Oak Hill: Zipline Tour in New River Gorge National Park

High above the gorge, the fun starts fast. ACE Adventure Resort’s Oak Hill zipline tour gives you nine cliffside ziplines, two swinging sky bridges, and a free-fall drop tower experience in New River Gorge National Park. At $111 per person and about 3.5 hours long, it offers plenty of action rather than one quick ride.

I like the variety here. You are not simply clipped onto one cable and sent across a valley. The tour combines ziplines, bridges, high perches, gravity braking, and a swing into the forest. I also like the built-in competition on the duel ziplines, where you can race a friend instead of just watching them disappear ahead of you.

The main consideration is the height and physical nature of the course. Launch points and dismounts sit between 150 and 750 feet above the ground, so this is not a gentle introduction for someone uneasy with heights. You must weigh between 70 and 250 pounds, wear closed-toe shoes, and anyone under 18 needs an accompanying adult.

Key things to know before you book

• Nine ziplines give you real ride time: The course offers repeated flights, not a single headline zip followed by a long wait.
• Two sky bridges break up the zips: You cross swinging bridges with views down toward the treetops and mountain stream.
• Heights reach 750 feet: The dramatic setting is part of the appeal, but high places are a serious factor for nervous riders.
• Gravity brakes reduce hand work: You do not need bulky gloves or have to touch the cable to slow down.
• Duel ziplines add a playful contest: Race your companion for bragging rights, with the result decided in the air.
• Liz earned special praise: One recent outing was made memorable by Liz’s humor and lively approach to guiding.

What the Oak Hill tour actually includes

This is a half-day adventure in New River Gorge National Park, based in Oak Hill, West Virginia. The $111 price includes the zipline course, safety equipment, guides, and shuttle transportation to and from the launch point.

That bundled setup matters. You do not need to work out your own way to the launch area, and you are not paying separately for the basic gear required to take part. Photos and videos are not included, so you will need to decide in advance if you want to purchase or arrange memories beyond what you can capture before or after the active portions.

The tour usually runs in the morning and afternoon. A 3.5-hour block is long enough to feel like a major activity in your day, so plan around it rather than trying to squeeze it between several timed attractions.

The shuttle and start of the course

The included shuttle carries you to and from the launch point. That is a useful detail in a course spread through a high gorge setting, since the activity is built around several launch and landing areas rather than one stationary platform.

At the start, your guides provide the safety equipment and explain how to use it. The supplied information does not give a fixed group size or exact check-in procedure, so you should allow enough time before your scheduled departure to get settled without rushing.

English is the listed tour language. The minimum age is eight, but age alone does not tell you how comfortable a child will be with the heights, bridges, and equipment. Young people under 18 must be accompanied by an adult, and the adult should be prepared to take part rather than simply wait nearby.

Nine ziplines over the New River Gorge

The nine ziplines are the core of the experience. This number gives the tour a good rhythm: clip in, launch, take in the view, slow down, move to the next section, and repeat. You get several chances to become more comfortable with the equipment and body position instead of having one short attempt to figure it all out.

The course uses cliffside launch points and dismounts, with views from 150 to 750 feet. That range helps create variety. Some sections may feel close to the treetops, while others give you a much stronger sense of open air and distance below.

I especially like the use of dual ziplines. A parallel cable changes the mood from quiet sightseeing to friendly competition. If you are with a friend or family member, you can race side by side and compare results at the landing area. It is a small feature, but it gives the group something to talk about between rides.

The gravity-braking system is another practical plus. You do not have to wear bulky gloves or reach up to touch the cable to control your speed. That makes the ride feel less technical and lets you focus on the view, your position, and the next landing.

Still, the ziplines are not a passive scenic ride. You need to follow guide instructions, use the safety equipment correctly, and be comfortable with repeated launches and landings. The course is best for someone looking for active fun, not for a visitor who wants a calm overlook with a short thrill added on.

Two swinging sky bridges above the trees

The two sky bridges give your legs a break from flying, but they may test your nerves in a different way. You cross suspended bridges high above the forest, with views toward the treetops and mountain stream below.

These crossings add texture to the tour. A zipline gives you speed and a quick rush, while a sky bridge slows you down long enough to look around. The combination makes the three-and-a-half-hour experience feel more varied than a course made entirely of cables.

The word swinging matters here. If you dislike movement underfoot or looking down through a high crossing, these bridges may be more uncomfortable than the ziplines. If you like a little instability and want time to take in the setting, they are likely to be one of the more memorable parts.

The launch points and dismounts also function as scenic perches. You have moments to pause, take in the gorge, and watch others complete a section. Those platforms are important because they keep the outing from becoming a blur of cable rides.

The drop tower and forest swing

The experience also includes a free-fall drop tower and a swing into the forest. These features add a sharper jolt of adrenaline than the steady glide of a zipline.

A free fall is a different test from a high cable crossing. You are not gradually moving through a view. Gravity takes over quickly, which can make this the part you remember most clearly, or the part you think hardest about before trying.

The forest swing offers another change in motion. Instead of traveling along a cable or stepping across a bridge, you swing into the trees. Together, the drop tower and swing give the course a broader range of sensations and help explain why the activity takes several hours.

The available details do not specify the exact order of these elements or whether each feature is optional during the route. Ask the guide at the start how the course flows that day, especially if one activity concerns you more than the others.

Guides, safety, and the tone of the outing

Your guides handle the equipment and direct you through the course in English. Their role is important here because a high ropes experience depends on clear instructions and a calm pace.

One recent trip received especially warm praise for Liz, who was described as funny, entertaining, and full of energy. That kind of guide can make a real difference. A lively personality helps a group relax, but good humor should come after clear safety directions, not instead of them.

The tour supplies the safety equipment, and the gravity brakes remove the need to manage a traditional hand-braking method on the cable. Even so, you should listen closely at every launch and landing. The height range is too serious for casual attention.

Closed-toe shoes are required. Wear something secure and practical rather than sandals or loose footwear. Since you will spend several hours moving through the course, comfort matters more than dressing for a quick amusement-park ride.

Is $111 a fair price?

At $111 per person, this is not a cheap add-on. It is a substantial activity cost, especially for a family. But the price covers a 3.5-hour guided outing with nine ziplines, two sky bridges, a drop tower, a forest swing, equipment, and shuttle transport.

The strongest value comes from the amount of activity. A single zipline can feel expensive if you wait longer than you ride. Here, the nine-line format gives you repeated time on the course, while the bridges and other elements keep the outing moving in different ways.

The price also works better if you plan to make this one of your main New River Gorge activities. If you see it as a quick stop between other attractions, the length and cost may feel harder to justify. If you want a dedicated half-day of high-altitude adventure, the number of elements makes the package more persuasive.

Photos and videos cost extra or are otherwise outside the included package. I would not count on having extensive personal footage during the active parts, since your hands and attention are needed for the course.

Who should book this experience?

I would recommend this tour to adults, families with eligible children, and friend groups who enjoy a mix of speed, height, and playful competition. It is particularly well suited to people who want more than a scenic viewpoint and like the idea of racing companions on dual lines.

It may also suit first-time zipliners who want several chances to get comfortable, provided they meet the weight and age rules and are not deeply uneasy with heights. The repeated zips can help you settle into the equipment after the first run.

I would be more cautious if you are booking for someone who dislikes suspended bridges, free falls, or high launch platforms. The course reaches 750 feet and includes several types of exposure. The nine ziplines are a strength for thrill-seekers, but they also mean you cannot simply treat the activity as one brief challenge.

The minimum weight is 70 pounds and the maximum is 250 pounds. Children must be at least eight years old, and anyone under 18 needs an adult companion. These rules can affect a whole family’s plans, so check each participant before reserving.

Timing, cancellation, and planning tips

Set aside the full 3.5 hours, with extra time around the scheduled start for the shuttle and safety setup. Morning and afternoon departures are usually available, giving you some flexibility when building a day in the park.

You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option also lets you hold a place without paying at the time of booking, which is useful when your West Virginia plans are still changing.

Bring closed-toe shoes and wear clothing suitable for active movement. The provided details do not list other required items, so avoid packing for this as if it were a relaxed sightseeing stop. Your main job is to arrive ready to listen, move, and spend several hours in the course.

Should you book the New River Gorge zipline tour?

Book it if you want a full, active half-day above the gorge, with nine ziplines, two swinging bridges, a drop tower, and a forest swing. The variety and the duel lines give you more to do than a basic zipline outing, and the gravity-braking system keeps the equipment simpler.

Skip it if heights make you genuinely uncomfortable or if you want a quiet park experience. The $111 price is reasonable for the amount of included activity, but only if you will use the whole package. For an adrenaline-focused visit to New River Gorge National Park, this is a strong choice, especially when a lively guide such as Liz is leading the group.

FAQ

Where is the zipline tour located?

The tour is based in Oak Hill, West Virginia, and takes place in New River Gorge National Park.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts about 3.5 hours.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $111 per person.

How many ziplines are included?

The course includes nine ziplines, including dual zips where you can race another person.

Are sky bridges part of the tour?

Yes. The experience includes two swinging sky bridges.

What should I bring?

You must bring closed-toe shoes.

What are the age and weight requirements?

Participants must be at least eight years old and weigh between 70 and 250 pounds. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.