Scout Outings	This list was derived from an older Scouting Outings list created by Tim Smith, Dartmouth College scientist and Troop 45 Scoutmaster. National Weather Service. Be aware and alert. No endorsement of these outings or providers is implied. Last updated 08/02/2009
Camping, Backpacking, Hiking, Trekking, High Adventure
Troop 19, BSA High Adventure Bases
Trails
Trail Maintenance at Mt. Monadnock State Park Who: Skill level is all levels. Contact Park Ranger ahead of time for age appropriate duties. Where: Location can be found at (click here) Description: Leaders should contact the Park Ranger ahead of time to arrange for a half day of work (or what is appropriate), activity such as map/compass, hike, rock climbing, caving, forestry, geology, etc. and ask about reduced or free camping. Cost: Minimal to free
Nashua River Rail Trail Who: Skill level is all Scouts. Where: From downtown Nashua to Ayer,MA (side trips through Mine Falls Park) Full Map 3MB (click here) Bike Map (click here) Description: Paved 12.5+ mile rail trail (minimal elevation change), scenic landscape particularly attractive during fall. Great for walking, biking, roller-blading. The trail passes through wetlands, ponds and swamps where a variety of animals such as beavers and herons can be seen, woodlands, and, toward the end of the trail. Cost: Free
Recreational Trails in Southern New Hampshire Who: Except for canoe/kayak trail, skill level is all Scouts. Hiking, Biking, XC skiing, Canoe/Kayak, Birding, Beware some Hunting Where: Souhegan Valley Cost: Free
Hike in Rhododendron State Park Who: Skill level is all Cub Scouts. Where: Location can be found at (click here) Description: Nice trails, plants/tree types marked with name tags. A popular visitation time is mid-July when the 16 acres of rhododendron are in bloom. Cost: Free
Some NH Bureau of Trails Rail Trails: Who: Skill level is all Scouts. Where: Rockingham Recreational Trail, Portsmouth Branch (Manchester-Newfields) -25.3 miles Conway Branch Recreational Trail (Ossipee-Conway) 21 miles Northern Rail Trail (Boscawen-Lebanon) 59.3 miles Farmington Recreational Trail (Farmington-Rochester) 6 miles Cheshire Recreational Trail (North Walpole-Fitzwilliam) 42 miles Ashuelot Recreational Trail (Keene-Winchester) 21 miles Fort Hill Recreational Trail (Hinsdale) 8.9 miles Monadnock Recreational Trail (Mass line-Jaffrey) 7.2 miles Manchester/Lawrence Recreational Trail (Salem-Windham) 5.4 miles (Londonderry) 3.3 miles Why rail trails? Multi-use: hike or bike, etc. Easy grade to walk and bike Better drainage - hike on trail during mud season when other trails closed. Wide. Less change to brush against bushes and pick up ticks. Hard to get lost Often have distance markers, useful for determining pace. Many have geocache. Free Cost: Free
Amusement Parks
Canobie Lake Park Who: Everybody Where: Salem, NH Scout Day June 6: Buy One Get One FREE! Any scout wearing a uniform will be able to purchase one admission and receive a second admission of equal or lessor value FREE. At least one element of the scout uniform must be worn. Not to be combined with any other discount, offer, priced pass or promotion. Cost: Check website . Group rates.
Six Flags New England Who: Everybody Where: Springfield, MA Camporee : 2 fun-filled days and one thrilling night. Open to boy scouts, girl scouts or any group that is looking for that special camping trip. This unique package includes 2 days of admission to Six Flags New England, meals, snacks and entertainment. Also group rates for single day admission. Scouting Camporee FAQ . Cost: Call (800) 370-7488 x3500 , Camporee Order form
Canoe Trips
Souhegan River Canoe Trail Guide Who: Skill level is for Boy Scouts who are swimmers and canoers. Where: Greenville-Wilton-Milford-Merrimack. See detailed trail map for put-ins, take-outs. Description: 25 mile paddle trail in 3 sections, 2 portages. Navigability in other sections can vary with water flow and ice storm damage (down trees) from 2008 winter. The best rapids invariably occur in early Spring. For more detailed information about rapids, current flow, and more, see the American Whitewater website. Cost: Free.
Northern Forest Canoe Trail Who: Skill level is for Boy Scouts who are swimmers and canoers. Where: The Northern Forest Canoe Trail (NFCT) links the waterways of New York, Vermont, Québec, New Hampshire and Maine (including the Allagash Waterway). Description: The Northern Forest Canoe Trail is a long-distance paddling trail, done in sections over time (few have completed the whole trail), connecting the major watersheds across the Adirondacks and Northern New England. In the 740-mile traverse across New York, Vermont, Quebec, New Hampshire, and Maine, the Trail links communities and wild places, offering canoeists and kayakers a lifetime of paddling destinations and adventures. Check out the NH segment travel itineraries (click here) . Cost: Depends on where you camp or lodge.
Canoe Trip on Androscoggin River Who: Skill level is for Boy Scouts who are swimmers and canoers. Where: Upper river in Errol, New Hampshire, At the junction of route 16 and 26, from the bridge on down. Description: Some class 3 rapids. Class 1 Check with Ranger for conditions and recommendations. Camping is available at Mollidgewock State Park, which is approximately 3 miles down river. The campsites are along the river, so the canoes can either be trailered upstream to the bridge and put in or canoe downstream from the campground and trailered back up. Camping at the park is available mid June to Mid October. Tubing at Errol Rips. Moose, ospreys, and other wildlife. For information on canoe, kayak, raft rentals, guided river trips and shuttle service, contact Saco Bound Northern Waters Outpost. Cost: Campground fee is required.
Day Canoe Trip on the Connecticut River Who: Skill level is for Boy Scouts who are swimmers. Where: N. Hartlant Vt. - Cornish NH. Description: This outing will be a one-day paddling trip on the Connecticut River from Sumner Falls to Cornish (about eight miles). The river in this area is an easy, pleasant combination of flatwater, quickwater, and the occasional class II rapid when the water level is right. Good scenery and wildlife abound. The trip provides an excellent opportunity for novice paddlers to learn the basics and for experts to enjoy the water and the scenery. Details: Put in at the New England Power company's Hartland Falls Picnic Area and Boat Access. This site is just off US 5 about 2 miles south of where the highway crosses under I-91 in N. Hartland, VT. The actual put-in is below Sumner Falls (aka Hartland Rapids, aka Hartland Falls). After unloading, review the requirements for Safety Afloat, establish crews and buddy boats, and then depart. During the trip downriver, stop regularly for instruction, nature observation, lunch, and even swimming. Most stops will be determined enroute, but stop at the Burnham Meadows Campsite (built as an Eagle Project by a scout from Troop 45). The takeout is the Cornish Boat Ramp, a quarter mile upstream from the Windsor-Cornish Covered Bridge on the New Hampshire (left) side. It is recognizable from the river by the large, steel retaining wall. Do not proceed past the catenary! By road, the boat ramp is about a quarter mile north of the covered bridge on NH 12. The boat ramp is the transportation pickup point. Coordination of boat transport will complicate this pickup, so be prepared to help load boats and equipment.
Indoor-Lockins
Battleship Cove, Massachusetts Who: Skill level is all Scouts. Where: Fall River, Massachusetts Description: Overnights on the USS Massachusetts started with Scouts! A must do, ask anyone who has gone! The Cove has hosted thousands of scouts for over 30 years and is always a memorable night in the bunks of the WW II sailors. The Cove is home to the impressive battleship USS Massachusetts, submarine USS Lionfish, and destroyer USS Joseph P. Kennedy. And the Cove continues to grow - more educational programs, an impressive PT boat museum has been added, along with aircraft. Cost: ???
USS Salem Who: Skill level is all Scouts. Where: Quincy, Massachusetts Description:The USS Salem CA-139 is now the worlds only preserved heavy cruiser. The Overnight Adventure Program offers participants activities that include simulated combat situations such as radar tracking, damage control and simulated fire fighting. Other activities include scavenger hunts, cold water survival, hoisting, and first aid lessons. Cost: about $45/person, call 617-479-7900
Hampshire Hills - Overnight Adventure Program Who: Skill level is all Scouts. Where: Milford, NH Description: Large athletic center - indoor: two pools, gym, tennis courts, soccer, floor hockey, basketball, rock-climbing wall. Cost: ??? Minimum group size is 40.
Merrimac YMCA Lock-in Who: Skill level is all Scouts. Where: Merrimack, NH Description: Athletic center - indoor: pool, gym, squash courts, floor hockey, basketball. Cost: $500/group with restrictions.
Museums  Some may have overnight lock-ins.
McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center Who: All Scouts Where: Concord, NH Description: Planetarium. Space science. Scout programs (merit badges). Overnight programs. Cost: Call
Science Camp-In - Montshire Museum of Science Who: Skill level is all Cub Scouts. Where: Norwich, VT Description: 'Camp-in'' at the Museum - An overnight (good for that middle of the winter outing). Staff put on a program including night walks, StarLab, Soda Fountain Science, Big Snakes and more. Also there is plenty of time just to see the other display, before story and lights-out to sleep overnight. Cost: $37/child and $32/adult, with a minimum group fee of $825. The Montshire reserves the right to combine groups.
Geology
Chesterfield Gorge Who: All Scouts Where: Chesterfield Gorge State Park, Chesterfield, NH Description: Scouts will enjoy a 0.7 mile hike down into, across, and up from a gorge formed along a fault line sometime after the last ice age. A stream flowing through the gorge also provides the scouts with exploration activity. Picnic tables, grills, water and restrooms are available at the park entrance. A Ranger Station houses educational pamphlets on the gorge's geology and ecology as well as see several exhibits on local wildlife. Cost: Free
Rock of Ages Quarry Who: All Scouts Where: Graniteville, Vermont (outside Barre, VT) Description: Tour a working granite quarry nearly 600 feet deep (seen in opening of recent Star Trek movie where young Kirk drove a Corvette off a cliff). Watch artisans at the factory cut, sculpt and polish granite, gift shop, bowl on a prototype outdoor granite lane (like Fred Flintstone and Barney Rubble used) and make your own stone gift at their sandblast activity center. Good morning activity. Camped at Limehurst Lake Campground which had lean-tos and a pond. Stillwater State Park on Lake Groton along Cross Vermont Trail is another nearby camping choice. Cost: Quarry tour bus $5/person. Factory tour is self-guided and free.
Ruggles Mine Who: All Scouts Where: Rt4 Grafton, NH Description: The Oldest and Most Spectacular Mica, Feldspar, Beryl, and Uranium Mine in the USA. Scouts can collect minerals (click here for list of minerals found). Safety googles, gloves, and helmet recommended. Gift shop has a large selection of minerals and fossils from all around the world, as well as local New Hampshire minerals, many of which have been found right here at Ruggles Mine. Great view of Mt. Cardigan from parking lot. Update: After the July 4, 2009 rock blast, they are no longer allowing hammering on mine walls for fear large chunks may come loose. You can still hammer on ground rocks of which there are plenty. They also salt a small mine stream with assorted minerals. Cost: Adults $23, Child $13. Open May to October.
Quartz Source - a small retail rock and mineral shop Who: All Scouts Where: Rt101 Milford, NH Description: A small building bulging with many different types of rock related items. Rock specimens, jewelry, crystals, and polished items. Barbara Medlyn, a former scout leader, is very knowledgeable and has always been helpful with scout geology activities. If you buy, ask her where it comes from and what it is used for...take notes. Cost: Good prices.
Climbing
Vertical Dreams Who: All Scouts though belayers must be 13 years old or older. Where: Located in Manchester's historic mill district, indoor, air-conditioned. Description: Vertical Dreams provides a fun, safe, ultra friendly place for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy a day of climbing over 5000 square feet of indoor terrain. Many instruction programs available. Vertical Dreams now hosts a climbing merit badge program, covering all the requirements except for First Aid. The course is offered Sundays with an appointment. Participants must be 13 years or older. There is a minimum of 2 scouts and a maximum of 6. Tallest wall is 70' vertical (not for beginners). Cost: Call 603-625-6919, starts at $12-14/person. Waiver required.
Boulder Morty’s Where: Nashua is now CLOSED after 10 years of operation.
Wildlife, Environmental Education
Harris Center for Conservation Education Who: All Scouts Where: Hancock, NH Description: Lace up your hiking boots, grab a paddle, or attend a workshop. More than 100 programs and outings (click for calendar) are offered each year throughout the region, free of charge, including workshops, naturalist slide shows, hikes and field trips. Program offerings vary from animal tracking to stargazing on foot, snowshoe, bike, canoe or kayak. Come explore the beautiful and diverse natural areas within the Monadnock highlands, lowlands and waterways. Map of Trails (large area), Skatutakee Trail Map, Eastside Trail Map Cost: Free. Open year-round.
Beaver Brook Association Who: All Scouts Where: Over 2000 acres in Hollis, Brookline, Milford, NH Description: Hiking, biking, horseback riding, bird watching, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and many seasonal programs are enjoyed daily on the nearly 35 miles of trails at BBA. Orienteering meets held here. Of special interest is the Self-Guided Educational tour which is a marked 1 mile wood trail with over 70 trees and plants identified. Buy a copy of the "Tudor Richards Natural History and Forestry Trail, A Self-Guiding Tour" pocket guidebook at BBA office (Maple Hill Farm) NO hunting permitted. Trail map Facility (heated barns and cabins) and snowshoe rentals. Cost: Free to hike trails. Call (603) 465-7787 for rentals and event sign-ups.
Peabody Mill Environmental Center Who: Cub & Boy Scouts Where: Amherst, NH Description: an environmental and science education center offering environmental, conservation, and science programs to all ages Abuts 600 acre Joe English conservation land. GPS, fishing, and snowshoe rentals. Cub and Boy Scout programs Cost: Call 603-673-1141
Maine Wildlife Center Who: All Scouts (younger scouts) Where: Gray, Maine Description: Many of the animals (some 25 species, click here) at the Maine Wildlife Park were brought here because they were injured or orphaned, or because they were human dependent - raised, sometimes illegally, in captivity. The Park serves as a permanent home for wildlife that cannot survive in the Wild. Park Map, picnic tables. Cost: $4-7/person, group discounts. Open from Mid-April to Veterans Day.
Hatcheries, Fishways, Marine Life
Let's Go Fishing - NH Fish and Game Who: All Scouts Where: Throughout NH, click here for current group classes or call New Hampshire Fish and Game Department's Aquatic Resources Education Program (603) 271-3212 to schedule your own. Description: Age 8 to adult, children accompanied by parent. Most courses are offered during the spring and summer months, plus ice-fishing courses in January and February. Class can be focused on basic fresh water fishing, ice fishing, fly fishing, or saltwater fishing and covers equipment, ecology, responsible outdoor behavior, knot tying, fish identification, care of the catch, casting techniques, safety, and probably advanced fish-telling stories. Cost: Free.
Amoskeag Fishways Learning and Visitors Center Who: Cub Scouts, den-size group Where: Manchester, NH Description: This environmental education center houses an interactive exhibit hall that allows visitors to explore the Merrimack River year-round. Check out the Family Friday Night programs. The exhibits focus on the Merrimack River watershed, historical use of the Amoskeag area, and river wildlife. Visitors can view live turtles, frogs and salmon, play a salmon migration game, generate electricity, and more. In May and June, visitors can experience the unique opportunity to view migrating shad, herring and sea lamprey in our underwater viewing windows. These windows look into a 54-step fish ladder that allows migrating fish to swim around the Amoskeag Dam and continue on their way up the river to reproduce. Cost: Call (603)626-FISH
Nashua National Fish Hatchery (U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service) Who: All Scouts Where: Nashua, NH Description: Hatchery provides eggs for fry release programs and retired broodstock for Atlantic salmon recreational fisheries. The Nashua National Fish Hatchery hosts approximately 1,500 students and adults from the Adopt-A-Salmon Family watershed education program, area schools, and civic scouting groups, and provides them with information about resource stewardship and anadromous fish restoration programs. Cost: Free
NH Fish Hatcheries Who: All Scouts Where: Milford, Warren, Whitefield, Berlin, New Durham, New Hampton Description: Learn about how fish are hatched and reared. All hatcheries are open year-round, daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guided tours are available by reservation. The Twin Mountain and Warren hatcheries also have educational centers. These hatcheries are staffed by a dedicated, hardworking group of individuals who not only understand the technical challenges of raising fish... they also love to fish themselves! Cost: Free
Odiorne State Park and Seacoast Science Center Who: All Scouts Where: Odiorne Point State Park - Rye, NH Description: Paved bike path as well as trails along the ocean and Little Harbor. Saltwater fishing and whale-watching trips. Hampton and Rye beaches are great places for kite flying. Submarine USS Albacore and Kittery Trading Post nearby.
Submarine USS Albacore Who: probably Cub and younger Boy Scouts Where: Portsmouth, NH Description: Albacore was the first Navy-design submarine with a true underwater hull of cylindrical shape. With admission you undertake a self-guided audio tour of the museum and then enter inside the submarine. This was an experimental submarine so no torpedoes or other armament,so not as much to see as in the submarine USS Lionfish at Battleship Cove. Near Odiorne State Park and Seacoast Science Center and Kittery Trading Post. Short visit probably less than an hour. How the Albacore was saved (click here) from scrap heap. Cost: Under 7 free, under 17 $3, adult $5. Open from Memorial Day to Columbus Day.