About Smoky Mountain Ziplines
Smoky Mountain Ziplines is a guided canopy tour based at 509 Mill Creek Road in Pigeon Forge, not in Gatlinburg as older listings sometimes say. The base camp is less than two miles from the Parkway, close enough to be convenient and far enough up the hill to feel like the woods.
The tour
According to the operator, the tour is seven lines in about two hours, with more than 4,200 feet of cable. Lines run up to 800 feet long and more than 150 feet above the forest floor, and riders can reach speeds of up to 25 mph. There is also a 30-foot controlled-descent feature, so you drop straight down as well as across. The platforms are built into the trees, and guides handle the hooking and unhooking so you only have to ride.
After a safety briefing and gearing up with gloves, helmet and a full-body harness, you ride to the course in off-road M35A3 military trucks. The trucks take you to the top of the course and bring you back down at the end, so the walking is minimal. Free canned drinks and bottled water are available at the base camp.
Booking
Reservations are required. The operator's site takes bookings through its online reservation system, and you can call (865) 429-9004 with questions about groups, parties and celebrations. Current prices are on the site, and this page does not print numbers that might be stale. Read the FAQ for age, weight and health restrictions and the waiver language, since ziplining is an inherently risky activity and the operator discourages some participants with health risks.
What to wear
Closed-toe shoes are essential. Long pants or shorts you can sit in comfortably work well, and you should secure phones, glasses and anything in your pockets. Gloves and helmets are provided. The tour runs in a range of weather, so dress for the day and check the forecast. Thunderstorms and high wind can stop operations.
Who it suits
This is a good fit for older kids, teenagers, couples and adult groups that want an active two hours. Its 7-line course is on the larger side for the Pigeon Forge area, and the operator says it is the longest continually operated canopy tour in the area. First-timers do fine since the guides handle the gear and braking.
Planning tips
- Book a morning slot in summer to avoid the afternoon heat and storms.
- Eat a light meal beforehand. A full lunch is a bad idea before a drop.
- Arrive early enough for check-in and the safety talk.
- Ask about group accommodations for parties. The base camp has a large covered porch.
- Check the FAQ for the cancellation and refund policy before you pay.
It is one of the more straightforward ways to see the Smokies foothills from the treetops.
Good to know
- How long should I plan for my visit?
- Plan on about 2 hours.
