Local zipline unveils new thrills over Little Miami
Local zipline unveils new thrills over Little Miami
YMCA Camp Kern has added two new ziplines 200 feet above river.
By Justin McClelland, Staff Writer
Updated 11:37 AM Thursday, March 29, 2012
OREGONIA Marne Miller predicted that she was going to scream as soon as she stepped off the platform and into the gaping tree-covered unknown.
True to her world, Miller produced a shriek as she stepped off the platform 45 feet above the ground, for a minute-long journey over the Little Miami River.
Miller was one of the lucky few invited to a preview of Camp Kearns expanded Ozone Zipline Adventure. The park has added two new ziplines that, for the first time, takes riders over the Little Miami River into a skytower stationed at Fort Ancient State Park in Warren County.
It feels like everything has come full circle, said Jeff Merhige, executive director of YMCA Camp Kern. When camp Kern was founded, it was specifically planned to be at the base of Fort Ancient and along the Little Miami River. Weve had a wonderful 102-year relationship with Fort Ancient and this just strengthens that.
The zipline tours, less than 30 miles from Hamilton and Middletown, include educational stops where riders can learn about the history and ecology of the area. With the two new lines, Merhige said the park was able to incorporate the history of Fort Ancient a 2,000 year old Native American worship site into the lesson plans.
The two new ziplines are 1,300 and 1,100 feet long and at their zenith bring riders more than 200 feet above the west bank of the Little Miami River. On clear days, riders will be able to see as far as the Jeremiah Morrow Bridge on Interstate 71. In the spring and fall, riders will see the majestic colors of blossoming tree buds and changing leaves. The zips over the river last about 50 seconds apiece, but fell like they go much faster, all the riders agreed.
The zipline tour first opened in 2009. Since that time, more than 20,000 visitors from 46 states and 11 different countries have gambled with gravity to take the flying tours of Camp Kern and the area.
Merhige said that a zipline tour was the least obtrusive manner in which visitors could truly experience nature.
Youre just hanging above it all, able to take in all the majesty, Merhige said. I promise you the first time you are flying over the Little Miami River, you will be overwhelmed by the sight.
At the first drop you freak out a lot, Miller said. You just arent sure whats going to happen and then you start to relax because its all so beautiful. But it goes by in a flash.
De-De Bailey had toured the zipline before, but still marveled at the new, higher lines.
I had no fear of it, Bailey bragged. It was a really smooth ride. I couldnt believe how far you could see.
The Ozone Zipline opens for guests Saturday, March 31. The park offers three separate tour packages of varying lengths lasting from three to five hours, with costs between $75 and $120 per person.
Groups of up to eight at a time go on the tours which run daily from a 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (513) 932-3756 or www.ozonezips.org.