You can add ziplining to the list of fun things to do east of Cleveland.
Lake Erie Canopy Tours is now open at The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake.
The $1.6 million project has been in the works for two years. It's a collaboration between Ashtabula County, the state of Ohio and private businesses, says Eric Frantz, general manager of The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake. Delaware North, the company that runs the lodge, footed the bill.
“It’s worth it. Not only to the lodge, but the region. It gives people another thing to do close to the lakeshore,” said Frantz.
The course was supposed to be ready mid-summer, but Frantz says a combination of challenges forced the opening to be delayed until mid-September.
“We just decided to be patient and just wait until all the pieces came together. I think our guests will love it when they see it.”
The course crisscrosses 25 acres in Geneva State Park. Riders can hit 30 miles per hour while zipping above woods, trails and water. The course builds in momentum as it nears Lake Erie.
Participants have to sign a waiver and go through safety training before the 2.5 hour tour.
“We’re using technology that physically makes it impossible to fall. There are double lifelines that cannot be disconnected both at the same time.”
Frantz says there has been interest from all ages, including senior citizens who want to check ziplining off their bucket lists.
“At the end of the day, it’s just fantastic to overcome that obstacle of height and those challenges and really feel that sense of accomplishment.”
Lake Erie Canopy Tours is open Friday to Sunday through October.
The course will reopen in late April or early May, depending on the weather.
Frantz expects 15,000 visitors next season.
You can find more information here.
