Zip lines and ropes courses offer a unique blend of physical challenge and exhilarating fun, and New Jersey is home to some of the best aerial adventure parks on the East Coast. Whether you’re looking for a thrilling zip line tour with panoramic views or a family-friendly ropes course with a variety of obstacles, the Garden State has something to get your adrenaline pumping. From the mountains of Vernon to the shores of Cape May, here’s a look at some of the top spots to experience a high-flying adventure.
TreEscape Aerial Adventure Park
Tucked away in Vernon, within the scenic Highlands region, TreEscape Aerial Adventure Park is a true haven for climbers of all skill levels. This park boasts eleven different ropes courses, each color-coded to indicate increasing difficulty, ensuring that everyone from beginners to seasoned pros can find a challenge. For those who live for speed and heights, the dedicated zip line course, known as the Black Creek Flyer, offers an unforgettable ride through the forest canopy. The park also hosts popular “Night Climbs,” transforming the experience with the added thrill of navigating obstacles under the stars. The park operates from May to November, with night climbs and group bookings available on select dates.
Mountain Creek Zoom Ziplines
Also located at the sprawling Mountain Creek Resort in Vernon, Zoom Ziplines provides a breathtaking guided tour that is perfect for those who want to soar rather than climb. After a scenic gondola ride to the mountain top, adventurers are treated to unrivaled panoramic views of the tri-state area. The tour consists of a series of zip lines ranging from 200 to 1,500 feet in length, suspended high above a picturesque mountain-top lake. This is a must-do for anyone seeking a true thrill and an incredible perspective of the area’s natural beauty. It’s also an ideal activity to combine with a resort getaway for a full weekend of fun.
The Mainland Adventure Park
For a unique coastal adventure, head to The Mainland Adventure Park in Manahawkin. This park offers a fantastic mix of activities, including a multi-level ropes course with over 50 aerial challenges. The main attraction for zip line enthusiasts is the one-of-a-kind zip line that takes you on a thrilling flight directly over the go-kart track below. It’s a fantastic spot for families and groups, as the park also features a climbing wall, go-karts, an arcade, and even an on-site pub and hotel, making it a perfect destination for a full day of entertainment.
Tree To Tree Cape May
Nestled within the Cape May County Park & Zoo, Tree To Tree Adventure Park provides an exciting ropes course experience in a beautiful, natural setting. This aerial course offers six different color-coded routes, with varying levels of difficulty designed for adventurers aged 7 and up. The park’s attractions include zip lines, nets, tightropes, and Tarzan swings. What makes this location truly special is its setting within the zoo, providing an opportunity for a complete day of family fun that combines animal encounters with aerial excitement.
Diggerland USA
While known as the nation’s only construction-themed amusement park, Diggerland USA in West Berlin also features one of the world’s tallest ropes courses. Towering four stories high, this impressive structure is not for the faint of heart. Climbers, securely strapped in a safety harness, can navigate a series of rope ladders and bridges to reach the top. With a height minimum of 42 inches to climb with an adult, it’s a great challenge for older kids and adults alike. Plus, the park offers a variety of other unique attractions, including a rock-climbing wall and a brand-new water park.
Essex County TreeTop Adventure Course
Located next to the Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange, this aerial obstacle course provides a fun and accessible option for families. The park features two distinct courses: a junior course for younger adventurers with 15 elements and a main course for adults with 30 different challenges. Both courses include a thrilling zip line that stretches over a football field in length. The proximity to the zoo makes it easy to combine a day of animal viewing with some high-flying fun.
Jenkinson’s Adventure Lookout Ropes Course
For a beachside adventure, look no further than Jenkinson’s Adventure Lookout Ropes Course in Point Pleasant Beach. Situated right on the boardwalk, this family-friendly ropes course offers two different levels to accommodate a wide range of ages and sizes. The Junior Adventure Course is perfect for smaller children, while the 36-foot-high main course provides a more significant challenge for older kids and adults. With cargo nets, wobbly bridges, and a zip line, it’s a fantastic way to take a break from the sand and surf.
FLG X Adventure Course
For those with older kids and a love for nature, the FLG X Adventure Course in Ledgewood is an excellent choice. This park is designed to challenge climbers with a series of courses that feature 10 to 17 different obstacles. With a minimum age of 9 and specific reach requirements for safety, this course is geared towards more serious adventurers. After a brief training session, participants are set free to tackle the challenges at their own pace.
No matter which park you choose, a day of zip lining and ropes course climbing is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors and challenge yourself. From the mountains to the shore, New Jersey offers a wide array of aerial adventures for the entire family. For more ideas on how to have fun in the state, visit our entertainment page.
