Now, Historic Banning Mills has it all. It's by no means a place just for kids. Just the opposite in fact. Guinness Book of World Records measured and proclaimed the Screaming Eagle Zip Line Canopy Tour at Banning Mills “The Longest continuous Zip-Wire (line) course / tour, in the world,” featuring six different adventure levels and nearly 40,000 lineal feet. In addition, Banning Mills has the World’s Tallest Freestanding Climbing Wall, standing at 140-feet tall (14 stories); the Sky Trek bridge (which is 600-feet-long, over 180-feet-high, and travels over Snake Creek Gorge with breathtaking views); team building and GPS Trek courses; two Aerial Adventure Parks; and a 100 foot Power free fall. There's something for thrill-seekers of all ages! (I'm happy to stay on level 1, thank you very much!)
LEVEL 1 FOREST TOUR
My husband and Drew started the day with the Level 1 Forest Tour. It features 9 zip lines, one or two Sky bridges and a cool tower. The Forest tour and the NEW Woodland tour, are designed with families in mind and a lower weight limit of 50 lbs. Tour Time: 1 1/2 - 2 hours. Please Note: You will need to be 8 years old. Minimum weight is 50 lbs and max weight of 250lbs for ladies and 285lbs for men for this Adventure. Price: $49 per person. **You can upgrade to the next tour at the end of every tour as you progress, if time allows and you meet the weight/age requirements!
Drew said climbing up the bridge (pictured above) to the first zipline was the scariest part. After that, no problem!
Jack and I hung back in the lodge and played on the giant checkers board, shot some pool, and took in the view of the beautiful Snake Creek Gorge from rocking chairs. We were perfectly happy waiting for our own adventure to begin.
CRAZY SQUIRREL VILLAGE
Banning Mills now offers a new two-tiered obstacle course adventure exclusively for children ages 4 and up. (I personally think 4 is a little young - but you know your own children. It was tough!). The lower tier allows the smallest of thrill-seekers to experience the rush of adventure on their own size scale, while the upper tier is reserved for the “big kids.” The course includes kid-friendly aerial elements, shorter sky bridges and zip lines. We only experienced the lower tier this time - but Drew will be old enough for the upper tier in May, and I'm sure we'll go back!
Our adventure started with a ground-level lesson on how to use the snap hooks and belay system. Since Drew and Ken seemed to know exactly what they were doing, I just figured I'd rely on them to help me through - and boy did I!
Four in a tree!
Teamwork...family style (I was probably bringing up the rear when this was taken)
Jack on a bridge - so brave! This is about when it started to rain, well pour!, on us.
Fun Nets!
TFearless Drew on the tightrope
They call Crazy Squirrel a children's course, but I think that's just because children CAN participate. It was plenty challenging enough for me! This was a great family "teambuilding" activity. It was pretty funny when the four of us were all standing up in one tree together, ready to cross a bridge, or tightrope - to get to the next zipline. And I definitely needed help - from my 8-year-old, to figure out the snap-hook system. It wasn't until we were halfway through the course that I understood what I was doing. I just put my trust in my kid - and he hooked me up (literally) every time.
I don't have an after "group" photo because we were drenched and rushing to get warm and dry! But we still had a blast, even in the pouring rain.
COST / ADDITIONAL INFO
The “Crazy Squirrel” children’s course is $19.95 per person and provides 2 1/2 hours of fun. Children at a minimum age of 4 are invited to experience five zip lines and six aerial elements with height ranges from four feet to 20 feet off the ground. Kid’s age 4 to 9 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Children over 9 may go out by themselves but must be able to reach up 44 inches.
The “Aerial Gauntlet” (a wild adventure in the trees) is $49.00 per person and lasts up to 3 ½ hours. Up to six more zip lines and 35 additional thrill elements allow children ages 9 and up to soar 15 to 60 feet off the ground. Those 9 to 11 years of age must be accompanied by an adult while those 12 and up can venture out on their own, but must be able to reach up 70 inches. Guests who can’t get enough in-air action can try both courses with the “Combo Tour” for $59.00 per person.
Both courses have a 100% continuous attached “Smart” belay system for maximum safety, and CPR and Wilderness First Aid trained guides are always present. This helps to reassure parents that the children cannot unhook themselves from any part of the course. Safety and fun are the two most important things at Banning Mills, and this new adventure will ensure kids and parents have both.
MAKE IT A WEEKEND
We weren't able to spend the night this time, but the treetop cottages sure looked relaxing and the lodge/cottage rooms would be great for a quick family getaway (there's even an olympic-sized swimming pool for hot summer days). Maybe this summer...Drew's ready to go back and take on the upper tier Aerial Gauntlet. He also is very excited to try out the climbing wall. The 14-story high wall features 9 climbing lanes to include 2 rappel walls, up to 95ft. All climbs are staff assisted. Reservations required. You must weigh at least a minimum of 60lbs (maximum of 285lbs). Participants must be at least 8 years old to try the wall. A one-hour climb is $30 person. Longer climbs available as well.
ABOUT BANNING MILLS
Historic Banning Mills Adventure, Retreat and Conservation Center is a 501c3 non- profit organization located in the beautiful Snake Creek Gorge of Carroll County, Georgia, and is approximately 19 miles south of Douglasville and 45 minutes west of Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson airport. Proceeds from the retreat and adventure treks are used to subsidize the educational, leadership and conservancy programs. Historic Banning Mills also has lodging and meeting room options, Day Spa opportunities and live Bird of Prey educational shows and two falconry programs. There is a little something for all outdoor enthusiasts at Historic Banning Mills. For additional information, reservations or lodging options, please visit www.historicbanningmills.com or call 770-834-9149.
* Our visit to Banning Mills was complimentary in exchange for this review. Opinions, however, are entirely my own.
Now on to this week's edition of SVM Macaroni Kid.
But first...here are the winners of this past week's giveaways!
- Anne G. won 4 tickets to the Georgia Renaissance Festival
- Amy H. won 2 tickes to Green Day's American Idiot at the Fox Theatre May 1st.
- And there was a surprise FACEBOOK FAN giveaway (be sure to follow our page). Tabitha W. also won 4 tickets to the Georgia Renaissance Festival!
It's going to be a wonderful weekend! Get out an enjoy it!
Michelle
