Editor’s note 06/03/19: The Eagle Flyer Zip Line will not be opening for Summer 2019. Check out these other Lake George area ziplines instead.
Editor’s note 07/11/16: The owner of LakeGeorge.com, Sara Mannix, had a chance to try out the Eagle Flyer Zip Line the day before they opened as a test run. We updated the article to include her first-hand review, as well as information that the planned opening was delayed by inclement weather.
The time we’ve all been waiting for is here – the Eagle Flyer Zip Line was scheduled to open for the season this past weekend. It is the first high-speed zip line in the Lake George area.
Weather permitting, the Eagle Flyer zip line, now under a new operating agreement, planned to open for business on Saturday, July 9th, though that was delayed by inclement weather, opening Monday, July 11, instead.
On Friday, July 8th, Sara Mannix heard the the zip line was giving out free rides as a test run. Here’s a first-hand review of this thrilling experience!
“My 12-year-old daughter and I went to experience the Eagle Flyer the day before they officially opened. Knowing that the ride is run by the professionals at Adirondack Extreme and had years of experience with zip lines made the choice to go an easy one.
We rode a Hummer to the top of French Mountain on a dirt road, so be prepared to get a little dusty. At the top, they quickly had us ready to fly. My daughter was fine until we got to the top at which time she became frightened. The staff at the top of the mountain were amazing – they were kind, encouraging, and in minutes we were flying and she was smiling ear to ear, shouting at me to take pictures of her.
The harness is very comfortable and has a backpack for your cameras, flip flops, and/or keys. You can easily hold a camera and take pictures as the ride is very smooth and enjoyable. Although it’s fast, it is not frightening; rather, it’s a fun ride. For a short time, you can see Lake George. The view is beautiful, we highly recommend flying on the Eagle Flyer!”
The Eagle Flyer takes flight from the summit of French Mountain at the Wild West Ranch and Western Town. Participants will be able to see amazing views of Lake George and the Adirondack mountains.
Flyers soar as high as 125 feet above the ground, make a 1,000-foot vertical drop, and hit speeds as high as 50 miles per hour. There is a smooth landing at the bottom thanks to an advanced braking system.
Owner Ralph Macchio, Sr. has contracted with Adirondack Extreme Adventure Course to operate the zip line on his behalf. Under this new collaboration, Adirondack Extreme is responsible for staffing and marketing. Macchio is still operating the Wild West Ranch’s other attractions, including the Wild West Saloon family restaurant. The restaurant and ranch are also now open for the season.
The new partnership is a logical arrangement for both parties – Adirondack Extreme has designed and built adventure parks across the country, and Macchio is excited to be able to concentrate his efforts on the ranch’s other attractions.
“As soon as we approached them with this idea, they couldn’t wait to get started,” Macchio said in a statement. “I’ve worked the last five years to get the Flyer approved, designed, and built. . .Now it’s ready to go, and I can focus my attention on the other activities at the Ranch, knowing the Flyer is in good hands.”
Other attractions at the ranch include paintball target shooting, an indoor arcade shooting gallery, a newly equipped game room, bocce ball courts, horseshoe pitching, and more.
