Fly the Ridge: The Superman Zipline at Morningside
An easy-access rush over the Connecticut River Valley—clean lines, big views, and a breeze that does the heavy lifting.
The first gust catches your helmet like a friendly shove, a nudge from the Connecticut River Valley urging you to step into the void. Below, fields ripple like scales on a sleeping dragon; above, the ridgeline inhales and exhales wind the way it has since hang gliders first leapt from Morningside Mountain in 1974. The guide signals. The cable hums. And suddenly you’re horizontal, superhero-style, the valley unspooling beneath your toes as the forest sweeps by in a green blur and the air decides, decisively, to carry you. This is the Superman Zipline at Morningside—part flight of fancy, part practical test of nerve—and it’s the kind of aerial adventure that turns a day in rural New Hampshire into a story that keeps resurfacing at dinner tables and group texts for months.
Trail Wisdom
Dress for Movement
Wear closed-toe shoes with good traction and comfortable layers you can tighten down—wind adds chill on the platforms.
Secure Your Tech
Use a phone lanyard or action-camera tether; loose items can be lost on the ride and are unsafe on the platforms.
Hydrate Before You Clip In
Drink water ahead of time and stash a bottle in your car; you’ll want both hands free and won’t carry bottles on-course.
Check Weight/Age Limits
Typical zipline limits range between 50–250 lb and minimum ages around 8–10—confirm the current policy when booking.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Fort at No. 4 Living History Museum in Charlestown for a quick dive into frontier-era New England
- •Hoyt’s Landing in Springfield, VT, for a quiet riverside picnic after your flight
Wildlife
Red-tailed hawk, White-tailed deer
Conservation Note
Raptors nest along the ridgeline—follow guide instructions, stay on designated paths, and pack out everything you bring in.
Morningside has hosted hang gliders since 1974, making it one of the country’s longstanding hubs for foot-launched flight training.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Cooler temps, Wildlife viewing
Challenges: Mud on access paths, Unpredictable showers
Expect fresh, damp air and variable weather. Layers and a light shell keep you comfortable between platforms.
summer
Best for: Long daylight, Consistent operations
Challenges: Heat and humidity, Afternoon thunderstorms
Morning tours are cooler and calmer; hydrate and watch the forecast for pop-up storms later in the day.
fall
Best for: Crisp air, Peak foliage views
Challenges: Cool, breezy platforms, High demand for bookings
Clear skies and color-soaked hills make for standout rides—bring a light jacket and reserve ahead.
winter
Best for: Occasional crystal-clear days, Low crowds
Challenges: Weather-dependent operations, Icy access areas
Check ahead for seasonal availability; when open, bundle up and wear footwear with grippy soles.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Closed-Toe Trail ShoesEssential
Good traction and toe protection make platforms and paths safer and more comfortable.
Lightweight Wind LayerEssential
Wind at elevation can feel cooler than on the ground; a quick-on layer keeps your core warm.
Phone Lanyard or Action Cam Tether
Secure your camera so you can capture footage without risking a drop into the forest.
Sunglasses with Retainer
A strap keeps shades from slipping during launches and landings while cutting glare for better views.
Common Questions
Do I need prior zipline experience?
No. Guides provide a thorough briefing and manage the safety systems; you only need to follow instructions and be comfortable with heights.
What are the height and weight requirements?
Most ziplines operate within a 50–250 lb range and require a secure harness fit. Confirm Morningside’s current limits at booking to ensure eligibility.
What should I wear?
Closed-toe shoes, comfortable layers, and hair tied back. Avoid loose scarves and dangling jewelry; bring a light jacket in cooler months.
Can I bring my phone or camera?
Yes, but secure it with a lanyard or tether. Loose items are unsafe and may be restricted on platforms.
What happens if the weather turns bad?
Operations may pause or reschedule for high winds, lightning, or heavy rain. Check your confirmation for the operator’s weather policy and contact info.
Is this suitable for someone with a fear of heights?
Many guests with mild height anxiety enjoy the tour. Let your guide know, focus on breathing and the horizon, and take it one platform at a time.
What to Pack
Closed-toe shoes for traction and safety; a light wind jacket for cooler platform temps; phone/camera tether to secure your device; reusable water bottle to hydrate before and after the tour.
Did You Know
The Connecticut River is New England’s longest, flowing roughly 406 miles from the Canadian border to Long Island Sound—and its broad valley creates reliable breezes that draw hang gliders to Morningside.
Quick Travel Tips
Book morning slots for calmer air and fewer crowds; arrive 20–30 minutes early to sign waivers and gear up; tie back long hair and remove loose jewelry; check day-of weather—thunderstorms can trigger temporary pauses.
Local Flavor
Post-zip, head to Claremont’s Common Man for hearty New England staples or grab a maple creemee across the river in Springfield, VT. If it’s Saturday, check local farmers markets for cider donuts and chèvre—simple fuel that tastes like the valley.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Lebanon Municipal (LEB) ~35 mi; Manchester-Boston (MHT) ~90 mi. Meet at Morningside Flight Park, 357 Morningside Ln, Charlestown, NH. About 20 minutes from Claremont. Cell service can be spotty on-course; download directions. No permits required, but reservations and signed waivers are mandatory.
Sustainability Note
Stay on designated paths to protect understory vegetation, keep noise low near raptor perches, and pack out all trash. Reusable water bottles and minimal single-use plastics help keep this ridge as clean as its views.
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