I’m not really one for high adrenaline activities. I like my fun, but prefer it to be low key memory making. I’ve started getting braver over recent years, including last year when I rode a roller coaster AND cliff jumped in Wisconsin.
But when your best friend tells you about underground ziplining in Kentucky and that her children – who were 8 and 10 – also went, you realize it’s something you really must do.
That’s how Louisville Mega Cavern Mega Zips ended up on our ‘must do’ list in Kentucky.
I wanted to get right in there and get it over with, so Stephen and I went early on during our time in Louisville and I’m glad we did. It was a much better time than I anticipated. Was I scared? Yes. Was I medicated slightly more than usual? Absolutely. But did I make it and end up with amazing memories? Heck yeah!
So here’s my experience of the Louisville Mega Cavern Mega Zips, the only fully underground zipline course in the world.
Preparation
If there’s something I learned from my years as a youth worker, it’s that you always wear your hair down but tied back in a climbing helmet and wear long enough pants or shorts for a climbing harness.
If there’s anything I’ve learned from our time on this road trip it’s to bring the GoPro.
And if there’s one thing I know about myself, it’s that I sometimes need a little extra prescription medication to help keep my anxiety at manageable levels.
Sufficiently suited and booted (and slightly drugged), we headed to Louisville Mega Cavern.
Photos
On their website it says that cameras are allowed and encouraged, but once you arrive they discourage you from bringing them on the zips. In the end we got a locker and put everything except the GoPro in there. We therefore don’t have a bunch of great photos of the process before, during or after. That being said, another guy on our tour had his phone with him and we regretted leaving ours behind. They do take two pictures during the tour that you can purchase at the end for $9.99 which we took advantage of.
You’re directed to a waiting area and when it’s your tour’s time, you go behind the scenes where you’re securely fastened into your harnesses and helmets and you meet your guides.
We had great guides! Ethan and Garrett were really likable, friendly and relaxed, plus they also clearly took their jobs seriously so even I felt safe.
The Ziplines
You start on the Bunny Zip. It’s great that they give you a chance to practice all the steps to a zip before you head in the cavern where it’s much harder to leave.
Once you commit to moving forward (which I’d been rethinking since I woke up that day), your tour gets into the people mover. You learn more about the cavern’s history and enter the zip course.
The first true zip is the aptly named Zip to Hell as it’s 666 feet long. It runs over a decorated area with dim red and orange lights adding to its eerie appearance.
Here’s my zip as well as Stephen’s. We had a vote on our Facebook page and Inner Circle group to see who should wear the GoPro. You’ll see the difference in our reactions and see why I was nominated to wear it.
I started to remember that most ziplines look faster than they feel. My mind plays horrible tricks on me between zipline experiences (I’ve done two before) and I always think it’s going to be like a rocket, but every time I’m reminded that it’s not as bad as I think. I still don’t like it though, so I feel better screaming.
The next zip is the Cross Canyon Zip and it’s a scenic zip. I wish the GoPro did better in the dark than it seems to have done. I did my best to look around to show you the amazing cavern openings below. You have to enter this zip from a ramp which I took very slowly and delicately with running commentary and walking feet.
The next zip is designed to be fast. 3A is the longest zip of the day at approximately 850 feet. The length felt like an eternity and was much speedier than the previous zips.
After 3A, you cross the World’s Largest Underground Suspension Bridge. I thought the zips were bad… but this was much worse. You have to walk across a bridge suspended over a cavern and there are holes in between the slats so there’s no ‘don’t look down’ if you’re a clumsy fool like me who needs to watch her feet at all times. They do play fun music to get you into the spirit of your adventure though.
They also take your picture before you cross. Try not to look too hard at my white-knuckled grip.
At this point, I was glad to be back to the zips. I never thought I’d say that. This penultimate zip is the #4 Zip. It’s well lit and gives you the clearest view of your shadow as you race through. You’ll be able to see my shadow, but I will tell you that it appeared much clearer to the eye than it does on this video.
Before taking off, Garrett showed how they test that the ziplines are taut enough. They tap a pattern on the cable, it travels the length of the zipline, reverberates back and repeats the same pattern.
At this point you cross the World’s Smallest Underground Suspension Bridge to get to the final zip. This wasn’t as bad as the previous bridge, but it wasn’t a picnic either. You have to step over a space between the cavern and the bridge and this bridge is at a much steeper incline.
Finally it’s time for the last zip of the day. Drum roll please… IT’S A RACING ZIP!! You go against someone else at the same time and can reach speeds of up to 40mph. Here’s Stephen and I’s (my’s? my? whatever – it’s us) final zip of the day. Who won? Just wait and see.
After all this fun, it’s been about two hours and you’re returned to the entrance with the Bunny Zip by the people mover.
Final Thoughts
We both had a really good time. I’m glad I did it, although I’m not running to get on the next zip I find either. If you find yourself anywhere near Louisville, KY you need to check out Louisville Mega Cavern Mega Zips. Not that adventurous? They also have a ropes course and tram tours of the cavern.
If you’re planning a trip to Louisville, check out this list of things to do based on everything we did during our week there.
And we leave you with our final video – a highlights and bloopers reel.
Cost
Visiting Louisville Mega Cavern isn’t a cheap activity, but we’d say it’s worth the expense. The Mega Zips experience is $69.99 + tax per person from Monday to Friday and $79.99 + tax at the weekend.
Stephen searched online for discounts and found a $10 off coupon, so that took our cost down to $59.99 + tax per person. Taking into account the fact that we also paid for the two photos that were taken, we spent a total of $152.59.
Address
Louisville Mega Cavern Mega Zips, 1841 Taylor Ave, Louisville, KY 40213
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