Key Takeaways
A single line zipline keeps you moving in one continuous zipline ride, so you spend less time waiting on platforms and more time in the air.
A longer run gives you time to take in panoramic views rather than just getting a quick snapshot.
First-timers often feel calmer on one long flight because the ride gives you time to steady your breathing and build confidence mid-glide.
MegaZip’s high-speed zipline design pairs sustained speed with steep grade and vertical drop, creating a bigger thrill without repeated restarts.
Simple prep, like wearing closed-toe shoes, sets you up for a smooth landing.
Ziplining isn’t one single kind of adventure. The format you choose shapes the whole experience, from what you notice on the way down to how confident you feel after takeoff. For instance, WildSide’s zipline, MegaZip, offers a single-line experience that spans over a mile, making the ride feel far different compared to standard zipline tours with multiple stops.
If you’d like to know why MegaZip is so special, learn more about how MegaZip’s continuous ride compares to a standard course with multiple lines and platform stops.
What Is MegaZip?
MegaZip is the longest continuous zipline in America, sending you more than a mile down the Smokies in one continuous ride built for speed and views.
Instead of moving from line to line, MegaZip is designed as one continuous zipline ride on a single long cable. The flight stretches 5,771 feet, hits speeds up to 55 mph, and features a vertical drop of more than 1,000 feet. It also offers four side-by-side lines, so groups can ride together, plus a self-braking system that lets you choose full-throttle speed or slow down to take in the scenery.
MegaZip vs. Standard Zipline Courses: What Actually Changes
A multi-line zipline course is all about variety. If you’re weighing a single long zipline vs multiple lines, you’re really choosing between a continuous zipline ride and a course with natural pauses between runs. You get several rides, different angles, and a paced progression that can feel like a series of mini milestones. A single long zipline ride is built for flow. You commit once, glide for longer, and stay immersed without repeated stops.
Neither format is “better” in every situation. The better choice depends on what you want your day to feel like.
If you love the idea of multiple launches, quick bursts of adrenaline, and plenty of breaks for photos and group cheering, a standard zipline course can be a good fit. If you want one unforgettable flight, where the moment doesn’t reset every few minutes, a MegaZip-style ride brings a different kind of magic.
5 Benefits of MegaZip vs. Standard Ziplines
If you’re deciding between one long ride and a more traditional course, learn more about the top five benefits of picking MegaZip:
1. A More Immersive Ride With Smoother Flow
A single long zipline keeps the zipline experience continuous. You clip into a harness, launch, and stay in an uninterrupted ride and a continuous flight instead of restarting the adventure several times.
On a multi-line course, the pacing naturally shifts between “go” and “pause.” In contrast, a single long ride leans into momentum. There’s less waiting, fewer resets, and more time spent doing the thing you came for, helping you fully immerse yourself in the experience.
The result is a ride that feels more like flying and less like a collection of separate moments.
2. Panoramic Views You Actually Have Time to Notice
On a single-line scenic zipline, especially a mountain zipline, the view isn’t just a backdrop. Short lines can deliver amazing scenery, but they often end before your brain fully settles into the experience. You launch, you react, and you’re already arriving.
A long ride changes what you notice. Once the initial adrenaline spike levels out, you start to take in the landscape in layers. Ridgelines look wider. Valleys look deeper. The view becomes more panoramic than snapshot, and those panoramic views have time to sink in.
3. A Calmer Confidence Curve for First-Timers
It sounds counterintuitive, but long can feel easier.
On a short run, the ride can feel abrupt. You barely have time to adjust your breathing, posture, and grip before it’s over. If you’re a first-timer, that quick start and quick finish can feel like a blur.
A long ride gives you space to settle in. The first few seconds are still a rush, but after that, many riders find a rhythm. As beginners get used to the ride, they’ll find that their shoulders relax and breathing steadies, giving them greater confidence for their next zipline experience.
MegaZip also includes rider control as part of the experience. With a self-braking system, you can choose your pace, which can feel reassuring when you want to ease into the sensation rather than go full throttle from the start.
4. More Thrill Per Ride With Bigger Speed and Drop
Thrill comes from more than height. Speed, steep grade, and vertical drop shape how intense a zipline feels, and a longer run gives those factors more room to build sustained speed.
MegaZip is designed to deliver that signature rush as a high-speed zipline. The ride spans 5,771 feet, reaches speeds up to 55 miles per hour, and drops more than 1,000 feet in vertical drop. That combination turns the run into an adrenaline rush and a true thrill ride moment, with sustained speed that lasts long enough to enjoy the ride and the view.
A standard multi-line course can absolutely be thrilling, especially when it includes several different lines with different slopes and launch points. A single long ride simply concentrates the experience into one bold flight, so the thrill builds and stays with you longer.
5. A Better Shared Experience With Side-by-Side Riding
Some of the best zipline memories come from sharing the moment.
On many courses, riders launch one at a time. That can be exciting in its own way, especially if your group loves hype and encouragement from the platform. However, a side-by-side ride creates a different vibe. You launch together, react together, and land with the same story to tell.
MegaZip features four parallel lines, which makes it easy to turn the flight into a shared moment. If you’re riding with friends or family, side-by-side runs can make the experience feel more social, more playful, and more memorable.
Quick Prep Checklist for the MegaZip
A great zipline experience starts before you clip in. Before you ride MegaZip, prepare for it by following these tips:
- Wear closed-toe shoes with a secure fit, so you feel stable from the moment you step into your harness.
- Dress in layers, because higher elevations can feel cooler, even when it’s warm down in town.
- Tie back long hair, secure loose items, and keep pockets empty so nothing distracts you mid-ride.
- Arrive early, since a calm check-in and a clear safety briefing set the tone for a smoother experience.
- Plan for weather shifts, because most rides can run in light rain, while severe weather like thunderstorms or high winds may pause operations.
FAQs
Is A Single Long Zipline Scarier Than Multiple Shorter Lines?
A single long zipline often feels smoother once you launch, since you stay in one continuous glide instead of repeating the start over and over.
Some riders prefer shorter lines because each ride ends quickly. Others prefer a long run because the first seconds are the most intense, and the rest feels calm and controlled. If you’re nervous, look for a setup that includes a thorough briefing and a pace-control option.
Does A Longer Zipline Mean You Go Faster?
Not necessarily. Length doesn’t automatically mean faster, since speed depends on slope, design, and conditions, but longer rides often have more time for speed to build.
A longer run can feel faster simply because you experience the acceleration for longer. The overall sensation also changes when the ride has a bigger drop, since gravity does more of the work.
Can You Control Your Speed On A Zipline?
Some ziplines include a braking system that lets riders control pace, while others rely on guide-controlled braking at the end of the line.
If controlling your speed matters to you, ask how braking works before you book. Pace control can be a comfort feature for first-timers who want to take in the view without feeling rushed.
What Makes A Zipline Feel Smooth Instead Of Abrupt?
A smooth zipline experience comes from a steady launch, consistent glide, clean braking, and a smooth landing, plus enough ride time to settle your body mid-flight.
Short lines can feel abrupt because the end arrives quickly, which compresses the experience. Longer lines often feel smoother because there’s more time in the glide phase, where your posture relaxes, and the motion becomes predictable.
Is MegaZip A Good Choice For First-Time Zipliners?
Yes! MegaZip can be a great first zipline because it’s one continuous ride, with time to settle in, and a self-braking setup that supports a more controlled pace.
If you’re new to ziplining, focus on the basics. Listen closely during the safety briefing, keep your body position as instructed, and choose a pace that feels comfortable. Confidence often builds quickly once you’re in the air.
What Should You Wear For A High-Elevation Zipline Ride?
Wear athletic clothes you can move in, bring layers for cooler air at elevation, and choose closed-toe shoes with a secure fit.
Avoid anything overly loose that might flap or distract you. If you run cold easily, a lightweight jacket can make a big difference, especially while you’re waiting at the launch area.
Can You Ride Side-By-Side With Friends Or Family?
Yes!
Some zipline experiences, like the MegaZip, offers parallel lines that let you ride side-by-side, making the moment feel more social and memorable.
If riding together is important, check the tour description before you book. Side-by-side options can be especially fun for groups, couples, and families who want to share the launch and the landing.
Take Flight on America’s Longest Zipline at WildSide
If you’re interested in riding America’s longest zipline, make sure to visit MegaZip in Pigeon Forge, TN. Our single-line zipline gives you the chance to reach speeds of 55 mph while traveling nearly 6,000 feet down the cable. With four side-by-side lanes, MegaZip also makes it easy to enjoy the experience with friends and family while racing them down the line. Alongside being home to MegaZip, WildSide also offers UTV tours and tons of mountain biking trails through the Smokies!
Learn more about MegaZip today. If you’re ready to book your visit, please review our tickets online.