slides: Outdoor Adventures for Columbus Day Weekend

Zip Line in Vermont

Bromley’s Sun Mountain Flyer at Bromley Aerial Adventure Park, VT

Soar over dense forests and through clear blue skies on Bromley's Sun Mountain Flyer, New England's newest and longest ZipRider.  The zip line is 5 stories high, half a mile long, and reaches speeds of 50 MPH! Additional fee required. Must be at least 48" tall and between 75-250lbs to ride. Note: The park is open until October 14th.  

3984 VT Route 11, Peru, VT. Open Columbus Day Weekend, 10:30am-5pm.  One ride without adventure pass is $20, ride with an adventure pass is $15.  For more information, go to Bromley Aerial Adventure Park.

Hidden Wilderness Gem

Mount Washington State Forest, MA

Explore this incredible Massachusetts 4,169-acre red-oak-northern hardwood forest that offers 30 miles of trails over rugged terrain and wilderness camping. Be sure to hike the South Taconic Trail to see the stunning view from the 2,250-foot summit of Alander Mountain. Don't miss out on the dramatic Bash Bish Falls, one of the most dramatic Massachusetts waterfalls that cascades down 60 feet into a sparkling pool.  Horse back riding is also available through contacting the farm for horse rentals. Photo: Burning Question/flickr

143 East St, South Egremont, MA. Phone 413-528-0330.  Open year round from sunrise to sunset, access is free. For more information visit http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/western/mwas.htm

Urban Scavenger Hunt

Boston Mad Dash, Boston, MA

Jump into the hustle and bustle in Boston for Cashunt's The Boston Mad Dash, the ultimate scavenger hunt competition. All the games take place in the heart of the city as well as surrounding areas.  Events include a Boston Mystery Item Hunt, a Boston Photo Scavenger Hunt and more.

Games last 2 1/2 hours. Public games begin at 12pm while Private games start at 10am. Make reservations here. $39.99 per person and $27 for children under 18. Minimum players needed to participate is 8. For more information, go to www.cashunt.com/bostonmaddash.

Fall Foliage Tour

Fall Foliage Spectacular Tour, Boston, MA

View New England's gorgeous foliage like you have never seen it before at The Fall Foliage Spectacular Tour from Boston. Survey the gently rolling New England countryside, tranquil cottages, and authentic colonial homes in this unbelievable tour. There's even a hot traditional Yankee lunch along with a trip to a native orchard. Photo: Randomduck/flickr

Tour departs 16 South Charles St, Boston MA at 9:30 am. Tour lasts approximately 9 hours, expected to return at 6:30 pm. Tickets are $60 excluding lunch. Avaliability all throughout Columbus Day Weekend (Friday-Monday).  For more information, go here. And for best Leaf Peeping spots, go here.

Old Fashioned Resort

Purity Spring Resort, East Madison, NH

Enjoy an active weekend of kayaking, canoeing, water skiing, miles of scenic hiking and mountain programs with your family at Purity Spring, a great find in New Hampshire's White Mountains. Old-fashioned, inexpensive, and lots of fun, it's a perfect fall getaway for families. Photo: Purity Spring Resort.

1251 Eaton Rd (Route 153) East Madison, NH, 603-367-8896 or 800-373-3754.  For more information concerning lodging pricing and activities go here. 

Mountain Biking in Maine

Sunday River Mountain Bike Park, Newry, ME

Experience the thrill of the Sunday River Mountain Bike Park, a downhill bike playground boasting 30 trails of lift-serviced terrain stretching out over 20 miles.  The difficulty of the terrain ranges from beginner to advanced, so everyone can have an awesome experience. The Bike Park is open 10am to 4pm Fridays through Sundays from June 29 to October 9, and Columbus Day (October 8). Lift tickets, bike rentals and repair, food and beverage, and all other bike services are based out of Sunday River Sports in South Ridge Lodge.

15 South Ridge Rd, Newry, ME. Ticket rates are $29 for adults (13 and over) and junior lift pass (12 and under) is $18.  For more information about lodging and the bike routes, go here. 

Salt-Water Fishing

Snappa Fishing & Diving Charters, Wakefield, RI

Get offshore through Snappa Fishing & Diving Charters’ inshore and offshore fishing trips, not to mention shark cage diving, bird watching, lighthouse tours and bachelor parties. And with tautog season just starting, now's the time.

The owner of the Charter boat "Snappa", Charlie Donilon has been in the business for 37 years, and his captains and mates have more than 12 years experience each working on the boat. Private groups and individuals are welcome.

Tours and experiences last about 10 hours.  All fishing tackle and bait is provided on fishing trips. Photo: Snappa Charters.

2 Congdon Dr, Wakefield RI, 401-782-4040. For more information about reservations for motels and rates for the different tours, go to Snappa Charters.

Riding the Housatonic

Housatonic Rail-Trail, Trumbull, CT

For a perfect Fall cycling expedition, here's a great destination: this fairly flat trail 5 mile long trail that overlooks the winding and sparkling Pequonnock River and vibrant wildlife. The length makes it an easy ride for kids, and Mine Park is the ideal lunchtime picnic spot.

For more information concerning parking availability, and a full description of the ride, go here.

Whale Watching

Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company, ME

Witness the ocean in a way you will never forget by taking a trip to search for great humpback whales or watch the beautiful sunset on a sailing cruise. The whole family can enjoy all of these excursions, especially going lobstering on an authentic lobster boat.  Lobstering tours run through mid-October; whale watching runs through the end of the month. Photo: Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company.

1 West St, Bar Harbor, ME, 207-288-9800 or 888-533-WALE. Open 8am-6pm daily. For more information on reservations and events go here.  

Orchard Expedition

Bishop's Orchards, Guilford, CT

From getting loaded up with apples and pumpkins to hanging out with alpacas and llamas, this is a great coastal Connecticut roadtrip. And if you're a corn maze fan, all the better. Wait... did we mention there's a winery? This 6th-generation farm will stock your home all the way to Thanksgiving.

1355 Boston Post Rd, Guilford, CT.  Business Hours are Monday-Saturday 8 am to 7 pm and Sunday from 9am to 6 pm.  For more information, go to Bishop's Orchards, here.

Gondola Adventure

Loon Mountain, Lincoln, NH

Soar in the skies on New Hampshire's longest four-passenger scenic gondola skyride and enjoy extraordinary scenery while being carried to the 3,050-foot summit of Loon Mountain, in the heart of the New Hampshire's White Mountains.  After arriving at Loon's summit, enjoy other family friendly natural wonders by exploring glacial caves, hiking the self-guided interpretive nature trail, and climbing the observation tower.

60 Loon Mountain Rd, Lincoln, NH, 603-745-6281. Adult Tickets 13 and over are $39, Children Tickets 6-12 are $29 ($25 without zipline).  Park open daily 9:30 am to 5 pm. For more information, go here.

ATV Touring