Words by Rebecca Deurlein
How High Octane Adventure Fuels Peak Performance
My legs were shaking, and I hadn’t even taken the first step.
The mountain taunted me, its shallow crags and steep ascent punctuated by iron cables and narrow steel staples meant to hold me aloft as I climbed my first via ferrata—a protected climbing route built into rock with fixed cables, ladders, and footholds. I was about to clip in, attach my two carabiners to the cable, and crab-walk my way onto the narrowest ledge I’ve ever seen, hundreds of feet in the air. The scope, the intensity, and the 9,000-foot ascent all seemed impossible—especially for someone who had never climbed—but peer pressure and my refusal to be left behind propelled me forward.
The feat was as mental as it was physical, the sense of empowerment almost indescribable and absolutely joyous. Every step I took along the way was a life lesson on strategizing, focusing, celebrating small wins, and accepting my own limitations. It was the realization that every overwhelming, enormous challenge is met with single steps, the first one always the toughest.
If you’ve ever traveled just so you can climb new heights, step out onto a platform perched above a canyon, take a gondola up 10,000 feet, or—bless your sweet, Southern heart—hang glide, you’re familiar with that sense of heart-racing adrenaline these outdoor adventures can bring.
But have you considered that these high octane experiences can also bring enhanced mental awareness, a sense of non-competitive accomplishment, a meaningful channel for overcoming fears, and a renewed connection to nature and place?
Pushing yourself past your comfort zone, especially in situations where all of your senses are hyper-focused on the experience, is sure to lead to an elevated sense of well-being..
Ready to take your adventures to new, adrenaline-boosting heights? Here are five places across the South to discover exactly what you’re made of.
Tennessee’s Skybridge
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Step out onto this pedestrian cable bridge—the longest in North America—and take deep breaths to calm your racing heart. You’ve just taken the first step toward empowerment. You have almost 700 feet of pulsing bridge to traverse, made mostly of cedar mixed with a metal grating surface, providing panoramic views of the deep valley below. After about 50 yards, you’ll find yourself at the halfway point, where a section of the walkway becomes glass—just in case you need a clearer view of just how high up you are. Take it one step at a time, pause, look around, and enjoy the journey.
Zip Lining
Boone, North Carolina
Becoming one with nature is a proven balm for our souls. Sky Valley Zip Tours takes it to the next level with 10 tree-canopy lines, culminating in a 45-foot vertical descent. For night owls and stargazers, opt for the Night Flight tour, where only a headlamp lights your way. As the dark sky comes alive with starlight, all of your big problems and worries will seem small.
Summit Skyride
Stone Mountain Park, Georgia
You don’t have to be a hiker or adventurer to enjoy a scenic view. Even when thrills are easier to come by, like boarding the high-speed Swiss cable car at Stone Mountain Park, you’ll likely feel a boost as you’re whisked 835 feet to the peak. Simply turning your full attention to the ascent (so high that you can see the Appalachian Mountains 60 miles away) reminds you that looking up from your phone can open up a whole new world.
Paragliding
Lookout Mountain Flight Park
Rising Fawn, Georgia
Imagine soaring over a beautiful vista, the only sound the wind at your wings. On the surface, paragliding is a daredevil’s sport; in reality, it is peaceful, meditative, and relaxing. At Lookout Mountain Flight Park on the Georgia-Tennessee border, you can feel safe and secure with a professional instructor. Your initial fear might dissipate as you focus on adjusting your wings, toggling your brakes, and enjoying the moment. The takeaway? Subtle movements make for a much smoother ride.
Myakka Canopy Walkway
Sarasota, Florida
Multiple studies have shown that immersing yourself in nature is therapeutic, and adding a little height to that equation can bring bonus benefits. When you change your perspective—moving among palm treetops or enjoying an aerial view of wetlands—it reveals aspects of the world you may never have noticed. This act of discovery can spark feelings of childlike wonder and euphoria. The easy-access Myakka Canopy Walkway is the first public treetop trail in North America, and it doesn’t disappoint. You’ll be eye-to-eye with eagles, hawks, vultures, and nests you’d never see from the ground.
When you’re planning your summer travels, don’t forget to add a high-flying adventure to your list. Engaging with height, looking at the world from a different perspective, and being present can bring about some of the most grounding and memorable moments of any trip.
