Historic Banning Mills

Name

Historic Banning Mills

Legal name

The Lodges at Banning Mills Retreat and Conservation Center Inc.

Website

https://historicbanningmills.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1998

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Historic Banning Mills is a 501(c)(3) conservation and adventure retreat center in Whitesburg, Georgia, operating world-record zipline canopy tours, lodging, and dining on 1,200 protected acres, serving families, couples, and corporate groups primarily from the Atlanta drive market.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Adventure Resort and Conservation Retreat Center

NAICS

Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (712190), Historical Sites (712120)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Zipline, Ropes Courses & Aerial Adventure Parks (THAJABAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Zipline & Canopy Tour Parks (THAAACAA), Wilderness & Backcountry Lodges (Remote/Off-Grid) (THAGAIAB), Adventure & Aerial Parks (Ropes Courses, Zipline Parks, Climbing Parks) (THAJAEAI)

Keywords

• Zipline canopy tours
• Adventure resort lodging
• Conservation retreat center
• Outdoor recreation activities
• Corporate team building retreats

Headquarters

HQ city

Whitesburg

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Adventure Activity Fees: Revenue from zipline tours (5 options ranging from Level 1-4 plus add-ons), aerial courses, climbing wall, Eco-Spider tours, horseback riding, kayaking, and wildlife shows. Per-person pricing with age and weight restrictions. Tours include free photos.
2. Lodging Accommodations: Room rental revenue from tree houses, treehouse rooms, treetop hideaways, pine log cabins, rustic family cabins, creekside overlook rooms, and lodge rooms. Rates vary by room type with double occupancy base pricing and additional person fees.
3. Package Bookings: Bundled adventure and lodging packages including All-Day Rush & A Bed packages, Couple's Getaway packages, Zip Line & Dine experiences, and seasonal specials. Premium pricing with included meals and multiple activities.
4. Food and Beverage: On-site gourmet dining at main lodge with 4-course dinner service, breakfast included with lodging, lunch offerings. Reservations required 24 hours in advance. Country breakfast to fine dining options.
5. Group/Corporate Services: Team building programs, meeting venue rentals, corporate retreat packages, and group event services. Customizable experiences for organizations including GPS Adventure Challenges and group discounts for 10+ guests.
6. Retail and Ancillary: Gift cards, gift certificates, helmet camera rentals ($15), and souvenir merchandise. Gift cards valid 5 years for any service except dining.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Historic Banning Mills operates a nonprofit adventure resort offering world-record zipline canopy tours, Eco-Spider SWINCAR off-road tours, the world's tallest freestanding climbing wall, kayaking, horseback riding, hiking trails and suspension bridges. The property also sells lodging (treehouses, cabins, lodge rooms), on-site gourmet dining, and bundled adventure packages, with dedicated corporate retreat and team-building programming.

Product overview

Historic Banning Mills is a premier adventure resort offering a unified platform of outdoor experiences centered around its world-record zip line canopy tours. The core offering includes four progressive levels of zip line tours (Levels 1-4), culminating in the Guinness World Record longest continuous zipline course at 11.92 km. Complementary adventure products include Eco-Spider SWINCAR off-road tours, kayaking, horseback riding, Crazy Squirrel aerial courses, and the world's tallest freestanding climbing wall. Lodging options span treehouses, cabins, and lodge rooms. The company packages these as combined offerings including dining experiences, couples getaways, and corporate retreats, all set within the historic Snake Creek Gorge landscape.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Zip Line Canopy Tours (Levels 1-4) Four progressively challenging zipline canopy tours (Levels 1-4) increasing in length, speed, and height, with free photos included and weight restrictions of 90-250 lbs (female) and 90-285 lbs (male). The full Screaming Eagle course includes the Guinness World Record-holding longest continuous zipline canopy tour combined length at 11.92 km.
• All-Day Rush Tour Full-day zip line experience combining every level of the canopy tour with exclusive add-on experiences such as Flight of the Falcon, Ridge Runner, and 100-foot Power Free Fall, including lunch.
• Two-Day Rush Tour Two-day immersive zip line experience allowing participants to tackle the world-record zip line course end-to-end across two consecutive days.
• Eco-Spider SWINCAR Tours Hand-controlled off-road vehicle tours through forest trails crossing the 170-foot Big Shoals suspension bridge over Snake Creek. Single rider (age 16+, max 285 lbs, max 6'5") priced at $139 and tandem (driver 18+, rider 8+, total max 450 lbs) priced at $199, with wheelchair-transfer models for accessible participation.
• Crazy Squirrel Aerial Adventure Course Two-tiered aerial adventure course with zip lines, climbing, and swinging elements designed for children ages 4 and up and families.
• World's Tallest Freestanding Climbing Wall Guinness World Record-holding 137.42-foot tall freestanding artificial climbing wall, the tallest in the world.
• Kayak Adventures Seven-mile kayak trek down the Chattahoochee River with class 1 rapids, suitable for beginners.
• Horseback Riding Tours Guided horseback tours through Snake Creek Gorge along historic trails viewing 1800s mill ruins, with 1-hour and 2-hour tour options for ages 10 and up at $79/person.
• Moonlight Zip Line Tours Nighttime zip line tours offered on select October evenings under moonlight illumination.
• Birds of Prey Nature Programs Wildlife shows featuring birds of prey and native animals with educational programming, held May through November at $7/person (free for children 4 and under).
• Team Building Programs Corporate and group team-building activities including GPS Adventure Challenge and challenge course experiences, with meeting venues for organizations.
• Tree House and Treetop Hideaway Rooms Treehouse lodging suspended in the Georgia tree canopy above Snake Creek Gorge with modern comforts, views over the gorge, and full breakfast included starting at $299/night.
• Cabin Rentals Various cabin accommodations including Pine Log Cabins, full-sized Rustic Family Cabins, and premier Cabin on the Ridge options with full breakfast included.
• Lodge Rooms Hotel-style lodge accommodations including Economy Lodge Rooms and spacious Creekside Overlook Rooms with private decks overlooking Snake Creek.
• Couples Getaway Package Romantic package including one-night stay, 4-course gourmet dinner, and breakfast for two, priced $338 (Pine Log Cabin/Overlook Room) to $399 (Tree House/Treetop Hideaway/Cabin on Ridge).
• Zipline and Dine Package Day trip package for two combining a Level 3 Zip Line Canopy Tour with free pictures and a 4-course gourmet dinner, priced at $299 with available add-ons including Ridge Runner, Flight of the Falcon, and Power Free Fall.
• All-Day Rush and A Bed Package Two-night stay with breakfast both mornings, All-Day Rush Tour with lunch, gourmet dinner, and souvenir t-shirts for two, priced from $979 (Pine Log Cabin/Overlook Room) to $1,103 (Tree House/Treetop Hideaway), with $150 July promotional discount via code ADR150.
• Gourmet Dining On-site chef-prepared 4-course gourmet dinners served on Tree Terrace with country breakfast service for lodging guests and lunch offerings, reservations required 24 hours in advance.
• Scenic Hiking Trails and Suspension Bridges Over 10 miles of self-guided hiking trails through Snake Creek Gorge with access to suspension bridges including Georgia's longest at over 600 feet and additional trail access at Amicalola Falls State Park partner.

Quantifiable outcome

• Guinness World Record for longest zipline canopy tour course combined length: 11.92 km (39,127 ft)
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered minor, core and significant.

• Eden Reforestation ProjectsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAdvertising partnership where Eden Reforestation Projects plants trees for every thousand impressions received through Historic Banning Mills' advertisements. Cause marketing initiative supporting environmental sustainability. Company's advertising efforts contribute to reforestation efforts worldwide.
• American Adventure Park SystemscoreTechnology or IntegrationSame ownership entity (Mike and Donna Holder). Designs, constructs, installs, inspects and maintains all adventure courses. Develops and distributes proprietary safety equipment including QuickTrekker continuous belay systems. Founded on over 30 years combined experience. Accredited Professional Vendor Member (PVM) of ACCT.
• Georgia State Park System (Amicalola Falls, Unicoi)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorScreaming Eagle Aerial Adventures branded zipline and aerial adventure operations at Amicalola Falls State Park (Dawsonville) and Unicoi State Park (Helen). Joint marketing and destination experiences. Lodging partnerships with Amicalola Falls Lodge and Unicoi Lodge.
• Alabama State Parks System (Lake Guntersville, Wind Creek, Desoto Falls)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorScreaming Eagle Aerial Adventures operations at Lake Guntersville State Park, Wind Creek State Park, and Desoto Falls State Park. Lake Guntersville features 2 levels of canopy tours with super zips over 1,000 feet. Joint destination marketing with park lodging and nature centers.
• The Ark Encounter / Creation Museum (Kentucky)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorScreaming Eagle Aerial Adventures operations at religious destination attractions in Kentucky. Zipline experiences complement family-friendly attractions at The Ark Encounter (world's largest timber-framed structure) and Creation Museum.
• University of West Georgia History Department and ArchivessignificantStrategic or Co-development PartnerUWG students documented history of Banning for thesis papers starting in 2000. Carey Tilley's work on visible cultural resources (2000) and mill-village housing evolution (2001). Arden Williams documented community identity (2002). Department provided archival research support for National Register nomination.
• Doug Mabry (Historian)significantStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndependent historian who began working with Historic Banning Mills in 2005. Dedicated countless hours scouring archives and compiling historical information on Banning's industrial past, Creek Indian history, and Georgia textile/paper industries. Contributed to National Register nomination documentation.
• Southern Research, Historic Preservation Consultants Inc.significantImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerHired in 2006 to officially document history of Paper Mill ruins. Conducted Archaeological Reconnaissance for Early Industrial Sites Along Snake Creek, Carroll County, Georgia (2006). Professional historic preservation consulting for National Register nomination.
• Georgia Department of Community Affairs - State Historic Preservation OfficesignificantImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerState Historic Preservation staff worked closely with Historic Banning Mills to ensure nomination met requirements before official submission to National Register. Provided guidance through state and federal review process.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• CLIMB Works: Operates multiple zipline and aerial adventure parks in Tennessee, North Carolina, and Hawaii with progressive tour levels similar to Historic Banning Mills' Levels 1–4. Directly comparable canopy tour product and family/corporate target market.
• Adventure Park of Nashville: Tennessee-based aerial adventure park offering self-guided climbing and zipline courses with similar age-segmented progression. Comparable product mix and family/group target audience.
• Navitat Canopy Adventures: Specializes in zipline canopy tours at multiple U.S. locations (Asheville, NC; Ixtapa, Mexico) with guided aerial experiences. Closest direct competitor on the canopy tour side of Historic Banning Mills' offering.
• TreeTop Adventure Parks: Multi-location aerial adventure and zipline park operator with progressive course levels similar to Banning Mills' Crazy Squirrel and zipline tiers. Direct overlap on family-friendly aerial adventure experiences.
• The Adventure Park at Sandy Springs: Mid-Atlantic aerial adventure park with 13+ treetop courses and ziplines, targeting families, groups, and corporate team-building. Closely aligned on aerial adventure product, customer segments, and pricing structure.

Others

• The Ark Encounter: Kentucky-based attraction that hosts a Screaming Eagle Aerial Adventures partner location. Functions as both a destination distribution channel and a thematic-adjacent attraction drawing similar family and group visitors.
• American Adventure Park Systems: Wholly-owned sister entity that designs, builds, inspects, and maintains Historic Banning Mills' adventure courses and distributes the proprietary QuickTrekker safety system to third-party operators. Adjacent operating subsidiary, not a competitor.

Regional players

• Unicoi State Park & Lodge: Georgia state park where Historic Banning Mills already operates a Screaming Eagle partner location. Comparable lodging + outdoor recreation mix but state-owned and a partner rather than direct competitor for the same guest.
• Forever Florida: Florida eco-adventure ranch offering ziplines, horseback riding, safari tours, and conservation programs on protected acreage. Comparable conservation-adventure hybrid model but serves a different Southeast drive market.

Broad incumbents

• Callaway Gardens: Established Georgia destination resort with lodging, dining, and outdoor recreation (including zipline). Overlaps Historic Banning Mills on Georgia drive-market, family leisure, and overnight resort positioning but operates at much larger scale with broader amenities.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/BanningMills
• Facebookfacebook.com/banningmills
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/historic-banning-mills

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Historic Banning Mills