Every zipline course, best first
Ranked by the whole package — guides, views, pacing, and whether we'd pay to ride again. If flying through trees isn't your speed, our mountain coaster guide covers the gravity-powered alternative.
CLIMB Works Smoky Mountains — Zipline TourLocale Pick
The most-reviewed, highest-rated course in the Smokies, and it earns it. This is a polished, guided canopy tour through genuine Gatlinburg forest — scheduled departure times, sharp guides, and a pace that turns nervous riders into converts by line three. If your trip has room for exactly one zipline, make it this one.
Legacy Mountain Ziplines
The big-view course. Legacy runs scenic mountaintop lines out of Sevierville with the kind of long sightlines that make everyone forget to be scared, and it handles groups well. Riders from 70 to 250 pounds are welcome, and kids as young as 3 can fly tandem — rare in this category.
Wahoo Ziplines
Our value pick, and it wears a perfect five-star average anyway. Wahoo threads forest canopy lines together with sky bridges, so you're walking treetops between flights instead of standing in line. It also takes larger groups happily — worth a call for reunions and bachelor parties.
Smoky Mountain Ziplines
Pigeon Forge's scenic course, and the sleeper deal of the bunch: if your cabin rental comes with the Xplorie program, this one can be free or steeply discounted. Fewer reviews than the giants, but the 4.9 average tells you how the rides actually go.
Anakeesta
Not a dedicated zipline outfit — it's a mountaintop park above downtown Gatlinburg with ziplining folded into a full day of treetop bridges, gardens, and skyline views. Pick it when half your group wants to fly and the other half wants to wander with a drink in hand.
Adventure Park Ziplines at Five Oaks
A guided mountain course right on the Sevierville Parkway, which makes it the easy logistical choice — no winding back-road drive. Like Legacy, it lets kids as young as 3 ride tandem, and it's one of the better setups for big groups and organized events.
Foxfire Mountain Adventure Park
The variety-pack option: ziplines plus a famously long swinging bridge and a spread of other outdoor diversions on one property. Best when you want a half-day of mixed adventure rather than a pure zip tour — pair it with our family attractions guide for the rest of the day.
What locals know
- Book the morning slot. It's cooler, the lines are shorter, and the light on the ridges is better — true in every season.
- The ridgelines run noticeably cooler than the valley towns. Bring a light layer even when the Parkway feels like summer.
- Phones stay stowed on nearly every course. If you want footage, ask about photo packages or bring a chest-mounted camera with a tether.
- Fall is peak everything — foliage, crowds, and sold-out tour times. Reserve days ahead for October weekends.
- Light rain doesn't close courses (and makes for a great story); lightning, high wind, and ice do. Most venues hand out rain checks, so call before you write off a drizzly day.
- Weight limits are enforced at check-in, not on the honor system — Legacy Mountain's 70–250 pound range is typical. Check your course's numbers before booking.
Zipline FAQ
What should I wear to zipline in the Smokies?
Shoes that strap on, clothes you can move in, and a layer for the ridgeline, which runs cooler than town. Leave the dangly jewelry behind and expect to stow your phone — most courses ban handheld anything.
What should you avoid wearing?
Flip-flops, slides, anything that hangs or flutters. A harness and a flowy skirt are a bad pairing — wear shorts or pants.
Is ziplining here safe for beginners and kids?
Yes. Every guided course starts with a full briefing, fits gear to first-timers, and sends guides along for the ride. Legacy Mountain and Adventure Park at Five Oaks take tandem riders as young as 3.
How old do kids have to be?
Depends on the course. Legacy Mountain and Five Oaks let 3-year-olds ride tandem with an adult or guide; most others want riders around age 7 or roughly 70 pounds. Check before you drive out.
Is ziplining scary?
Only the first step off the platform. After that it is grins the rest of the way — speeds are controlled and the gear is rated far beyond your weight. If heights genuinely terrify you, start with a low ropes course instead.
Are there weight limits?
Yes, and they check at sign-in. Legacy Mountain runs 70 to 250 pounds; every venue posts its own range, so confirm before booking for smaller or larger riders.
Can you zipline while pregnant?
Most courses say no, between the harness fit and the jolt at the brake. Policies differ, so call the venue directly.
How fast do the lines run?
Figure 20 to 40 mph depending on the line's length, steepness, and your weight. The longest, steepest runs are the quick ones.
What does ziplining cost in the Smokies?
Budget roughly $80 to $110 per person for a guided two-hour tour in 2026. Group rates typically kick in at eight riders, military and senior discounts are common, and Smoky Mountain Ziplines is free or discounted through Xplorie if your rental includes it. Confirm current pricing when you book.
How long does a tour take?
One to three hours. CLIMB Works and Legacy Mountain run about two to two and a half; shorter courses move faster, but summer and fall afternoons add wait time.
Do I need a reservation?
Weekdays in the off-season, walk-ups usually work. Summer and fall weekends, book ahead — guided tours like CLIMB Works run scheduled departures that sell out.
Which course is best for first-timers?
Any guided tour, since staff handle the gear and coaching. CLIMB Works and Legacy Mountain are the classic first rides; Legacy in particular is gentle with nervous riders.
What is the single best zipline in the Smokies?
For an only-doing-one trip, CLIMB Works — the area's most-reviewed and highest-rated course. Wahoo wins on value and Legacy Mountain on views.
Is there a zipline in Wears Valley?
Yes — Wears Valley Zipline Adventures runs six of the longest scenic lines around, one stretching about 2,000 feet, on private forest with Mount LeConte views.
Can I wear glasses?
Yes, with a strap or retainer so they survive the speed. Same advice for sunglasses and hats.
What if it rains?
Light rain rarely cancels, and honestly it is still a good time. Lightning, high wind, or ice will close a course — if weather kills your slot, ask for a rain check; most venues give one.
When is the best season to zipline?
Spring through fall for weather and scenery, with fall the most beautiful and the most booked. Many courses run all year, pausing only for wind, lightning, or ice. Mornings are cooler and quieter no matter the month.
Can we bring a big group or event?
Yes. Adventure Park at Five Oaks and Wahoo both handle large parties with group rates, and several courses build custom outings for reunions, corporate trips, and bachelor or bachelorette weekends. Call ahead so everyone rides together.
Can my dog come along?
No — courses allow service animals only, and a zipline is no place for a pet anyway. Book a pet-friendly cabin, ideally with a fenced yard, and your dog will be perfectly happy for the couple of hours you are airborne.
Need a cabin for the trip?
Our lodging partners host more than 60,000 guests a year in the Smokies. Browse cozy cabins at Bear Camp or large-group lodges at Vantage Stays.