Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Huge Zipline Straddles Ohio - Fun and Educational Adventure

Ozone Zipline Adventures is the largest zip line canopy tour in the Midwest and it’s getting bigger. This April, Ozone will open two 1,500-foot-long lines which will be 200 feet above the Little Miami River.

“Each 1,500-foot-long line is longer than any single line on our existing course," said Jeff Merhige, Executive Director of YMCA Camp Kern which operates Ozone Zipline Adventures. YMCA Camp Kern, located just outside Cincinnati, Ohio, was founded as “Camp Ozone” in 1910 by Carl B. Kern on the shores of the Little Miami River.

The Ozone Zipline Adventures project is unusual because it is nestled alongside The Little Miami State and National Scenic River in Southwest Ohio, a hub of outdoor activities such as the Little Miami Bike Trail and  Morgan’s Canoe Livery and Fort. It is directly across from the North Watch of Fort Ancient, a world-renowned historical site that encompasses an enormous network of earthen mounds built by American Indians nearly 2,000 years ago. (There's a museum where you can learn more.) And of course Cincinnati is packed with fun family activities for all ages.



The combination of natural surroundings and sites (see the Google Maps image above) makes for a scenic, educational and adventurous fly-over. In fact, most of the out-of-town guests attracted by the current zipline have stayed overnight, says Merhige, and added canoeing, a visit to the Kings Island theme park or other attractions to their vacation.

What was already a fun day's outing is getting bigger and 'funner'. The first 1,500-foot-long line will start at the top of Ozone Tower, a multilevel platform tower where all tours begin. The zip line will connect to a platform on a designated tree on the Fort Ancient side of the river. From this platform, riders will connect to the second 1,500-foot-long zipline and zip back across the river.

The new lines will allow Ozone Zipline Adventures to offer three, hands-free, guided tours beginning April 1, 2011. The “Traditional Tour” will include seven zip lines and seven sky bridges. The new “River Tour” will include nine zip lines, nine sky brides and the nature trail. The new “Extended Tour” will include 11 zip lines, nine sky bridges and the nature trail. Educational displays about the area run throughout the tour.

Parents should note that riders must be at least 10-years old and weigh at least 80 lbs. because proper fit of the harness, gear and helmet is essential for safety.  All children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult or guardian on the tour.  Reservations are required, so plan ahead as the season is April 1 through December 12, 2011, seven days a week  (weather permitting).

The three-hour Zipline Adventure package costs $79/rider. Tuesdays and Thursdays during the school year, kids under 16 pay only $40 per child. Military members and their families can take $10 off. For more information visit www.ozonezips.org or call 513-932-3756.  For local area hotel packages, check in with Warren County Tourism Bureau.

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