Tucked away in a tree preserve across the French Broad River from downtown Asheville is a playground for outdoor adventure lovers of all ages. The Adventure Center of Asheville is just five minutes from downtown and about 10 minutes from Biltmore. It's also near the River Arts District and New Belgium Brewery. Choose between their Zipline Canopy Adventures (ages 8 and over), Kid Zip (ages 4-10), the Treetops Adventure Park (ages 4 and over), or Kolo Bike Park.
At their Asheville Zipline Canopy Adventures, choose from two zipline trips: the full Asheville Zipline tour and the express Skyline tour. For the full tour, fly on nine zip lines and walk across one sky bridge with views of downtown and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains, especially from atop the 60-foot Jinga Tower and high in 150-year-old majestic white oaks. Two zip lines on the full course are double, side-by-side zip lines. The longest is more than 1,200 feet long! The Skyline tour is just an abbreviated version of the full tour, with guests soaring through five zip lines. With a design of progressively increasing heights and lengths of the zip lines, the course allows "flyers" the opportunity to build confidence before experiencing the big heights or longer lines.
While in flight, you reach heights of more than 70 feet and speeds of up to 40 miles per hour. Two "Canopy Rangers" escort each tour of up to 10 guests. It's fun for all fitness levels, and no experience is needed.
Closed-toed shoes are required. Harness seats wrap around your upper thigh, shoulders, and waist, so shirts and pants should cover modestly. All flyers must be in reasonably good physical condition. All participants must be able to raise their arms overhead to self-regulate speed and braking. Canopy Rangers will provide safety instructions and backup systems. Age/Weight range: 8 years and over and 70 lbs to 250 lbs. Weight variations affect momentum when zipping. Open all year, and Advanced reservations are suggested. Click here to visit their website and make reservations.
Twilight in the Treetops Night Climb
On Saturday nights throughout the summer (June-September), five of the Adventure Park’s aerial trails become illuminated with all their leaves, cables, ropes, and platforms. See over 15,000 colored twinkle and laser lights as you climb through the challenges. They also have a special Thanksgiving Twilight in the Treetops Night Climb available on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, perfect for the whole family!
More Family Fun
Also located at the Adventure Center of Asheville are:
- Asheville Treetops Adventure Park: This is a challenge course in the trees that has over 77 unique climbing, rolling, walking, jumping, swinging, and rappelling challenges anchored to over 30 trees and towering poles tucked into a wooded park. There are 7 different adventure trails ranging from beginner to challenging levels. There are several elements that are representative of the activities you can do in North Carolina, including a sky kayak, a parkway tunnel, a snowboard in the sky, swinging hula hoops, bumper boats, and a zip hang glider, all in the trees that make this a "Truly Asheville Adventure." For ages 4 and older, this is a great place for family or friends to “step” out of their comfort zone and enjoy a fun challenge. Open all year, enjoy two hours of adventure. Max weight for guests is 265 lbs. Check out their Treetop Twilight Climbs on Saturdays during the summer and holidays.
- Kid Zip: America’s first zipline adventure designed for ages 4-10 years old. It includes nine zip lines and four fun climbing elements. It is a 2-hour self-guided tour with the exception of an adult escort. Ziplines range from 50-250 feet long and up to 25 feet high. It is a perfect family activity or a great way to celebrate a birthday. (They are one of our Top Places for Kid's Birthday Parties!)
- Kolo Bike Park: Designed for all rider levels, this 4-mile course offers a hand-built single track with a 180-degree wood berm, machine-built flow trail with dirt berms, rollers, wooden features, step downs, tabletops, road gaps, drop zone, beginner and advanced pump tracks, wood balance features, bridges, and 6-foot teeter-totter. All trails and features are designed for progression sessions with multiple ways to ride them, encouraging riders to develop and advance their skills. You can bring your own bike, or rentals are available. Guided bike rides and expert coaching sessions are available.
- For more info, go to their website.
Location & Directions:
85 Expo Drive, Asheville, NC 28806
From the East or Downtown Asheville
Take I-240 West until you cross the French Broad River. Take Exit 3A straight onto Hwy 19/23, also known as Patton Avenue. Turn right at the second light onto Regent Park Blvd. Turn left at the end of the road at the sign for Crowne Plaza Resort. The Adventure Center of Asheville is at the top of the hill on your left.
From the West (I-26, I-40, I-240)
Take I-240 East to Exit 3A (left-hand exit ramp). Turn right at the second light onto Regent Park Blvd. Turn left at the end of the road at the sign for Crowne Plaza Resort. The Adventure Center of Asheville is at the top of the hill on your left.
For more info, go to their website.
Tree Course Safety
Adventure Center of Asheville uses a new technology called smart belays that, when used properly, are designed to assure guests are attached to safety systems at all times and cannot detach from the system until they have completed the aerial trail and are back on the ground. Guests can explore freely, knowing the safety system monitors their attachments and is designed not to allow accidental unclipping from the safety points. It is an active adventure that incorporates physical fitness and personal accomplishment.
