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From the category archives:

1. The Navitat Experience

Welcome to the New Navitat.com!

Welcome to the newest version of Navitat.com! We hope you love it as much as we do!

With the goal of thrilling, educating, and inspiring our guests, we know delivering on that promise starts right here—with an online experience that is second-to-none!

So go ahead—please take a look around! Here are just a few things that are brand new to the Navitat Canopy Adventures website:

Still to come?

We’ll announce information about our newest tour—a massive mountaintop zipline experience with awesome 360-degree views, currently under construction.

There’s also a new, online “Interactive Tour” in the works, where we’ll walk you through what a day at Navitat is really like! You’ll learn what to expect, get really excited, and be fully prepared for your day of ziplining with Navitat near Asheville, NC.

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Not Just Any Ol’ Zip Line Tour

The zip line canopy tour industry is growing rapidly in North Carolina.  While that’s very exciting for our beautiful state, it means a bit of research is required of potential customers when deciding which tour would be the best Asheville zip line to meet their needs.  We at Navitat definitely encourage you to do some research prior to making a reservation with any zip line tour provider.

Now, we’re going to have to toot our own horn just a bit because, well, we don’t want anyone missing out on the Navitat experience.  We do tree-based adventures–and only tree-based adventures. It’s our focus, our passion, and our expertise. While other “adventure providers” are getting in on the zip line trend because it’s the “hot” thing to do right now, we were born to do tree-based adventure. Why? Because we believe that experiencing trees from a new perspective can be thrilling, educational and, ultimately, inspiring.

Here, to assist you in choosing an Asheville zip line tour for your next adventure, are a list of reasons that zip lining at Navitat exceeds guests expectiations time and time again.

OUR GUIDES

1. We have THE BEST GUIDES! No really, they are so GREAT! Aside from being just generally awesome, interesting, and exciting people, they also have some serious skills. That’s right! Our guides have to complete a rigorous 70 hour technical and educational training program before becoming guides.  Their safety training comes directly from our COO who serves on the Operations Certifications Standard Committee of the Association for Challenge Course Technology. Their ecological training comes from a Master’s Level Ecologist that works for Navitat fulltime developing our educational and environmental programming. We hear our guides being praised so often that most of their ears must be constantly on fire.  Yes, they really are that good.  Don’t believe it?  Check out the reviews on Trip Advisor and Yelp.

OUR SITE

2. When you’re on a Navitat Asheville zip line tour you are immersed in nature, taking in nothing but gorgeous views and fresh air.  Sure, we’re 20 minutes North of Asheville, but trust us, that short drive is so worth it when you’re staring at a 6000 foot peak with not a building in sight.  You will see no houses or man made structures once you’re on our course… just trees and views for days.  In fact, we’re so off the grid that most people can’t even get cell phone service. But don’t worry, if you can’t go a second without updating your status, we do have a welcome center where you can stay plugged in.  All in all, this place we call Moody Cove is magical.

OUR COURSE

3.  Stats?  Oh, our stats are good.  Really good! You want height and speed?  We’ve got a lot of both and some length too! Did we mention we also have rappels and sky bridges? We have 10 zip lines, 2 sky bridges, and 2 rappels.  Our zip lines are as long as 1100 feet and as high as 200 feet off the ground.  And let’s not forget that they’re entirely tree-based.  You won’t be zipping from platforms in poles that were placed there in the last couple of years.  You’ll be zipping from platforms in large hundred plus year old trees that have withstood the test of time (and weather)!

OUR GUESTS

4. In the end, Navitat exists because of people like you–people interested in experiencing the world (and particularly trees!) from a brand new perspective. And because we love our guests, we take care of ‘em… and we do it better than anyone else in the area.

We have smaller group sizes than the other Asheville zip line tours.  Our tours have a maximum of 8 people  (rather than 10-12 like the others).  This allows for increased safety, less crowded platforms, and an overall more personalized guest experience.

Our cancellation policy is the most generous we’ve heard of in our industry.  We understand that things come up. We want you to be happy and ready for your Navitat tour, so as long as you cancel more than 72 hours in advance of your tour time, you will receive a full refund.  We do operate rain or shine here, (zipping in the rain is fun!) but if severe weather comes up, we’re sometimes forced to cancel your tour.  We wish we could wave our magic wands Harry Potter style and make every day brilliant for you, but since we can’t, we’ll offer you a rain check or full refund should we have to cancel due to severe weather.

Add all of these reasons to a longer tour with higher, faster zip lines and more course elements and you can see why Navitat is worth every penny!

Join us this season and see for yourself why we’re not afraid to claim that Navitat is the BEST zip line tour around! BOOK YOUR TOUR NOW!

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Hey Atlanta zip line fans! Head for the hills!

Hey Atlantans! Get out of the city and head for the hills – to the Blue Ridge Mountains of Asheville, NC, a short (and scenic) 200 mile drive from home.

When you get here, you’ll want to make sure you see our beautiful mountain home from every possible angle, so be sure to join us in the trees to zipline at Navitat Canopy Adventures. Located just 20 minutes from beautiful downtown, Navitat’s home — Moody Cove — is a special place. Here, you’ll find an adventure tour nestled seamlessly into the natural environment. As many have said, it just seems like it “belongs here.” Hidden among 242-acres of wilderness, you’ll feel worlds away from the hustle and bustle of life in busy Atlanta.

Navitat Asheville, NC Zip Line Near Atlanta, GA

Why is Asheville the perfect destination (and Navitat the perfect adventure) for our friends from Atlanta? Because our cities are in the midst of a blossoming love affair. It’s true!

Last year, the folks over at the Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau (you know them online as the awesome www.exploreasheville.com) even brought Asheville to Atlanta with their clever “30 Days of Asheville” campaign. The CVB, with the help of Asheville residents, took to the road to share a taste of Asheville with you, our friends just a little further south. From fabulous food and brew, to art, music and incredible outdoor adventure offerings, Asheville has it goin’ on (if we do say so ourselves).

So Atlanta, Georgia residents: Make your way to Asheville, North Carolina. The Paris of the South. You’ve just gotta experience this place firsthand. And then, find your way just a little further north to Navitat Canopy Adventures, the area’s only zipline canopy tour featured on CNN, in The New York Times, and called “one of the best in the nation” in USA TODAY. In true southern hospitality, the trees will welcome you. We promise.

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Navitat Asheville Zip Line Adventure is Perfect Getaway for Charlotte Residents

Hey Charlotte residents — Looking for a way to REALLY have some fun (and do something adventurous) on your weekend getaway? Head west to Asheville and to the treetops of Navitat Canopy Adventures! From downtown Asheville, take a quick jaunt north on I-26 West to exit 15, where you’ll find Navitat’s flagship location, the premier zip line canopy tour adventure in the Southeast. From downtown Charlotte to Navitat, it’s an easy 2 to 2.5-hour drive. You can find directions here.


Of all the zip lines in NC (and there are quite a few), Navitat is the only one to have been featured on CNN, in the NY Times, and called “one of the best in the nation!” in USA TODAY. We’re proud of this distinction, and we know this recognition comes as a result of hard work and having the best leadership team and staff in the industry. Partnering with our sister company, Bonsai Design, Inc., (folks who really know how to build a zip line) sure doesn’t hurt, either! Add a bunch of fun into the mix, and we’re sure thankful to be ziplining through the mountains of North Carolina every day.

So Charlotte friends, considering a day trip, weekend getaway, or extended vacation close to home? Plan a trip that includes ziplining near Asheville with Navitat! Just read what travelers are saying about us, browse our website to learn more, and then book your tour. We can’t wait to welcome you to the trees for the area’s only 100% tree-based zip line canopy adventure.

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Plan Your Fall Zipline Adventure Now

Ziplining through the trees at Navitat Canopy Adventures is a great way to experience Southern Appalachia’s spectacular fall color show each year. Navitat offers a unique perspective of the fall leaves — and because our tree-based adventure combines both a thrilling and educational nature experience, fall is one of our most popular tour seasons!

Throughout the year, tours book up fast… but that’s especially true during the month of October. Check out our new Fall Video to get a glimpse of zipping at Navitat in the fall, and then plan your adventure today!

Navitat Asheville – Fall in the Mountains from Navitat Canopy Adventures on Vimeo.

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Family Vacations – Navitat Style

Suddenly, Mom and Dad are cool again.

One of our favorite perks of being in this adventurous business is watching the ways people are drawn together because of the Navitat experience. This is especially true of families. Because folks must weigh at least 90 pounds to participate in our tour, most of the adventure-seekers we welcome are at least 10 years old; the bulk of youngsters are teenagers accompanied by their parents.

It’s a fun scene to watch unfold:

In walks a family, whether on vacation or locals on a day-trip adventure. The parents might be nervously stepping outside of the box with this experience, or maybe they are pro-adventurers… either way, many kids tend to have the same expression pre-tour. The expression says something like, “We’re going ziplining. Sure, it’ll be fun, but I’m not going to act too excited. After all, I’m stuck chillin’ with Mom and Dad.”

But then they meet their Canopy Guides. And get geared-up. And then they head up the mountainside in an all-terrain vehicle. “Maybe this is gonna be fun…”

By the time they’re zipping across the first few ziplines, something awesome happens… they’re smiling. Real smiles. (Yes, teenagers smiling!) Mom and Dad are laughing. Everyone’s learning something new. And it is fun. And suddenly, Mom and Dad are cool again. At least a little.

Navitat Canopy Adventures exists to to provide immersive, engaging and educational nature experiences. We get the pleasure of providing this experience in a thrilling and fun way. While crossing 10 ziplines, 2 bridges, rappelling and hiking, groups experience the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Southern Appalachia’s forests in an entirely new way. And for families, it’s a brand new way to get away for a few hours, reconnect, and cheer each other on. The result is truly (honestly!) life-long memories. You can’t beat that.

For more information, including how to book your Navitat adventure, click here.

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Local Influencers Thrilled with Their Navitat Adventures

Navitat recently invited folks from the local hospitality industry to visit us and experience our tour for the first time. It was so fun to see local Bed and Breakfast owners, hotel managers, and their staff get together for an adventure in the trees. We’ve gotten a lot of great feedback from these folks. Here, just a few of the highlights:

“You guys have done a wonderful job setting up the course. Lots of thought and nice touches. The guides were also first rate (as well as the rest of the staff) and I could see that the rest of my group was also having a great time.”

“I just wanted to thank you for an amazing and exhilarating experience for all of us. Who would have thought that a lady who is normally running around in heels would love it…I was STOKED! I want to commend your staff for their professionalism. We all had a sense of the safety-first factor they were constantly aware of and using. I felt safe and in good hands at all times. We will not hesitate to recommend Navitat to all our guests, family and friends.”

“We’re deeply impressed with the safety and quality of the experience, and especially thought the guides were knowledgeable, professional and calm (that’s a nice quality when your own heart is pumping a zillion beats a minute!).”

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Make Plans for Your Zipline Adventure Now!

As we head into Fall, all area authorities have announced that this year, it’s shaping up to be an amazing, colorful fall season. The weather and other conditions have come together just right to ensure a brightly colored haven of crisp autumn leaves, and since this is Navitat’s first fall, the excitement in the air is palpable. Most people consider leaf season to run from October through the second week of November, although it can run longer or shorter. To all the zipline enthusiasts looking forward to taking advantage of the leaf season tours, that means it’s time to make your plans!

With the recent national exposure and positive reviews we’ve been receiving, Navitat has definitely seen an increase in reservations. While we still have room for many more new visitors, certain days and times have filled up, so it is best to plan upcoming fall visits soon. After all, once the leaves drop, there won’t be another leaf season for 12 months – and there will never be another “first” leaf season at Navitat.

If leaf season does seem like it may pass you by, however, there are still lots of great reasons to experience the Navitat adventure during November, our final month of the 2010 season. Some people plan to time their visit for just after leaf season, when all the leaves have dropped to the ground to crinkle underfoot. With the empty treetops, visitors will have a sensation of being even higher up than normal, and a chance to experience a unique view of the forest and surrounding areas.

Whether your goal is to view the colorful leaf season, experience the biggest thrills, or simply to check out a treetop adventure for the first time, this fall is great time to do it! We’re looking forward to seeing you at Navitat!

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K-8 Becomes Kate, a Part of the Navitat Family

As we began the building and planning process here at Navitat, one of the first steps was bringing a certified arborist out to inventory the trees. They completed their inventory, and let us know which ones are sustainable, strong and healthy enough for our activities. During that process, each tree is labeled with a letter and number. Tree K-8 became one of our favorites, and is now known as Kate.

Kate is the site of one of our most unique platforms, and actually boasts a double platform. As a 130-foot tall Tulip Poplar, Kate is certainly large enough to house two platforms! We built a log staircase in the trunk that takes guests from one platform to the next, and it’s become a favorite of most guests. Several have remarked that Kate feels very Swiss Family Robinson, and we’re satisfied with that comparison. However she’s described, there’s no doubt that Kate is part of what sets Navitat apart from other canopy and zip line tours, and we’re thrilled to have her!

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Navitat Is Unique Among Canopy Tours

In the outdoor adventure industry, canopy tour is still a very loosely defined term that can be used to describe all sorts of courses. At Navitat, we consider ourselves a true canopy tour because guests aren’t just ziplining high above the ground, they’re doing it in a way that is truly canopy based. We haven’t just built towers and platforms in a parking lot, and erected telephone poles to hold our cables. In fact, that couldn’t be further from the Navitat experience. Instead, Navitat’s guests are treated to a well thought out course that’s seamlessly intertwined in its remote wilderness setting. Comparatively speaking, we’re unique in that we’re an excursion into an area of untouched wilderness. Your zipline views won’t include office buildings; instead, they’ll include the lush flora and fauna that Western North Carolina is known for.

The length and depth of the Navitat course also set us apart from other canopy tours. It takes a solid half day to complete our tour, during which time you’ll travel over 5,700 feet of cable. Our platforms are built into existing trees, and you often can’t see from one platform to the next, which means you’re not exactly sure where you’re headed as you zip off over the trees. That aura of possibility and mystery adds to the excitement of the tour, and is one of the things we love about our course. Because it was designed using the natural corridors of the forest, you can truly experience the vast area of Moody Cove the way it was meant to be seen.

Below, Abby Burt tells you more about canopy tours vs. zip lines, and some Navitat specifics!

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