If you’re planning on going ziplining soon but have noticed the forecast is calling for rain, you‘re probably wondering if ziplining is safe in the rain. The short answer: ziplining can be safe—and a lot of fun—on most rainy days. As you decide whether to reschedule or stick to your ziplining appointment, review our guide to making the most out of ziplining in the rain.
Is It Safe to Zipline in the Rain?
Yes! Unless you’re dealing with heavy rains, lightning, and/or strong gusts of wind, ziplining in the rain is safe. When you’re ziplining with a reputable company, you can expect to be just as safe in light to moderate rain as you would in bright and sunny conditions.
Do Ziplines Run in the Rain?
Yes, many ziplines remain operational in light to moderate rain. However, any responsible zipline weather policy will include a rule about shutting down the line if there’s lightning close by, heavy rain, or lots of wind.
How Does Rain Affect a Zipline?
A wet cable changes the feel of the ride, but light to moderate rain can still make for a memorable run. When it rains, the line becomes slick, which actually can make the zipline move a bit slower. Though the ride can be a little slower, the slightly reduced speed can lead to smoother launches, softer landings, and extra time to take in the views. (The cooler air and lighter crowds can be a bonus, too!)
Can You Zipline in the Snow?
In the winter, some ziplines stay open, even when it’s snowing. Like with rain, you can expect ziplines to stay open in light or moderate snowy conditions. However, expect a zipline to close when there’s heavy snow, powerful gusts of wind, or other dangerous conditions.
Rainy-Day Zipline Checklist
Whether you’re going alone or ziplining with your family, a few small items can make a rainy tour feel easy, even if you get misted the whole time. If you want to stay comfortable and dry in the rain while ziplining, use the following checklist to make sure you’re fully prepared before you go:
- Shoes with solid tread so you feel stable on platforms and transitions.
- Light rain layer that keeps you warm without restricting movement.
- Dry change of clothes for the ride home or your next stop
- Small towel so you can dry your hands or wipe down gear when needed.
- Secure storage for your phone so you can keep both hands free.
10 Tips for Ziplining in the Rain
While you plan to zipline in the rain, you can make the experience safer and more enjoyable by following a few key best practices. Below, you can review our guide to the top 10 tips for ziplining in the rain:
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1. Wear Footwear With More Grip
During the rain, closed-toe shoes with solid tread are essential, as they help you stay stable on wet ladders, bridges, and platforms. Older or easy-to-clean pairs are a smart choice since courses can get muddy and stain footwear. Shoes with good traction also make loading and landing feel smoother when surfaces are slick.
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2. Choose Comfortable, Rain-Ready Clothing
Go with quick-dry layers you don’t mind getting wet. Skip short shorts, skirts, dresses, and loose items that can ride up or snag. A secure outfit keeps harness straps where they belong, reduces chafing, and helps you focus on your launch and landing.
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3. Bring a Poncho or Lightweight Rain Jacket
A simple poncho or lightweight rain jacket keeps the chill off and helps you stay comfortable longer in light to moderate showers. Pack a small towel and a spare change of clothes for after the tour so you can warm up quickly and head to your next stop feeling dry.
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4. Check Your Harness and Gear
Before you strap into your first zipline, confirm your harness is snug and all required equipment is secure. If you add or remove a layer, ask a guide to recheck the fit. A quick adjustment early prevents shifting mid-ride and keeps safety systems working as intended.
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5. Watch Your Footing on Platforms
Since wet wood and metal can be slick, make sure to walk carefully, use handrails, and keep a steady stance while waiting for your turn on platforms. Give the person ahead of you space so no one rushes, and step forward only when you have a clear path to the launch point.
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6. Follow Guide Signals Closely
Keep in mind that rain adds ambient noise and can reduce visibility. Listen for instructions, watch hand signals, and wait for a clear go-ahead from your guide before leaving the platform. Coordinated communication keeps spacing consistent and landings clean.
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7. Secure Phones and Cameras
If you want to take photos, make sure your camera or phone is attached to a chest mount, lanyard, or other device that will keep it secure. After you take a few pictures, stow the device in a zippered pocket or fanny pack so both hands are free for braking or platform transitions. Remember that safe landings matter more than taking a picture at the perfect angle.
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8. Stay Aware Without Getting Tense
If a shower picks up mid-course, make sure to stay calm. Maintain your grip on approved handholds, keep your posture steady, and continue at a normal pace to the next platform. At the platform, a guide will decide whether it’s safe to proceed or if you’ll need to pause until conditions get better.
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9. Dress for Mud and Puddles
Expect splashes on trails and bridges between lines while it’s raining. Long socks, quick-dry pants, a brimmed cap, and a poncho or light rain jacket make waits more comfortable and keep rain out of your eyes. Small comfort choices add up over a multi-line tour.
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10. Embrace the Rain for Extra Fun
Forests and ridgelines feel different in the rain, with cooler air, softer light for photos, and often fewer crowds. Lean into the atmosphere and let the sounds and misty views turn the ride into a calm, memorable adventure.
FAQ
Can You Zipline in a Thunderstorm?
No. Thunderstorms and lightning are a common reason courses pause or shut down for safety.
What If It Starts Raining Harder Mid -Tour?
Keep moving calmly to the next platform, and follow the guide’s instructions. Guides will determine whether it’s safe to continue or whether the tour should pause.
Is Ziplining in the Rain More Slippery?
Surfaces like platforms and walkways can be slick in rain, which is why traction, steady movement, and following instructions matter.
What Shoes Should You Wear to Zipline in the Rain?
Closed-toe shoes with solid tread are ideal. Avoid anything slippery, open, or easy to lose traction in.
What Should You Bring to Zipline in the Rain?
A lightweight rain layer, a dry change of clothes, and a way to keep your phone secure go a long way.
Should You Reschedule If Rain Is in the Forecast?
Light rain can be fine, but storms, thunder, lightning, high winds, and heavy downpours are strong reasons to reschedule.
What Happens if Weather Changes During a Zipline Tour at WildSide
If severe weather happens during your zipline tour and we need to cancel, you’ll receive a weather voucher from WildSide that’s good for up to a year.
Ride the Longest Zipline in North America at WildSide
If you’re looking for ziplining in Pigeon Forge, TN, WildSide has you covered rain or shine. When you visit our adventure park, you can ride our dual ziplining course, MegaZip. At 5,771 feet long, MegaZip is the longest zipline in North America, and you can soar down it at top speeds of 55 mph, taking in unforgettable views of the Smoky Mountains. Alongside being home to MegaZip, we also have UTV tours and 11+ miles of mountain biking trails.
Learn more about MegaZip today. If you’re ready to reserve your spot on the line, please book an appointment.