Gatlinburg Zipline Tours

Yes. The Waterfall Canopy tour featured on this page is billed by its operator as the only zip line experience in the Smoky Mountain range that flies over a waterfall. It runs from Foxfire Adventure Park, a short drive up the corridor from Gatlinburg through Pigeon Forge, and crosses seven lines plus two sky bridges, including the run out over the waterfall. It is rated 4.84 out of 5 from 22 reviews, from $99.

Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville sit along the same fifteen-mile corridor, so the waterfall course is roughly a 20- to 30-minute drive up the parkway from downtown Gatlinburg. Your booking confirmation lists the exact meeting address and arrival time, and most operators ask you to arrive 15 to 30 minutes early to park, check in and get fitted.

Mostly the address, not the experience. Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville are all part of the one Smoky Mountains adventure scene, and many courses marketed under each town name are run on similar terrain by similar operators. Choose based on the course style, drive time and reviews rather than the town in the name.

The Waterfall Canopy tour starts around $99 per person. Other Smoky Mountain courses in the corridor run roughly $109 for the extreme mountain course and around $112 for the seven-line tour. Adventure combos that bundle ziplining with other activities can cost more. Nearly all of these tours include free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

It looks more intimidating than it feels. The course uses professional-grade harnesses, helmets and trolleys, with guide-powered and automatic braking systems so you do not stop yourself by hand. Two trained guides travel with each group, and the tour opens with a short beginner line so you can get comfortable before the bigger spans. Nervous first-timers complete it regularly.

This canopy tour is designed to suit a wide range of guests, including families, and is less extreme than the corridor's adrenaline-focused courses. That said, each operator sets its own minimum age and weight limits, so confirm the exact policy for your group before you book, especially when bringing younger children.

Plan for about two hours, including the safety briefing, the beginner line, and the seven lines and two sky bridges on the main course. If you stay to enjoy the included Foxfire Pass access afterward, allow extra time in your day.

The tour includes seven zip lines of varying lengths plus two sky bridges between the platforms. The lengths range from a short beginner line at the start to longer scenic spans, including the line that flies out over the waterfall.

Closed-toe shoes are required — sneakers or hiking shoes are ideal and open sandals are usually not allowed. Dress for the weather in comfortable clothing you can move in. Long hair is normally tied back, and loose items such as phones, hats and sunglasses are best secured or left behind. The operator provides all the climbing gear.

It is a mix. This course routes you on foot between platforms, so expect some walking and stairs on uneven mountain terrain between the lines. None of it is a long hike, but if mobility is a concern, ask the operator how strenuous their specific course is before booking.

Tours run year-round, weather permitting. Late spring through early fall gives you warm flying weather and full green canopy. October is the standout for fall foliage views but also the busiest month on the parkway, so book ahead. Winter flights run on clear days with long, open views across the bare ridges. Courses generally operate rain or shine, pausing only for lightning or high wind.

Booking online ahead of time is the safest approach, especially for October weekends and summer holidays when slots sell out. Reserving in advance locks in your time and usually keeps free cancellation up to 24 hours before, so there is little downside to securing your spot early.