While many of us take to the ground or the Blue Ridge Parkway to view fall foliage, one option you might not have considered is taking flight above a sea of trees, mountains, and abundant colors that make this area radiant come October. As the tallest and steepest zipline in the country, The Gorge in Saluda is an action-packed four hour adventure that allows you to witness breathtaking views while getting in some much needed thrills or even conquering some fears. For fall foliage, it’s unrivaled as the best fall canopy tour in North Carolina. Here’s why:

The Gorge isn't your average zip line.
Facebook / The Gorge Zipline
Through the course of 11 separate zip lines spanning 1.25-miles, you'll descend 1,100 vertical feet down Green River Gorge. You can reach speeds of up to 40 MPH while flying above the treetops. At times, it can be hard to catch your breath from the thrill and excitement, but after the first few runs it's easy to let the experience and scenery takeover.
The tree-based, aerial adventure, also includes three rappels and a gravity-defying skybridge.
Facebook / The Gorge Zipline
On your journey, your guides lead the way while also inducing a sense of fun and adventure. They assist on two zip line guides per day, with the average trip spanning four hours from start to finish. Even if you're a bit nervous (like I was) they help make the adventure easy and fun with witty banter and even some words of encouragement. While the first few zip lines are almost a surreal experience, once you get the hang of it you realize just how amazing the experience is. It's truly one of the best things to do in fall in North Carolina!
You'll be soaring through old-growth forests and untouched wilderness.
Facebook / The Gorge Zipline
Each of the eleven zip lines offer something different. One is the steepest of them all (and the guides encourage you to yell out something fun and hear it echo across the mountaintops). Another zip line is the longest of the eleven with scenery opening up to breathtaking vistas of Green River Gorge. This is undoubtedly the best place to see fall colors in North Carolina. Other lines bring you right up close-and-personal with nature, you'll feel as if your feet might brush up against the tops of trees. The rappels instill a sense of confidence, it looks tricky before you try it, but once you do one, they're kind of addicting.

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Don't forget to smile for the camera.
Facebook / The Gorge Zipline
While it's certainly a memorable trip, you can take home all the memories thanks to your guides who will be snapping pictures the whole time. Some are hilarious (faces of pure fear) others have their posing game down to a science. After your journey, you can congregate in the lobby and watch (and laugh) at the photos on the big screen then take them home!
The gorge is a perfect adventure for all ages and types
Facebook / The Gorge Zipline
While there's obviously height and weight restrictions, the Gorge is open to all sorts of people. Traveling alone but wanting to stop-in and do something fun? You'll be placed with a group and ready to soar and maybe even make friends. Big groups, families, and special outings (like a bachelor or birthday party) are perfect for this type of group-based activity.
But let's not forget the main attraction...watching the fall leaves in full color.
Yelp / The Gorge Zipline
Yelp / The Gorge Zipline
While the Gorge is certainly stunning year-round, there's no way not to fall in love with this zip line experience this October. Autumn is indeed one of their busier seasons, but surprisingly enough, the Gorge is open year-round (weather permitting). It's safe to say a day trip of adventure needs to be booked ASAP as the fall schedule is already starting to fill up. The Gorge is certainly an experience to be had. While there's plenty of zip lines in North Carolina, you can't beat the views you'll get traveling above 14,000 acres of protected forest land.

I absolutely loved my time at The Gorge! I’m not going to lie, I was skeptical before doing it, even telling my group it might not happen (I’m scared of heights). Once I was there, the guides really ease you into the experience and help up your confidence. I felt such a sense of accomplishment after completing my journey, and now I have bragging rights that I’ve been on the fastest and steepest zip line in the country!

Have you done The Gorge before? If not, fall is the perfect time to go as it is the best fall canopy tour in North Carolina.

The Gorge Zipline Tour is open year-round. Tours cost $97/person, for groups of 8 or more, the price is $87/person. For more information see the official website here.

Another way to make the most of fall color, stop off at these ten stunning overlooks on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Best Fall Canopy Tour In North Carolina

Robin Jarvis | September 22, 2019

What other places in North Carolina offer canopy tours or similar adventures?

While The Gorge Zipline Canopy Tour in Saluda offers the best fall foliage tour in Western North Carolina (see the article above for more information), over in Fayetteville, another canopy tour at Zipquest features a waterfall and canopy tour that is sure to be the highlight of any fall adventure. The tour features a swinging bridge that crosses a picturesque waterfall.

Although it doesn't include a zipline, the Air Ropes Canopy Course at the North Carolina Zoo serves to elevate any visit to the world's largest zoo. It features a bridge, tight rope walk, swinging logs, a balance beam, and more for a challenging side adventure while exploring the zoo.

What is the best way to experience fall foliage in North Carolina?

Ultimately the best way to see fall foliage is by getting outside and exploring the Tar Heel State. While some people prefer to take a road trip, you can often find excellent fall foliage right in your own neighborhood or city parks. You can also immerse yourself in the splendor of autumn by taking a fall hike. There's no better way to experience the sights and the smells of fall than from a trail where you're kicking fallen leaves around with your own two feet. For a list of 10 short and easy hikes in North Carolina that are ideal for enjoying fall foliage, see this link.

What are the best hiking trails to take in the fall in North Carolina?

If you're seeking a view filled with rusty reds, and bright orange and yellow hues mixed with the lush shades found in evergreen trees, then head to the mountains for a fall hiking in North Carolina. Be sure to consult a trusted resource for predicting the best timing for said hike - if you're traveling a long distance. Once you've nailed down the dates for the peak viewing times, consult this list of the best fall foliage hikes in North Carolina and start planning your autumnal adventure!

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