Karate Kid Dad Wants Zip Line Built But Project Raises Concerns

Actor Ralph Macchio, also known as Karate Kid dad, wants a zip line connected from the Adirondack Mountain going to his resort in Lake George. If built, it will be named the Bear Pond Zip-Flyer with a 3,500-foot-long zip line ride.

The project is currently under review by the state Adirondack Park Agency and by town planning boards in Lake George and Queensbury.

Via Adirondack Daily Enterprise

An application for the proposed zip line was submitted to the APA in October. The agency issued a Notice of Incomplete Permit Application in November. Among other things, it asked for additional information about how the zip line would operate, any improvements planned to the road up the mountain and for specifics on the amount of tree clearing that’s proposed.

The project has generated some concerns among nearby landowners and others. David King, the president of the neighboring Lake George RV Park, sent a letter to the Lake George Planning Board in December saying the zip line would create visual and noise impacts for hikers who use a trail up French Mountain, and that it would mar the aesthetic views of French Mountain from locations throughout the town.

Lake George Waterkeeper Chris Navitsky has also raised concerns about stormwater management issues and increased commercial use on the road that goes up the mountain, which has been the subject of a legal battle in the past.

Macchio is hoping to start construction this spring so the attraction could be open by the summer. In addition to the zip line, the $1.5 million project also involves construction of an outdoor ampitheather, retail shops and additional parking.