Blog for Zipline Attraction in the Smoky Mountains
Located in Pigeon Forge, TN and near Gatlinburg and Sevierville.
5 Types of Zipline Riders You will Meet in the Smoky Mountains
By Ross Bodhi Ogle
Posted on September 11, 2018
Every day at Smoky Mountain Ziplines, guests arrive ready for adventure, excitement, and unforgettable mountain views. Some visitors show up completely fearless. Others are a little nervous before stepping onto the first launch platform. And many discover that ziplining is even more fun than they expected.
After watching thousands of guests soar through the trees over the years, we've noticed that most zipline riders tend to fall into a few familiar personality types. Some guests carefully follow every instruction while others treat the experience like a mountain roller coaster through the sky.
Of course, every rider is different, and many people probably fit into more than one category. But if you've ever gone ziplining before, there's a good chance you'll recognize yourself somewhere on this list.
If you haven't experienced ziplining yet, your next Smoky Mountain vacation might be the perfect opportunity to find out exactly what type of rider you are.
1. The Perfectionist
The Perfectionist wants to do everything exactly right from the very beginning. These riders pay close attention during safety instructions, double-check every piece of equipment, and carefully follow every guideline from the zipline guides.
When they launch from the platform, their form is nearly flawless. Legs crossed correctly. Hands positioned exactly where they should be. Eyes focused ahead. If the natural motion of the cable spins them backward unexpectedly, they immediately try to correct themselves and regain perfect positioning.
What makes The Perfectionist fun to watch is that they often become more confident with every line. By the final zipline, they're usually smiling, laughing, and already thinking about how to improve their technique next time.
At Smoky Mountain Ziplines, our guides always appreciate guests who pay attention to safety while still enjoying the adventure.
2. The Screamer
You can usually identify The Screamer before they even leave the platform.
These guests react loudly to every second of the experience. The moment their feet leave the deck, the screaming begins and often continues all the way to the landing platform.
Sometimes the screams come from excitement. Sometimes they come from nervous energy. Most of the time, it's a little of both.
The funny part is that many Screamers land with huge smiles on their faces and immediately ask to do it again. Their reaction may sound dramatic in the moment, but it's usually a sign they're having an unforgettable time.
Ziplining high above the trees with panoramic Smoky Mountain scenery creates an adrenaline rush that many guests simply cannot contain.
3. The Stoic
The Stoic approaches ziplining with calm confidence. These guests rarely show strong emotion during the experience, even if they're secretly enjoying every second.
While other riders are screaming or laughing, The Stoic quietly glides through the air without much reaction at all. They maintain a composed expression and often land looking completely unfazed.
But don't let the calm exterior fool you.
Many Stoics absolutely love ziplining. They simply experience the adventure differently. Instead of reacting outwardly, they tend to quietly appreciate the scenery, the sensation of flying, and the overall experience.
These riders often become some of the most loyal repeat guests because they genuinely enjoy outdoor adventure activities throughout the Smoky Mountains.
4. The Clinger
The Clinger is perhaps the most relatable zipline rider of all.
These guests are excited about trying something new, but they still feel nervous about stepping off the platform for the first time. Even though they may be anxious, they deserve a lot of credit because they choose to face their fears and experience the adventure anyway.
Once airborne, The Clinger usually grips the harness tightly while soaring through the trees. Some riders even keep their eyes closed for portions of the ride.
Of course, we always encourage guests to take in the scenery whenever possible. One of the best parts of ziplining in East Tennessee is enjoying spectacular mountain views, dense forests, and the natural beauty surrounding the area.
The nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers some of the most beautiful scenery in the country, and ziplining provides a completely different perspective of the Smoky Mountain landscape.
Many Clingers actually transform into Daredevils by the end of their tour once they realize how much fun they're having.
5. The Daredevil
The Daredevil is completely comfortable with speed, heights, and adventure.
These riders often treat each zipline like a thrilling mountain flight experience. They're the most likely to yell “Woo-hoo!” while racing through the trees or spread their arms wide to enjoy the sensation of flying.
Daredevils tend to relax completely during the ride because they quickly become comfortable with the equipment and movement of the line. While they still follow all safety instructions carefully, they fully embrace the excitement of the experience.
Adventure travelers visiting Pigeon Forge often fall into this category, especially guests who already enjoy activities like mountain coasters, whitewater rafting, hiking, or ATV tours.
For these riders, ziplining becomes one of the highlights of their Smoky Mountain vacation.
Why Ziplining Is One of the Best Smoky Mountain Adventures
No matter which category fits you best, ziplining remains one of the most exciting ways to experience the Smokies.
Unlike many attractions, ziplining combines outdoor scenery, adrenaline, and family-friendly fun into one unforgettable activity. Guests can enjoy incredible mountain views while safely soaring through the forest canopy alongside experienced guides.
Pigeon Forge is filled with exciting things to do, but ziplining offers a perspective that few other attractions can match. It's an adventure that creates lasting memories for families, couples, friend groups, and first-time visitors alike.
If you're planning a Smoky Mountain getaway, adding a zipline tour to your itinerary is a great way to experience the natural beauty and excitement that make this area so popular year after year.
And who knows? You might even discover that you're more of a Daredevil than you expected.
Ready to find out what type of zipline rider you are? Book your next adventure with Smoky Mountain Ziplines and experience one of the top outdoor attractions in Pigeon Forge.
Related Posts:
- What to Expect on Your First Zipline Adventure in the Smoky Mountains
- Smoky Mountain Adventures Guide
- How to Spend a Full Day in Pigeon Forge Tennessee
- Things to Do in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge & Sevierville
