Things to Know Before Going on the Zip Line Canopy Tours
You must be able to climb two 65 foot towers and a 100 ft tower, have good balance capabilities and be able to walk on uneven terrain, have full range of motion in both of your upper and lower extremities and be able to control one’s speed of travel along the zip lines by resting your gloved hands on the pulley and cable systems if necessary, be able to understand verbal instructions and be able to pull yourself along cables  in case you lose momentum before reaching any said platform.

This is not recommended for those with moderate to severe heart and/or respiratory difficulties, recent surgeries, second or third trimester pregnancies or those with moderate to severe musculo-skeletal problems. You must have full range of motion and use of both lower and upper extremities. This is considered a moderate to heavy physical workout!

For answers to your questions, pricing and details, click the link just below!!!

What are my tour options?
Presently, there are the following three tour options: starting at $65.

1. Pattern Tour - 1 ½ to 2 hours long

2. Pattern Plus Tour -  2 ½ to 3 ½ hours long

3. Extreme Tour - 3 ½ to 5 hours long

Length of Tour times depend heavily on number of guests on the tour, physical ability and fear factor. Please know that some guests will be faster/slower than others. Tour times include gear up and safety briefs and zip lines and tree walks according to your tour chosen.

Remember: this is an Eco tour in the trees and not a race. Take time to enjoy the scenery, the adrenalin rush and the challenge of it all.

What can I expect on each of the tours?

the Flight Pattern  Zip Line Canopy Tour: There is one 65 ft tower, three zip lines with two that are 1000ft long, 20 stories above Snake creek and up to seven cable and wood Sky bridge traverses with amazing views. You will be at heights from 65 ft to 200 ft in the air. Cost is $65 per person.  Time: 1 1/2 to 2 hour adventure.

the Flight Pattern Plus Zip Line Canopy Tour:  
 After the above pattern tour, continue on the journey with our Pattern Plus tour. From our second 65 ft tower, experience our 1500 ft long "Big Daddy" high speed zip line with heights at 200ft and speeds that can reach 60mph! Also, enjoy the new 900 ft long, high speed "Swoop" zip line that takes you right over and down the middle of the scenic Snake Creek.   A thrilling 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hr adventure.   Cost is $85 per person.

the Extreme Zip Line Canopy Tour: This is the ultimate in zip line canopy tours! You will experience both the pattern and pattern plus tours and then continue on to the high, extreme bridge traverses that criss cross back and forth over the Snake Creek Gorge at heights that can be over 100 ft. This is a true adrenalin rush! You will go on to the amazing Sky Trek bridge that is 600ft long and 170ft above the gorge. End with four more long and fast zip lines which includes the Screaming Eagle half mile long zip line! This is about 3 1/2 to 5 1/2 hour adventure. Cost is $139 per person.

All tour times are estimated. Time out on the tours depends heavily on number of guests on the tour, fear factor, physical abilities and attitudes. Times may be shorter or longer than as stated above. However, these are very good estimates and we have found that these times work well for our guests as they are planning their day.

Are there any restrictions?
You must be 10 years old and weigh around 80 lbs. Our zip lines are so long that the minimum weight is necessary to be able to make it across the lines.

The maximum weights we allow are -  Ladies: under 250 lbs and Gentlemen: under 285 lbs

You must be able to climb two 65 foot towers and a 100 ft tower, have good balance capabilities and be able to walk on uneven terrain, have full range of motion in your upper and lower extremities and be able to control one’s speed of travel along the zip lines by resting your gloved hands on the pulley and cable systems, be able to understand verbal instructions and be able to pull yourself along cables in case you lose momentum before reaching any said platform.

This is not recommended for those with moderate to severe heart and/or respiratory difficulties, recent surgeries, second or third trimester pregnancies or those with moderate to severe musculo-skeletal problems. This is considered a moderate to heavy physical workout!

What about bad weather?
We will go out in rain. If there are very heavy and prolonged rain storms, severe thunderstorms with lightening, severe cold or icing, Banning Mills will call each scheduled guest to cancel the tours. Please remember, if we do not call you, that means the tour is a go.

Even if there is bad weather where you are, that does not necessarily mean there is bad weather at Banning Mills. Sometimes tours may be delayed for a short time for “pop ups”. Please keep this in mind when planning your day.

What are the cancellation policies?
For individual reservations, you must cancel 7 days BEFORE your reservation date and for group reservations, you must cancel 14 days BEFORE your reservation. If you need to cancel within your cancellation period, there will either be a 50% charge or you may move the date once by paying the full amount plus a $5 per person transfer fee. No shows and day of cancellations are either 100% charge or you may move the date once with a 100% charge and a $5 per person transfer fee. All transfers must be used 6 months from the original reservation date.

Why do you charge me if I have to cancel at the last minute?
Please remember that we have held the slots for you and this has kept others from being able to reserve spots while protecting your right to have a tour time. When guests have to cancel, it is difficult to rebook the slots and we have already scheduled our tree flight canopy tour guides to assist you on your tours.

Do I need to make a reservation?
Yes, Yes, Yes.  We fill up quickly and if you do not make a reservation, you will not be guaranteed a spot on the tours. It is not pleasant for you or us if you just show up and we can’t get you on a tour!

What time do I need to arrive at Banning Mills for my tour?
Please arrive 30 minutes BEFORE your tour time.  If you are late, you will not be able to go out on your tour and you will be charged in full for each slot scheduled.  We can’t delay the tour because you are late. This is not fair for our on time guests. We will not guarantee you a spot on any other tour either.

Please, Please, Please, plan your travel time wisely and remember any zone and time changes.

What do I wear and or bring?
DO NOT wear sandals, flip flops, open toed shoes or shoes without a back! If you do, you will NOT be allowed onto the tour and you will be charged for the tour even though you don’t go!

If you have long hair, wear it in a pony tail. Do not wear short shorts or shirts that do not have sleeves or straps. This is due to the gear that you will be putting on.  And yes, you must wear a shirt!

Make sure you have deep pockets or pocket with a zipper or Velcro type closure if you will be bringing keys, wallets or anything else you do not want to lose. If you do lose it at 200 ft, you will not get it back!!

Yes, you can bring a camera. Just make sure it has a wrist or neck strap on it. Yes, you can wear a fanny pack or light weight back pack.

Do you have water on the course?  What about bathroom breaks?
You will be able to take a short break at the end of the pattern tour for water or to go to the bathroom. We do have water stations out on the course after the pattern tour and there are Port o Potties at the end of the Pattern Plus tour and mid way on the Extreme tour.


What if I chicken out?
Sometimes our guests get nervous and do not feel that they can complete the scheduled tour that day. You have two choices: You can complete the first 1000-foot zip line and walk back to the main lodge (a $20 fee) or you can pay 100% of the scheduled tour fee plus a $5 transfer fee and use it within 6 months.


What about groups?
If you have 10 or more guests that want to come as a group, we give 10% off the regular tour rates. Groups must make one payment and not individual payments. Whoever books the group will be responsible for the group payment. You must get your group to reimburse you.

Please remember that you will be charged for cancellations within the cancellation period and no shows.

How do I pay?
We take Visa, MasterCard and Discover cards. Your card will be pre authorized 7 days (or if a group, 14 days) before your reservation date. If you want to pay cash, you will still need a card to hold the reservation. You may also prepay with cash 14 days ahead of time. We do not take personal checks.
Note: There is a 5% discount if you pay cash!
The maximum discount we allow is 10%.
You can't use coupons in combination.

Do I tip my guides?
This is not a requirement but our guides work very hard to give you a safe and fun tour. Any tip you would like to give is greatly appreciated! Most of the guides are college students!

How safe is the zip line canopy tour course?
Banning Mills was the first high speed zip line course in the southeast. We have years of experience and our guides are all CPR and First Responder and High Rescue trained. We meet all ACCT and PRCA guidelines. Our course is constantly checked and rechecked as well as inspected by an outside ACCT certified Vendor inspector. You will not find a safer or more experienced zip line canopy tour course in the USA!

How do I reserve?
You may email us with your requests.This e-mail address is protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call us at 770-834-9149.

Please remember that email is not secure and we do not recommend you emailing any credit card information to us. We hope to have online reservations soon!!

More questions? Feel free to call us!
Our staff is professionally trained and care about your safety very much. Banning Mills reserves the right to refuse anyone access to the tours if we feel it would be unsafe for them, our other guests or our staff. All guests will be required to sign a waiver form. If you are under 18 years old, a parent or guardian must sign for you. We can email you release forms which you can bring with you. Just let us know!

Some examples of someone we might turn away would be a guest under the influence of drugs or alcohol, someone who is over the weight limits, someone that will not or can’t understand or obey the rules and those who are  physically unable to do a zip line canopy tour. We do everything in our power to get guests out on a tour and give them safe access to our tours.

However, Banning Mills and their staff will have the final say on any participant going out or continuing on a tour.

You will be required to sign a liability release form before going out on the tour. If you would like for us to email a copy to you, just call or email us your request. Minors must have a parent our guardian to sign this form. Again, we can email this form to you so that you can bring a signed copy with you.

Contact Us
We are here most everyday and welcome you to contact us at 770-834-9149 or send an email when you are ready to plan your weekend getaway, group event, family adventure vacation or corporate retreat. Historic Banning Mills is a non-profit retreat and conservation center. Banning Mills is a non smoking facility!