Smugglers' Notch Vermont®
America’s Family Resort℠The best value for Family Fun... anywhere!
#1 Family Resort in the U.S. independenttraveler.com
Year-round Zip Line Canopy Tour
Smuggs takes fun to a whole new height!
We invite you to join us in the trees for a zip line eco-adventure like no other. Escape from the everyday rush and come soar through the wilds of the Green Mountains of northern Vermont at Smugglers' Notch Resort.
Discover why Travel + Leisure magazine listed us as one of the "World's Coolest Zip Lines", Yankee Magazine chose us as a 2012 Editors' Choice for Best of New England, and Outside Magazine's Adventure Advisor Blog listed us as "One of the Best Wilderness Zip Line Tours in the U.S."
ArborTrek Smugglers' Notch offers eco-adventures ranging from SERENE to EXTREME. Our zip line canopy tour is fully-guided and combines the thrill of high-speed zip lines with stunning views of the region and commentary on the local ecology, natural history, and lore of Smugglers' Notch. Our new tree climbing program and treetop obstacle course are designed for those who want to get physical and includes more than 40 obstacles like wobbly bridges, rope swings, cargo nets, zip lines, suspension bridges, and balance beams.
Zip Line Canopy Tour
Traverse high above an ever-babbling mountain stream and spend time among centuries-old hemlocks, mature sugar maples and paper birch on Vermont's first world-class zip line canopy tour.
Designed to educate, entertain, and inspire, the zip line canopy tour consists of a series of zip lines through dense mountain forest, suspension bridges, and rappels. Travelling in small groups, each tour is accompanied by two guides familiar with the local ecology and natural history who are prepared to deliver an unforgettable experience.
So whether you're 9 or 90; a thrill seeker, nature lover, or both; we're certain the canopy tour will be an experience you'll share and recount for years to come. Bring yourself, your family, your friends, your church group, and your work group … but remember, while the canopy tour is open year round, advance reservations are required.
Treetop Obstacle Course
Treetop Obstacle Course (1.5 - 2.5 hours)
Slide, balance, jump, crawl, climb, dash, and swing through the trees. The Treetop Obstacle Course is designed with adventure trekkers in mind. This self-guided adventure combines the thrill of being high above the ground with physical challenges that test a participant’s strength, balance, and agility. The Treetop Obstacle Course consists of 30+ elements. Following completion of a ground school, trekkers are provided the opportunity to explore a variety of different course areas rated from easy to difficult. Designed for participants of good-to-excellent health from ages 4 to adult. Participants must be at least 8 years old and be able to reach 66 inches standing flat footed to complete the entire course. Participants under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. 8 yrs & older - $55 plus taxes and fees, under 8 yrs - $24.95 plus taxes and fees (limited course access).
Zip Line Canopy Tour and Treetop Obstacle Course Videos
Tree Climbing Adventures
If you’ve ever dreamed of climbing high into a tree, here’s your chance. Our climbing program blends new belay technology with innovative climbing holds that make tree climbing easy and tree-friendly. Climbers choose from a variety of routes including our synthetic climbing wall, tree climbs, and vertical obstacles. Designed for participants in good-to-excellent health from ages 4 to adult, weighing 40-250 lbs. $20 per hour, $10 for 3 climbs, $6 per climb.
Zip Line Canopy Tour Options
The Zip Line Canopy Tour is available year-round to individuals, families, and large groups. Three variations of the Canopy Tour are availalble depending on the time of year. All tours meet at the ArborTrek Welcome Center at 1239 Edwards Rd, just 0.6 miles north of Smugglers' Notch Resort Village. Choose from the following:
 | | | |
| Arbor's Wild Ride | Arbor's Wild Winter Ride | Arbor's Express | |
| Length of tour | 2.5 to 3.0 hours* | 2.0 to 2.5 hours* | 1.0 to 2.0 hours* |
| Zip Lines | 8 (150'-1000' in length) | 6 (150'-1000' in length) | 3 (100'-650' in length) |
| Sky Bridges | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Rappels | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Highest Point | 73' | 73' | 67' |
| Longest Crossing | 1000' | 1000' | 675' |
| Winter (Dec-Mar) | Available** | Groups of 20+ Only | Groups of 20+ Only |
| Spring (Apr-May) | Available** | Groups of 20+ Only | Groups of 20+ Only |
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | Available** | Groups of 20+ Only | Groups of 40+ Only |
| Fall (Sep-Nov) | Available** | Groups of 20+ Only | Groups of 40+ Only |
| Cost | $99.95*** | $87.50*** | $65.00*** |
*Tour time is estimated based on a group of six to eight people. The actual tour might take more time or significantly less depending on the size of the group, experience of members of the group, and interest of group members in the local ecology and natural history.Zip Line Canopy Tour Photos
**For current information regarding availability, please check our online booking system or call (802)644-9300.
***Smugglers' Notch guests, owners, and pass holders are eligible for discounts on the tour. To receive the discount, guests must show proof of stay, pass, or ownership at time of check-in.
To view photos from recent ArborTrek Canopy Adventure tours, check us out on Facebook. We post photos of each tour. Visit ArborTrek on Facebook.
Tour Times & Availability
Tour times and availability are apt to change depending on weather conditions and demand. Reservations are highly recommended as we do not staff to handle walk-ins during the Fall or Winter seasons. We are happy to open on days where tours are not presently scheduled for groups of 6 or more persons on Arbor’s Wild Ride or 8 or more on Arbor’s Wild Winter Ride or Arbor’s Express with advance notice. For current information regarding availability, please check our online booking system or call (802) 644-9300.
Discounts
Smugglers' Notch Guests, Homeowners, Current Pass & Bash Badge Holders — Receive 10% OFF before taxes and fees are applied on a zip line canopy tour or treetop obstacle course.
Military Discount — Active military personnel receive 10% OFF before taxes and fees are applied. Not valid with promotions or discounts. To receive discount, call (802)644-9300.
Groups
A variety of options exist for groups as small as 8 and as large as 200. Whether you're seeking to put together a family reunion, corporate team building event, youth retreat, birthday party, or just to get out in the trees and celebrate, our staff can help to put together a package that meets your needs. Please call 1-802-644-9300 for more details. Download a group packet for school, youth, and community programs.
The Zip Line Canopy Tour is designed for use by participants of average mobility and strength who are in reasonably good health. Participants must weigh between 70 and 250 pounds (participants under 5'4" must weigh less than 220 pounds; under 5'0" must weigh less than 180 pounds). The Treetop Obstacle Course and Climbing Adventures are designed for participants of good to excellent mobility and strength in good health. Participants must weigh less than 250 pounds and properly fit into the equipment. Download a complete set of guidelines and requirements. Ziplining, climbing, and aerial trekking are dangerous and involves real risks. Prior to entering any of the courses, The Zip Line Canopy Tour Participant Agreement must be read, acknowledged and signed by all Participants, adults and minors (persons under 18 years of age) AND a parent or guardian (each referred to as a "Parent") of a minor Participant. To review the Participant Agreement, click here.
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