“It was awesome!” That is Shelby’s review of her 3,700-foot zipline glide over the treetops of French Mountain. Lake George’s newest attraction is the Adirondack Eagle Flyer zipline based at the Wild West Ranch. The zipline opened earlier this month and boasts a 1,000-foot vertical drop that carries flyers as high as 125 feet above the ground. Riders reach a top speed of 50 miles-per-hour. From its position on the West side of French Mountain, riders get a spectacular view of Lake George and the surrounding Adirondack Mountains.
Shelby didn’t find it scary, “It’s not too fast, and it’s not like a free-fall feeling.” Anticipation was the scariest part, “…waiting for them to open the door that your feet are resting on was the worst part.” Nate agreed, “It was fun! Not as fast as I expected, but it was a nice breeze with good views. I’d say It’s worth doing.” Shelby and Nate are Lake George Examiner associates who provide the Millennial Generation perspective on events and attractions in the Lake George area.
Shelby and Nate’s adventure began at the zipline base where they were fitted with harnesses and given a short safety briefing. They were weighed to ensure proper harness and trolley fit. A six-wheeled military- type ATV transported them up the mountain. “It was a bumpy ride,” says Nate, “but they warn you of that before going up.” The zipline operators re-check riders’ harnesses one last time before hooking them to one of the four cables that run down the mountainside.
Shelby’s View
The zipline was several years in the making. Zoning and environmental concerns had to be addressed. The zipline is located within New York State’s Adirondack Park making it subject to an additional layer of government oversight. The zipline opened to the public July 11 and attracted 70 riders its first day.
The cost of a single ride is $45. For those that can’t get enough, a second flight on the same day is $25. The zipline is operated by Adirondack Extreme Adventure Course, who opened an aerial adventure park in Bolton Landing in 2007. The zipline owner is Ralph Macchio, Sr., who runs the Wild West Ranch and Western Town, and yes, he is the Karate Kid’s father. To reserve your spot on the Eagle Flyer, call (518)685-3317. The Wild West Ranch and Adirondack Eagle Flyer are located just off State Route 9 at 5 Mill Road, Lake George, New York.