If you’re seeking a heart-pumping outdoor adventure near Galena, Illinois, Long Hollow Canopy Tours offers a compelling option. This zipline experience combines adrenaline, stunning natural scenery, and a touch of daring, making it a favorite for those who want more than just sightseeing. We’ve looked into the tour details, reviews, and what you can expect—so you can decide if it’s right for your next trip.
Two things stand out right away. First, the guided team is praised for their professionalism and encouragement, making even the most nervous feel confident. Second, the views from the treetops are described as breathtaking, especially on the longer ziplines and the iconic 1,250-foot descent. One possible consideration? The activity requires a good level of physical activity and active participation, which might be a challenge for some travelers. This tour is best suited for adventure seekers, outdoor lovers, and families with older kids or teens (14 and up) who want to add a thrill to their Illinois trip.
Key Points
- Thrilling ride: Six ziplines with speeds up to 40 mph and heights reaching 75 feet.
- Unique features: Includes a suspended 140-foot skybridge, rappel, and optional “Free Fall” jump.
- Guided safety: Well-trained guides provide thorough safety briefings and encouragement.
- Scenic routes: The tour offers impressive forest views and a UTV ride through the woods.
- Group size: Limited to four participants, ensuring personalized attention.
- Cost and duration: At $103 per person for 2.5 hours, it’s a solid value for adrenaline and scenery.
Starting Off with a UTV Ride
Your adventure begins with a UTV (Utility Task Vehicle) ride through the woods, which sets the tone for an active outdoor experience. This off-road journey takes you to the first zipline platform, giving you a taste of the natural surroundings before the aerial fun begins. The ride is not only practical—getting you to the start point—but also enjoyable, offering a glimpse of the woodland landscapes that will be your backdrop during the tour.
Travelers often appreciate this aspect, as it adds an extra layer of excitement and immerses you early into the wilderness. One reviewer mentioned that the team did a great job providing a fun and safe ride, highlighting the professional guidance from start to finish.
The Ziplines: A Series of Heights and Lengths
The core of the experience is the six ziplines, each designed to progressively get longer and faster. The longest zipline stretches an impressive 1,250 feet, providing ample opportunity to feel the wind in your hair and see the forest canopy from a new perspective. Speeds can reach up to 40 miles per hour, meaning these rides are as exhilarating as they sound.
What we love about this setup is how the tour is carefully paced—each zipline builds excitement and confidence. The guides are attentive, ensuring safety while encouraging participants to enjoy the ride. The reviews echo this sentiment, with one traveler noting that the guides did everything possible to make the experience fun and memorable, even for those who were initially inexperienced.
The Skybridge and Rappel: Adding Variety and Challenge
One of the tour’s highlights is crossing the 140-foot suspended skybridge. Walking across this swaying, panoramic structure is a delightful mix of anticipation and awe—an experience that elevates the adventure beyond just flying through the treetops.
Following that, you’ll rappel 40 feet down from a tree-based platform, which adds a different kind of thrill—more controlled than a free fall but equally exciting. This rappel is a great way to practice safe descending, and guides are there to assist.
The “Free Fall” Option: A Heart-Pumping Exit
For those craving an extra shot of adrenaline, the tour offers an optional “Free Fall” jump as your grand finale. If you choose this, you’ll leap from a platform into the forest, providing a true adrenaline rush. Alternatively, you can opt for a traditional rappel to exit calmly.
One review noted that participants appreciated the guides’ professionalism and encouragement, which helped even the inexperienced feel comfortable with the more daring options. The choice between a free fall or a standard rappel allows you to tailor the experience to your comfort level.
More Great Tours NearbySafety and Guidance
The tour is led by two trained canopy guides committed to safety and fun. They conduct a ground school at the start, where they teach and coach you through the basics of ziplining and rappelling. Passing this safety briefing is mandatory, so expect to demonstrate your readiness before flying off.
Guides are praised for their patience and helpfulness, making a potentially intimidating activity accessible to everyone in your group. They’ve also received constructive feedback, such as the suggestion to use brightly-colored gloves for easier communication—small details that can enhance the experience.
What’s Included and What You Should Bring
The tour includes all necessary safety equipment, a comprehensive briefing, and guided supervision throughout. The UTV ride to the course is part of the package, adding a rugged touch to your outdoor adventure.
Before you go, remember to wear comfortable clothing suitable for the weather, and closed-toe shoes are a must. The activity is physically active, so be prepared to reach your arms above your head and move around comfortably. No open-toed shoes or smoking, alcohol, or drugs are allowed, for safety reasons.
Who Will Enjoy This Tour?
This zipline adventure is ideal for adventure enthusiasts, families with teens (14+), and those looking to challenge themselves physically and mentally. The small group size (limited to four) ensures personalized attention, making it a safe and fun environment for first-timers and experienced thrill-seekers alike.
While not suitable for pregnant women or those with back or medical issues, most active and healthy travelers will find this a memorable outdoor experience.
Long Hollow Canopy Tours offers a well-rounded, thrilling experience that combines adrenaline, scenery, and safety. The professional guides and carefully designed course make it accessible for newcomers while still providing enough excitement for seasoned adventurers. The scenic views from the ziplines and the distinctive features like the skybridge and rappel ensure this isn’t just another zipline tour—it’s a full outdoor adventure.
At $103 for 2.5 hours, the tour offers a lot of value, especially considering the inclusion of multiple ziplines, a UTV ride, and optional daredevil jumps. It’s an activity that will leave you with stories to tell, some great photos, and a sense of achievement.
This experience is best for those who enjoy active pursuits, want a safe environment guided by experts, and appreciate the beauty of Illinois’ woodlands. It’s a fantastic way to add a dash of adventure to your trip, whether you’re visiting Galena, nearby Dubuque, or just passing through.
Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour is designed for participants aged 14 and up. Younger children are not permitted unless accompanied by a supervising adult.
How much does the tour cost?
The price is $103 per person, which includes the zipline experience, UTV ride, safety gear, guides, and other features.
How long does the tour last?
The activity typically runs for about 2.5 hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy each part without feeling rushed.
What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes are required. Dress according to the weather, as you’ll be outdoors and active.
Can I do the “Free Fall” jump?
Yes, the tour offers an optional “Free Fall” jump as your exit if you’re seeking an extra adrenaline boost. You can also choose to do a traditional rappel instead.
What safety measures are in place?
Guides are trained and provide a safety briefing at the start. All equipment is provided, and passing the ground school is mandatory before participating.
Is there a weight limit?
Participants must weigh between 70-250 pounds. Weighing is discreetly done during check-in.
Are there any health restrictions?
Participants should be in good health, able to reach their arms above their head, and not under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medications that impair activity.
In sum, if you’re craving a fun, active, and scenic outdoor activity that combines multiple thrills with safety, Long Hollow Canopy Tours near Galena is a fantastic pick. It offers a memorable way to enjoy Illinois’ woods and get a healthy dose of adrenaline—all guided by friendly, professional staff dedicated to your fun and safety.
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