Outdoor Adventure in New England
30/08/2016Outdoor Adventure Abounds in New England
Looking for world-class outdoor adventure? Come to New England! From the mountains to the sea, all six states offer memorable outdoor experiences for the whole family. New England’s four distinct seasons each provide their own delights – from zooming down the Northeast’s best ski mountains to kayaking past islands and lighthouses along the Atlantic Ocean.
One of the region’s most popular activities is cycling. New England offers both challenging mountain passes and easy day trips great for families. In Connecticut, bikers can enjoy eight different biking trails and then finish up the day in comfort at one of the many bed and breakfasts along the B&B Bike Trail.
Off-road cycling and mountain-biking enthusiasts can access hundreds of trails within New Hampshire State Parks and in the White Mountain National Forest. Ski trails become bike trails for technically proficient riders in the summer months. Recreational rail trails are bicycle-friendly, too, and suitable for leisurely family outings. Rhode Island has over 60 miles of off-road bike trails throughout the state from forests to the sea.
There are dozens of highly rated mountain bike trails throughout Massachusetts for those who want to get off the beaten path and find a challenge. With 33 loop bike tours throughout Maine – with varying levels of difficulty – you can pick a loop, pack a lunch, and be on your way. Vermont’s Bike Tours are perfect for a week of outdoor adventure with peaceful nights’ sleep at cozy inns. Some tours even visit our neighbors to the North in Canada!
Looking for a thrill? In Massachusetts, discover the Berkshire’s newest aerial park, Ramblewild. You can literally swing from the trees with eight unique self-guided, tree-to-tree aerial courses ranging from beginner trails to more expert aerial courses. Visit New Hampshire to zipline your way down a mountain! Attitash Mountain Resort’s ZipTour takes you from the summit of Bear Peak down the 4,969 feet length of the Flying Bear Zip over the valley towards Attitash Mountain. A top speed of 65+ mph is possible on the zip tour while reaching heights of 250′ off the ground.
The best way to see Rhode Island for adventures lovers may be while plummeting to the ground (while skydiving, of course.) Tandem jumps are a truly breathtaking way to view the scenery of New England.
Some of the country’s best white water rafting is in New England – Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont all boast some serious class III, IV and V rapids. Rafting companies handle all the details, and you and your family have a thrilling adventure along gorgeous and remote rivers.
For a truly down to earth vacation, there’s nothing better than camping and hiking in New England. This region has numerous State Parks and Maine’s beloved Acadia National Park is one of the U.S.’s most popular.
The White Mountains in New Hampshire and Maine offer an unforgettable wilderness experience and Mt. Washington can be summited on foot or by car. Massachusetts’ Cape Cod has great beach camping, too. And of course, the Appalachian Trail goes through five of the six New England states. There are hundreds of day hikes along the trail, or you can hike sections over a few days or weeks.
New England is known for its lakes and rivers, its sandy beaches and rocky shores. Along the Atlantic coastline, hundreds of islands dot the waves. What better way to explore it all than by sailing, kayaking or canoeing? Visitors can rent a boat for a day trip, or even book a tour where at the day’s end, you’ll find a lobster bake waiting for you on a sandy beach. You don’t need to be an experienced sailor or paddler to enjoy these unique outdoor adventures – New England’s numerous professional guides and tour companies will create the perfect trip, designed around your family’s wishes.
Whatever your outdoor adventure will be, you will discover it in New England. To learn more, visit the outdoors page on the Discover New England website.