Challenge Courses, Zip Lines, and Aerial Adventure Parks: A historical primer and examination of current trends and statistics

Challenge courses zip lines & aerial adventure parks: A historic primer and examination of current trends and statistics

Challenge courses, zip lines, and aerial adventure parks are increasingly popular.  But with rapid growth and popularity come challenges.  The purpose of this report is to provide a historical account of the emergence of challenge courses, an overview of the growth of the market, propose common definitions, explore trends, and suggest a direction forward.  It is a subjective account from an operator, vendor, and enthusiast who is passionate about the value of wild places, adventure education, and the impact that well-crafted, novel adventure experiences can have on individuals, small groups, and communities.

The report was initially published in 2016.  Minor revisions were made in 2019 and 2025.

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