SCALY MOUNTAIN ZIPLINE FIELD GUIDE
Squealing Mare and the Canopy: Mountaintop Ziplining on Scaly Mountain
Choose a roughly one-hour Half Tour or the two-hour Full Mountaintop Tour—eight ziplines across the mountaintop, including the 1,550-foot Squealing Mare—and use this guide to know what to expect, who can go, and how to prepare.
Squealing Mare and the Canopy: Mountaintop Ziplining on Scaly Mountain.
Adventure brief
Squealing Mare and the Canopy: Mountaintop Ziplining on Scaly Mountain
Highlands Aerial Park’s Mountaintop Zipline Tours send guests into the Appalachian temperate rain forest above Scaly Mountain, scaling from low introductory lines to long, high runs that cross 44 acres of canopy. With expert guides leading every group, visitors move platform to platform—sometimes more than 200 feet above the forest floor—choosing either the Half Tour (the first four lines) or the Full Tour of eight ziplines, including the signature 1,550-foot Squealing Mare.
Experience the thrill of soaring above the scenic landscapes of Scaly Mountain with Highlands Aerial Park's Half and Full Mountaintop Zipline Tours. This adventure combines adrenaline with breathtaking views, making it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a memorable day in North Carolina's mountains. As you glide from one mountain summit to another, you'll enjoy sweeping vistas of lush forests and rugged peaks, all from the comfort of a state-of-the-art zipline course. The tours are designed to suit both thrill-seekers and families, offering a combination of gentle rides and adrenaline-pumping zips. Knowledgeable guides ensure safety while sharing interesting facts about the local flora, fauna, and mountain geography. Whether you opt for the half or full tour, you're in for an exciting experience that captures the essence of outdoor adventure in the Appalachian region. Perfect for celebrating special occasions or simply exploring the great outdoors, these zipline tours provide an unforgettable perspective of North Carolina's mountain beauty.
Route Schematic
Route schematic and flow
The tour progresses through a short, staff-managed sequence from arrival and check-in to gearing up and heading into the treetops.
Arrival
Arrive at the park 15 minutes before your scheduled tour time to begin the check-in process.
Check-In
Guests are discreetly weighed, given nametags, asked to empty pockets, and offered personal-belonging bins; restrooms are available before the tour departs.
Gear Up
Guides call groups to the back deck for harnessing and a brief instructional video before heading into the course.
Into the Trees
Participants move from platform to platform through a progression of lines that rise from about 10 feet to roughly 45 feet above the forest floor; Half Tour guests may opt to continue onto the Full Tour at the mid-point.
This is an active, self-braking experience with physical requirements: minimum height 54", minimum weight 60 lb (Half) / 70 lb (Full), maximum weight 250 lb; closed-toe/closed-heel shoes required; no pregnant participants; participants must be able to walk on uneven terrain, reach overhead, and have full shoulder mobility. Operators may change or close lines for safety according to weather and conditions.
What the day feels like
What the tour feels like
From arrival through the final line, the trip moves with clear, guided timings: check-in and discreet weights, a gearing and instruction segment on the back deck, then platform-to-platform runs through the trees. The Half Tour is an introductory sequence of four lower, slower lines; the Full Tour extends the sequence to eight lines and larger, faster runs such as the Squealing Mare.
THE COURSE
Eight lines across 44 acres — Squealing Mare steals the show
The Full Mountaintop Tour runs eight ziplines across 44 acres; among them is the Squealing Mare, a 1,550-foot line that tops out roughly 210 feet above the forest floor. The Half Tour covers the first four lines and serves as an option to continue onto the back half of the course.
THE SENSE OF HEIGHT
Canopy views and altitude that quicken the pulse
Lines range from just over 100 feet up to more than 1,500 feet, with segments that put you 10 to 45 feet above the forest floor and moments where guests report zipping more than 200 feet above the canopy with sweeping views across three states.
THE GUIDES
Two trained guides from start to finish
Every group is led by two highly trained guides who handle gearing, instruction, and on-course safety, helping guests feel confident whether they’re new to zipping or returning for the full thrill.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who should book—and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Half Tour duration is approximately 1 hour; the Full Tour is approximately 2 hours. Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled tour time to check in.
Wear closed-toe, closed-heel shoes (no sandals, flip-flops, Crocs, Chacos, Tevas, Keens, etc.). Avoid tank tops (harness comfort); dress for active hiking and variable Highlands Plateau weather and bring a rain jacket if rain is forecast.
Personal belongings (phones, cameras, keys, wallets) are not permitted on tour; use provided personal-belonging bins behind the desk or leave items in your vehicle. Guests are weighed discreetly at check-in.
Tours operate rain, shine, or snow; the park closes only for extreme conditions such as lightning, high winds, or limited visibility using in-house lightning detection and NOAA data.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
If I choose the Half Tour, can I continue on to the Full Tour?
Yes. At the end of the first four lines, you’ll have the option to continue onto the final four ziplines and complete the Full Mountaintop Zipline Tour.
If I choose the Full Tour, can I downgrade to the Half Tour and receive a refund?
Yes. If you decide not to continue onto the back half of the course, you may end your experience after line four and receive a $40 refund back at the office.
Which tour do you recommend?
The operator strongly recommends the Full Mountaintop Zipline Tour as the most exciting experience; beginners can start with the Half Tour and upgrade after line four if they wish.
Can I take my phone or camera on the course?
No. Personal phones and cameras are not permitted; guides photograph and videotape tours with a GoPro and photos are available for purchase afterward.
What is your cancellation policy?
Guests may cancel or reschedule with no penalty up to 72 hours before their tour time. Cancellations within 72 hours are not eligible for a refund unless Trip Protection was purchased; with Trip Protection, you may cancel or reschedule up to 24 hours before for a full refund minus the Trip Protection fee.
What should I wear?
Closed-toe and closed-heel shoes are required; tank tops are discouraged due to harness comfort. Wear comfortable clothing suitable for being active and hiking, and bring a rain jacket if rain is forecast.
Do you zip in the rain?
Yes. Tours operate in rain, shine, or snow; only extreme conditions such as lightning, high winds, or limited visibility will force a closure.
Can I tip my guides?
Yes. Gratuities are optional but appreciated; many guests tip 15–20%. Groups of six or more will have an 18% gratuity automatically added at checkout.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-08-07T13:06:36.933Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.