Looking to soar above the trees on an adventure in the woods of Virginia? Check out Treetop Quest at Explore Park!
Disclaimer - The activity mentioned in this blog post was sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Public Relations and Tourism Conference and organized by Visit Blue Ridge. As always, my opinions are unbiased and my own. I want to thank MATPRA and Visit Blue Ridge for their generosity!
Overview of Treetop Quest
If you’re looking for an awesome treetop obstacle course, make sure to check out Treetop Quest at Explore Park in Roanoke County, Virginia. This adrenaline junkie’s dream offers progressively challenging aerial obstacles and ziplines. There was a mix of obstacles to clamber over or walk on, such as swinging bridges, nets, and Tarzan swings as well as ziplines. These obstacle courses take you as high as 45 feet in the air. Once you’ve had your fill on the ziplines, you can head over the Twin Creeks Brew Pub for a beverage or a bite in the historic Brugh Tavern.
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Reservations at Treetop Quest
To book your ticket for Treetop Quest, visit the Roanoke County Parks and Rec website. Note that online registration ends at 11:59 pm the night before your reservation. After that point, registration is walk-up only.
I highly recommend getting a reservation, especially with a large group, as this is a popular attraction. You’ll also save $5 on your registration by booking in advance! Reservations guarantee visitors a 2.5 hour time slot of high flying adventure.
For groups of 15 or more or to plan a birthday party, visit the group reservation page. Treetop recommends their obstacle course for corporate team building events, adventure clubs and family gatherings. I’d also recommend it as a great conference activity!
Looking for the ultimate Roanoke weekend? Check out my itinerary for the best weekend in Roanoke!
Safety at Treetop Quest
As someone who is a little afraid of heights, but always trying to push my boundaries, I paid very close attention to the safety procedures. The staff suited us up in harnesses with more than one staff member checking each harness. Then one staff member gave a demonstration on what to do for both the obstacles and the ziplines. For ziplines, we had to yell “CLEAR!” and hear a corresponding “CLEAR!” from the person in front of you before launching off the zipline. This was to make sure we didn’t hit into anyone on the landing platform. This was because some of the ziplines were so long that it was hard to see the other side!
Then, each participant in our group demonstrated that we could clip in and safely navigate both the obstacles and the zipline portions on a low to the ground course. Once the staff approved our abilities, we were set loose on a series of obstacle courses high in the trees! I was glad to see that before each new course segment, a staff member re-checked our harnesses to make sure everything was still fitting correctly.
Looking for another amazing adventure near Roanoke, Virginia? Check out my guide to hiking McAfee Knob at sunrise!
What to Wear to Treetop Quest
Dressing appropriately is vital to having fun on this adventure! I’d recommend wearing clothing that is comfortable in a harness, such as spandex or leggings. I made the mistake of wearing shorts that were a little too short and was not the most comfortable. My harness was rubbing on my legs a little bit every time I leapt off a new zipline – ouch.
Zippered pockets are a plus if you’re looking to bring your phone. I think snug legging or bike short pockets would also work. However, if you drop your phone, the staff was so nice and helpful in going to look for lost items. I saw them retrieve a phone and a pair of sunglasses on my visit.
Because the course was under the trees, I didn’t need my sunglasses and ended up taking them off and putting them in my pocket. I do recommend bug spray and sunscreen, even though it is shady.
Here are my recommendations for what to wear and bring to Treetop Quest:
- Sunshirt
- Leggings, bike shorts, or shorts with zippered pockets
- Comfortable closed toed shoes
- Phone leash
- Water bottle (to leave at the cubbies)
- Bug spray
- Sunscreen
Remember to lock your valuables in your car as the Treetop Quest cubbies are communal and there is no guarantee of safety.
Overall Review of Treetop Quest
I had the best time at the Treetop Quest at Explore Park. My personal favorite course was one that was almost exclusively ziplines and it included the park’s longest zipline at 160 feet! I am a little bit afraid of heights so I definitely tested my boundaries. However, the park’s staff was super friendly and made me feel totally at ease on top of the trees. I’d highly recommend this adventure!
Updated September 29 2024