JULY 2, 2009 ISSUE
Hawksnest Zipline Opens to Public
Customers of all ages zip over the trees and across wide-open valleys at thrilling speeds on the Hawksnest Zipline, which opened last weekend. Hawksnest Resort, famous for its snow tubing in winter, will have the largest—soon to be completed—zipline course in the Eastern U.S. Photo by Loretta Adams
Zipping down the mountain now has new meaning at Hawksnest Resort. Located atop Seven Devils, Hawksnest Zipline opened a portion of its new course to brisk business this past weekend.
Customers of all ages zipped over the trees and across wide-open valleys at thrilling speeds. The resort, famous for its snow tubing in winter, will have the largest—soon to be completed—zipline course in the Eastern U.S.
Gliding through the air with ease appears trouble-free at Hawksnest Zipline. The course progresses in length and speed. Professional guides accompany each group of riders, providing advice and safety tips along the way. According to the guides, the first-timer’s tentative step off tower number one into nothingness is soon replaced with their exclamations of “whoopee.” The learning curve is quick, the guides said.
Traveling with friends through the High Country and among the first group of customers to ride the ziplines was 72-year-old Jim Anon from Enon, Ohio.
“I would do it again, that was fun,” Anon said.
Zipping can be a family affair. Having driven up to the High Country for the day from Lincolnton, the Carr family of five was eager to share their experiences. When asked what the best thing about zipping was, 11-year-old Dylan said speed, and his sister, 14-year-old Thristin, said the scenery. Comparing her zipline experience to other sports and amusement rides, Thristin enthusiastically offered that zipping was the best.
When complete, the zipline course will have 13 cables including the SuperZip, a zipline that is over 2,500 feet in length and over 200 feet high. Another section of the course takes the rider through deep woods and has an enchanting, swinging, footbridge suspended over a rushing creek.
Leonard Cottom, co-owner of Hawksnest, said that construction should be completed soon and that he was thrilled to be providing another attraction that should bring more tourists to the High Country.
“In these tough economic times, I’m pleased to add employment and hopefully fill area motel rooms and restaurants with the customers of our new enterprise,” Cottom said.
If you want to go and you live in Watauga, Ashe or Avery county, you will receive a $15 discount. A driver’s license will be required for proof of residency.
Customers are encouraged to call ahead for updates and reservations. Tours begin at 10:00 a.m., 12:00, 2:00, 4:00 and 6:00 p.m. Reservations are required. There must be at least two people in your party to make a reservation. Children must be at least five-years-old to participate. Make reservations online by clicking to www.hawksnestzipline.com, email info@hawksnesttubing.com or call 828-963-6561.
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