Look, I've been to a lot of adventure camps, but Griffin Falls Camp hits different. It's one of those places that actually lives up to the hype - and then some. The moment you arrive, you're hit with this incredible rush of excitement mixed with the peaceful sounds of rushing water and rustling leaves. The camp sprawls across 50 acres of pristine wilderness, with the magnificent Griffin Falls serving as its crown jewel.
I gotta tell you, the zip lines here are absolutely insane (in the best way possible). They've got this epic network of 8 different lines that criss-cross over the falls and through the forest canopy. The longest one stretches nearly a mile - yeah, you heard that right! And man, when you're soaring 200 feet above the ground with that crisp mountain air hitting your face, it's just... *chef's kiss*.
Key Features
• 8 distinct zip lines ranging from beginner-friendly to expert-level thrills
• Dual racing lines where you can challenge your friends
• Professional guides who actually make safety briefings fun (shoutout to Mike - that guy's jokes are terrible but we love him)
• Night zipping adventures during summer months
• Observation deck overlooking Griffin Falls
• Modern basecamp with gear rental and a cute little café
• Training area for first-timers
• Photography service to capture your screaming face mid-flight
Best Time to Visit
Speaking from experience, late spring through early fall is when Griffin Falls Camp really shines. May through September offers the most consistent weather conditions, and the waterfall is particularly spectacular after spring rains. Summer weekends can get pretty packed - I learned that the hard way last July - so try hitting it up on weekdays if you can.
The fall color show in October is absolutely stunning, but pack some layers cause it gets chilly up there. Winter operations are limited, though they do run special "frost flight" sessions when conditions permit. And heads up - they close for maintenance every Tuesday, which I totally forgot about on my first visit (whoops!).
How to Get There
Y'all, getting to Griffin Falls Camp isn't exactly a walk in the park, but that's part of its charm. From the main highway, you'll wind through about 12 miles of scenic mountain roads. The last stretch is unpaved but well-maintained - your regular car should handle it just fine. Just follow the brown tourism signs once you hit Mountain Valley Road.
Pro tip: Don't trust your GPS blindly out here. I've seen plenty of folks end up on the wrong side of the mountain because their phone tried to get creative with the route. The camp's website has detailed directions that won't lead you astray.
Tips for Visiting
Alright, let me save you from making some of the mistakes I've made. First off, reservations are absolutely essential - especially for weekend slots. Book at least two weeks ahead during peak season. The full zip line circuit takes about 3-4 hours, so plan accordingly.
Wear closed-toe shoes (flip-flops are a big no-no) and comfortable clothes that you can move in. They provide all the safety gear, but bring your own gloves if you've got sensitive hands. And trust me on this one - eat a light meal beforehand. That breakfast burrito I had before my first run? Not my smartest decision.
Bring cash for tips (the guides really earn it) and a waterproof phone case if you wanna snap pics near the falls. Oh, and don't forget sunscreen - even on cloudy days. The elevation up here means you'll burn faster than you'd expect.
The camp has this cool training line where first-timers can practice before hitting the big runs. Take advantage of it! I've seen too many people skip it and then freeze up on the platform. And speaking of platforms - don't look down until you're ready. The views are incredible, but they can be overwhelming if you're not prepared for them.
Last but not least, give yourself time to explore beyond just the zip lines. The hiking trails around the falls are gorgeous, and there's this hidden viewpoint that most visitors miss - just ask any of the guides about the "Eagle's Perch" trail. It's a bit of a scramble to get there, but the view of the entire zip line course with the falls in the background? Totally worth it.
