Why Choose Hocking Hills for Ziplining Adventures
Hocking Hills is more than just another destination on the map; it’s where Ohio’s first zipline revolution began. The region’s sandstone cliffs, lush hardwood forests and cascading waterfalls create an unforgettable backdrop that makes every flight through the treetops feel like soaring through a movie set. When you glide over caves and rock cliffs on a three‑hour tour, the rugged geology and abundant wildlife appear from a thrilling perspective, offering both exhilaration and a deep connection to nature. Families, couples and solo travelers alike are drawn to these adventures because they combine adrenaline with unmatched scenery. More than a decade after its debut, the area still holds the title of zipline capital of the Midwest, and new courses continue to enhance the experience.
Hocking Hills has remained the benchmark for canopy tours since the Original Canopy Tour opened its network of cables and sky bridges in 2008. That first course is still operating today and has expanded to include additional tours, each offering different thrills and views. Since 2012 the region has also been home to the largest zipline course in Ohio, adding diversity to the experiences available. These developments mean travelers can choose from classic, family‑friendly routes or speed‑focused lines that take you over rivers, ponds and forest canopies at up to 50 mph. The sheer variety makes this destination ideal for repeat visits; you can return year after year and still experience something new.
For those who want to pair adventure with comfort, Notestone Reserve (a unique collection of cabins and tiny homes near the park) offers a convenient base for exploration. Their properties blend modern design with rustic serenity, letting you unwind in style after a day of flying through the trees. This partnership between thrilling zipline tours and luxurious accommodation transforms a short excursion into a complete getaway.
Top Zipline Operators in Hocking Hills
The heart of the ziplining scene in Hocking Hills is Hocking Hills Canopy Tours, the operator responsible for Ohio’s original canopy tour. Their flagship adventure includes ten ziplines, three sky bridges and a rappel, delivering an immersive three‑hour experience. The tour operates from mid‑March through November, with daily availability from June through October. For those seeking even more excitement, the SuperZip® allows riders to fly Superman‑style over the Hocking River at speeds approaching 50 mph. Each tour includes all necessary safety gear and transportation to and from the course.
Another major player is Valley Zipline Tours, located just outside Lancaster on a 53‑acre property. Boasting nine different lines totaling over 5,000 feet, Valley Zipline Tours features a monster line that spans 1,000 feet and dangles 100‑120 feet above the ground, plus side‑by‑side racing lines for friendly competition. Their mission intertwines adventure with education and conservation; courses take you over ponds and forests while guides share insights about local ecology. Visitors often describe Valley as the largest course in the state, and they offer both full‑course and tree‑top tours.
Historically, operators like Soaring Cliffs offered ground‑to‑ground ziplines over deep gorges and caves. Some of these courses have closed or changed ownership, so always verify that a company is operating before planning your visit. Additionally, Hocking Hills Canopy Tours partners with High Rock Adventures for rock climbing and rappelling combos, and there are other specialty adventures like off‑road Segway tours and moonlight zips. When choosing your operator, think about the experience you want—family friendly, high‑speed thrills, or a combination of activities—and confirm the company’s current status and safety protocols.
Step‑by‑Step Guide to Booking Scenic Zipline Adventures
Booking a zipline tour in Hocking Hills is straightforward, but taking the right steps will ensure you get the date, time and experience you want. Start by selecting your preferred operator and tour type. Browse each company’s offerings online, paying close attention to descriptions of the zipline course, length, and any unique features. Once you’ve chosen, visit the operator’s official booking page (for example, the Book Now page on Hocking Hills Canopy Tours or the Reservations page on Valley Zipline Tours) and check live availability. It’s helpful to have multiple dates in mind, especially during peak season or holiday weekends when slots fill quickly.
After choosing a date and time, complete the reservation form with your personal information. Tours typically require you to provide names, contact details and payment information to secure the booking. Some operators allow you to pay a deposit upfront, while others collect the full amount at the time of booking. Make sure you review any optional add‑ons—like combining a canopy tour with a SuperZip® ride—so there are no surprises on arrival. Double‑check the confirmation email for accuracy; it should include your reservation number, check‑in time and directions to the course.
Many operators ask participants to sign digital waivers during the booking process. If a waiver isn’t included online, download and sign it before arrival to avoid delays. On the day of your tour, plan to arrive 30 minutes early for check‑in, orientation and gear fitting. Bring a copy of your confirmation and photo ID; some companies require children under 18 to provide a waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian. Finally, be sure you’ve read the course’s rules, weight limits and cancellation policies—each operator has slightly different requirements.
Safety and Participation Requirements
Ziplining is designed to be thrilling but safe, and operators in Hocking Hills follow strict guidelines. For the Original Canopy Tour at Hocking Hills Canopy Tours, participants must be between 70 and 250 pounds and at least 10 years old. Children ages 10 to 15 must be accompanied by an adult, and everyone must sign a waiver. Closed‑toe shoes are mandatory, loose clothing and dangling jewelry should be avoided, and long hair must be tied back. The course is built to industry standards and inspected daily, and guides are trained to handle emergencies and support nervous first‑time riders. They clip participants to a half‑inch steel cable whenever they are off the ground, ensuring continuous attachment throughout the course.
Valley Zipline Tours requires guests to be at least 8 years old and within the same 70–250 pound range, and their course rules stress the importance of arriving 30 minutes early. They prohibit alcohol or drugs before and during the tour, and pregnant women are not allowed on the course. All participants must fill out a waiver, and minors need a parent or guardian’s signature. The company advises visitors to wear comfortable clothing and closed‑toe shoes and to be in reasonably good physical condition. Each guest is weighed discreetly at check‑in to ensure they meet weight restrictions, a standard practice designed to maximize safety.
For those combining zipline tours with rock climbing or rappelling through High Rock Adventures, additional rules apply. Participants should be in good health, capable of walking steep inclines over uneven terrain, and may need to meet different weight limits for climbing or rappelling (usually up to 250 pounds). Because courses operate rain or shine, be prepared for the weather; tours pause only for lightning or high winds. If you want to dig deeper into safety best practices, consult comprehensive guides like Boundless Adventures’ Zipline Safety 101, which explains proper gear, the importance of listening to staff instructions and choosing operators that meet national standards. Always choose an operator that meets or exceeds ACCT (Association for Challenge Course Technology) standards and maintains well‑trained guides.
Do I Need to Book Ziplining in Advance?
Short answer: yes, booking in advance is highly recommended. Walk‑ins are only accepted when guides and tours are available, and there’s no guarantee of same‑day availability during busy periods. Many companies suggest making reservations at least 24 hours ahead of time to secure your preferred date and time, though weekends and holidays often fill weeks in advance. For last‑minute plans, call or email the operator to check for cancellations or openings. Operators like High Rock Adventures explicitly advise arriving early and remind customers that tardiness may result in forfeiting your tour without a refund, so planning ahead is critical.
Booking early also gives you more flexibility. If you need to reschedule, most operators allow one change up to seven days (or ten days for longer tours) before your original date. After that window, changes aren’t guaranteed, and late cancellations usually forfeit the booking fee. Advanced reservations also allow you to plan complementary activities—like hiking, kayaking or stargazing—around your tour. Ultimately, booking ahead ensures you experience the best that Hocking Hills has to offer without the stress of sold‑out tours or rushed itineraries.
How Much Does It Cost to Zipline at Hocking Hills?
Prices vary by operator, tour length and day of the week. The Original Canopy Tour starts at $109 per person from Monday through Thursday, with weekend rates rising to $129. For an extra thrill, the SuperSize option bundles the Original Tour with a ride on the SuperZip® and costs around $134 on weekdays and $154 on weekends, providing both the classic canopy experience and a high‑speed flight over the river. Children aged 10–15 can take advantage of weekday discounts (around $79) when accompanied by a paying adult, and local residents may receive $25 off on weekdays—contact the operator for proof requirements. Group rates are also available, but usually only on weekdays.
At Valley Zipline Tours, prices are structured slightly differently. A full‑course tour (covering all nine lines and the monster zip) costs more than the shorter tree‑top tour, but both options offer value for the time spent in the air. Their pricing generally starts at around $85–$95 for kids and $100–$120 for adults, although exact rates may change seasonally. Additional experiences like gift tickets or photo packages are optional and come at separate costs. Always check each operator’s current pricing and consider any promotional discounts offered through lodging partners or local tourism organizations.
When budgeting for your trip, remember that tours operate rain or shine, so purchases are typically non‑refundable within the final week before your reservation. Factor in taxes, potential tipping for guides and optional extras like professional photos. If you’re traveling as a family or group, ask about family packages or weekday specials that can save you money without sacrificing the experience.
Best Times to Visit and What to Wear
The zipline season in Hocking Hills runs from mid‑March through November, with daily operations typically available from June through October. Spring and fall offer cooler weather and vibrant foliage; zipping through a canopy of budding leaves or autumn colors is magical. Summer is the busiest season, so book early and prepare for warmer temperatures. Winter ziplining isn’t common, but other cold‑weather adventures (like the Annual Winter Hike or cross‑country skiing) keep visitors occupied—if you’re curious about off‑season activities, check out What is there to do in Hocking Hills in the winter? for inspiration.
Dressing appropriately is a key part of your planning. Wear comfortable, weather‑appropriate clothing that allows freedom of movement. Closed‑toe shoes are mandatory; hiking boots or athletic shoes with good traction are ideal. In cooler months, layering is essential—think base layers, wool socks, a warm jacket and glove liners that fit beneath the gloves provided. Avoid loose items like scarves, and tie back long hair. In summer, choose lightweight, moisture‑wicking fabrics; you’ll still need gloves and harness, so avoid anything that could interfere with the gear. Always leave valuables at home or locked in your car, and plan to secure your phone and keys in lockers if provided.
Enhance Your Adventure: Where to Stay and Additional Tips
To make your ziplining experience part of a complete getaway, consider staying nearby in one of the modern cabins or tiny homes at Notestone Reserve. Their collection of lodgings ranges from cozy cabins for two to larger homes for families and groups, each designed with comfort and style in mind. Surrounded by 13 acres of forest, the accommodations provide easy access to zipline courses and hiking trails while giving you a private retreat to unwind at night. They’re also minutes from Rockbridge State Nature Preserve and major attractions, making logistics simple.
For couples planning a romantic escape, the cabins at Notestone Reserve offer hot tubs, fire pits and modern amenities that turn a thrilling day into a memorable weekend. Explore their tiny homes—a concept they call The Perfect Romantic Getaway in Hocking Hills—and imagine ending your zipline adventure with a soak under the stars. Families will appreciate larger cabins like Stowe and Hemingway, complete with game rooms and private hot tubs. If you’re looking for more ideas on where to stay or what to do, the Notestone Reserve blog is full of local insights and travel tips.
Beyond lodging, there are several ways to maximize your ziplining experience. First, arrive early. Check‑in often includes orientation and practice lines where you learn proper braking and harness positioning—skills that make the ride smoother and more enjoyable. Second, listen to your guides. They’re trained to keep you safe and can offer tips for controlling your speed, enjoying the view and capturing great photos. Third, book additional activities such as off‑road Segway tours, kayaking trips or hiking trails to round out your stay. Finally, respect cancellation and safety policies. Weather can alter start times or lead to cancellations, but reputable operators will reschedule or refund when conditions are unsafe.
A final note: while the thrill of ziplining draws you in, Hocking Hills offers much more. Pair your adventure with hikes to Old Man’s Cave, stargazing at the John Glenn Astronomy Park or sampling local wines and craft beers. By combining scenic flights, comfortable lodging at Scenic Hocking Hills Getaways and thoughtful planning, you can turn a simple booking into a trip that lingers in your memory long after the harness is returned.
