Buffalo Mountain Ziplines recently celebrated a significant milestone in June, marking five adventurous years in operation. This year also marks the third season under the stewardship of current owner John McEnhill, whose team has continued to elevate this award-winning business. Notably, Buffalo Mountain Ziplines (BMZ) earned two prestigious recognitions this year, further solidifying its reputation as a top destination for thrill-seekers. The zipline business currently features the longest and highest ziplines in Virginia.
In February, Buffalo Mountain Ziplines was honored with Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine’s “Best of the Blue Ridge” award in the Best Zipline category. This accolade, determined through two rounds of public voting, reflects the dedication of the Buffalo Mountain Ziplines team. “As a micro business competing against much larger operations, this award means the world to us,” McEnhill said. “It’s a testament to our team’s hard work and commitment to providing memorable, safe, and fun zipline canopy tours. We’re incredibly grateful to all our guests and local supporters who took the time to vote for us.”
In addition to this regional recognition, Buffalo Mountain Ziplines also received the 2024 TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice Award. Based on a year’s worth of exceptional reviews and ratings, this award places the business in the top 10% of “Things To Do” worldwide on the TripAdvisor platform. McEnhill was quick to share the spotlight with the Floyd community, saying, “We weren’t the only Floyd business to receive these honors. Our town is known for its small-town charm and big hospitality, and I’m proud of what we collectively offer to visitors and locals alike.”
To better serve its growing number of guests, Buffalo Mountain Ziplines has implemented several key upgrades. A professional radar app, widely used by meteorologists, now aids in accurately tracking weather conditions, while a state-of-the-art weather station alerts the team when wind speeds approach unsafe levels. “We often have to thread the needle when timing our tours around precipitation,” McEnhill explained. “Even when the forecast looks ominous, our close monitoring of the radar allows us to conduct tours with minimal or no rain.” Safety remains a top priority at Buffalo Mountain Ziplines. Long-range, two-way radios have been introduced, enabling guides to maintain constant communication with each other and the office, especially in the event of sudden thunderstorms. Additionally, the zipline guides now take photos and videos during tours, sharing them with guests afterward to enhance their experience. A new website is currently in development, which will feature drone video footage provided by Jeff Horst, showcasing the exhilarating experience of each line and offering a detailed walkthrough of what guests can expect, from check-in to harnessing, orientation, and transportation back to the office.
Despite the thrill and excitement, operating a zipline business comes with its challenges. In December 2022, severe ice storms caused significant damage to the course, with a support tree falling and compromising the platform tree that supported the end of two ziplines. Repairs included replacing the platform tree with a telephone pole and rebuilding the platform. Another ice storm in February 2023 brought down a large white oak tree on one of the ziplines. While the line withstood the impact, the removal process was delicate due to the potential danger of the tree springing off the line. McEnhill and his team carefully inspect the course after major storms and daily before tours to ensure guest safety. “Ice storms are particularly nerve-wracking, especially when combined with high winds,” McEnhill noted. “We’ve taken steps to mitigate these risks, such as removing vines from trees to reduce ice weight during storms. Post-ice storm conditions can also delay reopening, with significant ice fall off the trees and course platforms creating a carpet of ice several inches deep that can take weeks to melt.”
The importance of daily inspections is especially pronounced in the spring, when tree health is assessed. Last year, these inspections revealed that a tree supporting the platform for the final line was dying, prompting its removal and the installation of a new line in a different direction. “We conduct annual inspections with a certified arborist and remove any trees near the ziplines that are identified as risks,” McEnhill explained. “Our daily inspections include checking for dead limbs above platforms, as well as inspecting guy wires, zipline cable clamps, platforms, stairs, skywalks, prusik ropes, and branches growing toward the lines. Safety is our top priority, and we have strict policies and procedures in place to ensure the well-being of our guests.”
Buffalo Mountain Ziplines offers an inclusive experience, with the course designed to accommodate ages 3 and up while still delivering an exhilarating ride for all. “We strive to make our zipline adventure as accessible as possible, making accommodations whenever we can,” McEnhill said. “Our braking equipment is easy to use, requiring only the ability to raise your hands above your head and pull down. The course has minimal walking requirements, and we provide transportation back to the office from the end of the course.” The business has hosted guests of all ages, including many in their 80s, and the guides are trained to ensure that even the most nervous guests feel comfortable. “We’ve had guests tell us they’re waiting for their child to turn three so they can book a zipline tour for the whole family. The first three lines are slower and shorter, allowing guests to get comfortable before progressing to the longer, faster lines.” Large groups are also welcome at Buffalo Mountain Ziplines, with advance planning and extra guides brought in to accommodate safety limits on platform occupancy. The business has hosted a variety of groups, from local schools and universities to retirement communities, corporate gatherings, and special events like birthdays, bachelorette parties, and honeymoons. In addition to daytime tours, nighttime and twilight tours are now available, requiring at least 72 hours’ notice and a minimum of five guests. These tours are scheduled based on sunset times and offer a unique way to experience the zipline course under the stars.
The distinctive LOVE sign at the front of the property has become a popular photo spot for both guests and passersby. “We often go out to take photos of groups in their harnesses in front of the LOVE sign, and we’ve seen some pretty humorous posing,” McEnhill shared. “Our guests also love taking photos with the large metal Sasquatch, the Sasquatch painting in the office, and the US and world maps that show where our guests come from. We encourage guests to bring their smartphones to capture photos and videos during the tour, and GoPro cameras are available for rent.”
Looking ahead, McEnhill has plans for the coming year to augment the guest experience. He hopes to enhance the natural beauty of the property by developing a vibrant, lush array of native wildflowers in the meadow areas, which are currently mowed once a year in late fall. This no-mow practice fosters a habitat for pollinators and has increased the presence of wildlife, including songbirds, turkeys, rabbits, deer, and other mammals. “We want to enhance our guests’ experience of nature as they glide through the tree canopy or hike our half-mile ‘Sasquatch’ trail down to the pond,” McEnhill said. He is also exploring options for orienteering activities, including a virtual course that takes advantage of the property’s diverse topography.
For those interested in becoming a zipline guide, training opportunities are generally available in the spring and fall. McEnhill is currently seeking adult guides with weekday availability to supplement the student guides who are less available during the school year. “It’s a great option for retired folks looking for a flexible way to stay active and earn some extra income,” McEnhill said. “My oldest guide is 71, and he’s a favorite with our guests. I’m in my mid-60s, and this work keeps me active—I burn off my winter fat during the regular season,” he joked. “It’s also a great fit for those who do gig work or have flexible work-from-home arrangements. You meet people from all walks of life and have fun doing it. I’m working with Veterans Services to hire local veterans as a V3 employer.” The work schedule is set monthly, with guides assigned on-call days and notified of bookings by 6 pm the day before. Prospective guides must complete a training period and be certified before leading tours independently. Those interested in applying can visit the zipline website to complete an online application.
To learn more about Buffalo Mountain Ziplines, check tour availability, and book online, visit www.BuffaloMountainZiplines.com.