Bransons Best Zipline - Shepherd of the Hills Zipline Canopy Tours

Shepherd of the Hills Zipline Canopy Tours invites you to experience the pure exhilaration of flying over the forests of Missouri. This thrilling aerial adventure is located in the picturesque city of Branson, famous for its theme parks and natural beauty. The project has been voted the best aerial adventure park in the USA by USA TODAY for several consecutive years, confirming its highest level of safety and service quality.

The core of the tour is a series of 8 unique ziplines running right through the tree canopies of the Ozark Hills. Participants move between suspended platforms, enjoying panoramic views impossible to see from the ground. It is more than just a ride; it is an opportunity to feel at one with nature while getting a healthy dose of adrenaline.

The complex is part of the "Shepherd of the Hills" historical legacy and offers family-friendly fun for guests of almost any age—children as young as 3 years old can fly on the ziplines. Professional guides accompany every group, ensuring comfort and safety throughout the route, which lasts approximately two hours.

For trip details or to book your spot, you can use the following contact information. The Shepherd of the Hills park is open to guests and provides all necessary information via phone or their official website.

The main magnet for tourists here is the full canopy tour consisting of 8 different ziplines. Each line has its own character: some will amaze you with their speed and length, while others allow you to glide smoothly over the forest to take in the landscape details. Experienced instructors not only help with the gear but also teach proper flight techniques, making the attraction accessible even to those who have never tried anything like it before.

After your aerial adventure, it's worth staying in the park to experience the Vigilante Extreme ZipRider—a high-speed descent from the top of the famous Inspiration Tower. For fans of ground-based fun, there is the Copperhead Mountain Coaster, the longest mountain coaster in the region with steep banked turns and loops. You can also find the TreeTop Sky Trail ropes course and a cozy 9-hole mini-golf course on-site.

Families with children will definitely enjoy a visit to the petting zoo and walks around the historical homestead. The best way to end a busy day is at the Inspiration Tower observation deck, which offers a stunning view of the endless Ozark Hills. It is the perfect spot for photos that will serve as great reminders of your trip.

Getting to the park is easy, as it is located at 5585 W 76 Country Blvd, right on the city's main tourist artery. This road is the key route for anyone exploring the Ozark Mountains by car. Free parking is provided on-site for visitors, making travel by private or rental car very convenient.

If you are staying in the city center, the drive takes only 5–10 minutes. Since public transportation is limited in this part of the region, many tourists prefer to use taxis or popular rideshare services like Uber and Lyft. During the off-peak season (January–February), tour check-in may take place in the neighboring Inspiration Tower building, so keep an eye out for signs.

For those using GPS, you can use the coordinates: 36.6669188, -93.3059958. It is recommended to leave with a bit of extra time, as Highway 76 can get quite busy during the height of the tourist season.

The history of this location is inextricably linked to literature. It all began in 1907 with the publication of Harold Bell Wright's novel "The Shepherd of the Hills." The book, describing the rugged beauty and life of the Ozarks, instantly became a bestseller and drew millions of readers to the area, effectively laying the foundation for the region's entire tourism industry.

In the mid-20th century, the Trimble family began turning legendary locations from the book into real attractions. A gift shop opened in 1946, followed by an outdoor theater that still performs the famous drama today. The iconic 230-foot Inspiration Tower was erected in 1985, becoming a symbol of the park's technical progress and offering guests the best panoramic views in the area.

The newest chapter of its history began in 2016 with new owners who undertook a large-scale revitalization of the complex. During this period, the modern zipline tours were launched and the Homestead adventure park was opened. Today, the site harmoniously combines century-old traditions and historical heritage with the latest thrill rides, remaining one of the most visited spots in the country.

To fully enjoy the zipline tour itself, you will need between 1.5 and 2 hours. This time includes completing all eight lines and moving between platforms. Please remember that safety regulations require you to arrive 30 minutes before your tour starts for registration and briefing.

If you plan to explore the entire Shepherd of the Hills complex, including the mountain coaster, the tower ascent, and mini-golf, you should set aside a full day (4 to 8 hours). There are plenty of activities here to keep both children and adults busy until evening.

The park is typically open to visitors daily from 09:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Please note that the start time for the last tour may vary depending on the season and weather conditions. During the winter months, hours are often reduced, and some attractions may be temporarily unavailable.

To ensure your trip goes smoothly, we strongly recommend checking the current schedule on the official website before your visit. Remember the requirement to check in 30 minutes before your reserved zipline tour start time.

The park's location makes it easy to combine your zipline flight with visits to other interesting spots. The surrounding area is rich in family entertainment, ranging from zoos to world-renowned theme parks.