Fly through a Forest? You just can’t believe it until you’ve tried it. Who says nature trails have to be on the ground? High above those hiking and biking trails you’ll find a growing number of ziplines. Now you can glide through—and above—lush forests at speeds reaching 45 mph during zipline tours that can whisk you along the Mississippi River, deep inside the Shawnee National Forest and number of other settings. A canopy tour, as ziplines are often called, is an exciting way to experience flora, fauna, geology and history of the outdoors by safely traversing an established route of ziplines, and even aerial bridges, between platforms built in the trees. They are just plain fun and people of all ages can do it. Here are some of the places where you can experience “ziplining” in Illinois. Southern Illinois (Trails to Adventure) Where: Makanda (south of Carbondale and Marion, off I-57) Company: Shawnee Bluffs Canopy Tour Details: Shawnee Bluffs Canopy Tour consists of eight zip lines, the longest stretching more than 1,100 feet, which will zig-zag across the property’s bluffs and through the valley. The tour also includes 11 platforms high in the trees, three aerial suspension bridges, the longest stretching 180 feet, and two short ground hikes Southwest Illinois (Great River Country) Where: Grafton (near Alton and Pere Marquette State Park) Company: Grafton Zipline Adventures Details: If you’re looking for a jaw dropping, heart racing experience, this is it. The zip line affords those brave enough a stunning river view and hours of fun. The nine zip lines total 1.75 miles, which should take approximately two hours to complete. The shortest run is 300 feet and the longest 2,500 feet with breathtaking views during its 250 foot descent Northwest Illinois (Great River Country) Where: Port Byron (near East Moline) Company: Adventure Quest of the Quad Cities Details: Adventure Quest of the Quad Cities is the perfect for fun-filled outdoor adventures. Make your reservations today and enjoy zip lines, panning for gems, hay rack rides, and wonderful hiking trails. A 54-acre facility located just off 1-80 & I-88 near East Moline IL. Southeast Illinois (Land of Lincoln) Where: Kinmundy (south of Effingham, off I-57) Company: American Obstacle – Zipline Canopy Tour Details: The Creek Bottom Run brings the rustic outdoors to life as you soar through the canopy on three different zip lines and cross two sky bridges all while keeping two beautiful lakes in view. You might catch a glimpse of the natural wildlife that frequent the area as you sail overhead. To gain access to the zip platform, use the spiral staircase or for the really energetic try to scale the 35-foot climbing wall. Northeastern Illinois (Chicago and Beyond) Where: Marseilles (west of Morris off I-80) Company: Zipline Canopy Tour Chicago Details: Looking for a daring escape for you, your friends or family? Zip Chicago Canopy Tours provides an experience you will not soon forget and memories for a lifetime. The tour is completely guided and contains no motorized machines for propulsion. All you have to do is enjoy your flight! Speeds of up to 45 mph can be reached. The platforms and suspension bridges are surrounded by an assortment of native trees.
Posted on: Wed, 26 Jun 2013 16:34:59 +0000
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