Sunday, May 25, 2008
Life
Facing fears
Reach new heights with Georgia’s zip-line canopy tour
By Hope S. Philbrick
Among my quirky, perhaps-slightly irrational fears are: 1. plummeting to the earth from great heights, and 2. feeling a creature run up my pant leg.
I never considered the possibility of facing both these fears at once until I was standing on a small platform some 60 feet off the ground when one of the guides on the zip-line canopy tour said, “Oh, look. There’s a gecko.” Though my natural reaction was to jump back, I was mindful of my location and first verified that my safety lines were secure. Only then did I look down at the greenish-brown thing scurrying over a branch near my feet. The guide noted this and suggested that, once we completed this section of the course, I was ready to move onto the advanced course. I agreed to give it a try. It was a beautiful spring day, the dogwoods were in bloom, and I’d already faced down two phobias.
After watching several folks zip-line on TV, I decided that I’d like to give it a try. Heights may not be my favorite thing, but I could trust a steel cable and the multiple safety devices securing me. It looked more fun than scary. While I’d thought that a zip-line experience would have to wait until I traveled to Costa Rica, New Zealand or some other faraway exotic place, I recently discovered that there’s a treetop course right here in Georgia. In fact, “We have the first true canopy tour in the Northern Hemisphere,” says Mike Holder, who co-founded and operates Historic Banning Mills with his wife Donna. First opened in August 2007, the course was designed by Mike, a former American Airlines pilot who’d seen zip-line tours in South America and wondered why there were none in the United States or Europe, and engineers at Signature Research. It took two years to build.
One of the world’s longest and highest canopy tours, the course begins with a 1,000-foot long zip-line, which starts from a 60-foot tower. Though you’re first given safety instructions and a demonstration, that first step is a doozy. It’s tempting to close your eyes, but since it’s possible to reach speeds up to 55 mph, you’d risk missing the whole thing.
I thought of what I’d been told before I even put on the gear: “Just remember,” said Donna, “the first time you’ll be real nervous. After that, you know you won’t die and you’ll have fun.” I also took comfort in the facts that two guides had checked my equipment and that the course is certified by the Association for Challenge Course Technology. I breathed deep, stepped off the platform and began one of the most invigorating adventures of my life (so far).
The course consists of two 1,000-foot zip-lines and one 800-foot line, plus eight cable and wood bridges of varying complexity and physical challenge. Some bridges offer wide wooden steps that are close together, others position the steps far apart, others offer narrow strips of wood, and some offer a tightrope-like cable. At all times, you’re between 50 to 200 feet from the ground. An additional leg of the course (called “pattern plus”) adds a 1,500-foot zip-line. The extreme route adds 10 more bridges that cross back and forth over the spectacular Snake Creek Gorge, some at heights of 250 feet. I completed the entire course without slipping off a bridge—it felt like quite an accomplishment, especially for a non-athlete.
Walking along a trail afterwards, I decided that the gorge’s beauty was best appreciated from the air. The experience exceeded my expectations. I can’t wait to do it again. Maybe next time I’m crossing the highest bridge, I’ll dare to look straight down. SP
Hope S. Philbrick
Mike Holder steps off the first platform to ride a 1,000-foot long zip-line.
IF YOU GO
Getting There…
Historic Banning Mills is approximately a one-hour drive from Atlanta. Take I-20 West to GA-5 toward Douglasville to GA-16. Turn right on Banning Road, and follow the signs.
Know Before You Go…
Reservations are required. Zip-line participants must weigh at least 100 pounds and less than 300 pounds. Children aged 10 and older may participate as long as they meet the weight restrictions. Tours are typically scheduled Monday through Saturday at 9 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., although other times and days may be scheduled for groups in advance. Allow a minimum of two hours to complete the pattern course ($65 per person), three hours for pattern plus ($85 per person) and four hours for the extreme course ($129 per person).
What To Do…
In addition to the zip-line canopy tour, Historic Banning Mills adventures include horseback riding, kayaking, hiking, shooting skeet and tackling a GPS challenge. You’ll also find a full-service spa, dining options and overnight accommodations.
For More Information…
Historic Banning Mills
205 Horseshoe Dam Rd.
Whitesburg, GA 30185
770-834-9149
www.historicbanningmills.com