Ziplining FAQs

Guided zipline canopy tours originated in Costa Rica as a way for people to experience the flora and fauna that is unique to the dense leafy canopy of a rainforest. Our Ozark Mountain hardwood forest canopy has its own bird, plant, and animal life, which our guided tour is designed to introduce you to as you glide along from tree to tree!

From a structural standpoint, our canopy tour is a system of cables and platforms, wherein the participant “glides” or “zips” through the treetops while connected to the cable via a harness. A large wooden platform serves as a landing base in each tree that you “zip to.” Our canopy tour facility was built in accordance with Association of Challenge Course Technology recommended guidelines.

The tour takes approximately 2 to 3 hours to complete, depending upon the size of the group. Precisely how long it lasts is determined by a variety of factors, including weather and the physical ability of each participant.

Persons age 7 and older and who also weigh between 70 lbs. and 250 lbs. may participate. Participants will be weighed at the beginning of the tour to ensure safety. Persons who do not meet these requirements will not be permitted to participate on the tour and will not be subject to a refund. We zip rain or shine and during rainy day zips the weight limit may be reduced to 200 Ibs. Children under age 16 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

A few other preliminary health requirements must be met in order to participate, but most should not be a factor for the majority of participants. (For example, pregnant women cannot participate in this activity.) Also, see the end of this posting for state of Arkansas regulations.

Yes, please do! Reading it in advance is not only prudent, but will also save you time when you check in at our office prior to the tour. BE SURE THAT ALL MEMBERS OF YOUR PARTY CONSIDERED TO BE ADULTS OF LEGAL AGE REVIEW THE AGREEMENT, as each person will need to sign one before being allowed to participate in the tour. LEGAL GUARDIANS SIGNING FOR UNDER-AGED CHILDREN OR THOSE SIGNING FOR CHILDREN WHO ARE NOT THEIR OWN WILL ALSO WANT TO CAREFULLY REVIEW THE AGREEMENT PRIOR TO SIGNING. Preview the risk agreement for the Buffalo River Canopy Tour. You and members of your party will want to be aware of its contents prior to signing the agreement.

Yes, as long as you (the parent or legal guardian) have reviewed, completed, and signed the waiver form on the child’s behalf, it is not necessary for you to accompany him or her on the tour.

Here’s a handy map of how to get to the Buffalo River Canopy Tour from our office in Ponca.

Wear comfortable outdoor clothing (dresses are not advisable) and CLOSE-TOED shoes that secure to your feet (flip flops, mules and open-toed sandals are not permitted). Sunscreen, a hat, and insect repellent are also wise additions to your “wardrobe.”

We can host up to 10 people on a tour. The minimum number of participants on a tour is 1. We can add you to an existing tour OR schedule you for a new tour to which other people can be added. If your party has more than 10 participants, visit with us when making your reservation about scheduling a custom tour so that your groups can begin the course within a few minutes of one another, rather than being spaced 3 hours apart on our regular tour schedule.

Thank you for arriving on time in consideration of other guests who may be a part of the tour for which you’re scheduled. In addition, one tour starting late can cause the next scheduled tour to run behind. Please be at the BOC office 30 minutes ahead of your tour. This gives you adequate time to review and complete your release forms, plus, drive to the tour location. We reserve the right to exclude late arrivals from a tour without refund.

The rate for the tour is $89+tax per person.

Yes, private groups of 8 or more qualify for a discounted rate of $79+tax per person.

Yes, with adequate advance notice, we can book private group tours for any day of the week, even for those days on which we are normally closed. Pre-payment terms apply to these reservations.

You can make your reservation by selecting the BOOK NOW button at the top of the page or calling us at 1-870-861-5514. Prepayment of a required $15 per person non-refundable deposit can be made via a valid VISA, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover Card. For your convenience, our office hours are 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM March through October, and 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM November through February.

View our cancellation policy for the zip line canopy tour.