The Longest Zipline in the United States Zooms You an Absurd 1-Mile Long

Ziplines are a lot of fun to ride down. It’s a thrilling adventure for the right person. You can zipline over lush forests, gorgeous rivers, thick swamps, and lovely waterfalls. If you love ziplining, you might want to check out the longest zipline in the United States. This exciting zipline is one-of-a-kind. Can you guess just how long it is? Follow along to find out and learn more about this impressive zipline.

What is the Longest Zipline in the United States?

The longest zipline in the United States is the “Cata-monster” at over one mile long. It’s divided into two spans. The first span, the Ridge Zip is about 900 feet long, while the second span is 5,523 feet long. To go on this incredible zipline, guests need to reserve the 2-hour Catamount Zip Tour. Bookings are available online and sell out quickly on the weekends, especially in the summer. To qualify, guests must be at least 10 years old or older and measure 55 inches or more. The minimum weight to ride is 50 pounds, while the maximum is 260 pounds.

So, what can riders expect on this long zipline? The Catamount Zip Line includes three dual-zipline spans and a chairlift ride up the mountain. Riders get to control their speed because of the braking system. This means, guests can take it slow and admire the magnificent views of the Berkshires and the Hudson Valley, or fly at thrilling speeds of up to 55 mph. You can find this zipline at the border between Massachusetts and New York State in Hillsdale and Egremont.

Where is the Cata-monster?

The “Cata-monster” is in Hillsdale, New York, and Egremont, Massachusetts. Hillsdale is a town in Columbia County, New York. It’s near the border between New York State and Massachusetts. This gorgeous town has beautiful landscapes and a surface area of 47.89 square miles. Only about 1,200 people call this town home all year round, although tourists are common during the summer for nearby attractions. This town is near Bash Bish Falls and Taconic State Park.

Egremont is also a small town, although in Berkshire County, Massachusetts. Approximately 1,300 people call Egremont home. The surface area of this town is 18.9 square miles. It’s an old town, first settled in 1722 by Dutch settlers. Egremont is only a ten-minute drive from Hillsdale. 

Things to do near Egremont and Hillsdale

If you’re visiting Egremont or Hillsdale, it’s because you love the outdoors. Apart from the ski resort, around the area are mountains, state parks, hiking trails, and gardens. A popular place near both cities is Bash Bish Falls in Bash Bish Falls State Park. This waterfall is the highest in Massachusetts. Most people visit to gawk at the last dramatic cascade which drops 80 feet into an emerald plunge pool.

Another popular location near both towns is Taconic State Park, which you can hike to and from the Bash Bish Falls. This excellent state park is a great place to hike, go camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The state park’s campground offers 106 campsites and 18 cabins.

Also nearby is the Naumkeag, a former country estate now operating as a nonprofit museum. This lovely home was built in 1886 and 1887. It’s known for its stunning gardens and sits on 48 acres of land.

Wildlife near the Longest Zipline in the United States

Although it’s unlikely you’ll be able to pay attention while ziplining the “Cata-monster” to see animals, they are all over the area! New York State alone is home to around 500 native species of animals, mostly birds. This includes about 92 mammals. Massachusetts is home to about the same number of animals.

It’s hard to break down just what animals you can encounter while visiting the longest zipline in the United States. However, while hiking the mountain, some mammals you may see include whitetail deer, red foxes, North American porcupines, eastern cottontails, moose, and coyotes.

Reptiles also in the area are common snapping turtles, common garter snakes, red-bellied snakes, and smooth green snakes. Birds though are the most common animals you’ll encounter at and near the zipline, not including insects. If you’d like to go bird watching, you can stop at Bash Bish Falls or Taconic State Park. If you’re lucky, you may spot song sparrows, barred owls, mallard ducks, turkey vultures, ruby-throated hummingbirds, scarlet tanagers, and indigo buntings.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Lucky Business/Shutterstock.com