- Attraction: Navitat Canopy Adventures
- Location: 242 Poverty Branch Rd, Barnardsville, NC 28709
- Industry: Adventure Tourism
- Website: https://navitat.com
Picture yourself flying through ancient trees at breakneck speeds, suspended 350 feet above a pristine mountain wilderness. Navitat Canopy Adventures has been transforming ordinary visitors into human flying squirrels since 2010, when its ten owners (seven of whom are family members) discovered the spectacular 242-acre Moody Cove property after researching over 300 potential sites.
Located just 25 minutes north of downtown Asheville, this adventure outfitter has earned recognition as “one of the best in the nation” by USA TODAY and claimed the title of Best of Western North Carolina for eight consecutive years.
Nestled within one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth, Moody Cove contains some of the largest trees in the area, abundant wildlife, and rare plant species, all while offering spectacular long-range mountain views.
Whether you’re seeking an adrenaline rush or a unique way to experience the Blue Ridge Mountains, Navitat delivers an unforgettable journey through the treetops that will leave you planning your return visit before you’ve even touched the ground.
Signature Zipline Experiences
The Mountaintop Tour: This flagship experience features three massive side-by-side “racing style” ziplines, with the longest stretching an incredible 3,600 feet and soaring 350 feet above the forest floor – higher than the Statue of Liberty! You’ll launch from mountaintop to mountaintop, reaching speeds up to 60 mph while taking in jaw-dropping panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The side-by-side design means you can race friends or family members, adding a competitive element to the already thrilling ride.
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Keep Exploring →Treetop Express Tour: Perfect for families and those seeking a more immersive forest experience, this 90-minute adventure is 100% tree-based, featuring ziplines, bridges, and rope descents that keep you nestled within the canopy. You’ll travel from ancient tree to ancient tree, getting an intimate look at the forest ecosystem while still experiencing the rush of flight.
The Ultimate Adventure Package: For true thrill-seekers, this all-day experience combines both zipline adventures into one action-packed day, giving you the full spectrum of what Navitat has to offer. Many visitors rave about doing both tours, saying the combination provides the perfect mix of tree-based exploration and high-speed mountain-to-mountain flying.
Guided RTV Shadow Tour: Don’t love heights but still want to experience Moody Cove’s beauty? This 1.5-hour rugged-terrain vehicle excursion takes you to the same breathtaking viewpoints as the zipliners, complete with cultural and natural history narration from your personal Adventure Driver.
The Moody Cove Experience & Natural Setting
Ancient Forest Immersion: What sets Navitat apart is the educational component – guides are often forestry school graduates who share fascinating details about the local flora and fauna, regional history, and tree identification as you move between platforms. You’ll learn about native Appalachian species and the unique “rich cove” environment that makes this location so special.
Wildlife & Botanical Wonders: Guides point out clever adaptations like vines that attach themselves to saplings for natural support systems, and trees dubbed the “Charmin of the forest” for their incredibly soft leaves. The property is home to abundant wildlife and rare plant species that thrive in this protected wilderness setting.
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Discover MoreBreathtaking Mountain Vistas: The ziplines open up into valleys where you’re suspended way above ground with amazing mountain views spreading out on both sides. The dramatic elevation changes and pristine wilderness views create photo opportunities that will make your friends incredibly jealous on social media.
Adventure Van Rides: The journey begins with an adventure in itself – a thrilling ride up the mountain in specialized vans that some visitors describe as more nerve-wracking than the actual ziplining! These custom vehicles navigate steep mountain terrain to deliver you to your launching points.
Safety Standards & Visitor Experience
Industry-Leading Safety Measures: Navitat goes above and beyond standard safety protocols with features like grip bars during ziplining and thorough instruction on effective stopping techniques – safety measures that other companies often skip. Equipment is meticulously inspected every single morning, and guides ensure all gear is properly secured and fastened before each adventure.
Confidence-Building Approach: There’s even an “escape ramp” after the first zipline (similar to chicken exits at Disney World rides), though reviewers consistently note that virtually no one uses it once they experience the initial thrill. The guides excel at helping nervous first-timers push past their comfort zones, with many visitors who feared heights discovering they could accomplish far more than they initially believed possible.
Educational Adventure: This isn’t just about adrenaline – it feels like having knowledgeable tour guides zipping alongside you, sharing regional history, tree identification, and ecological insights that you wouldn’t expect from a typical adventure tour.
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Keep Exploring →Practical Planning Information
Pricing Structure: Tours start around $85 per person, which visitors consistently describe as “worth every penny” for the unique experience and professional operation. Adventure experiences typically begin around $110, with various seasonal discounts and promotional codes available for additional savings.
Physical Requirements: Participants must weigh between 90-250 pounds and be in good health, with full range of motion in arms, shoulders, neck, and back required. The experience accommodates various fitness levels, with guides able to recommend appropriate courses based on age, skill, and comfort level.
Group-Friendly Options: The tours work beautifully for multi-generational families, with one reviewer noting it was perfect for their children ages 11, 13, and 16 – “something all of us enjoyed doing together” which can be rare with that age spread. Corporate groups, bachelor/bachelorette parties, and birthday celebrations are all welcome with special group pricing available.
Seasonal Operations: The facility is open March through November, operating from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with reservations highly recommended to guarantee your adventure experience. Fall visits are particularly spectacular for experiencing the Blue Ridge Mountains’ famous autumn colors from an aerial perspective.
Convenient Location Access: Located in the quiet mountain town of Barnardsville, the facility offers a remote wilderness setting while remaining easily accessible from Asheville’s urban amenities.
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Discover MoreNavitat Canopy Adventures
📍 242 Poverty Branch Rd, Barnardsville, NC 28709
