Tips and insights for getting the most out of your Pipestem Peaks zipline tour.
If you’ve ever dreamed of soaring through the trees like a bird, then you’ve got to go on the Pipestem Peaks Zipline Tour this summer. Ziplines are one of the most exciting and enjoyable ways to experience the outdoors because of the unique views they provide. But what if you don’t like heights? You have nothing to be scared of! This exciting new activity at Pipestem Resort State Park is a great way to reduce stress and conquer your fears.
So, if you want to give ziplining a try, don’t psych yourself out. Here’s what you can expect on your first ride!
Dress for the occasion
Going through the nine zips at Pipestem Peaks takes about three hours and includes hiking, belaying and zipping. You start at the Canyon Rim Center, but will hike down to the first platform. Guests may request to ride in a side-by-side down to the first platform if they are unable to make the hike.
Because you’ll be trekking through the woods and doing some climbing, make sure you wear sturdy shoes and comfortable clothes. Depending on the time of day and season of your visit, you may want to wear layers. It’s also important to make sure you don’t have any loose articles during your trip. So, either leave your phone, wallet or keys behind or have them zipped away in a belt pouch or pocket.
Your guides are there to help
The guides at Pipestem Peaks are specially trained to keep you safe and make sure you have an enjoyable time on the tour. Before you hike out to the first platform, your guides will put you through a ground school, where they’ll explain how everything works, from fitting your harness to steering with your trolley and braking. During this time, you’ll get a chance to test out your harness and trolley on a practice zip.
Be sure to ask any questions, and if you forget something or ever feel unsure about anything during your trip, don’t hesitate to talk to one of the guides. And there are two guides for every tour, so there’s always someone to send you off and welcome you at each platform.
Safety comes first
Safety is a big part of the ziplining experience. Your guide will check your harness before you leave a platform and make sure all equipment is working properly during your trip. And when you aren’t on the line, your harness is clipped into an anchor point. Should a part of the system or your harness fail at any time, there’s a backup to make sure you’re safe at all times. All you have to do is relax and enjoy the ride.
Enjoy the experience
You’ll be tempted to take a selfie, but don’t let that distract you from enjoying your trip. And if you start getting excited and find yourself wanting to rush on to the next zip, take a deep breath and relax. The zipline at Pipestem Peaks is such a unique activity so make sure you give yourself plenty of time to enjoy the experience of it all. How often do you get the chance to fly through the treetops like this?
Be ready to step outside your comfort zone
Taking the first step is the hardest, but you won’t regret it. When you’re about to zip off from the first platform, you might feel a sense of hesitancy, but that’s completely normal! Once you start flying through the treetops and feel how smooth the ride is, any fears you may have rush away. The first few zips are smaller, closer to the ground and ease you into the experience, so when you cross the Bluestone River Gorge for the first time you’ll feel like a zipline pro.
In addition to zips, there is a footbridge you’ll cross and you have to belay down from the final platform. Don’t worry though! You’re clipped in at all times and your guides will help you.
When it ends you want to do it all over again
With your adrenaline pumping and heart racing, it seems like the three hours it takes to complete the course flies by in no time. When your trip is over and you start hiking down to Mountain Creek Lodge, you can’t help but want to ride the zipline again. But your trip isn’t quite finished! Make sure you grab a bite to eat out the Mountain Creek Dining Room and stop by the gift shop. And then hop aboard the aerial tram for a relaxing ride back up to the Canyon Rim Center.
For even more fun, book a weekend getaway at Pipestem and enjoy all of the other park amenities! Or, get out and explore some of the other state parks in southern West Virginia, like nearby Bluestone and Camp Creek.