A few weeks ago I was able to do something I’d always wanted to do – go ziplining. Several groups of bloggers headed up to CLIMB Works for an afternoon of ziplining in the mountains and it ended up being more fun than anything I’ve done in years.
CLIMB Works is a zip line canopy tour set in the beautiful Smoky Mountains. With three canopy sky bridges and 9 zip lines, there is enough adventure and scenery for several hours of excitement and fun.
The views from the zip lines and from the platforms was just breathtaking. Even on an overcast day like ours, we were able to see wildlife, streams, ravines and the gorgeous Smoky Mountain National Park surrounding us on three sides.
Unlike many other zipline tours, CLIMB Works does all the work, allowing the participants to simply enjoy the day. From the automated touch-screen check-in to the friendly and helpful (and hilarious!) guides, CLIMB Works takes the worry and the work out of the equation.
Another great feature of CLIMB Works is the continual tour. Instead of climbing up ladders, stairs or hills before each ride, CLIMB Works takes the riders the top of the mountain in a four-wheeled vehicle. Once dropped off at the top, riders zip from one platform to the next all the way back down the mountain.
There’s also no hand braking here – instead the lines are all set up with built-in mechanisms that help slow and stop the riders before the end of the zip line. That made me feel much more at ease and able to really enjoy the view as I zipped.
Here’s a picture of one of my favorite zips – I was leaning back getting into position to zip upside down. Loved it!!
Here’s our awesome guide Matt zipping down after we’d all gone. Our other awesome guide, Thomas, went first on each zip to guide us in and Matt helped get us all safely on the line. Not only were they really sweet and helpful, but they also put up with our slightly punchy and almost constantly giggling/laughing/snorting group. We had a blast!
* A quick note for the ladies… if you happen to get stuck and see a seriously cute guide shooting towards you with his legs wide open to wrap around you, DO NOT GET EXCITED. It’s merely the rescue position to drag you back in.
Some of us were a little disappointed to find that out. 😉
If you’re in the Smoky Mountains, be sure to make reservations to zip at CLIMB Works! Everyone in the group had a great time and I would recommend it in a heartbeat. I’m hoping to go back again next year and do a Night Zip!
Maybe I’ll see you there? 🙂
CLIMB Works Information:
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Sounds like fun. I like the idea of the auto brake as well, but I would want a regular hand brake, I guess. I don’t know – I’ve never gone ziplining.