Gravity Zipline stands as the latest tourism venture that brings a new vision to lands that once brought economic benefit through mining. “This property was a working surface mine in the 1970s and was reclaimed in the 1980s,” said Dave Arnold, director of public relations for Adventures on the Gorge. “it has been restored to its natural contours and is a good example of how quickly nature heals itself.”
WVCA is pleased with the land’s new use as an adventure destination. “There is a special synergy between the tourism and coal mining industries in West Virginia,” said Bill Raney. “This is an exceptional example of how reclaimed land can continue to bring economic vitality to an area when it is repurposed for tourism.”
Gravity takes riders soaring a jaw-dropping 200 feet above the ground at its highest point. Riders start from a platform on one of the highest points above the valley on two consecutive warm-up zips, each about 500 feet long. Then, the real actions kicks in with the third zip crossing a distance of 1800 feet over the bowl of the mountain. The fourth and fifth zips stretch 1600 and 1300 feet, respectively, reaching heights of about 200 feet above the ground and speeds up to 45 miles per hour. Elevated above the trees, adventurers have unspoiled views of the ever-changing West Virginia forests as they scale the mountainside during their two-hour ride in the sky.
Gravity is open to all guests 12 years and older who meet the weight range requirements of 100-250 pounds. For more information visit: www.adventurewestvirginia.com
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