It is no wonder the Delaware Native Americans made summer camp on this beautiful 500 acres nestled in the hills of Brown County. eXplore the dense hardwood forest which provides a unique habitat for both plants and animals. Our guides will share our environmental concerns including endangered species living in the area. Learn how Delaware Native Americans roamed this property until the Treaty of the Ten O’Clock Line pushed them further West. Later, settlers built log homes here, serving as a record of our Brown County history. Guides will share the historical past while you zip through the treetop canopy observing a setting barely touched by time.
There are 6 traditional tours to choose from: eXplorer Tour zips #4-8 | Zip On Tour zips #1-3, 9 & 10 | Sneak Peek zips #1-3 | The Screamer Tour zips #9 & 10 for groups 4+ | The Night Flight Escape Tour zips #1-3 | The Night Flight Expedition Tour zips #4-8. You will begin the adventure with a rugged ride into the dense forest in one of our all-terrain transport vehicles.
Sneak Peek Tour
Zip #1 | Launch Pad – begin here, an easy stair climb to a platform 12’ off the ground. Your first eXplore Brown County zip experience takes you for a 80’ cable ride to a tree platform landing 14’ from the ground. Look around, what a vista, and it only gets better!
Zip #2 | Big Foot Look Out – taking off from the tree platform 14’ in the air, you are propelled by gravity over 200’ of cable to a tree landing 65’ off the ground. From this point you have a birds-eye view of the Screamer Zip, 1220’ long, almost a ¼ mile of cable. Now that’s a zip line! You can do it and it is so worth it! Wow, a great view and what an adrenaline rush! The only thing more overwhelming than the zips are the spectacular views.
Zip #3 | Ridge Runner – an exhilarating ride taking off from a tree platform perched 60’ in the canopy. Prepare your land legs; the 180’ cable zips you to a soft deck landing on the forest floor.
Have you had enough??? Ride back to check out our other activities…. or add on the Screamer Tour!
eXplorer Tour
The Eco-Adventure Bridge starts with a short nature hike leading to its departure point, giving eXplore Brown County guides an opportunity to share their knowledge of the surrounding flora and fauna. A 28" suspension sky bridge takes you on an ascent from the rock staircase to a pole platform 12’ above ground, preparing you for the next adrenaline rush.
Zip #4 | Soaring Hawks – a scenic tandem zip, two lines running side-by-side. So, race your partner 423’ to an easy ground landing. Who can soar and land like a hawk?
A short hike gives you time to take a deep breath and learn about Indiana’s endangered species…. Are you prepared for Warp Drive?
Zip #5 | Warp Drive – take off from the ground and zip almost 600’ of cable, landing on a tree platform 57’ above the ground. You made it! You have now been transported into a new dimension.
The Walking On Air Sky Bridge departs from the 57’ high tree platform into the clouds and traverses 68’ to the Eagle’s Nest tree platform nestled 36’ above the ground. No worries, you’re wearing a harness and tethered to a safety cable while you walk across the suspension sky bridge.
Zip #6 | Eagle’s Nest – take off from a 36’ high tree platform, breaking out of the dense forest canopy on a 480’ long cable across the lake. Soaring 80’ above the water, you will land in a totem pole platform 14’ above ground.
Zip #7 | Lake View – soar back across the lake, zipping over 395’ of cable, reaching heights of 50’ before finally landing in a tree platform 18’ above ground. Take in an aerial view of a great vista.
Zip #8 | Busted Knuckle – Perch yourself like a bird on this tree top platform 18’ above the ground. Don’t frighten the birds as you fly across the lake on 475’ of cable at a height of 40’ above the water landing on a tree platform.
"The Descent" Lowering Rappel – a final rappel down from the Perch tree platform planting you safely back on the ground 21’ below. You’re safe, guides literally lower you. But, it is a taste of a rock climber’s descent.
eXplorer Tour Leap of Faith option:
After experiencing the eXplorer Tour (see our zip cartoon map), you now have an upgrade option. The rappel lowering is our standard ending, but now we are offering the Leap of Faith ending! This will consist of the Stairway to Heaven bridge, pool ladder, and then our free fall Leap of Faith device with 3 free fall options. Pull up, hang on and free fall! Our device will gently slow you down as you target our landing pad. Upgrade - $10 per person.
Zip On! Tour
Zip #1 | Launch Pad – Begin here, an easy stair climb to a platform 12’ off the ground. Your first eXplore Brown County zip experience takes you for a 80’ cable ride to a tree platform landing 14’ from the ground. Look around, what a vista, and it only gets better!
Zip #2 | Big Foot Look Out – Taking off from the tree platform 14’ in the air, you are propelled by gravity over 200’ of cable to a tree landing 65’ off the ground. From this point you have a birds-eye view of the Screamer Zip 1220’ long, almost a ¼ mile of cable. Now that’s a zip line! You can do it and it is so worth it! Wow, a great view and what an adrenaline rush! The only thing more overwhelming than the zips are the spectacular views.
Zip #3 | Ridge Runner – An exhilarating ride taking off from a tree platform perched 65’ in the canopy. Prepare your land legs; the 180’ cable zips you to a soft deck landing on the forest floor.
Zip #9 | Indy 1220 – Our 1220’ zip is ¼ mile of twin racing adrenaline fun! You are stopped by the guide using the Brun Brake. Standing on a platform 30’ in the air, get ready for zip #10….
Zip #10 | Pendulum Free Style – Get ready to race on our twin 320’ gravity zip. Gliding like a pendulum, high five your guide as you zip down, slide back past the center platform, then pendulum back to the dismount step ladder. Reflect on your awesome experience during the 7 minute hike out.
The Screamer Tour - only for groups of 4+
Zip #9 | Indy 1220 – Our 1220’ zip is ¼ mile of twin racing adrenaline fun! You are stopped by the guide using the Brun Brake. Standing on a platform 30’ in the air, get ready for zip #10….
Zip #10 | Pendulum Free Style – Get ready to race on our twin 320' gravity zip. Gliding like a pendulum, high five your guide as you zip down, slide back past the center platform, then pendulum back to dismount step ladder. Reflect on your awesome experience during the 7 minute hike out.
The Full eXplore Brown County Tour
Zip #1 | Launch Pad – Begin here, an easy stair climb to a platform 12’ off the ground. Your first eXplore Brown County zip experience takes you for a 80’ cable ride to a tree platform landing 14’ from the ground. Look around, what a vista, and it only gets better!
Zip #2 | Big Foot Look Out – Taking off from the tree platform 14’ in the air, you are propelled by gravity over 200’ of cable to a tree landing 65’ off the ground. From this point you have a birds-eye view of the Screamer Zip 1220’ long, almost a ¼ mile of cable. Now that’s a zip line! You can do it and it is so worth it! Wow, a great view and what an adrenaline rush! The only thing more overwhelming than the zips are the spectacular views.
Zip #3 | Ridge Runner – An exhilarating ride taking off from a tree platform perched 65’ in the canopy. Prepare your land legs; the 180’ cable zips you to a soft deck landing on the forest floor.
A short hike gives you time to take a deep breath and learn about Indiana’s endangered species…. Are you prepared for Warp Drive?
Zip #5 | Warp Drive – take off from the ground and zip almost 600’ of cable, landing on a tree platform 57’ above the ground. You made it! You have now been transported into a new dimension.
The Walking On Air Sky Bridge departs from the 57’ high tree platform into the clouds and traverses 68’ to the Eagle’s Nest tree platform nestled 36’ above the ground. No worries, you’re wearing a harness and tethered to a safety cable while you walk across the suspension sky bridge.
Zip #6 | Eagle’s Nest – take off from a 36’ high tree platform, breaking out of the dense forest canopy on a 480’ long cable across the lake. Soaring 80’ above the water, you will land in a totem pole platform 14’ above ground.
Zip #7 | Lake View – soar back across the lake, zipping over 395’ of cable, reaching heights of 50’ before finally landing in a tree platform 18’ above ground. Take in an aerial view of a great vista.
Zip #8 | Busted Knuckle – Perch yourself like a bird on this tree top platform 18’ above the ground. Don’t frighten the birds as you fly across the lake on 475’ of cable at a height of 40’ above the water landing on a tree platform.
"The Descent" Lowering Rappel – a final rappel down from the Perch tree platform planting you safely back on the ground 21’ below. You’re safe, guides literally lower you. But, it is a taste of a rock climber’s descent.
Full eXplore Brown County Tour Leap of Faith option:
After experiencing the Full eXplore Brown County Tour (see our zip cartoon map), you now have an upgrade option. The rappel lowering is our standard ending, but now we are offering the Leap of Faith ending! This will consist of the Stairway to Heaven bridge, pool ladder, and then our free fall Leap of Faith device with 3 free fall options. Pull up, hang on and free fall! Our device will gently slow you down as you target our landing pad. Upgrade - $10 per person.
Super Hero
Zip #12 | Three Flights – Cheer, laugh, and photograph your friends being a hero zipping over a 60' wooded ravine. Turn and fly back again...you are the hero flying suspended in the air -everyone feels like a hero with this experience.
Night Flight Tours *Begin Memorial Day Weekend*
The Escape Night Flight Tour Zips #1-3 & The Expedition Tour Zips #4-8 – Pack your camera, snacks, and a drink; Zip On! into the darkness where only the moon, stars, and red headlamp light your way. This is an experience you will reflect on for years. Departure times based on sunset, call ahead to book a weeknight flight for parties of 4 or more.
All adventure activities pose certain natural risks. Our course meets and exceeds the Association of Challenge Course Technology Standards, is a member of ACCT, and we have annual inspections completed by a leading inspection company in the canopy tour industry. All of our guides are put through an extensive training to ensure your safety and theirs.
**Health Issues**
The management and/or guides reserve the right to exclude anyone from participation for medical, safety, or other reasons they deem necessary that involve actions not conducive to a zip line tour.
Safety Requirements
Participants who wish to participate in any of our Zip Tours are required to complete a waiver. Participants under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult and have a parent or legal guardian sign for them. Please arrive 30 minutes early for check-in and the orientation process.
Please read our requirements and be prepared before you schedule your tour. Cancellations will not be issued based upon non-compliance of these guidelines.
Each participant must agree to adhere to the following guidelines:
Personal items and clothing:
Health Issues
The management and/or guides reserve the right to exclude anyone from participation for medical, safety, or other reasons they deem necessary that involve actions not conducive to a zip line tour.
eXplore Brown County at Valley Branch Retreat reserves the right to refuse business to anyone for any reason due to safety concerns or discrepancies in participant information. We are not responsible for property that is lost, damaged, or stolen during your tour.
Do you clean your gear?
We wipe down the inside of our helmets with alcohol after every use. We then wash the entire helmet roughly once a month with warm soapy water.
How long do your tours last?
Our various tours can last approximately 1 - 4 hours depending on which one you do.
Can I stop the tour if I find I am afraid of heights?
Many people have a fear of heights, but still enjoy our tours. You will be clipped to a steel cable at all times when you are zipping. Our guides are trained to follow absolute protocol procedures and will be with you every step of the way to answer your questions, and provide additional support.
What is the highest point I will be at during the tour?
Our highest point on the Explorer Tour is roughly 80’, which will be when you are over the lake. The highest point on the Sneak Peek Tour is roughly 70' which is at the top of your last zip.
Do I have to fill out a waiver?
Every participant does have to fill out a waiver. Participants who are 18+ can fill out their own. Participants who are under 18 will have to have a parent/legal guardian fill out a waiver for them.
Is there a link to the waiver online?
You can only access our waiver after you've made a reservation. Our system is set up this way so we can link your specific waiver to your booking.
Can I go zip lining by myself?
We have to have a minimum of 2 people in order to take a zip line tour. However, as long as other guests have signed up and there's still room, we can sign you up to join an already existing tour. You will have to call us
How early should I arrive for the tour?
Please arrive at least 30 minutes before the tour starts.
Do you have weight requirements?
We can accommodate 50 lbs. to 270 lbs. For the Sneak Peek tour we do increase our limit to 300 lbs.
Is there an age requirement?
There is no age requirement, all participants just have to fall within our weight requirements. We've had brave 5 year old's zip with us and the record holder for us is 94 years old! However, children 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.
Do I need to wear anything specific?
Please dress according to the weather forecast. We strongly recommend sunglasses or eye protection and you must wear closed toed shoes. SANDALS ARE NOT ALLOWED. Rain jackets or pants are good for rain, we do not permit ponchos.
What type of weather causes cancellations?
We do conduct tours rain or shine, but will close the course if there are high winds and/or lightning are detected in the area. We will wait some time after the last wind gust or lightning strike before resuming the tour.
How safe is this activity?
We conduct a daily inspection of our courses and a weekly tuning of all of our equipment. We also have an annual inspection completed by professionals. We strive for excellence and take extreme caution to ensure that all of our equipment is safe and suitable for use.
I've never done anything like this before, should I still participate?
Anyone who is willing, able, and does not have any of the health conditions listed can participate in this activity. Our program is designed for inter-generational participants. That's what we love about our course, just about everyone can do it! Please read our requirements prior to booking your tour.
Do you offer discounts for groups?
Yes, contact us for group rates at groups@explorebrowncounty.com. Discounts generally start with a minimum of 10 people.
What is the cancellation policy?
Deposits are required for all reservations. Your credit card will be charged for the predetermined deposit amount to hold the reservations you have made.
Cancellation policy:
How many people can participate in a tour at one time?
Our tour size is usually 6 to 10 participants. Group rates start at 10 or more people. Please contact us if you have a larger group or need special accommodations.
How long is the zip line canopy tour course?
We have approximately 5,965’ of zip-line cable, broken into 12 different zips.
What equipment is required to be able to participant?
Everyone will be fitted with and must wear: helmet, full-body harness, lanyards, and trolley. The equipment is similar to rock climbing equipment, but specifically designed for a zip line course.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept cash, checks, gift certificates, Master Card, Visa, Discover and American Express.
Can I arrange for a special occasion package?
Yes, please contact us to discuss what you have in mind. We are happy to accommodate requests when possible for large or small groups or to celebrate a special occasion.
Why should I make a reservation?
Canopy Tours fill up quickly, a reservation will guarantee that the day and time you want are confirmed in advance. We do accept walk-ons but there may be a significant wait before we can put you on a tour IF we can get you on at all.
Should I tip my guide?
Our guides are highly trained professionals who have put in many hours of training to give you the best experience possible. Generally gratuities should be between 10-20% of the cost of the tour per person.
If I am pregnant, can I still zip?
For the safety of the mother to be and the baby, we do not allow women who are pregnant at any stage to participate on our zip-lines.
Is there someplace for me to store my purse, wallet, etc. while I am on my tour?
No. Please leave large bags and valuable items at home or locked in your car out of sight. We do have a place to keep your keys while on your tour, but we are not responsible for any items left in the Harness Hut.
WARNING: Under Indiana law, an agritourism provider is not liable for an injury to, or the death of, a participant in agritourism activities at this location if the death or injury results from the inherent risks of agritourism activity. Inherent risks of agritourism activities include risks of injury inherent to land, equipment, and animals as well as the potential for you to act in a negligent manner that may contribute to your injury or death, or for other participants to act in a manner that may cause you injury or cause your death. You are assuming the risk of participating in this agritourism activity. As added by P.L.3-2011, SEC.1. The property used by Valley Branch Retreat Inc. dba eXplore Brown County dba Paintball Valley is a Classified Forest/Tree Farm and an Indiana Agritourism provider.
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