The Ten Craziest Zip Lines in the World

Do you love adventure? Are you crazy about that adrenaline rush that you get from para shooting, paragliding, and other extreme sports? Do you like to feel the wind against you while sliding down a zipline? If the answer is yes, you’ll find this article interesting.

Thrilling experiences with Ziplining

Zipline has been a tourist attraction for over three decades. It was Darren Hreniuk, an entrepreneur with vision, who created the first adventure park with canopy zip lines. This project was based in Costa Rica and was founded in 1996. Since then, the industry has grown immensely.

Twenty years later, in 2016, there were 400 commercial ziplines registered only in the United States. On an international scale, we can find courses across 72 different countries and six continents. Some of the hottest zipline destinations are Costa Rica, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and New Zealand. The canopy industry in Costa Rica generates nearly 120 million dollars a year.

Yet, Zip lining’s history goes way back. The first entertainment zip line was probably in 1739. Records show that a rope slider, Robert Cadman, died while sliding down a hill on a rope. Literature registers evidence of this practice in 1897, with H.G. Wells’s book The Invisible Man. The activity was described as ‘an inclined strong’.

From that moment, ziplining was utilized for a variety of purposes. It was mainly useful for the transportation of goods, livestock, and materials. This kept going and, in the 90s, Hreniuk created ‘The Original Canopy tour’. This was the beginning of the zip line industry as touristic activity.

The ten most exciting canopy zip line tours in the world

If you love that thrill and adrenaline boost, you need to visit one of these at least once in your life. But first, watch this video with useful tips on canopy ziplining.

10 – Skyrider Zipline Tour – Upstate New York, US

If you are afraid of heights, you won’t be anymore after taking this tour. Its five lines take riders through a 4.6-mile aerial journey. You’ll be getting your share of excitement soaring at 600 feet above the mountainous terrain. At a 50 mile/hour speed, you will find this to be a terrific experience.

9 – Flyin’ Hawaiian Zipline – Maui, Hawaii

Also in the United States, we find one of the most exciting courses in the state of Hawaii. With a 3600-feet-long line, you’ll be riding at 55 miles per hour and enjoying amazing views. Throughout the whole tour, you’ll see the Central Valley of Maui, Kahului Harbor, Maalaea Bay, and the West Maui Mountains.

8 – Zip World Caverns – Wales, UK

This tour stands out significantly. When you say zip lining, you picture lush forests, tropical landscapes, and mountains. Zip World Caverns brings a whole new experience. This zipline is underground, allowing riders to navigate caverns lit with neon lights. Although the courses are not long, the environment makes them unique.

7 – Louisville’s Mega Cavern – Kentucky, US

This is another underground zip line that runs under the city of Louisville in Kentucky. It has 6 lines, the longest having a 900-feet length. It runs under the state’s largest building. This option is famous for offering other subterranean amusements. This includes a 100% acre cavern carved out of a limestone quarry.

6 – The Rattlesnake – Florida, US

This is the country’s first zipline roller coaster. The line runs through a twisting path across the Forever Florida park. Located in the heart of the forest, The Rattlesnake offers a thrilling ride for adventure seekers.

5 – Zip Flyer – Pokhara, Nepal

This course provides an extreme adventure with the Himalayan mountains as your backdrop. Enjoy your ride sitting at a 56° angle and navigating at an 86-mile/hour speed. The elevations range between 3020 and 5960 feet.

4 – Eye of the Jaguar Zipline – Cusco, Peru

This course is located only 45 minutes from Cusco and offers amazing open views. You’ll soar over the Peruvian countryside at a 65-mile per hour speed. Although this is not the fastest line, the striking views are worth the ride.

3 – The Monster, Orocovis, Puerto Rico

You can enjoy a crazy adventure in one of the longest ziplines in the world. Soar over the tropical forests of the ‘Enchanted Island’ for a fantastic experience.

2 – Volo Dell ‘Angelo – Basilicata, Italy

This ‘Flight of the angel’ will take you over rocky terrain for an unforgettable adventure. The zipline is 1375 miles long and connects the towns Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa.

1 – Zipline Stoderzinken, Austria

Stoderzinken claims to be the longest zipline on the planet. It offers a 1.5-mile ride over beautiful Austrian landscapes. At a 71-mile/hour speed, you can enjoy your flight with three other people. The line has four lanes that run parallelly.

Experience an exciting zipline adventure

These options offer extreme zip-line adventures. Their length and velocity will take you flying over breathtaking views and impressive landscapes. If you want a milder ride to enjoy with your kids, there are other options like the Maui Zipline in Hawaii.