Nestled in the heart of Central Florida, The Canyons Zipline and Adventure Park in Ocala offers visitors a unique, adrenaline-pumping experience unlike any other in the region. Known for its breathtaking views and blood-pumping zipline tours, the park, per their website, “are some of the reasons why we are a nationally recognized and award-winning adventure park.”
The zipline courses make up four different tour options to choose from: Big Cliff Canyon, which offers nine ziplines, the Best of the Best with six, Treetop Express with five and Sky High with three, which feature multiple lines that soar over canyons, lakes and dense forests. The Best of the Best tour is offered both during the day and at sunset while the Treetop Express offers their Full Moon tours on the Fridays closest to the full moon. The park also offers the longest, tallest and fastest ziplines in the state of Florida, with one line reaching a height of 155 feet and one line spanning a length of 1,150 feet.
“It’s one hundred percent natural, other than the ziplines we put up.” Said Kenny Custon, Human Resources and Operations Manager. “It is unlike anything in Florida because of the elevation change and, frankly, a lot of folks don’t even realize we’re back here, which is crazy. We’re like the hidden gem in Florida and once they get out there, they’re blown away.”
While the park’s crown jewel is its zipline courses, The Canyons also offers suspension bridges, kayak tours and even tours by horseback, allowing guests to explore the unique landscape from different perspectives. Each activity showcases the park’s unique landscape, which includes a series of limestone canyons, spring-fed lakes and dense foliage.
“We have a sunset tour now as well that folks aren’t really familiar with. New thing we’re doing [sic].” Said Custon. “Twice a month. The Best of the Best tour. We’re doing it at sunset and it’s pretty awesome.
The Canyons Zipline and Adventure Park also prioritizes safety, with experienced guides leading each zipline tour. Guests are fitted with professional-grade equipment, and all activities are conducted with strict adherence to safety protocols.
“We went through a really really extensive training course in order to do this.” Said James Huston, a guide on the ziplines at The Canyons. “It was what? A 40 hour – 40 hours.”
“Yeah, it was two weeks.” Caleb Nichols, who also works as a guide on the ziplines, said.
“It was two weeks,” Huston continued. “We did whole day that was just maneuvering the clips, making sure all that stuff, so we have all the safety stuff burned into our minds [sic].”
Since opening, the park has attracted both locals and tourists. It serves as a destination for families, corporate events and even adventurous couples looking for a memorable outing.
“We have people that are coming out because they’re trying to conquer their fears.” Said Nichols. “We also get people that are just seeking out thrills.”
“I’ve been seeing a lot more people that are simply thrill seekers coming out lately.” Said Huston. “When I first got here, I felt like every other tour was a lot of “scaredy cats” trying to learn how to get over their fears and that’s really respectable.”
The Canyons Zipline and Adventure Park is located at 8045 NW Gainesville Rd, Ocala, FL. It is open year-round, with reservations recommended for zipline tours and other activities.
For more information or to book an adventure, visit the park’s website at zipthecanyons.com or call (352)-351-9477.
