Treetops, speed, and a skybridge in one run. I like how Long Hollow Canopy Tours mixes an off-road UTV ride with six ziplines that build in length and speed. You’re up high fast, with zips that can reach speeds up to 40 mph and sit around 75 feet above the forest floor.

One thing to think about: this is active, and it’s not a good fit if you have back issues or certain medical limits. The optional Free Fall exit is for people who want extra intensity at the end, but if you prefer a calmer finish, you’ll want the traditional rappel option instead.

Key highlights at a glance

• UTV ride to the platforms through off-road trails before you clip in
• Six ziplines with a growing challenge, including a final line that’s 1,250 feet long
• 140-foot suspended skybridge to link the mid-course to the last zip
• 40-foot rappel from a tree-based platform to the forest floor
• Free Fall or traditional rappel as your tour exit choice

UTV to Canopy Height: How the 150-Minute Adventure Flows

Long Hollow Canopy Tours is built like a steady adrenaline staircase. You start on the ground, then move into a coached ride through the trees, finishing with either a dramatic Free Fall jump or a more standard rappel exit. The whole experience runs about 150 minutes, which is long enough to feel like a real outing without turning into a half-day slog.

You’ll meet at the Long Hollow Canopy Tours sign just off Longhollow Road. From there, you’re set up with safety equipment and a briefing, and the day stays structured with trained canopy guides. The tour is limited to small groups of up to 8, so you’re not lost in a crowd when you need reassurance.

If you’re wondering whether this is a sit-back attraction: no. You’re expected to participate actively, follow instructions, and move through the course at the pace the staff coaches.

Ground School and Safety Coaching That Keeps It From Feeling Chaotic

Before you go airborne, the staff teaches Ground School. This matters because the course has multiple moving parts: clipping in, riding platforms, crossing the skybridge, and doing a rappel. You’ll be required to pass Ground School to continue, so the goal is control, not guesswork.

There’s also a clear physical checklist. You need to be able to reach your arms above your head and place your hand above them, and participation isn’t permitted if you’re under the influence of alcohol, illegal or legal drugs, or prescription medications that limit your abilities. Staff may also discretely weigh you at check-in, with a weight requirement of 70 to 250 lbs.

One small-but-real detail: you’ll get hand signals and instructions while you’re up in the trees. If visibility is a concern for you, keep your eyes on the guide’s upper body and face cues, not just the gear. People do better when they treat communication like part of the safety system, not background noise.

The First Big Moment: UTV Ride Through the Woods

That UTV ride is more than just transport. It’s your warm-up. You get off-road trails to reach the start of the course, and it sets the tone that this is outdoorsy adventure, not a tidy indoor demo.

Expect some movement and rougher ground—enough that your brain gets the message quickly. It also helps that the course begins with momentum. Once you arrive, you’re already in the right mindset: awake, alert, and ready to move.

If you’re traveling with older relatives or anyone who doesn’t love uneven surfaces, this is a good time to pay attention to how you’ll handle getting on/off the UTV comfortably. The guides can help, but your comfort level still starts here.

Six Ziplines That Build From Fast to Really Fast

The core of the tour is the zipline sequence: 6 ziplines that progressively get longer as you work through the course. The numbers you’ll hear are impressive—speeds up to 40 mph and heights around 75 feet above the forest floor—but the experience is best understood as a rising rhythm.

Early ziplines are about learning your pace and trusting the setup. Middle lines add length and keep you engaged with the surroundings. By the time you hit the later zips, you’re not thinking about how it works—you’re thinking about how smooth it feels while you’re moving through the treetops.

What makes this especially good value is that it’s not just one long line. You get multiple rides, plus the skybridge and rappel, which makes the overall time feel packed with different sensations.

The 140-Foot Skybridge and the 40-Foot Rappel

After the ziplines start ramping up, you’ll face two signature course elements that change the feel of the adventure.

First is the 140-foot suspended skybridge. Crossing it shifts you from flying to balancing. You’re still high, still surrounded by trees, but the challenge becomes steadiness and following guide directions.

Then you’ll do a 40-foot rappel from a tree-based platform to the forest floor. Rappelling can feel like the “gear shift” moment in the tour. It’s intense, but it’s also controlled—because it’s guided and coached as part of the course. If you want your adrenaline to keep moving without going full Free Fall at the end, this rappel stage is a big part of why the day feels complete.

The overall effect: you don’t just get tossed down a line. You get to experience different kinds of canopy movement.

Final Zipline: The 1,250-Foot Finish

The last segment is where the course flexes. After the skybridge, you reach the final zipline, which is 1,250 feet long. That length is what turns this from a fun activity into a memory you’ll talk about on the drive back.

This is also where pacing matters. If you came in nervous, the earlier training helps you settle in by the time you reach the finish. And if you came in fearless, the course still gives you that sense of escalation—short-to-long-to-longer—until the final ride.

For many people, the last zip is the one they want to feel twice. The good news is the course gives you enough variety that you’ll feel like you got your money’s worth even if you don’t replay the whole thing in your head.

Free Fall Jump vs Traditional Rappel: Choosing Your Exit

Here’s the decision point that sets Long Hollow apart from simpler zipline-only tours: you can choose how you exit.

You can opt for the Free Fall jump, or you can stick with a traditional rappel option. If you want the most adrenaline at the end, Free Fall is the way to go. If you’d rather keep things steady and predictable after the final zip, the traditional rappel exit fits better.

Either way, this choice matters because it changes how the tour’s final “note” lands. And that affects how you’ll feel walking away—buzzed and proud, or a little more composed.

One practical tip: think about the kind of finish you’ll enjoy. If you get anxious with uncertainty, choose rappel. If you can handle intensity and want a big final story, Free Fall is the louder option.

Who This Tour Suits Best (and Who Should Skip It)

Long Hollow Canopy Tours fits best for people who like active days, heights, and hands-on coaching. You’ll need to be ready for real participation and follow the ground school instructions. This also helps if you’re the type who learns by doing instead of by watching.

It is not suitable for:

• pregnant women
• people with back problems
• people with pre-existing medical conditions

Also, if you’re planning to bring kids, note the age rule: anyone under 14 must be accompanied by a Supervising Companion who is 14+. Waivers are required, and a parent or legal guardian must complete the waiver for guests under 18.

If you’re bringing someone who’s older, the reviews you’ll find emphasize that the guides give assistance when navigating and moving around is harder. Still, the course requires movement and balance in the trees, so be honest about mobility and stamina before booking.

Gear, Clothing, and the Small Things That Matter in the Trees

Before you go, plan around footwear and comfort. You’ll need closed-toe shoes and clothing appropriate for the weather/activity. Open-toed shoes are not allowed. Smoking is also not allowed, and alcohol and drugs are not allowed.

Bring comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting a little dirty from the outdoors. The tour moves through off-road trails and forest areas, and you’ll be handling safety gear, so avoid anything stiff, slippery, or restrictive.

Two additional ideas that make the day smoother:

• If you wear anything that can snag, secure it before arriving.
• If you’re unsure about arm mobility, think through the required reaching motion in advance. If you can’t comfortably reach above your head, this tour won’t work for you.

Price and Value: Is $109 Worth It for 6 Ziplines Plus Skybridge and Rappel?

At $109 per person for about 150 minutes, this tour feels like good value if you want variety, not just one thrill. Many cheaper options can feel like a smaller ride with less time, fewer structures, or less variation.

Here, you’re paying for multiple big-ticket features:

• 6 ziplines, including speeds up to 40 mph
• a 140-foot skybridge
• a 40-foot rappel
• a final 1,250-foot zipline
• and an exit choice: Free Fall or rappel

Plus, you’re not in a huge crowd. A group size of up to 8, combined with safety training and two trained canopy guides, means you get more attention when you need it.

Food isn’t included, so if you’re thinking about the whole day, plan a meal before you arrive or grab something after. The tour itself is structured and focused, so you’ll likely be most comfortable with a light snack plan around it.

Should You Book Long Hollow Canopy Tours in Galena, Illinois?

Book it if you want a high-energy canopy experience with real variety: ziplines, suspended crossing, rappelling, and a final exit you can tailor to your comfort level. It’s also a strong choice if you appreciate careful coaching, since the day includes Ground School and guided support throughout.

Skip it if you fall into the “not suitable” categories or you know you’ll struggle with the active requirements like arm positioning and mobility on platforms. And if you’re nervous about intense intensity at the end, choose the traditional rappel exit rather than Free Fall.

If you’re on the fence, ask yourself one question: do you want a day that mixes multiple skills and fear-management techniques? If yes, Long Hollow is a great fit. If you want only one simple ride, you may prefer a less mixed format.

FAQ

How long is the zipline adventure at Long Hollow Canopy Tours?

The tour duration is about 150 minutes.

How many ziplines are included?

You’ll do 6 ziplines during the tour.

Is there a skybridge and how long is it?

Yes. The tour includes a 140-foot suspended skybridge.

What’s the rappel like?

There’s a 40-foot rappel from a tree-based platform to the forest floor.

Can I choose between Free Fall and rappel to exit?

Yes. You can choose the Free Fall jump to exit the tour or do a traditional rappel.

What should I wear or bring?

Wear comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes. You’ll need to be dressed for the weather/activity.

What are the age and weight requirements?

Weight must be 70 to 250 lbs. Anyone under 14 must be accompanied by a Supervising Companion who is 14+.

What’s not allowed during the tour?

Smoking, alcohol, and drugs are not allowed, and open-toed shoes aren’t allowed.

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