There's a local legend in Hot Springs that the forest surrounding the city is filled with uneasy ghosts, the spirits of people who came to the Spa City in search of the healing power of its natural spring water. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the spirit of the legend lives on in the treetops every October.  

Here's your chance to join them via a very special zip line tour, offered through AdventureWorks, located at Catherine's Landing, 1700 Shady Grove Road in Hot Springs. The Haunted Forest Zip Tour will be held, rain or shine (barring high winds or lightning) on Oct. 28 at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Riders will feel the goosebumps as they fly through the darkened forest in the chilly fall air. 

"All the participants will be given glow sticks, otherwise, it’s by the light of the moon,” said Weslea Miniat, AdventureWorks director of marketing and social media. “This is our sixth year doing Haunted Forest; I’ve done it before and I absolutely love it.”

The ride lasts nearly two hours and covers all of AdventureWorks’ 12 zip lines on the course. Zip line adventures are recommended for riders age 8 and over, but not restricted to this minimum age. All riders under age 18 are required to sign a release unless accompanied by an adult. The zip line is also restricted to riders under 250 pounds, for safety reasons.  

Miniat recommended dressing appropriately for the time of year, meaning being prepared for potentially cold weather. Wear gloves and a close-fitting hat for under your helmet, she said and make sure to wear clothes that can get dirty. Closed-toe shoes are strongly recommended and no flip-flops or sandals are allowed.

She also said dressing in costume is encouraged, provided the costume meets the above safety requirements.

“Many of the staff members are going to dress in costume and they might jump out at you, too,” she said.

As with the company's other zip line adventures, the Haunted Forest Zip Tour is a moderately physically and mentally demanding adventure, designed for participants of good to moderate health. Pregnant women and people with heart, leg, back problems or other serious illness should not to do the ride. 

Cost for the adventure is $75 per person and reservations are very strongly recommended. You can also book a private zip tour and group discounts are available. Call the park at (501) 262-9182 or visit the website for full details and to reserve a spot.