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What to Wear Ziplining in North Carolina: Clothes, Shoes & Gear Guide
Ziplining in the North Carolina High Country is an active, hands-on experience. What you wear can make a real difference in how comfortable your day feels. You'll spend much of your visit in a full-body harness and helmet, so clothing and shoes that fit well and move easily will let you focus on the experience instead of your outfit.
This guide covers what to wear for ziplining in the Boone and Blowing Rock area, which shoes work best, what to leave behind, and how to dress for each season. It also includes the specific requirements at High Gravity Adventures, so you'll know exactly what to expect when you arrive.
What Should I Wear for Ziplining in the North Carolina Mountains?
Wear comfortable, active clothing that lets you move freely and fits well under a full-body harness.
- Athletic or outdoor clothing with a full range of movement
- Pants or longer shorts, which tend to be more comfortable under harness straps
- A shirt with full coverage, such as a T-shirt or athletic top
- Secure, closed-toe and closed-heel shoes
- Layers you can add or remove as mountain temperatures change
At High Gravity Adventures, every guest is outfitted with a full-body harness and helmet before heading to Ground School. Because the harness fits around your legs, waist, and shoulders, longer shorts or pants and shirts with good coverage are usually the most comfortable choice.
Mountain weather can shift over the course of a few hours, especially in spring and fall. Checking the forecast before you leave and bringing a light layer is an easy way to stay comfortable from check-in to your final zip.
What Shoes Should I Wear for Ziplining in Boone, NC?
Wear secure athletic or hiking shoes that are closed at both the toe and the heel.
- Athletic shoes or trail runners
- Hiking shoes or light hiking boots
- Any sturdy shoe that laces or fastens snugly to your foot
Shoes to avoid:
- Sandals, including sport sandals
- Slip-ons, slides, and clogs
- Loose-fitting shoes that could come off while you're moving
High Gravity Adventures requires all guests to wear closed-toe, closed-heel shoes. Sandals and slip-ons are not permitted for any activity. This applies to the High Altitude Zip Line Tour, both adventure parks, and the Giant Swing.
If you would feel comfortable wearing your shoes on a short mountain hike, they are likely a good choice for ziplining. The most important thing is that they fit securely and stay on your feet as you move.
What Should You Avoid Wearing While Ziplining?
Avoid anything that could catch on equipment, come loose, or fall from height.
- Loose or dangling jewelry, including rings, bracelets, and long necklaces
- Scarves, long accessories, and loose drawstrings
- Unsecured footwear
- Anything in your pockets, including items in zippered pockets
At High Gravity Adventures, pockets must be completely empty before you gear up. Even a zippered pocket can come open, and anything that falls could land on someone below. Guests are also asked to remove loose jewelry and wear long hair in a low ponytail before gearing up. If you are unsure about an item, the simplest option is to leave it in your car or store it in one of the on-site lockers before you begin.
What Should You Wear Ziplining in Each Season?
Dress for the forecast on the day of your visit and bring a light layer or rain jacket in case conditions change.
Spring
Spring temperatures in the High Country can vary widely from morning to afternoon. Comfortable pants or longer shorts with a lightweight shirt and a removable layer work well. Cool breezes and spring showers are common, so a rain jacket is almost always worth bringing.
Summer
Summer is the easiest season to dress for. Lightweight, breathable clothing and comfortable athletic wear are the most common choices. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in the mountains during summer, so check the forecast before you arrive.
Fall
Fall brings cooler mornings, mild afternoons, and some of the best views of the year. A base layer with a light jacket or fleece gives you the flexibility to adjust as the day warms up. You typically don't need heavy winter clothing, but it's worth checking the temperature before you leave.
Keep in mind that rain alone does not stop operations at High Gravity Adventures as long as visibility is good and temperatures aren’t too cold. Lightning, strong winds, dense fog, and extreme cold can pause or delay activities. If weather does interrupt your reservation, the team will work with you to rebook or provide a voucher.
What Should You Bring With You Ziplining?
Bring only what you need, and plan to leave personal items on the ground before you gear up.
· A phone or camera for photos from the ground and observation deck
· A GoPro with a chest harness or helmet strap mount, if you'd like to record your adventure
· Glasses secured with a strap, if you need them
· Sunscreen for time spent outdoors
Phones and cameras are welcome from the ground, the basecamp observation deck, and the surrounding green space, but they are not permitted in the air. GoPros are allowed on the course only with a chest harness or helmet strap mount. Adhesive or sticky mounts are not permitted.
You also don't need to worry about capturing the moment yourself. High Gravity Adventure’s guides take photos throughout your tour, so you can stay focused on the experience. After your adventure, you can purchase individual images or your full photo album to take home and share.
High Gravity Adventures offers small lockers at no charge for a limited number of personal belongings, and there is a water fountain on-site for refilling bottles.
What Else Should You Know Before Ziplining in Boone, NC?
A little preparation before you arrive helps your visit go smoothly from check-in to your final zip.
Check the weather
Look at the forecast the morning of your visit and dress for the expected conditions. For more details on how weather can affect your adventure, review the High Gravity Adventures weather policy before you arrive.
Complete your waiver ahead of time
Every participant needs a completed waiver before gearing up. You'll receive a waiver link in your confirmation email, and filling it out before you arrive saves time at check-in. Guests under 18 need a parent or legal guardian to sign for them.
Arrive on time
Plan to arrive at or before your reservation time. Reservations cannot be guaranteed for late arrivals. It's also a good idea to use the restroom before gearing up, since you won't be able to once your harness is on.
Know the participation requirements
Make sure everyone in your group meets the requirements for the experience you've booked. For the High Altitude Zip Line Tour, participants must be at least 7 years old and weigh between 75 and 265 pounds. Guests ages 7 to 10 must be accompanied by a ticketed adult. All guests are weighed discreetly at check-in, and requirements vary by activity, so review the details for your specific experience before your visit.
Ready to Go Ziplining in Boone, NC?
High Gravity Adventures is located between Boone and Blowing Rock, next to Tweetsie Railroad, making it an easy addition to a High Country itinerary.
Choose the season that fits your trip, check the current schedule, and reserve your adventure in advance. Then get ready to see the Blue Ridge Mountains from a completely different perspective.
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