New England outdoor adventures fill your vacation with zest

New England > All New England > Outdoor Activities > Outdoor Adventures

New England's outdoor adventures cover a range limited only by your taste. Some people go for mountain biking, zip lines, canopy tours, mountain coasters, and rock climbing, while other people like to take a quiet drive to a scenic overlook or watch the sun set while sipping wine on a vineyard patio. Here is a sampling of the outdoor adventures that lure vacationers and families to the charms of New England.

Bar Harbor Motel

100 Eden Street Bar Harbor, ME, 04609 Phone: 207-288-3453 Toll-Free: 800-388-3453

Outdoor adventures are just a hike, bike ride or short shuttle trip from this hotel

Great outdoor adventures are a walk, bike ride or shuttle trip away when you stay at the Bar Harbor Motel, set on 15 park-like acres with amenities from a pool and playground to scavenger hunts, bocce and badminton. If you’re headed to Acadia National Park to hike or bike the carriage trails or go kayaking, you can go right in from access at the back of the property. Want to head into town for a whale watch, sea kayaking, or a windjammer cruise among the islands of Frenchman Bay? The shuttle bus stops at the hotel. There’s also an enclosed building to store your bikes and kayak. Start your day with a free continental breakfast and plan your Bar Harbor adventure.

Visit Bar Harbor Hospitality Group to see all our sister locations!

Raft NH

196 Main Street Gorham, NH, 03581 Phone: 603-545-4533

Guided rafting adventures a perfect day on the river in the Great North Woods of N.H.

You can take a walk to be part of the great outdoors: Or you can go whitewater rafting! At Raft NH, you will be up close and personal with the Androscoggin River – the section below the Pontook Dam – when you sign up for the Class II river runs. This laid-back day on the river means rafters from ages 6 and up can experience sections of milder rapids and calmer water, perfect for a swim. Class II trips are geared toward families and whitewater beginners, but everyone will enjoy their day in the White Mountains and Great North Woods of northern New Hampshire. The rafting adventure includes a guide, safety gear, comfort gear, a small snack and transportation to and from the raft base in Gorham.

Polar Caves

705 Rumney Route 25 Rumney, NH Phone: 603-536-1888

Put on your explorer gear and prepare to duck and shimmy through Ice Age caves

Time to be an explorer! Head to the Polar Caves and prepare to make all kinds of discoveries. Formed during the last Ice Age, the nine granite caves consist of granite boulders that formed passageways – and it’s those passageways, with the modern addition of boardwalks and stairs, that you’ll duck, squeeze and shimmy through. Can you get yourself through the slim crevasse of the Lemon Squeeze, or walk the narrow Devil’s Turnpike path? Can you touch the last of winter’s ice in the middle of the summer at the Ice Cave? When you’re done exploring, visit the animal park, with several fallow deer and ducks, all of which love kids bearing corn you can buy at the park. For hungry humans, there’s a picnic area.

Ice Castles

24 Clark Farm Road North Woodstock, NH, 03262 Phone: Toll-Free: 888-407-4054

Dazzling displays mean you’ll crown these artful ice castles top winter attractions

Ice Castles is now closed for the season - See you again next winter!
Add some sparkle to your winter with a visit to the breathtaking Ice Castles, a magical masterpiece of ice thrones, sculptures, tunnels, slides and fountains. Walk along the enchanted forest path, admiring the hand-carved sculptures that seem to glow from within with their embedded LED lights. Or, better yet, take a horse-drawn sleigh ride (for groups up to 12 people) through the award-winning attraction. Set to open in early January, the winter wonderland features the work of ice artisans who grow and harvest up to 10,000 icicles a day. All in all, about 20 million pounds of ice go into creating the magical ambiance, aided by music and multicolored lights (and special fire shows on Friday and Saturday nights).

Your Vacation, Your Choice - 13 Cape and Island Resorts! Call 866-MYVACATION or click to visit our website today!

Escape to your next adventure with Bar Harbor Hospitality Group. Click here to see our locations & book your stay.

Cranmore Mountain Resort

1 Skimobile Road North Conway, NH, 03860 Phone: Toll-Free: 800-786-6754

Summer at this ski resort means great hiking, chairlift rides, mountain biking

What can you do in the summer at a ski resort? Lots! At Cranmore Mountain Resort, take a seven-minute four-passenger chairlift ride to the top of the mountain. Then gaze out in awe at stunning views of Mt. Washington and its valley from 2,000 feet up. Grab lunch, snacks, a hot dog, ice cream or Bavarian pretzel at the historic Meister Hut. Then board the Skimobile Express Quad for a scenic chairlift ride back to the base area. Or, hike a half-mile loop around the summit with amazing views. (Want something longer? Take the 2-mile Black Cap Connector Trail.) The resort also has a family-friendly, lift-serviced downhill mountain bike park, with terrain for all ability levels, group lessons and rental bikes and gear.

Watch Hill Inn

38-44 Bay Street Watch Hill, RI, 02891 Phone: 877-394-8903

Those seeking outdoor adventures and activities will find this seaside inn a perfect headquarters

Outdoor enthusiasts will find a full range of activities when they stay at the spacious Watch Hill Inn, in the heart of a picture-perfect seaside village. The village itself hosts a famous carousel, a lighthouse and museum, sandy beaches and the hidden ruins of an old battle fort. And the inn’s two nearby sister resorts – Ocean House and the Weekapaug Inn – have a host of activities, from sailing, boating excursions, surfing lessons, fishing and nature tours to croquet and squash, biking and all the delights of a private white-sand beach with cabana service. Farther afield you’ll find family amusement parks including The Dinosaur Place, golf, tennis, nature centers, a cider mill, vineyards, hiking and biking trails and the Mystic Seaport.

Visit our sister properties - Ocean House Resort - Weekapaug Inn

Summer Dog Sled Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel & Raft Jefferson New Hampshire

Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel & Raft NH

32 Valley Road Jefferson, NH, 03583 Phone: 603-545-4533

This outdoor adventure places you behind a team of sled dogs

Take a break from those YouTube videos of Alaskan dog sled races. Plan your personal Iditarod race with Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. The company is primarily a refuge for rescued dogs, and the animals help support the business and each other by offering year-round dog sled rides (in summer, held on mountains trails on wheeled dog carts). Rides are up-close and personal; meet the happy canines who will be powering your wild ride in the mountains! During the warm seasons, Raft NH, an arm of Muddy Paw, offers river rafting adventures for guests above age 6, led by a licensed Maine guide.

Morningside Flight Park

357 Morningside Lane Charlestown, NH, 03603 Phone: 603-542-4416

Adventure park pleasures from fishing to paragliding

Soar above the earth in the beautiful Connecticut River Valley at an outdoor activity park that offers a huge range of activities and services. Discover the thrill of a lifetime in hang gliding and paragliding, guided by folks with 30 years of experience in flight instruction. Lessons are offered to people of all skill levels and ages. Enjoy zip-lining and canopy tours, laser tag, fishing, swimming and kayaking. At a cozy campground surrounded by old-growth forest you can pitch your own tent or move into a set-up platform tent with full- or queen-size beds. The campground has many play and housekeeping features: fire pits, playing fields, picnic areas, a community kitchen, restrooms and bathhouse. You’re within easy reach of Boston, Hartford, Montreal, and New York.

Cannon Mountain

Franconia Notch State Park Franconia, NH, 03580 Phone: 603-823-8800

Tramway rides, hiking, biking, fishing: There’s lots to do on and around this mountain resort

Hop aboard the aerial tramway – the nation’s first – at Cannon Mountain and in under 10 minutes you’ll be marveling at the view from the 4,080-foot summit. On a clear day, you can see the mountains of four states – and Canada. There’s a 360-degree observation deck, scenic walking paths and cafe. Around the mountain are a variety of fun activities for outdoor enthusiasts, including the famous Flume Gorge with cascading waterfalls and covered bridges, rock-climbing at Cannon Cliffs, hiking and biking along the 8.8-mile Recreation Path and fishing in Echo Lake and Profile Lake, both stocked with trout. Camp on one of 97 wooded tent sites at Lafayette Place Campground or bring the RV to Cannon Mountain RV Park on the north shore of Echo Lake.

Weekapaug Inn

25 Spray Rock Road Westerly, RI, 02891 Phone: 877-394-8902

Nature inspires many of the fun activities (and provides the fabulous views) at this waterfront resort

Nature surrounds and inspires everything at the Weekapaug Inn, which overlooks Quonochontaug Pond on Rhode Island’s scenic shore. That’s why the inn has a resident naturalist, who’ll answer questions and lead you on guided beach walks and boating excursions. Water activities at the inn range from kayaking and sailing to swimming, fishing, crabbing – or just enjoying the sun from underneath your umbrella at the inn’s private beach. There’s also a pool with a spectacular view. Away from the water, you can play bocce or horseshoes on the expansive lawn, go exploring on one of the inn’s bicycles or arrange to play croquet or squash at a nearby sister inn. Area outdoor attractions include tennis and golf, and riding the famous Flying Horse carousel.

Visit our sister properties - Ocean House Resort - Watch Hill Inn

Argia Mystic Cruises

75 Steamboat Wharf Mystic, CT, 06355 Phone: 860-536-0416

Sail into the past aboard the Mystic-based schooner Argia

Opening for the season May 1st, 2022!
Aboard the 81-foot sailing vessel Argia, a modern replica of a 19th century packet schooner, you can travel back into the past – gliding by history-rich Mystic, helping the crew hoist and trim the sails – or just enjoy the view of islands, lighthouses and scenic coastlines from the vessel’s spacious wooden deck. The Coast Guard licensed schooner sails protected waters during the day and, for those seeking the romance of the sea at twilight, at sunset. Pack a picnic and a bottle of wine (or order snacks from us when you book) to make this excursion truly memorable. There are seats for all 49 passengers and a lovely little main salon down below. The exquisite Argia is available May 1st through mid-October for private charters.

Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves

1712 Lost River Road -- Route 112W North Woodstock, NH, 03262 Phone: 603-745-8031

See the powerful forces of nature at work when you tour a lost river and glacial caves

Marvel at the forces of Mother Nature when you tour the Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves in Kinsman Notch, a land of spectacular beauty. Walk a mile of boardwalk through the gorge as it winds its way along the Lost River, showing you jagged rock walls, gigantic boulders, cascading waterfalls and 11 glacial boulder caves whose formation began about 300 million years ago. Discover the Forest Adventure Trail, treehouse and suspension bridge or get a bird’s-eye view of the forest from the Giant Bird Nest. Pan for gemstones, shark’s teeth and fossils at the Lost River Mining Company. Or take an evening guided lantern tour when the caves are lit by lanterns and the boardwalks by headlamps. The tour ends with s’mores around a campfire.

The Dinosaur Place at Nature's Art Village

1650 Hartford-New London Tpke. (Rt. 85) Oakdale, CT, 06370 Phone: 860-443-4367

Looking for adventures for all ages? Make tracks to this dinosaur-themed play park

Make tracks today to The Dinosaur Place at Nature’s Art Village, a 60-acre outdoor adventure park that features over 50 life-sized dinos on 1.5 miles of pristine, easy-to-walk nature trails. Pose for a selfie under the belly of a 40-foot-tall Brachiosaurus, explore dino-filled caves, feel the vibrations of a rumbling volcano at Raptor Bay, a 7-acre lake. Other outdoor attractions include New England’s largest Splash Pad, a dinosaur-themed maze and Monty’s Playground with a variety of climbing, jumping, balancing and sliding activities. At the T-Rex Tower, climb through a crazy obstacle-filled tower, swing across on a zip line and slide down a super-slick slide. There’s also an 18-hole Old West-themed mini golf course.

American Heritage Museum

568 Main Street Hudson, MA, 01749 Phone: 978-562-9182

Learn to drive a tank under the auspices of the American Heritage Museum

The museum is now open! Wednesdays-Sundays from 10am-5pm. Advance ticketing is preferred - Please call or visit our website.

If you’re amazed at the collection of tanks assembled at the American Heritage Museum in Stowe, prepare to be doubly amazed at the museum’s tank training grounds in Hudson, where you can actually learn to drive one. The Tank Driving Experience Program lets you feel what it was like to drive an M24 Chaffee Light Tank, used in World War II and Korea, or the famous M4 Sherman Medium Tank, the workhorse of the Army during World War II. Instructors will lead you through basic procedures and driving skills in a one- or two-hour program, then you will be ready to drive the tank. At the end of the immersive program, you’ll have a greater appreciation for what went into maneuvering these metal beasts.

Bar Harbor B&B Association

Various Locations Bar Harbor, ME, 04609 Phone:

Launch your great Bar Harbor explorations from the breakfast table at a cozy inn

Let a hearty, home-cooked breakfast at one of the Bar Harbor Bed and Breakfast Association’s 18 inns start your outdoor adventures in Bar Harbor. Acadia National Park awaits, with miles of scenic hiking trails and carriage roads for biking (and the sunrise from the top of Cadillac Mountain is amazing). If you want a water adventure, there’s kayaking, canoeing, and cruises aboard four-masted schooners. Take an excursion to see lighthouses, whales – and puffins! Go golfing, sit back and enjoy an outdoor concert or stroll through the town’s many boutiques and galleries. You’ll find outside dining everywhere, so don’t forget this is lobster roll territory. End your day at your inn, in a hot tub or with a cocktail by a toasty fire pit.

Essex Steam Train & Riverboat

One Railroad Avenue Essex, CT, 06426 Phone: 860-767-0103 Toll-Free: 800-377-3987

Explore the Connecticut River Valley from a rail bike, train car or riverboat deck

Experience the Connecticut River Valley up close and personal on a rail bike, from a restored rail car or from the open deck of a Mississippi-style riverboat at Exxon Steam Train & Riverboat. April through June, you can pedal a two- or four-seat rail bike on tracks that take you through the valley’s scenic terrain. An 8-mile round trip is over moderate terrain from Essex Station to Old Saybrook; a 9-mile trip is slightly more difficult, to Chester. Train excursions, including a seasonal open air car, roll through the valley and can take you right to Deep River Landing, where you can board the 70-foot Becky Thatcher riverboat for a 1 1/4-hour cruise on the Connecticut River. Please check our website for current train & riverboat schedules.

Railroad Museum of New England

242 East Main Street Thomaston, CT, 06787 Phone: 860-283-7245

Enjoy the scenery from your seat on a vintage passenger car at this rail museum

Experience a ride through some of the region’s most scenic vistas aboard a vintage passenger car when you set out on a rail excursion at the Railroad Museum of New England. This not-for-profit educational and historic organization tells the story of the area’s rich rail heritage by operating scenic and historical train rides on the Naugatuck Railroad. Leaving from the historic Thomaston Station, trains travel alongside a river, through valleys and woods and over the famous Thomaston Dam. With stunning views all seasons of the year, the diesel-driven trains that are especially popular include the Easter Bunny Express, Chocolate Decadence Tour, Litchfield Hills Train, Spirit-Tasting experience, Pumpkin Patch train, Northern Lights Limited and the Santa Express.

Town of Bethlehem

White Mountains town makes a great headquarters for a variety of outdoor adventures

It’s hard to think of a place where the great outdoors is as great as it is in Bethlehem, N.H., making it the perfect headquarters for your adventures. Ski or snowboard down the slopes at one of six nearby mountains or hit the trails for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or fat biking on endless area trails in Bethlehem and its charming neighboring towns. There’s also a network of snowmobile trails that take you right into town for lunch! In the warmer weather, enjoy hiking and biking on our extensive trail network or scenic roads, tennis, basketball – and swimming in the town pool and our pristine rivers. Bethlehem also boasts two exceptional 18-hole golf courses, designed by the legendary Donald Ross. Outdoor activities in the area include the Mount Washington Cog Railway, the Flume Gorge, Santa’s Village and Story Land.

Save The Bay

Multiple Centers & Dock Locations Providence, Newport, Westerly, RI and Fall River, MA Phone: 401-272-3540

Interactive exploration center lets you get up close to the creatures of Narragansett Bay

Save The Bay has lots of educational, entertaining ways to fulfill its mission of connecting the community year-round to Narragansett Bay. At the Exploration Center and Aquarium in Newport, visitors can check out three touch tanks and dozens of exhibits as they get to know some of the 40p-plus species that inhabit the bay and Rhode Island waters, including skates, dogfish sharks, urchins, crabs, lobsters, seahorses and turtles. The interactive marine science center is also home to rescued animals, juveniles in a nursery program and animals in a breeding program. The nonprofit organization also runs lighthouse tours and seal-watch tours, some of which include lunch and exploration time on Rose Island. There’s also a scenic nature cruise out of Westerly.
Boat tours depart from Newport, Westerly, and Providence RI.

America's Stonehenge

105 Haverhill Road Salem, NH, 03079 Phone: 603-893-8300

Mysteries abound at this incredible seacoast site

The forests near Salem, NH are home to this remarkable maze of rocks, stone chambers, and megaliths that may have been left by ancient visitors. But who were they? The question has stymied scholars for generations. The megalith filled pine woods eerily appear to be similar to those built throughout Great Britain by Druid priests. Adding to the mystery is the fact that you'll find megaliths of the same type scattered around New England. This site is one of the largest collections not on private property and not off limits to visitors. Visit the museum and enjoy the orientation film and gift shop that offers books with more information. In winter months the one-hundred-plus acres are also great for snowshoeing.

Destination Plymouth Brewster Gardens Plymuth MA Credit Kindra Clineff

See Plymouth

4 North Street Plymouth, MA, 02360 Phone: 508-747-0100 Toll-Free: 800-872-1620

Plymouth has it all for lovers of the great outdoors

With its active waterfront, miles of trails and acres of parks, the Plymouth area is a must for those who treasure their time outdoors. Go for a whale watch, take a fast-ferry to Provincetown or cruise the harbor in a classic paddleboat. Step aboard the Mayflower II, go on a walking historical tour (or evening ghost tour!), picnic by a grist mill or let the kids play on a beachside splash pad. Go kayaking, canoeing, fishing or swimming in a pond, play a round of golf or take in an outdoor concert or play. Check out miles of biking and hiking trails in a state forest, go bird-watching on a barrier beach or watch a dugout canoe being made at the Plimoth Patuxet Museums. Please call 1.800.USA.1620, or visit our website to learn more about these activities and others to prepare for your trip to Plymouth.

Bar Harbor Grand Hotel

269 Main Street Bar Harbor, ME, 04609 Phone: 207-288-5226 Toll-Free: 888-766-2529

Explore the great outdoors with this convenient, comfortable hotel as your Bar Harbor headquarters

From its central spot on Mount Desert Island, home to Acadia National Park, the Bar Harbor Grand provides its guests with the perfect perch to experience a classic Maine outdoors vacation. Beyond its breathtaking views, the park is celebrated for its many recreational options, from hiking and biking to swimming, canoeing and kayaking. And your outdoor adventure does not need to stop there. Arrange for a puffin or lighthouse cruise, whale watch or, on dry land, a walking ghost or history tour of Bar Harbor. Relax back at the inn on its large front porch, or in the heated pool or renovated fitness room. A grab-and-go breakfast is provided every morning of your stay. Comfy rooms include premium bedding and refrigerators.

Visit Bar Harbor Hospitality Group to see all our sister locations!

Bar Harbor Villager Motel

207 Main Street Bar Harbor, ME, 04609 Phone: 207-288-3211 Toll-Free: 888-383-3211

Hotel in heart of Bar Harbor ideal headquarters for your adventures in the great Maine outdoors

With Acadia National Park just two miles away, you know the 52-room Bar Harbor Villager Motel is the ideal headquarters for your outdoor adventures on the coast of Maine. The magnificent park features miles of historic carriage roads perfect for hiking and biking, as well as miles of trails with jaw-dropping views of forests, foliage and the ocean. There’s also guided sea kayaking and rock climbing inside the park. But Bar Harbor, where the motel is located, offers some great outdoor opportunities, too: puffin and lighthouse cruises, whale watches, windjammer excursions, to name a few. The motel has a heated outdoor pool, complimentary wifi and grab-and-go breakfasts and pillow-top mattresses, ensuring your absolute comfort after a day in the great Maine outdoors.

Visit Bar Harbor Hospitality Group to see all our sister locations!

Alpine Adventures

41 Main Street Lincoln, NH, 03251 Phone: 603-745-9911

You’ll experience the thrill of it all in so many ways at this outdoor adventure center

There are so many ways to enjoy the great outdoors at Alpine Adventures! Experience 300 private acres on Barron Mountain via off-road vehicles with guided Side X Side tours. Or zoom through – or over! – the trees with two heart-pumping zip line tours. Stay in the canopy on the tree-to-tree Tree Top tour or soar above it on the Sky Rider tour with higher, longer, faster lines, extreme tree platforms and sky bridges. Over at Thrillsville, take a self-guided adventure course that includes bridges, cargo nets, rope ladders, zip lines and a tree house. And, finally, there’s the Off-Road tour, where you scale to the top of Barron Mountain in a six-wheel-drive vehicle that acts like a low-speed roller coaster.

Bluefish Girls 500x250 - Black Hawk Party Boat - Niantic, CT

Black Hawk Sportfishing

Sailing from the Niantic Bay Marina Niantic, CT, 06357 Phone: 860-448-3662 Toll-Free: 800-382-2824

Sail into the past aboard the Mystic-based schooner Argia

Aboard the 81-foot sailing vessel Argia, a modern replica of a 19th century packet schooner, you can travel back into the past – gliding by history-rich Mystic, helping the crew hoist and trim the sails – or just enjoy the view of islands, lighthouses and scenic coastlines from the vessel’s spacious wooden deck. The Coast Guard licensed schooner sails protected waters during the day and, for those seeking the romance of the sea at twilight, at sunset. Snacks and soda are provided, but you can bring your own food and beverages. There are seats for all 49 passengers and a lovely little main salon down below. The exquisite Argia also is available for groups and classes who want to know about the ecology of the sea (and handle some of its creatures) and for private charters.

Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort

37 Corey Road -- Route 43 Hancock, MA, 01237 Phone: 413-738-5500 Toll-Free: 800-882-8859

Outdoor adventures at every turn at this scenic resort in the Northern Berkshires

There’s an outdoor adventure everywhere you turn at the Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort in the beautiful Berkshires. There’s great skiing for all abilities, of course, on 45 trails, three exciting snowboarding parks and a network of snowshoeing trails. At the Mountain Adventure Park, there’s an alpine roller coaster and alpine slide (you control the speed for each), a giant swing, rock-climbing wall, Euro Bungy Trampoline and Kid Climb ropes course. Over at the Aerial Adventure Park, nestled in the forests surrounding the resort, is a self-guided elevated ropes course through the trees, complete with rope bridges, swinging logs, zip lines and cargo nets. Plenty of places to eat at this scenic resort, or just to relax with a cocktail or craft brew.

Historic Wethersfield

Historic town also boasts enough activities to satisfy even the fussiest outdoor-lover

There’s plenty to do indoors in historic Wethersfield, from touring stately homes to shopping cozy antiques stores, but the outdoors in this charming town more than holds its own. With over 600 acres of parkland, outdoor activities include swimming, fishing, canoeing, and miles and miles of scenic trails winding through meadows, past farms and ponds. There’s a heritage bike trail and a heritage walking trail, taking you past points of interest in this town that dates back to 1633-34. In Mill Woods Park, there’s a skate park; and tennis, bocce and basketball courts. Mikey’s Place has accessible playscape for kids 2 to 12. Picnic by the cove after shopping at the farmers market, go geocaching, ice skating or bird-watching.

Distinctive Inns of New England

Luxurious Accommodations throughout New England , CT Phone:

Explore all New England has to offer from the comforts of your charming inn

Each part of New England has its special charms for outdoor-lovers, and the 10 independently-owned members of Distinctive Inns of New England are pleased to serve as your headquarters to enjoy everything from whale-watch cruises off the coast to hiking the mountains of the interior. Plan a golf getaway, a schooner sailing package, a wildlife tour or a skiing vacation. Go ziplining through forests, swimming in a pond or ice-climbing in the mountains. Member inns have a variety of outdoor adventure packages and are the perfect place to come home to after your busy day for a cup of tea, a glass of wine, a swim in the pool, a massage or a nap in your beautifully decorated, well-appointed room.

Winnipesaukee Pier Fireworks - Lakes Region Association - New Hampshire

Lakes Region Tourism Association

61 Laconia Road Tilton, NH, 03276 Phone: 603-286-8008 Toll-Free: 800-605-2537

In the Lakes Region, your adventurous side will want to come out and play

No one celebrates the outdoors quite like New Hampshire's Lakes Region. With the area’s bounty of mountains and lakes, you have your choice in the winter of ski resorts, a hundred miles of snowmobile trails – and Santa’s Village, of course. In the sunshine seasons, choose from scenic gondola rides, ziplines through forests, great fishing, hundreds of miles of hiking trails through jaw-dropping scenery, boat cruises across crystal-clear Lake Winnipesaukee and several water parks. Pump up that adrenaline with rock and ice climbing, skydiving or exploring glacial caves. Or take it down a notch with golf, a walk through Shaker village gardens or a cog railroad ride up Mt. Washington. From moose tours to mountain biking, this area has it all.

Whitewater Splash 500x250 - Crab Apple Whitewater - Charlemont, MA

Crab Apple Whitewater (MA)

Route 2 Charlemont, MA, 01339 Phone: 800-553-7238

Family Owned and Operated Whitewater Rafting Outfitter

Add whitewater rafting to your outdoor adventures this year. Crab Apple offers outings on the Deerfield River in Massachusetts and the Kennebec and Dead Rivers in Maine. You’ll enjoy full day rafting trips on mild Class 1-3 rapids or more aggressive Class 3-4 rapids. Or take a mild half-day trip in guided rafts or inflatable kayaks. Friendly and knowledgeable guides share information and stories about local history, wildlife and hydrology all with a personal touch. There’s great food and excellent equipment. Maine location includes riverside lodging, pub and heated pool. Massachusetts location sits along historic Mohawk Trail.

Fly Fishing - The Preserve Club & Residences - Richmond, RI

The Preserve Club and Residences

87 Kingstown Road Richmond, RI, 02898 Phone: 401-539-4653

Dream locations for fly-fishing for all levels at this majestic nature preserve, resort

It’s not surprising that a spacious, serene outdoors-centric retreat like The Preserve Club & Residences would have great fishing. The resort’s pristine acres include 10 meticulously maintained fly-fishing ponds, the largest of which covers 10 acres. The ponds are stocked with healthy populations of trout and bass, to inspire and challenge even the most dedicated of anglers. The Preserve also abuts a watershed, a fly-fishing dream destination. Lessons and equipment are available at the impressive Sporting Shoppe. The resort also has reciprocal relationships with area saltwater and ocean fishing companies for those seeking day trips for striped bass or bottom fish around Narragansett Bay (an excursion particularly enjoyed by kids). Extend your fishing vacation at one of several luxurious lodging options.

Great Glen Trails

Route 16 at Pinkham Notch Gorham, NH, 03581 Phone: 603-466-3988

Outdoor adventure for summer and winter explorers

Four-season adventure awaits your family at Great Glen Trails in Pinkham Notch. In warmer months, head out on scenic trails for a hike, a run, or bike ride through the majestic White Mountains. Join a guided bird watching tour or paddling trip on the Androscoggin River. In winter, cross country skiing and snowshoeing are the way to get around on a trail system of easy and rolling terrain. Skiers of all abilities can find their own level of activity, challenge, and fun. Trails are groomed with both double tracks and a skating lane and run through the forests at the base of Mount Washington. Or you can jump onto the SnowCoach and tour the mountain in winter from a comfortable seat. Outdoor fun for all tastes!

Autumn Boat River - Old Sturbridge Village - Sturbridge, MA

Old Sturbridge Inn & Reeder Family Lodges

369 Main Street Sturbridge, MA, 01566 Phone: 774-304-1011

Let this outdoor living history museum help you launch your 1830s adventure

Old Sturbridge Village is open! Advanced ticketing required is required. Please visit our updated policies & procedures before reserving your visit.

Begin your 19th century adventure at Old Sturbridge Village, the largest outdoor living history museum in the Northeast. Go back in time to a New England rural village, circa 1830, as you stroll by shops, schoolhouses, a cider mill, printing office, bank and other historic homes and buildings. Costumed historians demonstrate everything from how the sawmill operated and how cooking was accomplished to how shoes (human and horse) were made. Many displays are currently outside. At the farm, animals – sheep, cattle, pigs, chickens and turkeys – await your visit. There are gardens to admire, covered bridges to enjoy, and nature trails offer walks through pastures, woodland and along the banks of the Quinebaug River.

Whitewater Trip 500x250 - Crab Apple Whitewater - The Forks, ME

Crab Apple Whitewater (ME)

3 Lake Moxie Road The Forks, ME, 04985 Phone: 800-553-7238

Enjoy whitewater rafting through the wild rivers of Maine

You’ll get to see the great outdoors up close and personal when you sign up for a whitewater rafting adventure at Crab Apple Whitewater. Imagine zooming through Class III and IV rapids like “Three Sisters” and “Magic Falls” on the spectacular Kennebec River, passing by Maine’s woodlands and wildlife. Or conquering high-water rafting on the Dead River. Or maybe you want a calmer trip with places to float and swim. Head back to the base camp for overnight lodging, some paintball fun or maybe a walk to Moxie Falls, Maine’s highest waterfall. Or here’s an idea: Sign up for a moose safari, leaving at dusk from May through August, in search of the amazing beasts in their natural habitat.

Appalachian Trail Adventures Kayak Outing - Your Place in Vermont - Okemo Valley

Okemo Valley - Your Place in Vermont

Countless outdoor adventures await travelers who visit Okemo Valley

The outdoors is never greater than it is in Okemo Valley. Adventures await happy travelers four seasons of the year. There’s fabulous skiing, of course, both alpine and Nordic, as well as snowboarding, tubing, fat-biking, sledding, snowmobiling and skating. When the snow departs, you can hike up mountain trails for breathtaking views, go on a bike tour, or break out your kayak or canoe. Fly through forests on a zip line, go rock climbing or horseback riding or take the kids to a farm to admire the baby goats and piglets. Play a round of golf – the real deal or mini – or zoom down the slopes on a mountain coaster. At night, rest up at your inn or mountain resort: Tomorrow is a busy day!

Bear Rock Adventures

545 Beach Road Pittsburg, NH, 03592 Phone: Toll-Free: 866-663-9777

Heed the call of your inner trailblazer by renting an ATV or snowmobile at Bear Rock

Is your inner trailblazer calling? Then head to Bear Rock Adventures, where they know the woods of northern New Hampshire like the back of their hands! Whether you want to explore “The Wilds,” the 1,000-plus miles of interconnected trails in northern New Hampshire, from the seat of a brand new Polaris ATV or snowmobile, Bear Rock has a customized itinerary perfect for you. Take a guided or unguided tour and zip past secluded waterways, through pastoral valleys and meadows and up to the tops of mountains with breathtaking vistas. The trips are for all experience levels, and all your safety gear is provided. Rent for a few hours or add in an overnight option, either at the Bear Rock Lodge or a mountaintop glamping site.

Acadia Inn

98 Eden Street Bar Harbor, ME, 04609 Phone: 207-288-3500 Toll-Free: 800-638-3636

Inn perched between Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor make it deal for lovers of the great outdoors

Don’t be surprised if the Acadia Inn becomes your family’s favorite vacation spot. Sitting on four acres bordering Acadia National Park (there’s direct access right on the property) and the charming coastal town of Bar Harbor, the inn has all the amenities families love, from a heated outdoor pool, whirlpool spa and playground to bocce ball, lawn Jenga, scavenger hunts and movies in the back yard (the inn provides chairs and blankets!). Ask about the Kids Kampout Package with a tent, lantern and padded mat for an in-room hideaway, the Kids Package with a stuffed animal-children’s book combo and the kiddie bath kit with a step stool and rubber ducks. Take your grab-and-go breakfast and head for town or Acadia. What’s not to love?

Visit Bar Harbor Hospitality Group to see all our sister locations!

Discover Quincy

Adams National Historical Park Visitor Center - 1250 Hancock Street Quincy, MA, 02169 Phone: 617-471-1700

Revel in this city’s history, recreation spots and natural surroundings

With 27 miles of coastline, including 11 beautiful beaches and miles of trails bordering rivers and marshes, Quincy is all about the outdoors. But there’s plenty of fun away from the water, too, since the city also boasts 52 parks, three golf courses, baseball fields, tennis and bocce courts, bike and jogging trails and a plethora of picnic places. Launch your boat off the public ramp at Houghs Neck Maritime Center, pitch your umbrella on spacious Wollaston Beach, go birding or rock-climbing at Blue Hills Reservation or check out the Boston skyline from the Neponset River Walk. Even the city’s history is outdoors, including a Native American campsite at Moswetuset Hummock and the site where Abigail Adams watched the Battle of Bunker Hill.

Paddling - The Preserve Club & Residences - Richmond, RI

The Preserve Club and Residences

87 Kingstown Road Richmond, RI, 02898 Phone: 401-539-4653

An almost endless list of outdoor activities at this resort designed for adventure-lovers

The menu of exhilarating outdoor activities at The Preserve Club & Residences is almost endless. On pristine acres of fields, ponds, hilltops and woodlands, the resort features world-class sporting clays courses, a championship golf course, zip lining over and across 250-foot elevation drops, kayaking and canoeing in crystal-clear waterways, fly-fishing in ponds stocked with trout and bass, miles of trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing as well as hiking and mountain biking, a grass and two clay tennis courts, a custom-designed rock-climbing wall and opportunities for horse-back riding, pheasant hunting, archery, ice skating – and amazing star-gazing. Accommodations, from well-appointed glamping tents to luxurious cabins and suites, match the outdoor amenities.

Rock Climbing - Mt. Washington Valley NH Chamber of Commerce

Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce

It really is a great outdoors in this varied mountain valley region

The great outdoors is even greater than that in the Mount Washington Valley region, starting with the best skiing, downhill and cross-country, in the East as well as amazing ice castles and glacial caves to visit. Hiking trails through meadows and up spectacular mountains, ziplining, rock-climbing, moose tours, ropes courses. mountain coasters and every form of boating are all waiting for you. Walk to waterfalls, across wooden bridges and through gorgeous towns and villages. Explore water parks, family farms, indoor and outdoor skating rinks (learn to curl!), golf courses, fairs, festivals and farmers markets. And here’s an added adventure: The distances between these great outdoor activities for the whole family? Short, short, short, making your trip fun, fun, fun.

New Hampshire -- Saint-Gaudens Historic Site

139 Saint Gaudens Road Cornish, NH Phone: 603-675-2175

A visit to this national park is a walk through a beautiful, serene property that was home to one of America’s greatest sculptors. Augustus Saint-Gaudens (1848-1907), created over 150 works of art, from exquisitely carved cameos to heroic-size public monuments. Works such as the "Standing Lincoln" monument and the Shaw Memorial, continue to inspire people today and his design for the 1907 Twenty Dollar Gold Piece, is considered America's most beautiful coin. At this historic site you can see 100 of his artworks in the galleries and on the grounds, from heroic public monuments to expressive portrait reliefs, and the gold coins which changed the look of American coinage. Enjoy summer concerts, explore nature trails, and admire the magnificent views.

Essex Steam Train and riverboat Essex CT

Connecticut -- Essex Steam Train & Riverboat

One Railroad Avenue Essex, CT Phone: 860-767-0103

Essex Steam Train & Riverboat's two-and-a-half -hour journey begins at the historic Essex Station for a narrated round trip into the heart of the unspoiled Connecticut River Valley. The steam locomotive pulls vintage coaches at 20 mph through the towns of Deep River and Chester. At Deep River Landing, passengers board the Becky Thatcher riverboat for a cruise along the Connecticut River. The deep water, coves, inlets, marshes, wildlife, and rocky shoreline are breathtaking. Upon Becky's return to Deep River Landing, the steam train welcomes passengers for the return trip to Essex Station. Trips conducted mid-May to late October.

Thaxter garden on the Isles of Shoals in New Hampshire

New Hampshire -- Thaxter’s Garden on Isles of Shoals

Depart from Gregg Marine Research Complex, 29 Wentworth Road New Castle, NH Phone:

Portsmouth-born author Celia Laighton Thaxter (1835-1894) grew up in the Isles of Shoals, including Appledore and Star islands, offshore between New Hampshire and Kittery Point, Maine. Her poems first appeared in The Atlantic Monthly and she became one of America's favorite authors in the late 1800s. Images of her famous garden return, again and again, in the oil paintings by Childe Hassam. Tours of the garden and Appledore Island are offered by Shoals Marine Lab aboard the research vessel Challenger. This is an island without paved roads, vehicles or amenities, so visitors (age 18 and older) should be prepared to spend the day hiking on rough terrain. The rewards are great.

Whale Watching Tours in Bar Harbor, Maine - Outdoor Adventures

MAINE -- Bar Harbor Whale Watch Tours

1 West Street Bar Harbor, ME Phone: 207-288-2386

Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co. offers several distinct whale watching, sightseeing, light house and nature trips that sail daily throughout the summer. Come witness the awe inspiring beauty of the magnificent mammals of the sea. The Gulf of Maine is home to humpback, finback, and Minke whales. Because of the catamaran's speed visitors arrive at and cover lots of whale-watching territory. The boat’s galley is open during the voyage with food and beverages, including beer and wine.

Green Animals Topiary Garden Portsmouth RI

Rhode Islan -- Green Animals Topiary Garden

Corys Lane Portsmouth, RI Phone: 401-847-1000

This garden, a collection of intricate topiaries, is a special delight for children. This small country estate in Portsmouth evolved into a topiary garden under the care of father-and-son superintendents during most of the 20th century. There are more than 80 pieces of topiary throughout the gardens, including animals and birds, geometric figures and ornamental designs, sculpted from California privet, yew, and English boxwood. Today, Green Animals remains as a rare example of a self-sufficient estate combining formal topiaries, vegetable and herb gardens, orchards and a Victorian house overlooking Narragansett Bay. Open seasonally; call ahead for public hours.

Art’s Dune Tours Provincetown Cape Cod MA

Massachusetts -- Art’s Dune Tours

4 Standish Street Provincetown, MA Phone: 800-894-1951

For three generations, the family-run Art’s Dune Tours has been taking spellbound visitors on tours of the dunes of the Provincelands, a marvelous, otherworldly place of sky, sea, dune grass, and wind-sculpted dunes. On the tours, you will travel through the majestic dunes where your guide points out the dune shacks where famous artists and writers lived and found inspiration. You will pass the remains of the Peaked Hill Life Saving Station and learn how life savers enacted their heroic efforts to save the lives of thousands from shipwrecks. Access by the public to the dunes is limited, so this is the way to see this marvelous landscape.

MASSACHUSETTS -- Cape Cod Railroad

Remember when you boarded a train there was a sense of adventure, and getting there was all the fun! Travel back in time to the golden age of railroad travel as you are treated to some of the Cape's unspoiled and hidden beauty, accessible only by the railways. Make a whistle stop in Sandwich -- the Cape's oldest and most charming town -- or ride on through on this two-hour scenic route. Traverse some of the Cape's most picturesque countryside including quaint villages, unspoiled woodlands, sand dunes, cranberry bogs, salt marshes, and the famous Cape Cod Canal.

New Hampshire -- Sabbaday Falls

Sabbaday Falls Picnic Area, Route 112 Waterville, NH Phone:

Sabbaday Brook , on the Kancamagus Pass, drops 40 feet in an unusual and scenic form. The water drops eight feet into a small emerald green pothole. The outlet of the pothole is a slide resulting in a 20-foot horsetail into a tight gorge where it makes a ninety degree turn to the right. The final drop is a 12-foot slide into a deep teal trough that opens into a pale jade green pool below. Walkways, bridges, and stairs make this an easy and safe place to explore. To find it: Sabbaday Falls is the focal point of the Sabbaday Falls Picnic Area, a well marked locale on Route 112, about 11 miles east of Kancamagus Pass, about 3.4 miles west of the Jigger Johnson Campground and about 17 miles west of Conway.

Connecticut -- Connecticut Wine Trail

Follow the trail of the vine as it winds through some of the most picturesque towns in Connecticut. The Connecticut Wine Trail is a unique collection of Twenty Four Vineyards, each ready to welcome you with hospitality and exceptional award winning wines. The trail is divided into two sections, East and West. To fully enjoy the Wine Trail, plan a few weekends to experience all that each winery has to offer. We invite you to explore this site and see where the trail leads you. You'll find more than just great wine.

Conway Scenic Railroad - North Conway, NH

New Hampshire -- Conway Scenic Railroad

38 Norcross Circle North Conway, NH, 03860 Phone: 603-356-5251 Toll-Free: 800-232-5251

With help from the Conway Scenic Railroad, you can enjoy a ride on vintage trains traveling over historic tracks in the heart of New Hampshire's White Mountains. On the Valley Train, you’ll journey on historic rail routes from the 1874 train station in North Conway Village to either Conway or Bartlett and back again. On the Notch Train, you’ll travel on what was once the Maine Central Railroad’s famed Mountain Division line, on tracks that were laid in the 1870s. Enjoy some of the most dramatic natural scenery in the East as you travel through spectacular Crawford Notch – past sheer bluffs, steep ravines, cascading brooks and streams, panoramic mountain vistas – en route to Crawford and Fabyan stations. Fun for all ages.

Rhode Island -- Ninigret Pond Refuge

Refuge Headquarters, 50 Bend Road Charlestown, RI Phone:

From fishing, to hiking, to photography, Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge has it all. The section of the refuge south of Route 1 is surrounded on three sides by Ninigret Pond, a large salt pond with a dramatic breachway opening to the ocean. At the east entrance, there is a kayak/canoe launch area -- a convenient place to get out on Ninigret Pond and see the refuge from the duck's point of view! The northern section of the refuge, where the Kettle Pond Visitor Center is located, is more forested upland. Watchaug Pond is only a short distance down easy trails from the Visitor Center. It’s a wonderful place to enjoy nature in any way that feels good to you.

Carriage Roads of Acadia National Park Bar Harbor Maine

MAINE -- Carriage Roads of Acadia

Forty-five miles of rustic carriage roads, the gift of philanthropist John D. Rockefeller Jr., weave around the mountains and valleys of Acadia National Park. Rockefeller wanted to travel via horse and carriage into the heart of Mount Desert Island. His construction from 1913 to 1940 resulted in roads with sweeping vistas and close-up views of the landscape. Rather than flattening hillsides to accommodate the roads, breast walls and retaining walls were built to preserve the line of hillsides and save trees. Rockefeller aligned the roads to follow the contours of the land and to take advantage of scenic views. It is a beautiful drive. Here is a map by the National Park Service.

Rhode Island -- Cliff Walk's Rocky Shores

Start at 117 Memorial Blvd. Newport, RI Phone:

The Newport Cliff Walk is a 3.5-mile winding path along Newport’s shoreline with breathtaking views of Narragansett Bay and the rocky coves below. The walk runs from Bailey's Beach to First Beach, with public access points at Bellevue Avenue, Ledge Road, Marine Avenue, Ruggles Avenue, Ruggles Avenue, Sheppard Avenue, Webster Street, and Narragansett Avenue. The walk skirts the edges of some of the city’s mansions, including Beechwood, Rosecliff, Marble House, The Breakers, Ochre Court, and Rough Point. Much of the walk is easy paved paths but some parts have unpaved sections and rugged paths. Best section for viewing with limited time is Narragansett Avenue to Ruggles Avenue.

Massachusetts -- Minuteman Bikeway

The Minuteman Bikeway passes through the historic area where the American Revolution began in April 1775. Built by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts on an inactive railroad, the trail is often used by local residents as a convenient, eco-friendly way for commuters to reach train stations. The path is 12 feet wide, plowed in the winter time, and includes lots of stops for refreshments and/or restrooms at Depot Park in Bedford, the Lexington Visitor’s Center, Alewife Station, and nearby business districts along the bikeway. Trail access in Bedford is available at the intersection of South Road and Loomis Street (exit 31B from I-95); at Lexington Center and Arlington Center, and at the Alewife T-Station. - Trail Map

MAINE -- Maine Botanical Garden

132 Botanical Gardens Drive Boothbay, ME, 04537 Phone: 207-633-4333

This magnificent collection of gardens, fronted by an airy, spacious welcome center, does more artist work with plants, sculpture, stone, ponds, and fountains than you can imagine. Gardens and meandering walks – including an endearing children’s garden – are a delight to all kinds of visitors – even people who might not consider themselves garden buffs. The names of the garden offer some clues: children’s garden, garden of the five senses, rhododendron & perennial garden, great lawn & ledge garden, kitchen garden, hillside garden, forest pond, meditation garden, shoreland trail, and rose & perennial garden. Best news: the garden is open daily, year-round.

Bromley’s Summer Sun & Fun Park Bromley Mountain VT

Vermont -- Bromley Mountain Thrill Zone

3984 Vermont Route 11 Peru, VT Phone: 802-824-5522

Bromley’s Summer Sun & Fun Park offers more warm-weather thrills (if not chills) than you can count. Alpine Slide is a triple-track and 2/3 of a mile in length with banked turns and straightaways, rollers and drops; the climbing wall has is multi-faced real-rock with different levels of challenges; the trampoline thing lets you slip into the harness and take trampolining to new heights; space bikes pedal into orbit; the zip line is basically 100 feet of "Yee-Ha!" on a super strong steel cable. The giant swing produces 3Gs of gravitational force. Coming in July 2012, the new Aerial Adventure Park allows you to walk in the treetops.

Massachusetts -- Walk the Freedom Trail

A leisurely walk through a world-class, history-rich city with many designated stops at fascinating places, from an old cemetery to classic, elegant churches. All this, along with educational value, enough space and variety for active kids, plenty of snacking opps along the way. Boston's Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile trail connecting 16 of the country's most significant historic sites linked to the American Revolution. Between April and November, you can take a 90-minute walking tour along the trail with a lively and informative 18th century costumed guide. Stop include The Boston Common, The State House,Faneuil Hall, Paul Revere House The Old North Church, Copp's Hill Burying Ground, Bunker Hill Monument, and the USS Constitution.

New England outdoor adventures fill your vacation with zest

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