Paragliding

Henson Gap, Tennessee

APOLOGIES, Wright brothers, but this Appalachian ridgeline is the premiere place to take your first flight. Rocky cliffs rise abruptly above the Sequatchie Valley’s cornfields and treetops 1,800 feet below. To further improve the site’s aerodynamics, Dennis Van Dam (an aeronautical engineer who loved hang gliding) designed a radial ramp that aids airflow as pilots stride into the sky. Famous among hang gliders and paragliders, the ramp attracts pilots from far and wide, but also facilitates beginner flights.

The forgiving aerodynamics allow for even fumbled launches to become soaringly successful leaps.

Flyby: Flying Camp Paragliding offers tandem flights and solo pilot certifi

cation courses. After a few steps on earth, your feet ply the breeze and you and the area’s raptors settle into a shockingly long flight supported by the valley’s gentle thermals.