What does an eagle see as it soars above the Granite State? No need to ponder the question; you can experience a bird's-eye view yourself. Ziplining has been described as a "pure adrenaline rush," and once you feel confident in your harness and pry your eyes open, it's also a visual thrill, especially in New Hampshire, where aerial views of our mountains and lakes can't be beat. It's safe; it's fun. And once you've tried it, you'll want to experience every zipline in the state; some operate in all four seasons.
For schedules and pricing, contact these places to zipline in New Hampshire:
Alpine Adventures Outdoor Recreation, Lincoln, 603-745-9911
Alpine Adventures introduced New England's first Zipline Canopy Tour in 2006, and it hasn't stopped adding aerial and other attractions since. Choose from three different zipline courses offering spectacular views of the White Mountains year-round. Or have a tree-mendous adventure at Thrillsville Aerial Park, where challenges for kids and adults include bridges, rope ladders, ziplines, a climbing tower, and the BigAirBag Stuntzone.
Bretton Woods Canopy Tour, Bretton Woods, 603-278-4947
It will take you 3.5 hours to complete the 10-zipline course at the Omni Mount Washington Resort—and days for your adrenaline level to subside to its normal level. The guided zipline tour, open to the public as well as to resort guests, descends more than 1,000 feet in elevation, crosses high-flying suspension bridges, and finishes with the Williwaw Racing Zip. Tours are available daily year-round.
Cranmore Mountain, North Conway, 800-SUN-N-SKI
Ziplines are just some of the elements you can experience on a self-guided tour of Cranmore's Aerial Adventure Park, which operates seasonally in the summer and fall. Five distinct elevated courses let you choose a comfortable adventure level. There’s even a course designed for children as young as 3.
Gunstock Mountain, Gilford, 603-737-4388
The ZipTour Ziplines are the top thrill at Gunstock Mountain Adventure Park. You'll soar for more than 1.6 miles at speeds of up to 65 mph along one of the longest zipline courses in the U.S. This 2+-hour ziplining adventure isn't the only way to play in the trees, either; Gunstock is also home to the largest aerial obstacle course in New England, with eight courses and 91 challenges.
Loon Mountain, Lincoln, 603-745-8111
Fly more than 750 feet across the Pemigewasset River; then, if you closed your eyes, you'll have a second chance to enjoy the view as you zipline back. Loon's zipline is one of the mountain resort's many summer and early-fall attractions; purchase tickets separately, or try them all with a Summer Adventure Pass.
Morningside Flight Park, Charlestown, 603-542-4416
The two Zip Line Canopy Tours are among the tamer adventures at Morningside Flight Park, where New Hampshire visitors can also try hang-gliding or paragliding. Flying has been an attraction here since 1974, long before ziplining became all the rage. The lush Connecticut River Valley is visible beneath you as you zip from platform to platform, late spring through late fall. On-site camping is available.