Few things compare to the pure adrenaline rush of flying 500 feet above the forest floor, taking in unobstructed views of the Great Smoky Mountains. At Legacy Mountain Ziplines, we offer an epic adventure spanning 7 lines across 4.5 miles of high-flying excitement. It’s easily one of the most thrilling things to do in Gatlinburg Tennessee, whether you’re hanging with friends or looking for an epic family adventure.
For those planning their first high-altitude flight, a few practical questions naturally come to mind. Chief among them: What do I wear to stay comfortable and safe while ziplining? This is a good question because when you’re secure in a harness and flying at speeds up to 50 miles per hour, your clothing choice directly impacts your safety and comfort. To help you prepare for takeoff, we’ve put together the ultimate guide on what to wear ziplining so you can maximize your fun on the premier Smoky Mountain ziplines.
Wear secure closed-toe shoes (sneakers or hiking boots), fitted athletic bottoms (leggings, joggers, or longer shorts), and a sleeved top. Avoid sandals, tank tops, loose short-shorts, and dangling jewelry — anything that can slip, chafe under the harness, or fall 500 feet into the forest.
Before you even look at your closet, let’s talk about your feet. When it comes to ziplining in Gatlinburg, footwear is the single most strict rule we enforce. All riders must wear secure, closed-toe shoes. Flip-flops, sandals, slides, chacos, and Crocs are prohibited on our course. There are several safety and mechanical reasons for this rule:
Lace up a reliable pair of tennis shoes, sneakers, or lightweight hiking boots. Make sure they are tied securely before you head up the mountain.
Choosing your zipline outfit revolves around the safety gear. When you arrive, our professional guides will fit you into a heavy-duty, commercial-grade seat harness, chest harness, and helmet. The seat harness features thick nylon straps that wrap around your waist and tightly secure around your upper thighs.
Because the straps must be pulled tight to keep you safe, your clothing needs to act as a protective barrier to prevent chafing and pinching.
We highly recommend wearing longer athletic shorts, capris, leggings, or durable pants. Denim jeans work perfectly fine, as do flexible cargo pants or athletic joggers.
What to Avoid: Short-shorts or loose running shorts with wide leg openings. The harness leg loops will inevitably cause short clothing to ride up, leading to skin irritation from the nylon straps. Furthermore, avoid exceptionally baggy pants that could get tangled in the buckles.
A standard t-shirt, polo shirt, or long-sleeve athletic shirt is ideal. Layering a shirt with a collar can also add a bit of comfort against the harness straps.
What to Avoid: Tank tops, camisoles, or sleeveless shirts. The chest harness includes straps that rest over your shoulders. Direct contact between the heavy straps and bare skin can cause friction or irritation as you move along the lines.
Before our guides tighten your harness straps, you must completely empty your pockets. Any items left in loose pockets—like car keys, wallets, or pocket knives—will be pressed uncomfortably against your body by the harness. Worse, they can easily slip out mid-flight. If you lose something over the valley, the forest floor does not give it back. Keep your pockets empty! You can use our secure storage areas or leave valuables locked in your vehicle trunk.
The Great Smoky Mountains are famous for their microclimates. The weather at our base camp can feel completely different from the weather up on the high ridges. When you are flying hundreds of feet in the air, the wind chill factor changes rapidly. Here is how to adjust your wardrobe based on the season:
Ziplining is one of the best things to do in Gatlinburg TN during the spring and fall, especially when the foliage is changing color. However, these seasons bring crisp mountain air. We recommend dressing in layers. A breathable, long-sleeve base layer paired with a zippered windbreaker or a light fleece jacket is perfect. If you get warm, you can shed a layer before harnessing up.
Summers in Tennessee are beautiful but can be warm and humid. Stick to lightweight, moisture-wicking athletic gear that breathes well. Light colors are excellent for reflecting the sun while you wait on the platforms.
A common question we hear is: What happens if it rains? Our tours operate rain or shine. The only time we pause operations is if there is lightning or dangerously high winds in the immediate area.
We like to call a rain shower "liquid sunshine." A damp cable actually reduces friction, which can make for a faster, even more thrilling ride across the valley. If the forecast calls for scattered showers, bring a breathable rain shell or a light waterproof jacket. Getting a little wet is just part of the outdoor adventure!
An amazing zipline experience means wearing the correct clothes and bringing the right accessories—and knowing exactly what to leave behind. Use this quick checklist before you arrive at check-in:
When parents are researching things to do in Gatlinburg with kids, safety and clear guidelines are always the top priority. Our course is engineered to the highest structural standards, which means we have firm physical requirements to keep everyone safe:
Now that you know exactly what to wear ziplining, you have already handled the hardest part of the preparation. Our professional, ACCT-certified guides will take care of the rest, ensuring your harnesses are double-checked, your helmets are secure, and your flight across the sky is completely seamless.
Legacy Mountain Ziplines is consistently rated as one of the best things to do in Gatlinburg TN, meaning our tour slots fill up incredibly fast during peak summer, spring break, and the fall leaf-peeping seasons.
Don't miss your chance to see the Smokies from 500 feet in the air. Head over to our booking page, pick your tour time, dress the part, and get ready for the flight of your life!
