North Carolina is a great place to visit if you’re looking for adrenaline-pumping action! There are plenty of ziplines to play on or hot air balloon rides to take. But what about those who want to bungee jump? Are there any bungee jumps in North Carolina?
Unfortunately, there are no bungee jump locations in North Carolina. Although, Charlotte has a reverse bungee, there’s also a sky flyer near Richmond, Virginia. But the closest original-style bungee location is in Lawrenceville, Kentucky, and it’s called Vertigo Bungee.
So, get ready to hit the road, and choose one of these fantastic locations to get your adrenaline fix! You won’t regret it.
What Bungee Jumps are in North Carolina?
Sadly, there are no places to bungee jump in North Carolina. However, the state has a few locations where you can enjoy reverse bungee jumping and a jumping swing, which have been compared to bungee jumping!
1. Carowinds Slingshot – Reverse Bungee in Charlotte NC
- Location: 14523 Carowinds Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28273
- Bungee Height: 300 feet
- Type of Jump: Reverse bungee
If you are looking for a ride that’s similar to bungee jumping, you can ride the Slingshot! This is a reverse bungee jump in which two people are safely strapped into a capsule made of steel bars and flung 300 feet into the air. The capsule has two large rubber bungee cords attached to it, which are also attached to two tall towers, allowing the capsule to flip, roll, and fling, reaching speeds up to 60 miles per hour.
As a matter of fact, many bungee jumpers vote that this ride gives you even more of a thrill than bungee jumping, as it throws you into several different sensations from the way it bounces, rolls, and flies! It’s worth noting that the Slingshot is not included in your admission price, so you’ll have to pay separately for this ride.
Where is the Closest Bungee Jump to North Carolina?
Again, North Carolina and the neighboring states aren’t known for their bungee jumping locations. So, you’ll most likely travel a bit to reach any bungee locations.
1. Xtreme SkyFlyer near Richmond Virginia
- Location:16000 Theme Park Way, Doswell, VA 23047
- Bungee Height: 215 feet
- Type of Jump: Harness swing
Over at the King’s Dominion Amusement Park, there is an Xtreme SkyFlyer, a giant harness swing that swings riders up to 215 feet in the air. For this ride, you’re fitted into a harness, while laying on your belly next to one or two others. You’re then reeled up and dropped 200 feet, where you’ll swing down to the other side.
This ride gives you the sensation of skydiving, bungee jumping, and hang gliding all at the same time. However, again, this is a ride that is not included in the ticket you purchased for the adventure park experience, so you will need to pay an additional fee.
2. Vertigo Bungee in Lawrenceville, Kentucky
- Location:1539 Tyrone Road, Lawrenceburg, KY
- Bungee Height: 240 feet
- Type of Jump: Headfirst
One of the closest and best places that you can go bungee jumping near North Carolina is the Vertigo Bungee in Lawrenceville, Kentucky. This bungee has been active since 1990, making it one of the most experienced and oldest locations open in the USA.
This bridge was featured on MTV back in the day and on the Discovery Channel, which sparked interest among thrill seekers from all over. Of course, it was newer and working its way to becoming more mainstream back then.
Are There Mobile Bungee Jumping Companies in North Carolina?
Unfortunately, there are no mobile bungee jumping companies in North Carolina. Unlike California, North Carolina does not have a growing population of bungee jumping locations.
At first glance, when searching for this on Google, it looks like you can rent bungee jumping equipment, but this is for something other than actual bungee jumping. These rentals are for the bungee trampolines, which are not the same thing as the sport of bungee jumping.
A bungee trampoline is where a jumper is harnessed into two large bungee cords on top of a trampoline. This allows them to jump 20 feet in the air and do tricks or flips.
Was There Ever Bungee Jumping in North Carolina?
A long time ago, there was a bungee location in Charlotte called Charlotte Outdoor Activities Inc. They would organize bungee jumping throughout different areas of Charlotte and other sporting activities.
It’s unclear when they went out of business, as their website no longer exists, and their phone number is no longer theirs.
Furthermore, two jumping locations were open nearby in Ocean Breeze Fun Park and Rudee Inlet, both in Virginia Beach. However, they both closed since they weren’t getting enough business.
What are Some Related Activities to Bungee Jumping in North Carolina?
Because of the lack of bungee locations nearby, you may be interested in finding something that’s similar or that will provide a nice adrenaline rush. Therefore, I’ve included a few activities, as well as the locations you can do them below!
Ziplining in North Carolina
Ziplining is always a great go-to! The great part about this sport is that there are several areas to zipline around the state! Here are just a few of the best places to book with:
Each of these companies offers different experiences. For example, The Gorge zipline has 11 zip lines as part of an entire aerial course with sky bridges, obstacle courses, and more. The Richland Creek Zipline Tour offers the same experience; however, they have 14 zip lines instead of 11.
You need to make sure that the ziplines you’re looking for are within your vicinity, as also that you meet the requirements, as there are age and weight limits for each one.
White Water Rafting in North Carolina
There is nothing like white water rafting in North Carolina! The state has a wide variety of waters, including up to class V whitewater rafting. Some of the best places to do this include:
- Carolina Outfitters White Water Rafting
- Blue Heron Whitewater
- Wildwater Nantahala Rafting & Canopy Tours
It’s essential that you read about the experiences to see what will fit you best. For example, if you’re not an avid rafter, you may want to avoid the class IV and V rapids for now. Eventually, you’ll want to work your way up to increase your adrenaline rush to the next level.
Hot Air Ballooning
One sport that many people forget about (me included) is hot-air ballooning. I’ve been in one only twice, and while it’s relaxing and beautiful, I’d be lying if I said my heart wasn’t in my throat.
If I had to rate which is scarier, skydiving, or hot air ballooning, I would hands down choose this! Why? Because there’s no rush like this one when you realize the only thing separating yourself between a few thousand feet is a basket. Then again, I’m scared of heights.
You’ll want to go with a reputable company as flying a hot air balloon takes skill, so here are some of the companies I recommend after doing a bit of research on several different locations:
Not all hot air ballooning companies are safe to ride with. So, when you approach, you first want to look at the shape of the carrier and the balloon. If it seems raggedy or unkept, it most likely is. There is no shame in walking away when you’re rightfully concerned about your safety.
Are There Any New Bungee Jumps Coming to North Carolina?
At the time of writing, there are no discussions about a new bungee jump coming to North Carolina. However, that doesn’t mean that it won’t happen.
Over time, rules and regulations change! So, if you’re hoping for a new bungee jump to pop up in the state, keep an eye out, as it can happen at any time. If you know of anything feel free to let us know in the comment section below!
When Heather is not participating in extreme sports you can find her working the events across the country, or writing about these amazing adrenaline rushes. She loves to go skydiving, snowboarding, parasailing, hang gliding, dirt boarding, off-roading and hiking.