Summer is a time to get outside, feel the sun on your skin, and fill your lungs with fresh mountain air. Whether you’re new to the whole “nature scene,” exploring with littles, or simply looking for stress-free ways to enjoy New Hampshire’s great outdoors, here are six beginner-friendly adventures everyone can enjoy.
Before you head out, remember to be Wildly Responsible. A little planning and preparation goes a long way in helping you safely enjoy New Hampshire’s outdoors while protecting the places we all love to explore.
Bicycling Adventures
Looking for a new way to explore? Railbiking lets riders pedal together on uniquely designed bikes that travel along decommissioned railroad tracks, offering a fun and scenic adventure for all levels and abilities. Some even offer power-assisted rides!
- Lincoln Rail Bikes, Lincoln
- Scenic Railriders, Concord
- Laconia Railbikes, Laconia
Prefer traditional bicycling? New Hampshire is home to scenic rail trails, bike paths, and quiet country roads, with dozens of bike outfitters and rental shops ready to get you rolling. In Bethlehem, Littleton, and Franconia, low-cost and free gear libraries rent equipment based on availability, while the Upper Valley has an E-Bike Lending Library for even more ways to explore.
Guided Paddle Tours
There’s nothing like the serenity of being out on the open water. If renting equipment and planning a route sounds overwhelming, a guided tour is the perfect alternative. Let the experts handle the logistics while you enjoy a wildlife paddle, moonlit paddleboard tour, or relaxed group excursion.
These companies offer unique kayak, stand-up paddleboard (SUP), and other paddling tours in New Hampshire:
- Seven Rivers Paddling, Portsmouth
- North Country Kayak, Littleton
- Outdoor New England, Franklin
- Great Glen Trails, Gorham
- Seacoast Science Center, Rye
- Outdoor Escapes, Freedom
- Portsmouth Paddle Co., Portsmouth
Hiking Adventures
You don't need to tackle one of New Hampshire’s 4000-footers to enjoy hiking here. From gentle nature trails and peaceful walks in the woods, to beginner-friendly hikes with rewarding views, there are countless ways to explore at your own pace. Looking for a little extra guidance? Many local outfitters and guides offer guided hikes, allowing you to discover new trails while leaving the route planning to the experts.
Mountain Adventure Parks
For outdoor fun the whole crew can enjoy, look to the mountains. Many of the state’s ski mountains transform in the summer months into adventure parks, offering beginner-friendly ziplines, mountain coasters, scenic chairlift rides, alpine slides, aerial ropes courses… and the list goes on! Check out New Hampshire’s many mountain parks and choose your own adventure this summer.
OHRVing Tours
Looking for a little adrenaline? Off-roading could be your next big adventure! Dozens of OHRV rental companies make it easy to explore New Hampshire’s 1,000-mile interconnected trail system—even if you’ve never been behind the wheel of an ATV or side-by-side before. With instruction, gear, and local guides ready to help, you’ll be trail ready in no time.
Exploring NH State Parks
Not sure what activity you’d like to try? New Hampshire’s 93 state parks offer something for everyone, with diverse landscapes ranging from mountain summits and scenic lakes to sandy beaches and forested trails. Whether hiking, biking, camping, swimming, canoeing, or kayaking, there’s a state park ready for your next adventure. Many parks offer equipment rentals, making it easy to try something new. Now all you have to do is pick your park!
