Top Spots To Zipline In Birmingham Al
Top Spots To Zipline Birmingham Al
Are you craving the thrill of flying through nature and looking the best spots to zipline in Birmingham AL? If yes, then you’re in the perfect place because Birmingham, Alabama is one of the best places to zipline in the US.
If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, then it’s time to research some extreme sports activities! If you live in or near Birmingham, then this article on zipline Birmingham Al will give you all the information you need.
Ready to fill your curiosity with the best zipline Birmingham Al has? I’ve got you covered, so read on.
At A Glance: The Top Zipline Birmingham Al
DISCLOSURE
Some of the links below are affiliate links and I may earn if you click and buy from them, AT NO EXTRA cost to you. Hope you find the information here useful! Thank you so much.
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What Is A Zipline?
A zipline is a cable-suspended pulley that carries a person from a peak to lower ground. It used to be a well-known form of transportation for those living in mountains to quickly travel to the mountain foot.
Nowadays, it is a well-known extreme and adventurous sport usually installed on mountains and jungles or across seas and rivers. The person being carried is attached to a freely moving pulley with safety measures.
How A Zipline Works
A zipline works when you are safely attached to the pulley of the line from the starting point to the end. When you are ready, you will be given a little push and you will slide down the inclined line to the other end.
In some places, you have to pull at a brake to stop. In other places, you just have to wait till your pulley hits the ending stopper or when your feet touch the ground.
The Top 2 Zipline In Birmingham Al
There are 2 top zipline spots in Birmingham Al. Here I have listed all top spots to fill your curiosity and enjoy an extreme experience.
1.Red Mountain Park Adventure
One of the top spots for zipline Birmingham Al is the Red Mountain Park Adventure. This park offers you multiple exciting spots for extreme and adventurous sports.
The Red Mountain zipline is considered the main attraction here. There are a few choices for you depending on your preferences. Before you decide to go ziplining here, make sure you call first to make appointments.
Vulcan Materials Zip Trip
The Vulcan Materials Zip Trip is a perfect choice for parents with young children. If you’re not parents, you can still enjoy this well! Just bring your friends along!
The instructors are known for being friendly and encouraging, especially if you have never ziplined before. There are around 7 ziplines from one tree to another. The guide will be with you throughout your journey, so worry not. Your safety is well taken care of.
Cost: $54 per participant
Duration: Around 1.25 hours for 6 participants
Best For: Family or Group Activity
What You Will Experience:
- The view of Red Mountain’s natural landscape
- The view of historical mining sites
- The view of surrounding valleys
Specific Requirements:
- More than 6 years old
- Weigh less than 250 pounds
- At least 4’2” in height
- Parent or guardian signature on waiver for participants aged 16-18 years old
- Parent or guardian within eyesight for participants aged 6-15 years old.
Mega Zip
The Mega Zip is at the Kaul Adventure Tower. After you have climbed the rock and vine walls, the zipline is the best finishing of adrenaline-filled adventures. From the starting point of 80 feet in the air, your speed of ziplining down the incline can reach up to 30mph. That will surely give you the rush you’re looking for!
You can bring another friend to race with you. If not, the adventure guide will go with you side-by-side.
Cost: $29 per participant
Duration: Not mentioned
Best For: Pair or Individual Activity
What You Will Experience:
- Climbing the Kaul Adventure Tower
Specific Requirements:
- More than 6 years old
- Weigh less than 250 pounds
- At least 4’2” in height
- Parent or guardian signature on waiver for participants aged 16-18 years old
- Parent or guardian within eyesight for participants aged 6-15 years old.
Hugh Kaul Beanstalk Forest
This is like an obstacle course on trees. The zipline is at the end of the course. Although it is not fully a ziplining course, you can challenge your stamina by trying this activity out.
I’ve done this type of course once, and I did sweat a lot and learn to be braver when doing each obstacle. It got a bit scarier, but I just moved on and enjoyed every moment.
Fun fact: Did you know that the Hugh Kaul Foundation sponsored the whole construction of this obstacle course? Additionally, the construction was done by the Beanstalk Builders.
As such, it is named after the foundation and the construction company respectively.
Cost: $45 per participant
Duration: 1 hour tour
Best For: Individual or Group Activity
What You Will Experience:
- Moderate to challenging obstacles
- The aerial elements of narrow bridges, swaying bridges, rope climbing, and ziplining
Specific Requirements:
- More than 6 years old
- Weigh less than 275 pounds
- At least 3’5” in height; Participants between 3’5” and 4’2” need a partner more than 4’2” throughout the course
- Parent or guardian signature on waiver for participants aged 16-18 years old
- Parent or guardian within eyesight for participants aged 6-15 years old.
Jane H. Brock Soaring Safari Zipline Adventure
The Brock family sponsored the construction of this zipline, hence the name Jane H. Brock Soaring Safari Zipline Adventure. This zipline is in conjunction with the Red Mountain Park.
This zipline brings you a unique perspective of watching animals from 20 feet above the ground. There are 4 ziplines of various lengths for visitors to ride on. The zipline can be booked through the phone number given in their website.
Cost: $20 per member; $25 per non-member
Duration: Not mentioned
Best For: Individual or Group Activity
What You Will Experience:
- Soar 20 feet above the ground
- View the treetops of Alabama Wilds
- Walk on the Transition Bridge and a spectacular tree house
2. Screaming Eagle Zipline
Another top spot for zipline Birmingham Al is situated at the Lake Guntersville State Park. The park allows you to enjoy the view from an eagle’s perspective throughout the Northeast Alabama Wilderness.
There are several tours that you can check out in this park to explore Taylor Mountain. The tours include the Level 1 and Level 2 tours. You have to complete Level 1 to go to Level 2.
Level 1 Zipline Canopy Tour
The first level of the Screaming Eagle Zipline has 10 ziplines. The height is in the range of 75-400 feet above ground and there are 4 bridges. You will discover the mountain view as you soar through the mountain forest.
Cost: $59 per participant
Duration: 2 hours
Best For: Pair or Group Activity – Only open tour for 2 or more guests
What You Will Experience:
- Views of bald eagles
- Views of Lake Guntersville from the top
- Soar between trees
- Witness wildlife
Specific Requirements:
- More than 8 years old with minimum weight of 50 pounds
- Weigh less than 250 pounds for women, and less than 285 for men
- Ability to control the speed on the cable and pulley system
- Those with moderate to severe heart and/or respiratory problems are not recommended to embark on this activity
Level 2 Zipline Canopy Tour
The second level of the Screaming Eagle Zipline should only be experienced if you have completed Level 1. There are 7 super zips in the range of 1,500-2,000 feet long and 40-190 feet high.
Cost: Additional $40 per participant (Total $99 for Levels 1 and 2)
Duration: Not mentioned
Best For: Pair or Group Activity – Only open tour for 2 or more guests
What You Will Experience:
- View Lake Guntersville from the top
- Beautiful sky bridges
Specific Requirements:
- More than 10 years old with minimum weight of 90 pounds
- Weigh less than 250 pounds for women, and less than 285 for men
- Ability to control the speed on the cable and pulley system
- Those with moderate to severe heart and/or respiratory problems are not recommended to embark on this activity
General Requirements For Ziplining
To zipline, there are several general requirements in terms of age, height and weight, as well as clothing requirements. There are also some dos and don’ts that you should be aware of before you go on this adventure.
- Age
Children below 6 years old are commonly not allowed as they are too little. For children, a parent or a guardian must be present at all times to monitor their kids.
- Height And Weight
You have to be at least 3’6” or 4’2” in height, and weigh no more than 250 and or 275 pounds. This depends on different spots.
- Clothing
As with many other adventurous sports, you are advised to keep your clothing as minimal as possible. You will be equipped with a harness and helmet, so you are not encouraged to wear an oversized shirt. It is better to wear fitted clothes to reduce air friction.
In addition, be sure the harness area is well covered, or you will end up having bruises on your thighs.
Bear in mind that lace-up sports shoes are advised so they won’t fall off while you’re ziplining. You definitely don’t want to lose a shoe or two while enjoying yourself, right?
- What To Do
- Bring your own water. It might seem unnecessary, but while ziplining, you won’t have access to water easily. So bring your own water, preferably with its own bag attached to you.
- Wear an attached camera to capture moments. You can also bring a GoPro with a monopod attached to your hand.
- Bring a small bag. This is to help you keep all your personal items like phone and cash. If you have side pockets, just store them there.
- What Not To Do
- Do not bring your dangling jewelry. Leave them at home.
- Do not wear slippers. This is a big no-no. You might hurt your toes. The instructors might advise you to change if you come wearing slippers.
- Do not arrive late. You should arrive at least 30 minutes before ziplining, as there will be a briefing provided for your convenience.
What To Expect When Ziplining
1. Sleep early the night before. You want to be in the best condition possible so you don’t waste your time and energy too much.
2. Take enough breakfast, but not too heavy. Like any other activities or sports, heavy breakfast will just cause you to be bloated.
3. Manage your time well. Arrive at least 30 minutes early since you made an appointment prior to ziplining. Respect the instructors’ time and the earlier you get, you can take the time wearing the harness appropriately.
Besides, there will also be a briefing on how to effectively use the harness and what you can do if you want to quit half-way.
4. A zipline is commonly placed inclined from higher to lower places. So if you are afraid of heights, you might want to think this through.
Someone I know is afraid of heights, but he managed to pull through eventually. He said he just didn’t think much while ziplining, and just enjoying the scenic views.
5. When ziplining, it is best to ensure your safety measures are taken care of. Usually, you will be provided with a harness and helmets by the instructors before you take off.
6. What’s best is to expect a jaw-dropping view from the line. You can enjoy seeing treetops and cool air blowing on your face.
7. Take breaks in the middle of ziplining and drink enough water to get yourself well hydrated. This is why it is imperative that you bring your own water.
8. Since ziplining is considered an extreme sport, you are required to fill in a waiver in case anything were to happen. This means that you are responsible for your own safety.
9. Being careful all the time is a must and do ensure that you carefully follow what the instructors say.
How To Get To The Ziplining Starting Points
The zipline Birmingham starting point is usually at a high place. It needs the push and gravity to allow you to soar through. It might get a little tiring when you are climbing to get to the top of the zipline, but it will all be worth it once you soar.
The main zipline attraction in Birmingham Al is The Red Mountain Park. You will have to hike a bit before you get to the different ziplining spots there. You can park your car at a designated area and hike to the spots as mentioned above.
As for the Screaming Eagle zipline at Lake Guntersville State Park, you are required to hike first before arriving at the zipline starting point. The hike is not an easy route, so be well-prepared and eat a sufficient breakfast for energy.
When Is The Best Time To Zipline
Zipline is usually always open during any weather except extreme storms and very bad weather. A little drizzle is still fine. The best time is, of course, sunny weather.
Conclusion
In short, the Birmingham zipline spots have a lot to offer you, adventure seekers! If you follow all the rules and instructions given, trust me, you will definitely have all the fun in the world!
There are many best places to zipline in the world, but if you’re in Birmingham, the two mountains are the top spots.
So, don’t forget to prepare yourself well. If you have to travel to zipline Birmingham Al with your friends, plan early and remind each other. No one should be left behind, okay?
Finally, consider all the things written above; the time, the preparation, how to get there, what to expect, and the requirements, before deciding to zipline. Last but not least, have fun and be confident!
Happy ziplining!
