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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