Mississippi’s Gulf Coast is home to a stunning array of flora and fauna. And there are plenty of ways to explore the region’s natural beauty, from blueway paddles, to hikes and bike rides.Yet, one of the most unique ways to get an up-close and personal look is on a Mississippi tree-top tour.Soaring above the trees on a ropes course offers a bird’s eye view of the state’s native cypress and gum trees. Luckily, South Mississippi is home to two world-class tree-top tour facilities, each offering fun, challenging and exhilarating adventures for visitors of all ages. Zip’N Fun Adventure Park, Mississippi, January 18, 2016. Photo by James Edward Bates.
From advanced courses 50 feet off the ground, to kid-friendly beginner tours just a few feet in the air, you’re guaranteed to find an adventure perfect for you and your family. Which Gulf Coast zip line tours should you explore? Here’s a look at the two most popular ropes course destinations in South Mississippi: Elevate Red Creek and Zip ‘N Fun Park.
Fun for the Whole Family at Zip ‘N Fun
Located just off Highway 49 in Gulfport, Zip ‘N Fun is a relatively new adventure park that’s quickly developed a reputation for fun and excitement.
The park – which neighbors the Gulf Islands Water Park – opened in 2016. Yet, visitors have been flocking here in droves to experience the park’s custom-designed tree-top courses.
Currently, there are two:
Tree Top Adventure Course – The park’s intermediate-to-advanced course offers an afternoon of exciting aerial challenges. With 50+ obstacles, games and challenges, including swinging bridges, zip lines, sky bridges and a signature Tarzan jump, the course challenges visitors of all ages. There are three routes you can take, with the longest taking about 3 hours to complete.
Junior Adventure Course – Have the little ones in tow? They’ll love the Junior Adventure course. All of the obstacles are situated just above the ground and are especially designed for the youngsters. Added bonus: Kids always have a guide close-by to promote safety and guide them safely through the course.
A day at Zip ‘N Fun doesn’t just offer fun and excitement – it also offers some of the best views Gulfport has to offer. And if you’ve never zip lined before, no worries! Your tour starts with an in-depth safety lesson to teach you all about your safety equipment. (You’ll be a pro in no time!)
What to Bring: Water and sunscreen come in handy, as well as a pair of sunglasses you might not mind losing! And be sure to bring your camera – the views are incredible.
What to Wear: Dress comfortably and wear a shoe you can be active in.
Reservations: Book online in advance for a price break; walk-ins are welcome too. Tours start at $24.99 for the Adventure Course. Tickets for the junior course start at $19.99.
Make a Day of It: Zip ‘N Fun is located adjacent to the Gulf Islands Waterpark, a great destination for families. Zip line in the morning and swim all day, or vice versa! It’s a perfect, fun-in-the-sun day for families.
Experience a Mississippi Blueway at Elevate Red Creek
Elevate Red Creek
You’ll find Elevate Red Creek north of Biloxi, just outside of De Soto National Forest. Located in a thicket of longleaf pine trees, the park is an off-the-beaten-path gem. And it’s the perfect day trip from Biloxi, as it’s just 40 minutes north.
The park offers truly epic courses that tower over the reddish waters of Red Creek. If you’re looking for a challenge, you’ll find it here, but there are also a few beginner courses as well. Elevate Red Creek is home to three courses:
Mockingbird – The perfect beginner course, the Mockingbird tour takes visitors on a low-hanging course with 17 challenges. The course sits just 3 to 10 feet off the ground, and features swinging bridges and zip lines. A real draw: The course is situated over a beautiful seasonal pond bordered by massive cypress and gum trees.
Kingfisher – Built for first-timers and seasoned zip liners alike, the Kingfisher course towers over Red Creek. (It’s 40 feet in height at its apex!) This course is a bit of a challenge, with 14 obstacles including wobbling bridges and climbing walls.
Osprey – The Osprey course is not for the faint of heart. The course is 5 stories above Red Creek at its tallest and features 21 challenges along the route, making it the perfect course for adventure seekers!
Elevate Red Creek’s scenic environs make this a truly one-of-a-kind tree-top experience. Its courses are demanding and tons of fun, and if you’re looking for a jaunt into the Gulf Coast’s backcountry, this is the adventure for you.
What to Bring: Pack a picnic lunch if you like; there are picnic tables available. Plus, sunscreen, water and bug repellent are recommended.
What to Wear: Dress comfortably and wear closed-toe shoes.
Reservations: Advanced bookings are strongly recommended, although walk-ins are welcome, too. Tickets start at $34.99, if booked in advanced. The junior course starts at $24.99.
Make a Day (and Night) of It: Elevate Red Creek has two on-site cabins, offering an overnight to relax in the beautiful pine forests around Red Creek. You can book an overnight online. Also, De Soto National Forest is nearby, which offers plenty to do and see. Take a hike in the afternoon, paddle Red Creek, or camp in the forest after your tree-top tour.
Soar Above the Trees in South Mississippi
If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind adventure, a tree-top tour is a great choice for the whole family. Not only do you get to explore the Mississippi Gulf Coast’s beautiful forests, but you’ll also come away with Instagram-worthy photos to make friends and family wish they were here.
Plan your Mississippi Gulf Coast vacation today! Visit GulfCoast.org to explore all there is to see, experience and eat along 62 miles of scenic shoreline.
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