Small Biz Spotlight: Treetop Quest

Appropriately located at the Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center, Treetop Quest is an aerial adventure that challenges would-be Tarzans on a variety of obstacles and zip lines courses ranging from close to the ground to heights of about 60 feet. Visitors challenge themselves physically and mentally as they soar, zip, climb, crawl and swing through an exhilarating eco-adventure. 

Photo Credit: Explore Georgia

Constructed from untreated wood without drilling or puncturing any tree trunks or damaging canopy cover, Treetop Quest operates under an unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship.

“Trees are the most important part of our business, so their protection and care is a top priority,” said Sara Baggett, Director of Operations at Treetop Quest. “Our building technique uses tension, rather than nails or screws. In addition to protecting our forests, our goal is to provide an experience that brings people closer to nature. Our courses are completely within the forest canopy, so guests are immersed within nature for their experience at Treetop Quest.”

Treetop Quest’s French parent company, Altiplano, had been operating adventure parks in Europe for about ten years when the decision was made to branch out to the United States. Gwinnett County and the Environmental and Heritage Center Foundation took an immediate interest and were a crucial factor in securing Gwinnett County as the first Treetop Quest location in the country, which opened in fall 2011.

“Treetop Quest was originally brought in through the Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center Foundation as a partner to provide outdoor recreational opportunities that enriched the learning experiences of our center visitors.,” said Mark Patterson, Department of Community Services Deputy Director. “The partnership has introduced center visitors to a unique opportunity to get up close to nature and experience a different perspective than normally experienced.”

Treetop Quest offers a “birds-eye” opportunity to understanding nature – the actual experience of being in a tree and visualizing how wildlife interacts within a forest far surpasses a classroom lecture!

“The outdoors is a living breathing classroom where people of all ages can learn, experience and enrich their lives by taking a moment to stop, look and listen to their surroundings,” said Patterson. “The sensory experience of nature provides a heightened experience to see how interconnected all organisms are.”

Know before you go: Admission covers an instructional section and 2.5 hours of playtime on the courses. Closed-toe shoes are required, and participants must be at least four years old.