Asheville & The Central Mountains

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Zip And Soar With Navitat Canopy Adventures

NAVITAT CANOPY ADVENTURES has introduced a world-class canopy zip line tour to the mountains of western North Carolina.

NAVITAT showcases the breathtaking natural beauty of a serene mountain cove, located just 20 minutes north of downtown Asheville, N.C. The canopy tour course is entirely tree-based and features 10 zip lines ranging from 120 to 1,100 feet in length -- including one that sends guests soaring 200 feet above the forest floor.

“Our guests can expect an authentic canopy tour experience with spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains,” said Ken Stamps, Managing Partner of NAVITAT CANOPY ADVENTURES. “It’s exhilarating and educational, and unlike any outdoor adventure you’ll find in the southeast.”

Guests begin their experience at the NAVITAT Welcome Center where they meet their guides, go through a 20-minute orientation session and gear up. Then, they ride in rough terrain vehicles up the mountain to the start of the custom-designed course, learning along the way about the natural and cultural history of the area. At the top, guests are trained in proper zip line techniques before starting the course.

Two highly skilled Canopy Guides lead each group of eight guests through a series of artfully-constructed zip lines, sky bridges, trails, rappels and platforms high in the treetops. Guides handle all equipment, and guests are attached to a redundant safety system at all times while off the ground.

“When you visit NAVITAT, you’re in really good hands,” said General Manager and Partner Dylan Burt. “Our guides are trained by industry-accredited experts, and they are required to continually train while they are working here.”

NAVITAT is a member of the Association for Challenge Course Technologies (ACCT), which is accredited by the American National Standards Institute. The company adheres to and exceeds all ACCT standards for construction, operations and training.

Bonsai Design Inc., a leading canopy tour installer in the country, designed the NAVITAT course. The design is entirely tree-based and uses no poles or other structures to support the platforms and course features.

“We’ve taken great care in designing this course,” said John Walker, NAVITAT partner and president of Bonsai Design Inc. “We’ve used state-of-the-art techniques and sustainable practices to build a course that fits into the landscape, disturbing it as little as possible.”

The course is situated in Moody Cove, a 240-acre tract of forestland just north of Barnardsville. The site is home to forests of hardwoods – some more than 100 years old – native and rare plant species, streams and mountain wildlife. NAVITAT is leasing the property from the McDarris family, who has owned the land since the mid-1800s.

“We searched more than 300 properties when we were considering where to build our course,” said Managing Partner Ken Stamps. “In Moody Cove, we found the perfect home. It truly is a special place, and we are so honored that the McDarris family has welcomed us. Now, we can’t wait to share it with our guests.”

NAVITAT tours began May 15 and run daily, from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., through November 28. Reservations are required. Regular tour price is $85 per person for adults, and $75 per person for children ages 10-17.  Weight restrictions apply. Tours last approximately 3 ½ hours.

LOCAL TUESDAYS SPECIAL
Throughout the season, residents of western North Carolina who book Tuesday tours receive a 20 percent discount on the regular tour price.

N.C. ARBORETUM MEMBER SPECIAL
Members of the N.C. Arboretum in Asheville, N.C., can show their Arboretum IDs and receive a 10 percent discount on the regular tour price throughout the season. 

GROUP DISCOUNT SPECIAL
Throughout the season, groups of eight or more receive a 10 percent discount on the regular tour price.

added: May 19, 2010

updated: May 20, 2010