Treetop Adventure Course Open Today

The Treetop Adventure Course at Essex County's Turtle Back Zoo will open today following several holiday school closings in the area.

The exhibit is usually open only during the weekends, from 10 a.m. to an hour before susnset.

Admission fees are $20 a person but visitors must be less than 250 lbs and taller than 54".

The roughly three-acre space includes two aerial courses that each contain 12 obstacles. Each course finishes with a zipline that brings you back down to ground level.

With the course reaching a maximum height of 35 feet, guests are required to wear a harness and a helmet, and are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes.

The entire adventure course takes an average of an hour-and-a-half to complete but visitors have the option of finishing after the first 12 obstacles and zipline.

Ground guides help visitors navigate the course by yelling words of encouragement and instruction from below — where to hold, where to step and how to keep going.

Due to the threat of weather today, officials with the zoo are encouraging residents to call ahead before coming to the exhibit, (973) 731-5800.

Happy swinging!