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Massachusetts mountains and nature centers are primed for outdoor adventure

Massachusetts > State > Outdoor Activities > Outdoor Adventures

The beauty of nature in the Berkshires Mountains of western Massachusetts – think, for example, of the views from Mount Greylock – gets the heart racing, especially for people who love to throw themselves into the outdoors to play. Ski mountains in the Berkshires and Pioneer Valley will keep the whole family – from kids to grandparents – busy and tired during cold-weather and warm-weather vacations. Naturally, the ski areas will have snow sports and lessons and rentals. In the summer and fall foliage seasons, come to enjoy zip lines and canopy tours and other aerial adventures, mountain coasters and mountain biking, white water rafting, and water sports. Tired muscles? It is not hard to find a spa with massage and fitness rooms, and game rooms for the kids.

ma outdoor adventures
John Adams Homestead - Discover Quincy - Quincy, MA
Discover Quincy

Adams National Historical Park Visitor Center - 1250 Hancock Street Quincy, MA, 02169 Phone: 617-770-1175

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.
Mountain Biking 500x250 - Berkshire East Mountain Resort - Charlemont, MA
Berkshire East Mountain Resort

66 Thunder Mountain Road Charlemont, MA, 01339 Phone: 413-339-6617

Intense skiing, zipping, rafting, and biking adventures

Whatever your outdoor pleasure, it can be found here: from skiing and snowboarding to tubing, zip lines, white water rafting, and downhill mountain biking. Jump aboard North America’s longest mountain coaster, or strap yourself into one of USA Today’s Top Ten Zip Lines in the United States. Fly above the tree tops at New England's largest zip destination with an introductory Base Tour and a more advanced Mountain Top Tour, and see fabulous views of the valley. The extreme Valley Jump has two half-mile-long zips that rise nearly 200 feet above the ground. Families, bring your kids and play. There are lessons, instructions, and equipment rentals, a family friendly lodging, and the Crazy Horse Bar and Grill for lunch or dinner.
Whitewater 2018 - Zoar Outdoor - Charlemont, MA
Zoar Outdoor

Route 2 (Mohawk Trail) Charlemont, MA, 01339 Phone: 800-532-7483

Fun, fun, fun are the watchwords at this experienced outdoor center

Since 1989, Zoar Outdoor has been providing exhilarating New England adventures for all ages. We can honestly say we offer you one-of-a-kind experiences on land, water – and in the air! Plunge over whitewater rapids on a beautiful river, fly through a Berkshires forest on a zip line canopy tour, or rent a stand-up paddleboard and survey the wildlife from your perch on a serene lake. From our adventure center in Wilmington, Vt., explore the Green Mountains via snowshoes, cross-country skis or mountain bike. To really experience the great outdoors, stay with us in Western Massachusetts at one of our five tent sites or 11 cabin tents or in our Hawk Mountain Lodge. No matter your level of experience, we have an outdoor activity you will love and instructors and guides to make it safe as well as fun.
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.
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Little Harbor Boathouse Kayaks Marblehead MA
Little Harbor Boathouse Kayak - SUP - Fish

40 Doaks Lane Marblehead, MA, 01945 Phone: 781-990-3552

Get fit and learn new skills on Marblehead harbor

This warm weather outdoor fun place offers unique adventures on the water in scenic Marblehead. Get fit, learn new skills, improve your balance and confidence all summer long. through relays, board/boat swapping, capsize and rescue and other activities. Season passes run from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend and include programs for every age. Like having a gym membership, you’ll have on-site access to the entire fleet of sit-on-top single and double kayaks and standup paddle boards. There are also special guided sunrise paddles, birthday parties, cove destination treasure hunts, team building activities, snorkeling, swimming, fishing and eco-awareness. Guided Fly Fishing Charters and a Kids Kayak Fishing Camp teach the skills and gear necessary to be a successful angler.
Hawk Mountain Lodge - Zoar Outdoor - Charlemont, MA
Hawk Mountain Lodge

Zoar Outdoor - Route 2 (Mohawk Trail) Charlemont, MA, 01339 Phone: 800-532-7483

A great place to relax before your next outdoor excursion.

There is no such thing as the wrong season to engage in an adventure at Zoar Outdoor. With the resort’s year-round five-bedroom Hawk Mountain Lodge, you can stay for a weekend rafting getaway or hit the slopes at nearby Berkshire East. The lodge features five rooms at reasonable rates plus a common area - and if you have a large group (up to 14 people) you can book the entire lodge.
When the snow ceases, make plans to shoot the white water rapids of the Deerfield River (or three other Massachusetts and Vermont rivers) with guided trips for all skill levels. Or soar above and through the forest on a three-hour zipline canopy tour. Or go kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, biking, wilderness hiking – even take a rock-climbing clinic. Why not pick several adventures? Just stay at the lodge, a cabin tent or tent and revel in all that 80 acres of wilderness has to offer.
Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort Family Activities Hancock MA
Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort

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

Great outdoor family fun is live and active over four seasons

Jiminy Peak Mountain’s four-season resort offers lodging, shopping, and dining in the Village Center and Country Inn, plus an outdoor heated swimming pool, the In-Touch Day Spa, fitness room, game room, and more. It’s also home to the largest ski and snowboard resort in southern New England. Forty-five trails and nine lifts cater to skiers of all skill levels, and three terrain parks provide rails and jibs for new and experienced park riders. Enjoy outdoor summer fun with a double dose at the adjacent Mountain Adventure Park and Aerial Adventure Park, and plan some activity at the Soaring Eagle Zip Ride and Mountain Segway Tours. This wonderful family place offers memorable mountain resort experiences with outstanding service in remarkably beautiful surroundings.