New Hampshire Best Outdoor Activities 2012

BEST AIRBORNE ADVENTURE
Alpine Adventures, Lincoln
Summon your inner child and fly through the trees with the White Mountains as your backdrop. If the rush of adrenaline awakens your competitive side, challenge a friend to a race on the dual zipline. 41 Main St. 603-745-9911; alpinezipline.com

BEST PADDLING
Androscoggin River & Pontook Reservoir,Milan
Steer your boat past a habitat housing wildlife such as moose, ospreys, and loons. Packed with smallmouth bass, landlocked salmon, and rainbow trout, this stretch of water is ideal for fishing as well as paddling. Off Route 16. 617-523-0655; outdoors.org/recreation/tripplanner/ideas/paddling-androscoggin-river.cfm

BEST FAMILY BEACH
Great Island Common,New Castle
Spanning 32 acres, Great Island Common’s beach is perfect for little ones. The combination of grass, playground, and picnic area also makes it tops with parents. 301 Wentworth Road (Route 1B). 603-436-1992; newcastlenh.org

BEST ON-TOP-OF-THE-WORLD FEELING
Mount Washington Observatory Summit Adventure,Sargents Purchase
Get up close and personal with the tallest summit in the Northeast with an overnight at the summit’s weather station. Not for the armchair adventurer, these excursions require prior hiking experience and familiarity with rugged terrain. 2779 White Mountain Highway. 603-356-2137; mountwashington.org

BEST MOONLIGHT HIKE
Square Ledge, Pinkham Notch
Take this 1.2-mile self-guided nighttime hike from the Appalachian Mountain Club’s Pinkham Notch Visitor Center up to Square Ledge (on the side of Wildcat Mountain). The reward: unobstructed stargazing and a chance to watch the moon rise above the peak. 361 Route 16. 603-466-2721; outdoors.org