A canopy walkway is a path that allows visitors to explore the treetops on suspended bridges or platforms. A canopy walk gives the visitor a unique perspective of a forest and its wildlife and can be both thrilling and educational.
Canopy walkways are an opportunity to educate about the importance of the planet’s forests, as well as instill a love of nature. They can also inspire people to become involved in conservation efforts, both locally and globally.
The Centenary Tree Canopy Walkway is a slender structure that snakes and dips through the trees of Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, raising visitors to 12m above the ground. The walkway is a combination of paths and bridges but is designed to blend in with the forest rather than stand out like a brightly coloured attraction. The design uses a variety of natural materials and is intended to feel slender, light and airy.
Elevating Outdoor Experience: The Canopy Walkway
Mount Hermon Adventure Park in California’s coastal redwoods may not be as high as some of the other canopy walks on this list, but it packs a serious punch with multiple aerial trails that combine treetop exploration with a challenging ropes course. Whether you choose the Tree Adventure, which takes you through 11 treehouses, or the more mellow Tree Trampoline Trail, both of which are accessible to wheelchair users, this is a canopy experience that will leave you feeling exhilarated and energized.
For a more low-key but equally exciting canopy experience, head to Ohio’s Holden Arboretum for a twofer of a Kalberer Emergent Tower and the Murch Canopy Walkway. These unique structures take visitors deep into the treetops of the mature forest, a place that feels as close to Narnia as you’re likely to find anywhere.