Published: June 26, 2008 03:01 pm            

Zip it, zip it, zip it

ASHEBORO — For a family recreational outing that’s close to home, just zip on down to Richland Creek.

Opened last week, the Richland Creek Zip Line Canopy Tour is drawing rave reviews.

It’s a series of nine suspended cable rides over woods and fields, covering more than one-half mile in about two hours.

Owners Buddy and Joann Hammer invited Asheboro-Randolph Chamber of Commerce members and other guests to try out their zip line last Wednesday.

Reactions ranged from shouts of exhilaration to cries of panic.

“We had maybe 100 this morning,” said Joann Hammer of invited guests who took advantage of the opportunity to test the zip line tour. “They were people invited who helped us get started. Everybody’s been so supportive.”

She said she and her husband were looking for a way to use their rural landscape while preserving it. They visited the Carolina Zip Line and Canopy Tour in Surry County and “Buddy said we could do this.”

The Hammer property has been in the family for years, she said, and their children and grandchildren played on it. The couple wanted to find a way to use the land for recreation without damaging it.

“If it doesn’t work out,” Buddy Hammer said, “we could take down the cables and the land wouldn’t be damaged in any way.”

Visitors start off by doing the learners ride, hooking up harness to zip line from a platform and riding to another platform, where guides help them with their landing.

The canopy tour is on a series of cables of various lengths and speeds.

The Hammers have even built a swinging bridge near Mendenhall Waterfalls on Richland Creek.

The cable rides take riders through forests, fields and near the creek for birdseye views of the countryside. Plans are to add more sections.

“It was very easy, very fast,” said Kelly Carlisle of Randolph Bank, who admitted to a fear of heights and opted not to do the full tour. “It was cool.”

Mike Miller, president of CommunityOne Bank, did the complete circuit.

He said he prepared for Richland Creek by taking his family to the Surry County zip line.

“It’s a wonderful addition to the recreational community of this county,” Miller said. “I encourage everyone to try it.”

Miller said he was impressed with the attention to safety as well as tips on how best to have fun on the tour.

“I salute Joann, Buddy and the Hammer family,” he said.

Joann Hammer credits the county staff and Board of Commissioners for supporting them in their effort to develop the zip line. “I feel real good about our county, who help small business.”

The Richland Creek Zip Line Canopy Tour is open year-round. Call ahead for reservations.

The business employs six guides who are trained in safe operation.

At the foot of Purgatory Mountain, near the N.C. Zoo, the zip line is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week, weather permitting.

Tour charge is $50 for adults and $25 for children 12 and under. Special group rates are available.

Richland Creek Zip Line Canopy Tour is located at 2728 Fairview Farm Road.

From U.S. 64, take N.C. 42 east approximately five miles and turn right onto Fairview Farm Road.

Drive about one mile and the Zip Line is on the right.

        

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.