Experience a hot air balloon ride and witness the world from above! This thrilling outdoor experience makes for great gifts or experiences to add to any birthday or anniversary list, romantic getaway plan, or bucket list.
Take a balloon flight at sunrise or two hours before sunset for stunning views of Central North Carolina landscapes. Today, we’ll look at a few options- with some background on Hot air balloon rides in North Carolina.
Background
Hot air balloons have long been a delight and adventure for thrill-seekers. These magical vehicles offer passengers the ultimate weightlessness, giving them an entirely unique perspective of nature’s splendor. From North Carolina’s rolling Piedmont hills and charming small towns of the Outer Banks to its towering Great Smoky Mountains, North Carolina offers amazing opportunities for hot air balloon rides.
Hot air balloon travel may not be as quick, but it provides a less hectic and relaxing experience than traveling by plane or car. Furthermore, balloons do not need engines for take-off as their movement is driven solely by wind currents – making this form of transportation one of the more eco-friendly methods of travel available today.
Asheville, in western North Carolina, is an increasingly popular spot for hot air balloon rides due to several companies that provide such trips here – among them is Asheville Balloon Company – North Carolina’s oldest FAA-certified balloon operator offering sunrise and sunset flights for up to 4 passengers per flight.
Raleigh is another fantastic city for hot air balloon rides. Its expansive countryside allows guests to see more of North Carolina’s gorgeous terrain without being hindered by aircraft and car traffic.
Locations for Hot Air Balloon Rides in North Carolina
North Carolina’s breathtaking landscape makes for ideal hot air balloon flights, especially early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Balloon companies can assist in selecting an optimal time and weather conditions. Experiences typically last approximately an hour. Some companies even provide packages, including breakfast or brunch after your ride!
Whether to commemorate an occasion or complete an item on your bucket list, taking a hot air balloon ride will surely create lasting memories. Many companies provide gift certificates that can be redeemed after each flight.
Asheville, North Carolina, mentioned earlier- is renowned for its many vacation opportunities, including hot air ballooning. In fact, the location may be the best area for hot air balloon rides in North Carolina (in my humble opinion).
Eagles Wings Hot Air Balloons and AeroSport Balloons provide one-hour flights over Central North Carolina. Guests may fly alone or with two to six others; costs vary according to package, with all prices including champagne toast upon completion of the flight.
Statesville is known as the Balloon Capital of the East and offers year-round sunrise or sunset balloon rides, private scenic balloon flights, flight lessons, and tethers for parties or corporate events.
The ballooning industry has earned a sterling reputation for safety. Pilots are certified and experienced, and all equipment undergoes regular inspection. Furthermore, these companies take great care to be environmentally conscious, practicing “Leave No Trace” principles.
The Safety of Hot Air Balloon Rides in North Carolina
Most hot air balloon companies place great emphasis on safety. Experienced professionals oversee their operation, safety briefings are conducted before every flight, and passengers sign a waiver of liability to understand all associated risks with hot air ballooning (such as personal injury and property damage) before joining. Many also utilize “Leave No Trace” policies to minimize their environmental footprint.
Planning a balloon flight involves carefully considering passenger numbers and their combined weights. Pilots weigh passengers before takeoff to ensure that the basket can safely support them and may refuse a ride if their combined weight surpasses capacity limits.
Hot air balloons do not require parachutes as the basket provides a secure landing zone. However, passengers must still prepare themselves for a rough landing by wearing sturdy footwear and bringing a hat for protection during landing. Furthermore, smoking must be avoided, as dropped cigarettes could melt or damage the balloon’s fabric and be released back into flight.
Weather conditions account for most hot air balloon accidents. While generally safe, hot air balloons may become unstable with increased wind speeds or as their burners heat up – making them potentially unsafe when traveling in one. Still, their risk profile pales compared to skydiving or other forms of aerial travel, such as parachuting.
Companies that offer Hot Air Balloon Rides in North Carolina
Hot air balloon rides offer an unforgettable way to discover North Carolina lakes, rivers, and forests. Numerous companies in North Carolina provide balloon flights; Yadkin Valley is particularly popular. When going on one of these adventures, make sure that you dress accordingly, including wearing long pants and shoes for weather conditions, sunscreen, and a hat; the flight should last approximately one hour.
Almost Heaven Hot Air Balloon Rides in Statesville is known as the “Balloon Capital of the East,” offering flights seven days a week at competitive rates ranging from $500 for single passengers up to $325 for multiple people at once; each flight concludes with a champagne toast!
Cleveland is another area in North Carolina famous for hot-air ballooning. Situated near Lake Norman and southeast Charlotte/Weddington, Big Oh! Balloons provide sunrise and sunset balloon rides; their family-owned business is licensed and insured.
Vass, North Carolina, is one of the best places in North America for hot air balloon flights, thanks to friendly locals and an inexpensive adventure. Visit in October for the annual Carolina BalloonFest festival with food, craft, and entertainment vendors.
My Carolinas Notebook: In the 1990’s, I had the pleasure of participating in a few events in the Balloonfest. Located in Statesville, NC, this is an annual festival that showcases scores of balloons, and is a great event to witness even if you don’t want to ride in a hot air balloon. I was involved with a family that owned a balloon, and it was an amazing experience to fly amongst hundreds of other balloons for the day!
This event is usually held in october of each year, and you can follow the link for more info!
There’s really nothing quite like a hot air balloon ride! It can be scary, but it is amazing to soar over the countryside in this way. I truly loved my experiences!
During the festival, we generally only got about 1,000-1,500 feet in the air, low enough to wave at people, and get the attention of cows! LOL
I highly encourage you to experience this at least once- you won’t regret it!
A Quick FAQ on Hot Air Balloon Rides in North Carolina
What are the main locations for hot air balloon rides in North Carolina?
The most popular locations for hot air balloon rides in North Carolina are near Asheville, Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, and Wilmington. Companies like North Carolina Hot Air Balloon Rides, Carolina BalloonFest, and Asheville Hot Air Ballooning offer flights from various picturesque launch sites across the state. Popular spots include the rolling hills near Asheville, Wineries around Charlotte, and coastal landscapes near Wilmington.
When is the hot air ballooning season in North Carolina?
The hot air ballooning season in North Carolina runs from early spring through late fall, between March and November. The best flying weather is in the warmer months from May through September, when wind conditions are calmer. Some companies may offer winter flights on select days when weather permits. Early morning and evening flights are most common to take advantage of ideal winds.
How long does a typical hot air balloon flight last in North Carolina?
Most hot air balloon rides last approximately one hour from when the balloon launches until it lands. Depending on the winds, the airborne time is usually 30-45 minutes. Pre-flight setup takes about 15-30 minutes, and the packing up on landing takes another 15-30 minutes. So, the total experience is around 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
How high do hot air balloons fly during rides in North Carolina?
Hot air balloons generally fly between 1,000 and 3,000 feet high during a sightseeing flight in North Carolina. The pilots carefully monitor altitude with instruments on board and by assessing weather conditions. Flights stay low enough for great views but high enough to maximize visibility and safety.
What is the age requirement for kids to go on a hot air balloon ride in North Carolina?
Most hot air balloon operators in North Carolina require children to be at least 5-10 years old and minimum weights of about 60-80 lbs to go on an accompanied flight. The age and weight limits ensure kids fit safely in the basket and can handle the take-off. Some companies provide tethered balloon rides for younger kids.