The first-ever adventure course of its kind is re-opening for 2011 at Ruby Falls on Lookout Mountain on Saturday. The Ruby Falls ZIPstream Aerial Adventure is a natural attraction in the tree tops that brings an exciting experience – and a one-of-a-kind view.
New to the adventure this season is the redesigned Orange Course for children that now features a zip line. Also, ZIPstream is offering a Triple Adventure Pass. For a discounted price, guests can get a pass that is valid for three visits, with additional Ruby Falls tour and gift shop discounts (limited quantity available).
“Ruby Falls is a great driver of tourism to our area," said Bob Doak, president and CEO of the Chattanooga Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. "The addition of Ruby Falls' ZIPstream Aerial Adventure allows visitors a terrific family outdoor challenge to enjoy while they are here."
Ruby Falls ZIPstream is operated by The Adventure Guild (www.theadventureguild.com).
“We were extremely happy to launch our flagship ZIPstream here in our hometown and with a partner as great and supportive as Ruby Falls,” said Don Stock, president of The Adventure Guild. “We are excited to already have additions in our second year of operation.”
ZIPstream’s self-directed courses for children, youth and adults allow participants to move through a series of fun, exciting and increasingly challenging tree-to-tree activities. All courses are graded by colored diamonds, progressing from Green, to Blue, to Red, to Black, making the challenges higher and more difficult at each level.
Currently, the Ruby Falls ZIPstream operates the Green and Blue courses, with a vision for the future to incorporate the Red and Black. The current courses are made up of suspended obstacles built in trees that include ladders, nets, walkways, bridges, tunnels and zip lines.
All courses use a state of the art belay system that ensures a continuous connection to the safety system, while also engaging participants in the process of moving from element to element. All participants are trained in the use of the belay system by qualified staff and must demonstrate the capacity to operate the components before entering the courses. All courses are overseen by trained, qualified Adventure Guild staff.
ZIPstream is open 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays in March. Check www.rubyfallsZIP.com for 2011’s schedule.
In maintaining the Ruby Falls mission of environmental responsibility, no electricity is used on the course except lights. Ruby Falls features LED lighting throughout the castle and waterfall.
Ruby Falls is a Chattanooga attraction that is home to the tallest and deepest underground waterfall accessible to the public in the United States. It is the first U.S. attraction to have received the dual Green Globe/Green Certification by Green Globe International, Inc.
Go to www.rubyfalls.com or call 821-2544 for more information.
The price is $34.95/adult, $19.95/children, ages six-10.
Phone: 423-821-2544
Course details: 20 highwire challenge elements including ladders, nets, walkways, bridges, tunnels and zip lines, all set into three distinct courses:
-Green and Blue Diamond courses are for those 11 years or older who have a vertical reach of at least 70”.
-Orange Diamond course is just for children 6-10 who have a vertical reach of at least 55” and must be supervised by a parent or guardian.
-Adventure Playground for kids.