Zipping through the treetops at over 30 mph with the rolling terrain of the North Georgia foothills will soon become the next must-do adventure for active outdoor enthusiasts. North Georgia Canopy Tours announces the April, 2010 opening of its two zipline Tours in Lula , Georgia , located in Hall County near Gainesville , one hour northeast of Atlanta .

North Georgia Canopy Tours is located on 136 acres near the headwaters of the North Oconee River and within yards of the continental divide between the Gulf and the Atlantic . Located in a picturesque valley between two ridges at the transition point between the Appalachians and the Piedmont Plateau, North Georgia Canopy Tours takes full advantage of the changing topography to provide an ultimate treetop adventure over and through forests, ravines, ponds, pastures, and the river.

Custom-designed and built specifically for the site by BONSAI Design, the premier canopy tour design firm in the country, the zipline courses meet or exceed all standards of the American Association of Challenge Course Technology (ACCT). BONSAI specializes in integrating courses into the natural environment without harming the trees. The course provides an authentic canopy tour experience, enabling participants to zip from tree to tree in the lush hardwood forest at heights up to 70 feet.

Participants soar in the treetops in some areas; and close to the ground in others at speeds ranging from leisurely to over 30 miles per hour. The adrenaline-filled experience includes two tours:

Skybridge Tour – two+ hours:

Nine ziplines, two sky bridges, nature hikes, one zip which crosses the North Oconee River three times, and a final dual zip of 700 feet. The dual zip will simultaneously fly two guests from a platform down and over the Hilltop Pond directly in front of the Tour Observation Deck.

Adventure Tour - three+ hours:

Over a mile of cable, with twelve ziplines, including two zips over the North Oconee River, zips over the Old Mill and Catfish Ponds, two sky bridges, nature hikes, 20-foot rappel and the final dual zip over the Hilltop Pond.

Tours are led by two trained ACCT certified guides. Prior to launch, each participant will receive individual safety and braking training, as well as a close-to-the-ground practice zip. Age and size requirements are posted on the website. Guides will provide a colorful history of the area, identify indigenous plants and wildlife and provide an exciting and rewarding experience for novices and experts alike.

Founded by an Atlanta couple, attorney Kirk Watkins and Health Care Regulatory Specialist Leah Watkins, North Georgia Canopy Tours began its inception in July 2007, when the Watkins family enjoyed a canopy tour through the rain forest of Costa Rica . Despite a fear of heights, Kirk and Leah mustered the courage to zoom through the canopy. Having made this leap of faith, Kirk and Leah called in professionals to create a unique canopy tour experience at their property, Old Mill Farm, in Lula , Georgia .

According to Kirk, “Overcoming a fear of heights and speed leads to an incredible feeling of accomplishment, not to mention an adrenaline rush that lasts for hours. Zipping can be enjoyed by people of average athletic ability. We thought this was the perfect way to combine the fun and excitement of this challenge with the natural beauty of North Georgia .”

North Georgia Canopy Tours offers Tours ranging from $69 to $89; groups of eight or more may call for weekday discounts. For reservations, gift certificates and additional information, visit North Georgia Canopy Tours or call 770 869-7272.

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