Harlan County board to pursue funding for zipline tour

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Course would be second largest on east coast;

Harlan County may soon offer yet another form of outdoor adventure after a vote by the Harlan County Outdoor Recreation Board Authority to pursue funding and advertise for bids for the construction of a zipline canopy tour.

Zipline expert Robert Nickell discussed the proposed attraction with the five-member board as well as Harlan County Judge-Executive Joe Grieshop and magistrates Bill Moore and Jonathon Pope.

Nickell’s company, Universal Zipline Technology, was hired by the board to perform a site evaluation and course design at Black Mountain Off-Road Adventure Area.

Nickell said the course he was designing for Harlan County would be the second biggest on the east coast. Early cost estimates for the project have ranged from $220,000 to $250,000, a number that will be refined once Nickell completes the design.

“I’ve seen every one of the ziplines I’ve built pay for itself in the first nine months to a year,” said Nickell, who has designed and built zipline courses all over the world. “For the investment, it’s one of the most successful businesses you can get in.”

The board’s interest, however, is providing another recreation opportunity in Harlan County, attracting more people to the area and creating jobs.

The zipline would make Black Mountain Off-Road Adventure Area the only off-road trail system that also features a zipline and would benefit from the existing customer base as well as entirely new ones.

“It’s one of the safest thrill rides you can have. The best thing is all ages can do it. It opens up the door to a huge variety of people who can do it,” said Nickell, adding that the biggest age group that visited ziplines was 50 and above.

According to Nickell, the two-hour zipline tours commonly cost $75 to $120 per person, but the board is considering lower rates as well as discounts for residents and large groups.

Construction could begin by summer if the board can secure the necessary funding. Once Nickell completes the course design and estimated cost, the board will apply for two separate loans through Harlan Revitalization and the Kentucky Tourism, Arts & Heritage Cabinet.

Grieshop said the Harlan County Fiscal Court may decide at this week’s fiscal court meeting whether or not to put up collateral for the loans and sign as a guarantor.

Pope voiced his support for the project to the board.

“I’m going to bring my kids,” said Pope. “I’m wondering about a yearly pass.”

Staff report
Harlan Daily Enterprise