ON THE WATER

From mighty inland rivers to the always-in-motion Atlantic Ocean, the waters of New England have long invited adventure seekers. How will you add a splash of H₂O to your itinerary? Here are a few ideas:

In RHODE ISLAND, nicknamed “The Ocean State,” sparkling Narragansett Bay is a top adventure destination. Sailing fans converge on the city of Newport, which hosted the celebrated America’s Cup race for more than 50 years. Many former champion yachts still glide across these waters, operated by tour companies that offer not only sightseeing cruises but also the thrill of racing experiences. For those who prefer to get their feet wet in the sport of surfing, great news: Southern New England’s most vigorous swells are found in Rhode Island, most notably in Narragansett, a laid-back beach town where local surfers are eager to share knowledge with newcomers. At the Peter Pan Surf School, run by Rhode Island surfing champ Peter Panagiotis, you’ll find excellent instruction all year long.

MAINE calls to paddlers with adventures both mild and wild. Coastal kayaking abounds in southern Maine, a region that is home to the state’s two largest salt marshes; plus, all along Maine’s 3,500mile (5,633km) coast there are beautiful islands within paddling distance, a string of gems highlighted by the first-ever U.S. water trail, the Maine Island Trail. Moving the focus inland, it’s easy to see why Maine is considered the epicenter of New England’s whitewater rafting scene. The Penobscot, Kennebec, and Dead rivers are famed for their Class III, IV, and V rapids, as well as the longest unbroken stretch of whitewater in the eastern United States. From May to October, local outfitters offer guided trips suitable for beginners and up.

➼ Read more: DISCOVERNEWENGLAND.ORG/ON-THE-WATER

Mountain Biking Destinations

Amanda Arling

Cyclist and co-owner of the Village Inn at Kingdom Trails in East Burke, Vermont

“People from all over North America, if not the world, have heard of Kingdom Trails. This trail network of more than 100 miles (161km) is unique because most of the land was donated by private owners. The trail system traverses a ridgeline that offers beautiful views of Vermont’s iconic Green Mountains and Lake Willoughby. And you’ll experience a community entirely built around mountain biking and enjoying the great outdoors.

“In New Hampshire, Bear Brook State Park has a wonderful trail system, while in Rhode Island, there’s something for everyone at Woody Hill, just outside of Westerly: flowy double-track for novice riders, flat and fast single-track for riders who like purpose-built trails, and some really big technical features on the more advanced trails.

“People don’t often think of Connecticut as a mountain biking destination, but Bluff Point and Haley Farm State Park, near Mystic, are among my favorites because not only are the trails fun and interesting (and very technical), but you also get really gorgeous views of Long Island Sound.

“My top pick in Maine is actually Acadia National Park You don’t necessarily need a mountain bike on the park’s historic carriage trails; you’d also be perfectly content on a gravel bike or a road bike with wider tires. While these aren’t technical, challenging rides, you’re experiencing some of New England’s most beautiful scenery.

RHODE ISLAND: Surfers gather on the ocean in view of Narragansett’s Point Judith Lighthouse.

“At Thunder Mountain in western Massachusetts, you get to put your bike on a chairlift. If you’ve never tried downhill mountain biking, it’s a great place to learn, while experienced riders will love the technical flow trails.”