Best Outdoor Activities in Massachusetts | 2013 Editors’ Choice Awards

The Bay State has plenty to offer in the Great Outdoors. Read our picks for the best outdoor attractions in Massachusetts for 2013. BEST STAND-UP PADDLE SHOP SURFARI SUP & SURF, Manchester-by-the-Sea It originated with California surfers, but stand-up paddleboarding is a great way to get a core workout while exploring the coves and inlets of Cape Ann. Lessons: from $35. Tours: $20. 26 Central St. 978-704-9051; standuppaddlesurfari.com BEST INFLATABLE KAYAKING CRAB APPLE WHITEWATER RAFTING, Charlemont Staffers tell first-timers that navigating the gentle rapids of the Deerfield on a “funyak” is like floating down the river on a couch. They also equip each passenger with a big water gun to liven things up when the inflatable kayaks hit calm waters. 2056 Mohawk Trail. 413-625-2288; crabapplewhitewater.com BEST FRESHWATER FISHING QUABBIN RESERVOIR, Belchertown Whether you prefer angling for bass, landlocked salmon, pickerel, lake trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, or brookies, there’s a fishing hole for you at Boston’s central Massachusetts water supply. Boat rentals also available. One-day Quabbin-only license: $5. 485 Ware Road (Route 9). 413-323-7221; mass.gov/dcr/watersupply/watershed/quabfish.htm BEST SHORELINE BIRDING MONOMOY NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, Chatham The barrier beaches of Monomoy, stretching southward from Chatham toward Nantucket, host hundreds of species of migratory birds in spring, early summer, and fall. Virtually all of New England’s shore birds nest here over the summer. Take a small-boat ferry or a half-day walk from Chatham. 158 Seagull Road, Morris Island. 508-945-0594; monomoy.fws.gov BEST DAY SAIL SCHOONER FAME, Salem The beautiful waterfront of Salem Sound and the history of the War of 1812 are the highlights of these nearly two-hour cruises aboard the Fame, a replica of a two-masted Salem fishing schooner turned privateer. If you’re lucky, the crew might even fire the cannon! Pickering Wharf Marina. 978-729-7600; schoonerfame.com

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