Hang Gliding at Lookout Mountain: An Unforgettable Adventure

In 2022, my husband and I drove past Lookout Mountain Flight Park. We saw a small building and a launch ramp with three hang gliders. A steep cliff was nearby.
Someone asked, 'Would you ever...?'
I said no without hesitation. I meant it, or so I thought.
For more stories, click here.
A vacation rental is next to Lookout Mountain Flight Park in Georgia.
Four years later, I returned to the flight park for a tandem flight.
I didn't know what to expect from hang gliding. I had many questions.
We signed waivers, acknowledging the risks of hang gliding.
After signing, we got directions to the launch point and drove down the mountain.
This answered my question about running to start the glider.
We found a field with hang gliders and ultralight towplanes.
I felt nervous as things became real.
Hang gliders waited at Lookout Mountain Flight Park.
We met friendly staff and a sweet dog named Honeybear.
I waited a long time for my flight.
Clouds covered the valley, making it unsafe to fly.
There was no visibility from the top of the mountain.
We watched a safety video and waited for the clouds to clear.
The crew kept us updated on the weather and visibility.
They suited us up in harnesses, glasses, and helmets.
A man named Dalton was my tandem flight partner.
Dalton had done this many times, which made me feel better.
I held onto the handles as Dalton instructed.
He told me not to touch the steering bar.
I had a tight grip on the harness.
The ultralight towplane pulled us into the sky.
We reached altitude, and Dalton detached us from the plane.
I relaxed and enjoyed the scenery.
The view from above was amazing.
Dalton pointed out the flight park and did a maneuver.
I felt weightless for a moment.
Watch the GoPro footage from the flight.
Lookout Mountain Flight Park offers tandem flights up to 3,000 feet.
Dalton explained that thermals can take hang gliders up to 10,000 feet.
I couldn't imagine being that high.
After the flight, we circled back and began our descent.
The landing was smooth, and I was relieved.
The experience was exhilarating, and I felt safe.
Everyone at Lookout Mountain Flight Park was professional.
The GoPro photo was amazing, making the experience worth it.
I would do it again, despite my initial hesitation.
Amber Harding is a writer for OutKick.