Mount Haupu on two parallel lines, allowing two riders to enjoy the plunge together. Hurdling over lush, tropical valleys, streams, and forest, exceeding speeds of 50 mph, the FlyLine allows riders to experience the island from a bird's-eye view. According to Outfitters Kauai, they have operated outdoor adventures since 1988 and remain Hawaii's original zipline company.
Camelback Resort at Tannersville, Pennsylvania
The Camelback Resort in Tannersville, Pennsylvania, is the home of the next heart-stopping ride on our list of high-flying aerial adventures. The 4,000-foot Zip-Rider is one of the resort's zip lines, along with the 1,000-foot Double Barrel zip line, which features two side-by-side lines. Careening with your feet dangling 180 feet over the mountain below, the 4,000-foot Zip-Rider gives riders an eye-popping view of the scenic Pocono Mountains as they slide down to the base of the mountain. Camelback Resort also includes a wealth of other attractions for adventurous travelers, including a mountain coaster, aerial obstacles, and UTV rides.
Gunstock Mountain Resort at Gilford, New Hampshire
Gunstock Mountain Resort in Gilford, New Hampshire, is home to the next two attractions on our list of the longest single-span zip lines in the United States. Stretching 3,981 feet with a vertical drop of 688 feet, the Recoil Zip skims 100-140 feet off the ground. Attaining speeds over 65 mph, the Recoil Zip descends down to the base of Gunstock Mountain below and is one of five zip lines on the course. The next longest span on Gunstock Mountain is the thrilling Pistol Zip, which is 3,804 feet in length and attains similar speeds.
Off the Grid Mountain Adventures at Elizabethton, Tennessee
Off the Grid Mountain Adventures in Elizabethton, Tennessee, is the home of what its website claims is "the best zipline ever!" Stretching almost 3,000 feet in length and gliding 300 feet above the canyon floor, riders attain speeds of up to 60 mph. Featuring controlled braking by Off the Grid staff, the zipline has a reputation for safety and exceptional engineering. The operator of "the best zipline ever" claims to have been the owner and operator of the first commercial zipline in the United States, in Boone, North Carolina. At Off the Grid, you can also drive UTVs around the gorgeous Appalachian adventure park.
Denver Adventures at Conifer, Colorado
Denver Adventures in Conifer, Colorado is the final stop on our nationwide zipline tour. Featuring a course with six separate ziplines and packages allowing visitors to ride them all or different combinations of the park's aerial thrills, Denver Adventures' longest single span line runs more than 1,900 feet. Featuring mind-blowing views of the Rocky Mountains as well as climbing obstacles, whitewater rafting, and mountain biking, Denver Adventures has many attractions to entertain its many visitors. Riders can zip from mountain-to-mountain lines or go from the mountains to the ground. Featuring staff-controlled braking for safe descent and tandem riding options, Denver Adventures focuses on safety and fun for all its customers.
These longest single-span ziplines in the United States demonstrate how these attractions have evolved over the years, from the extreme length of the MegaZip to its closest contenders, many of which stretch over a mile. With impressive speeds, dizzying heights, and unforgettable landscapes, ziplines are quickly becoming a must for visitors to mountain slopes and outdoor adventure parks. From the Appalachians to the Rockies, with impressive rides in Alaska and Hawaii, these attractions compete for the longest and fastest ride, thrilling visitors and spanning mountains, forests, and canyons.
