Here’s the thing to know about taking a guided adventure in New England’s outdoors: your guide leads the way, offers instruction, helps you toward the goal. But the guide is also a local person with deep knowledge of the surroundings and, often, a lifetime of stories to tell. We’re talking about a guide to …what? How about:
You could try doing much of this on your own – if you had the equipment. But an experienced professional guide can provide equipment and instruction; can take you out and connect you with nature; and can show you how to look and listen deeply. If you hit the jackpot, a seasoned guide – and there are many of them -- might offer some Paul Bunyan-worthy tall tales that will keep you or your kids squint-eyed with wonder. Connecting with nature with the help of a local guide leading the tour can often be the highlight of many vacations, for adults and children. Who knows the ropes – wait, did we mention treetop zip lines? – better than a local person who is a life-long explorer? Often, a good guide will tell visitors it is his or her greatest pleasure to introduce visitors to the deeper sights and sounds and stories of the outdoors in New England.
357 Morningside Lane Charlestown, NH, 03603 Phone: 603-542-4416
Guided adventures at flight park include hang gliding, paragliding, laser tag games
41 Main Street Lincoln, NH, 03251 Phone: 603-745-9911
Breathtaking fun in the winter months!
112 Milford Road Grand Lake Stream, ME, 04668 Phone: 207-796-5558
Experienced Maine guides will ensure your fishing, hunting experience is memorable and rewarding
45 America's Cup Avenue Newport, RI, 02840 Phone: 401-843-8687
See Newport from above – and beyond.
Multiple Centers & Dock Locations Providence, Newport, Westerly, RI and Fall River, MA Phone: 401-272-3540
From seal tours to touch tanks, Save The Bay has lots of activities for explorers
Sailing from Ports in Rockland and Camden, ME, 04843 Phone: Toll-Free: 800-807-9463
Windjammer fleet offers breathtaking sights, on-deck fun, fabulous food, comfy cabins
30 Twin Pines Road Millinocket, ME, 04462 Phone: 207-723-5438 Toll-Free: 800-766-7238
Center’s group tours are a great way to experience a variety of outdoor adventures
195 Mountain Top Road Chittenden, VT, 05737 Phone: 802-483-2311
Celebrate winter — or something else? — with a horse-drawn sleigh ride at Vermont resort
Sailing from the Niantic Bay Marina Niantic, CT, 06357 Phone: 860-448-3662 Toll-Free: 800-382-2824
Experienced captains and crew are why this charter service has so many returning customers
3 Lake Moxie Road The Forks, ME, 04985 Phone: 800-553-7238
Get ready for the rafting trip of a lifetime, with experienced guides leading the way
Route 16 at Pinkham Notch Gorham, NH, 03581 Phone: 603-466-3988
Superior equipment, instruction, base camp and, most important, trails for cross-country skiing
195 Mountain Top Road Chittenden, VT, 05737 Phone: 802-483-2311
Saddle up, equestrians: Mountain resort offers variety of trail rides as well as boarding
289 Handle Road West Dover, VT, 05356 Phone: 800-553-7238
Professional guides who know the river will ensure your rafting trip is a first-rate adventure
2056 Mohawk Trail Charlemont, MA, 01339 Phone: 800-553-7238
Rafting company guides known for their river knowledge, personalized attention