It’s The Wilds as it’s never been seen before!
A 700’ Double Zipline over the 3rd Falls and back again!
You read that right! When this possibility was suggested, it was in the category of “dream your wildest dream.” A couple of our staff members struck up a “God-directed” conversation with some whitewater rafting guides whose seasonal work is with companies that engineer and construct the best ziplines and canopy tours on the east coast. Staff member Dan Brooks became acquainted with a builder/designer of zipline attractions, and asked him to take a look at our “improbable dream.” The expert came to the campsite and was able to immediately visualize the paths and structures. He was almost beside himself with excitement! He said it was not only a very feasible project, but raved that it could be the premier zipline in the eastern United States, bar none! At its highest point, the ride over the gorge would place the rider nearly 200’ over the deep ravine! An exciting 7 to 8% grade on the first leg of the zipline would give the rider a very quick descent over the gorge with a brief panoramic view of the 1st and 2nd Falls on the rider’s left and a swoop over the sudden, turbulent appearance of the white waters of the 3rd Falls on his right. The return trip, at a slower speed, would afford the rider a face-on view of the Olympian 3rd Falls that had previously only been available to passengers in a helicopter! Sign us up now! It’s The Wilds as it’s never been seen before! Well, maybe not quite so quick – read on.
Due to the magnitude of this project, the construction timelines and
engineering studies have to be completed and followed meticulously.
However, many of us at The Wilds are still shaking our heads at the
very good possibility that both of these two great new activities
could actually become realities by the summer of 2015! This would be
an outdoor activity at The Wilds that would provide a one-of-a-kind
experience, that would be safe, super-exciting, and put every camper
in touch with a sight that God alone could have made. The 3rd
Falls Overlook and the Toxaway Creek Gorge Double Zipline can
provide these and even more for every camper who comes to The Wilds!
The building materials and professional construction of both the
Overlook and the Double Zipline will cost approximate-
ly $160,000.
Some significant items in that cost include:
- 42 zipline safety harnesses ($200 each)
- Platforms and cables for the zippiness
($54,000 or $20 per foot) - 4 quality brake systems ($4,500 each)
- 42 helmets ($75 each)
- 42 heavy duty carabiners ($25 each)
Obviously, the construction of the zipline support structures, the installation of the zipline cables, the acquisition of the approved harnesses, and fine-tuning of the special braking systems will all be left to the professionals. Graciously, an estate gift of $60,000 from a couple who loved our mission and attended this place for decades, has been given for these projects. The remaining total is $100,000. Will you prayerfully consider partnering with us to bring this dream to a reality? I love this project because there is something for both the quiet, reflective,nature-loving casual hiker and the wide-eyed adventure lover. It is ambitious, but we believe it will bring great delight to teens and adults in the future ministry at this place we love. Even with all of the excitement about a unique project like this, The Wilds is, and will always remain, primarily focused on being the place to hear “the Truth of God with the love of God, so lives can be changed to the glory of God.”
That’s the best and most lasting view of all—the eternal view!