Best Outdoor Attractions in Massachusetts | 2015 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 2014. BEST TREETOP ADVENTURE RAMBLEWILD, Lanesborough Climb, walk, and zoom through the forest canopy on Ramblewild’s eight trails, each color-coded like a ski slope from yellow to double black diamond. The courses cover 17 acres with more […]
Furry friends are welcome to explore Ramblewild’s walking trails.
Photo Credit : Sean McGlynn
The Bay State has plenty to offer in the Great Outdoors. Read our picks for the best outdoor attractions in Massachusetts for 2014.
BEST TREETOP ADVENTURE
RAMBLEWILD, Lanesborough
Climb, walk, and zoom through the forest canopy on Ramblewild’s eight trails, each color-coded like a ski slope from yellow to double black diamond. The courses cover 17 acres with more than 100 elements—logs, nets, ziplines, rope bridges, ladders, tunnels—on a self-guided system with clip-in harness. All visits start with a short orientation for safety and technique.
110 Brodie Mountain Road. 844–iRAMBLE; ramblewild.com
BEST RIVER TUBING
DEERFIELD RIVER PORTAGE, Conway
It’s hard to think of anything more refreshing than bobbing down a cool river on a hot summer’s day. Deerfield River Portage provides the tubes and the transportation for a hassle-free trip along a pristine stretch of this scenic waterway. Bring your own sunscreen, river shoes, and snack.
617 Hoosac Road. 413–282–7678; drportage.com
BEST DISC-GOLF COURSE
MAPLE HILL DISC GOLF COURSE, Leicester
Ready to move beyond Ultimate Frisbee? Try the challenging sport of disc golf at this former family farm, complete with woodsy holes and multiple water hazards. Rated as one of the top 10 courses in the world, Maple Hill hosts several tournaments, but has color-coded approaches to each hole rated from novice to expert.
132 Marshall St. 508–754–3472; maplehilldiscgolf.org
BEST LLAMA HIKE
PINETUM FARM LLAMAS, Granby
One- or two-hour llama-accompanied hikes on this 50-acre farm on the south side of the Holyoke Range feel a lot like taking a very big dog for a walk. Llamas can weigh 400 pounds, but these gentle creatures make good company. Because they’re cold-weather critters, most hikes take place in spring and fall.
7 Harris St. 413–467–7146; pinetumfarm.com
BEST SURF LESSONS
SACRED SURF SCHOOL, Wellfleet
Sacred Surf holds that riding a wave is much more than an athletic thrill: It’s a mystical connection to the beauty and power of the ocean and the confidence of trusting your own capabilities. The Cape’s most consistent breaks happen just offshore from Marconi Beach, making this the perfect spot to learn.
Marconi Beach Road. 508–514–1555; sacredsurfschool.com