Brent_Campbell's Blog

I certainly can't complain about my job!  I recently got the awesome assignment of finding some unique, fun places to show you.  The producers were quick to say not the typical, instead places off the beaten path.  They want places that have unique,unusal, different forms of entertainment and fun. I think on this first one...we succeeded!

 Carolina Ziplines is a fun place to spend some quality time with friends and family.  Believe it or not my photographer, Kenny, and I stumbled upon it by accident.  We were up near Hanging Rock State Park covering the search for a missing motorcyclist when owner Robert Nickell stopped us.  Robert and his wife Joanna built the zipline course and opened it in July.  They were proud to show it off and they should be.  If you saw the story you got somewhat of an idea of the views and how much fun it is, but I will admit on this one....TV does not do justice. 

First it's easy to get to!  It is really not far from anywhere in the Piedmont. We got a map set up next to the story for exact directions.   Second, it's just plain fun!  I will admit I am not a fan of hieghts. If I am more than a few feet up and not buckled or secured in, well let's just I get a litle weak in the knees. (I would never make it as a skyscraper window washer!!)  For this story,  I was worried about how high this would be off the ground!  But for the most part, it's really not bad.  You do feel secure. You're harnessed in and strapped to a security line the entire time.  You take a short hike to the top, and then zip your way down the course.  Platform to platform there's at least 11 different lines through the entire course.  Once you've zipped down the first one, any fear you have is gone!! You just want to keep going. It really feels like your flying!  After I did a few of the lines and got comfortable with controlling my speed, I could enjoy the views.  Soaring through the trees, the breeze against your face, and nothing but nature all around....it's just amazing!  I like to hike, but this is really a very different way to explore the woods from a whole new prespective. And as you go from platform to platform it is fun to watch those with you enjoy the views, laugh and smile.  Between each line you can talk about all you saw!  Not to mention, it doesn't take a lot of energy and is extremly calming and relaxing.   

Give yourself a good hour to get there (that's taking your time from most places around here).  Once in Stokes County, stop at the little store on Highway 66 before you get there, grab some ol' time snacks or maybe pack a lunch.   And then head to Carolina Ziplines and find out why all over the world ziplining is something people love.  You don't have to go out of state or country to experience it anymore!!

As for this travel segment of sorts, we would love to make it a regular. We have got more on the way and  I'll try to update you with each one.  I hope I can tell you a little more here than we can in the 2 minute story, and give you some tips about getting there, stops on the way and so on. 

To make this work....I need your help!!  If you have any ideas, remember family oriented, easy to get to, and fun most anyone can enjoy - PLEASE let me know!  bcampbell@wghp.com  I'd love to share some of the Piedmont' s hidden secrets! 

Let me know what you think of ziplining!  Safe Travels!