Green Mountain Adventure Challenge (they go by Vermontime) has been shaking up Vermont adventure tourism since 2013 with something you won't find anywhere else: a real-world adventure quest that mixes outdoor exploration, puzzle-solving, and treasure hunting across the Green Mountain region. Their spot at 108 Vermont Route 100 in West Dover, VT 05356 serves as home base for what's essentially a multi-day outdoor escape room where you'll crack mind-bending clues, hike mountain trails including routes up Stratton Mountain, and poke around historic Vermont towns like Wilmington, Wardsboro, and Jamaica. Standard adventure passes run $75 per person and kids 14 and under get in free, while the Adventure Getaway Package starts at $449 with two nights' lodging at West Dover Inn, breakfast, passes, and gear all bundled in. TripAdvisor gives this guided adventure experience 4.6 out of 5 stars from 149 reviews with a Travelers' Choice Award, ranking it #1 in Fun & Games in Dover, VT. Season goes late May through October 31, open seven days a week from 9 AM to 5 PM, and the challenge is designed to take 2-3 days across three difficulty levels: Easy, Expert, and Prize Level (that last one has actual cash prizes). Here's what surprised me when looking at reviews... returning guests come back for 6-8 years straight. That says something. They refresh the storylines annually so repeat visitors aren't just running the same course, and people rave about the blend of Vermont hiking adventures with brain-teasing puzzles. Group and team-building packages start at $699 for 6+ people including trail lunches and adventure gear, plus $5 from every pass goes to charity partners including the Strengthen Your Mind Initiative supporting first responders. Contact Vermontime at (802) 464-5207 or vt@vermontime.com to book this one-of-a-kind Vermont outdoor adventure experience.
Crab Apple Whitewater is a three-generation family-owned Vermont adventure outfitter founded in 1983 and operating for 42 years as New England's largest whitewater rafting company, having served over 500,000 guests across Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont. Their Vermont base operates at Mount Snow Sundance Lodge offering Vermont whitewater rafting on the West River featuring Class II-IV rapids through Jamaica State Park's scenic eight-mile stretch with notable rapids like "Landslide" and "The Dumplings." Vermont guided rafting tours run on two scheduled weekends annually (2026 dates: May 2-3, June 6-7, September 19-20) during Army Corps of Engineers dam releases, with 2-2.5 hours of river time and a minimum age of 11 years. While Vermont-specific pricing wasn't explicitly listed, comparable offerings include Maine Kennebec River trips at $145/adult and Massachusetts Miller's River at $95/adult and $80/children, with all pricing including home-cooked BBQ meals, free wetsuit rentals (valued at $20pp elsewhere), safety equipment, professional guides, and photo presentations. Customer reviews are overwhelmingly positive with 4.7 stars on Groupon from 273 reviews, numerous 5-star TripAdvisor reviews, and 110 Yelp reviews, with customers consistently praising knowledgeable, funny, and energetic guides, excellent safety standards, top-of-the-line rafting gear, delicious included meals, and the personal touch of having family members (Mooney/Peabry family) personally join every rafting trip. What makes this Vermont outdoor adventures provider unique is their 42 years of experience, New England's largest self-bailing raft fleet, no hidden fees (meals and wetsuits always included), and their commitment to creating "together" family rafting trips Vermont experiences rather than separating age groups. Beyond Vermont whitewater rafting, they offer over 20 different adventures from mild family trips (minimum age 5) to extreme Class V rapids, plus inflatable kayaking, paintball, and specialized programs for scout troops, school groups, and corporate teams. Contact them at info@crabapplewhitewater.com for bookings, with deposits required ($40pp for Vermont trips) and group discounts available (1 free trip per 12 rafters), making them a premier choice for white water rafting near Mount Snow and West Dover adventure activities.
Snowmobile Vermont is New England's oldest and largest snowmobile tour operator with over 28 years of guiding under their belt on Vermont's legendary winter backcountry trails. Heads up though: the Woodford location at 8570 VT-9, Woodford, VT 05201 is shutting down after decades as veteran guide Mark Pederson retires after 33 years (end of an era, honestly), so guests are now directed to the Killington/Okemo locations in Plymouth and West Bridgewater. One-hour mountain tours start at $139 and two-hour backcountry tours run $219, with a fleet of newest-generation Polaris Indy LXT Touring sleds featuring heated handgrips. Passengers can ride along with a guide for $69-$99. With access to over 5,000 miles of VAST (Vermont Association of Snow Travelers) groomed trails through Calvin Coolidge State Forest, Mount Mansfield State Forest, and Green Mountain National Forest, they've earned a 4.9 out of 5 rating on TripAdvisor across 203 reviews plus a Travelers' Choice Award ranking them #1 in Outdoor Activities in Woodford. What sets them apart from other Vermont snowmobile outfitters? They actually offer kids' snowmobile tours for ages 4-11 on child-sized machines. That's pretty rare. Makes it a solid pick for families looking for winter adventure. Typical season runs December 15 through April 15 (weather-dependent), with tours departing hourly from 9 AM to 6 PM on weekends and holidays. No driver's license required, just drivers must be 16+, and they give you comprehensive training before hitting the trails. Contact Snowmobile Vermont toll-free at 800-FAT-TRAK or email mountsnow@snowmobilevermont.com for current Stowe and Killington-area tour availability.
Battenkill Outfitters operates from Rockwell's Retreat, the former home and studio of legendary American illustrator Norman Rockwell in West Arlington—a historic setting that adds cultural significance to every guided adventure. Owner Andrew Walker, a naturalist, wildlife photographer, and filmmaker who lives along the Battenkill River, built this licensed and insured guide service around creating meaningful experiences in nature that are "approachable, educational, and unforgettable." The business offers walk-and-wade fly fishing trips on the Battenkill and surrounding waters including the Hoosic, Walloomsac, and Mettawee Rivers, targeting wild brown trout, brook trout, and rainbow trout across Vermont and New York waters. Expert guide Margie Kaat, a Vermont native known as "Troutlady," brings unique credentials as a graduate of the Orvis Fly Fishing School, a Trustee of the American Museum of Fly Fishing in Manchester, and the wife of Baseball Hall of Famer Jim Kaat—she specializes in Euro nymphing (contact fishing) and mountain stream fishing. Half-day and full-day guided trips include all equipment: waders, rods, flies, and tackle, with customer reviews consistently praising exceptional instruction in casting techniques, reading water, entomology, and knot tying. One reviewer declared: "If you're looking to have an absolutely wonderful fly fishing day you MUST book a day with expert guide Andrew Walker... He knows the water, can fish whisper with the finest and is possibly the nicest human being on this planet." Beyond fishing, Battenkill Outfitters offers Wild Walks—guided nature tours through mountain woodlands, meadows, and marshlands that include professional wildlife photography. Wild Walk rates start at $400 (half-day) for up to 2 guests, $575 for 3, and $750 for 4, with full-day options available at approximately double the rate. Two lodging options complement the guide service: the Battenkill Hollow Cottage (modern 3-bedroom riverside retreat accommodating 6 guests with private fishing access) and Rockwell's Retreat B&B (8 unique rooms in Norman Rockwell's former residence with gourmet breakfasts included). The company champions conservation through its Battenkill River Keeper Initiative and partnerships with Trout Unlimited and the Battenkill Watershed Alliance, actively participating in riparian habitat restoration.
Backroad Discovery Tours, established in 1998 with over 26 years of operation, ranks as #1 of 9 Outdoor Activities in Manchester on TripAdvisor with an exceptional 4.9 out of 5 rating from 180 reviews (164 "Excellent," zero "Poor" or "Terrible"). Husband-and-wife team Sharon O'Connor and Dick Smith deliver intimate small-group scenic and historical tours through Southern Vermont's most stunning backroads, covered bridges, and hidden gems. Dick Smith, a 7th-generation Vermonter, brings extraordinary credentials as a Past President of the Manchester Historical Society, three-term trustee of the Vermont Historical Society, host of an award-winning public television history series, and author of 3 best-selling books on Vermont history. Tours are remarkably affordable at $35 per adult and $25 per child, offering outstanding value for 2.5-3 hour guided experiences through Revolutionary and Civil War landmarks, Vermont's oldest abandoned marble quarry, the 3,100-acre Merck Forest & Farmland Center, private alpaca farms, and iconic attractions including Hildene (The Lincoln Family Home) and the Bennington Battle Monument. Sharon O'Connor spent two years researching routes before launching the business, developing personal relationships with local farmers and artisans along the way—as she explains: "I've lived all over the world, traveled all over the world, and I can say that what this area offers is world class." The company offers multiple themed tours: the Southern Vermont Sampler Tour (daily 1-4 PM, mid-June through September), Vermont Fall Foliage Tour (late September through late October), and the Revolutionary/Civil War Tour led by Dick Smith (9:30-11:45 AM, May through November). After 25 years of operating small-group tours in their own vehicle, the company has evolved to offer private tours in the client's own vehicle along with travel consultation services for hotels and visitors. Tours run rain or shine, accommodate elderly guests and therapy dogs, and consistently receive praise like: "Dick, the tour guide is fantastic! He is 7th generation Vermont and so knowledgeable about the area." The business has earned Yankee Magazine "Editor's Choice" recognition and also offers step-on guide services for larger coach buses.
Vermont Mountain Adventures has earned a perfect 5.0-star TripAdvisor rating across 45 reviews—100% Excellent ratings—making it the highest-rated guided snowmobile tour operator in Southern Vermont, based at Pinnacle Lodge at 311 VT Route 11, Manchester, VT 05255, just 1.6 miles from Bromley Mountain. Owner Stephen Perkins, a fifth-generation Vermonter whose parents ran a snowmobile rental on the same property, brings professional credentials including Class 5 whitewater guide certification and prior experience at Grand Adventures and Equinox Snowmobile Tours, creating what he describes as a "hub for adventure tourism in Southern Vermont." Two-hour backcountry snowmobile tours through the VAST (Vermont Association of Snow Travelers) trail system in Green Mountain National Forest cost $205 for drivers and $95 for passengers, operating on regularly maintained Polaris Indy snowmobiles with heated handlebars at speeds of 28-35 MPH through scenic winter wonderland terrain with views overlooking Manchester and the Equinox Mountain range. Unique among Vermont snowmobile tour companies, they offer children's mini snowmobile tours for ages 7+ at just $50 for 25-minute rides on weekends, making this a premier family-friendly winter adventure outfitter. Tours depart hourly from 9 AM to 3 PM with comprehensive 15-minute safety instruction included, and reviewers consistently praise guides like April, Mike, and Chuck for making first-time riders feel confident while tailoring the experience to each group's skill level. The company accommodates large groups up to 16-18 people for bachelorette parties, family reunions, and corporate outings, with private tour upgrades available for an additional $350 with a four-vehicle minimum. Lodging partners including Manchester View, Inn at Ormsby Hill, and on-site Pinnacle Lodge offer promo codes for midweek tour discounts—contact Vermont Mountain Adventures at (802) 491-7625 or Vermontadventures20@gmail.com to book your Green Mountain snowmobile adventure near Stratton, Magic Mountain, and Bromley ski resorts.
Green Mountain Angler (GMA) was founded in 2018 by Christian Betit, a native-born Bennington resident with over 25 years of trout fishing experience who learned to fish from his grandfather and uncle at age 4. Christian's journey to professional guiding came after a spiritual experience following his brother's passing—after catching a massive 12-pound steelhead on what would have been opening hunting weekend, he committed fully to building a guide service with a simple philosophy: "make fishing fun." The business operates daily from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM and guides on an impressive range of waters within a 2-3 hour radius, including the world-famous Battenkill River, the trophy-filled Walloomsac River, the "hands-down best river for brown trout" Hoosic River, the Deerfield River tailwater, and Massachusetts' Swift River (which maintains a constant 54°F year-round for winter dry fly opportunities). Green Mountain Angler distinguishes itself through float trips on AIRE rafts, allowing anglers to cover miles of otherwise inaccessible water and access remote fishing spots with scenic river views—Christian notes: "Once someone experiences a float trip for fishing, why would you ever not do it?" Both half-day (4 hours) and full-day (8 hours) trips are available as wade or float options, with all equipment included: waders, rods, reels, flies, and gear. The business accommodates all fishing methods including fly fishing, spin fishing, and bait fishing, adapting to conditions and client preferences. Guide Andrew, a New York State licensed guide and former snowboard instructor, joins Christian in providing personalized instruction from casting and drift techniques to reading water and matching hatches. Customer reviews highlight exceptional results: one Yelp reviewer gave a 10/10 rating, describing an 8-hour float trip where they "caught close to 20 rainbow trout and several brown trout" and declaring Christian "the best guide I've ever had for fly fishing." The Walloomsac River offers trophy trout measuring 16-20 inches in a designated two-mile section, while remote backcountry adventures access wild brook trout in beaver ponds deep in the Green Mountain National Forest. Christian's scientific approach tracks water temperatures and hatch timing precisely—he knows Hendrickson mayflies emerge at exactly 48°F. Prime booking windows are the first week of May through first week of June and first week of September through mid-October, with popular dates booking up to a year in advance. Featured in the Bennington Banner (August 2024), Green Mountain Angler emphasizes the holistic outdoor experience: "You never know what you might see—beaver tail slaps, deer, cedar waxwings, minks. You just gotta get out there to see it!
Trico Unlimited Fly Fishing Adventures & Instruction21 mi
Trico Unlimited Fly Fishing Adventures & Instruction has earned recognition as one of Southern Vermont's most respected guide services, founded by Brew Moscarello, an Orvis-endorsed guide and 2024 Orvis Guide of the Year nominee with nearly 40 years of fly fishing expertise on the Battenkill River. The company's name pays homage to the Tricorythodes mayfly, a size 20-26 insect that creates legendary late-summer fishing opportunities on the Battenkill's crystal-clear waters. Trico Unlimited's guide team boasts over 80 years of combined experience, including Tom Miller (30+ years, custom fly tier and president of Battenkill Sporting Co.), Tommy Dzis (former Orvis Flagship Store assistant manager), and Tyler Atkins (20+ years, former Orvis Fly Fishing School instructor). Half-day guided wade fishing trips (4 hours) start at $400 for one angler, $425 for two anglers, $550 for three, and $750 for four anglers, with all Orvis rods, reels, waders, boots, flies, and instruction included—guests need only bring polarized sunglasses and weather-appropriate clothing. The company's "First Cast Experience" offers 2-4 hour introductory sessions specifically designed for complete beginners, couples, and families exploring fly fishing for the first time. Beyond fly fishing, Trico also offers guided hiking adventures on 450+ acres of private wilderness (about $30 per person per hour, snacks included), overnight canvas-tent "glamping" wilderness stays around $100 per night, and guided canoe trips on the Battenkill for visitors seeking a mix of hiking, camping, and paddling. Trico Unlimited operates as the exclusive fly fishing outfitter for Hill Farm Inn, an Orvis-Endorsed Fly Fishing Lodge, and recently acquired Taconic Guide Service to expand capacity. The Battenkill River features wild brown trout exceeding 20 inches and rare wild brook trout populations—notably, the Vermont section receives no stocking, making every fish caught a true wild trophy. Peak fishing runs mid-May through mid-July, with early morning and evening sessions productive throughout summer; Brew and his team adjust start times based on weather, water temperatures, and insect activity, contacting clients within 24 hours before each trip. Featured in Season 4 of "Fishing the Collection" by the American Museum of Fly Fishing and a regular workshop leader at the annual Battenkill Fly Fishing Festival, Trico Unlimited emphasizes education and skill development with a philosophy that builds "a fly fishing foundation to last a lifetime.
Founded in 1989 by former U.S. National Whitewater Team member Bruce Lessels and his wife Karen Blom, Zoar Outdoor Adventure Resort at 7 Main St, Charlemont, MA 01339 has operated for 36 years as New England's premier outdoor adventure destination, pioneering whitewater rafting on the Deerfield River and later launching Massachusetts' first zipline canopy tour in 2009. The company boasts exceptional customer ratings with a 4.9 out of 5 stars on TripAdvisor (554+ reviews), 143 reviews on Yelp, and a TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Award, ranking #2 of 8 outdoor activities in Charlemont. Zoar Outdoor offers an extensive range of guided outdoor adventures including whitewater rafting on four rivers (Deerfield, Millers, Concord, and West Rivers) with options from family-friendly Class II-III Zoar Gap trips (ages 7+, approximately $89/person) to adrenaline-pumping Class IV Dryway rapids (ages 14+), plus zipline canopy tours featuring 11 ziplines, 3 rappels, and 2 sky bridges through the northern Berkshires forest during a 3-hour guided experience. All guided river trips are all-inclusive with paddle, helmet, PFD, professional guides, safety orientation, shuttle transport, and a riverside picnic lunch. Additional adventure activities include ACA-certified whitewater kayaking clinics for all skill levels, rock climbing instruction, mountain biking on Charlemont's extensive trail network, stand-up paddleboard rentals, guided kayaking trips, and canoeing instruction—making it a comprehensive outfitter for outdoor enthusiasts seeking Massachusetts adventure tours. On-site lodging options range from the comfortable Hawk Mountain Lodge (a renovated four-room farmhouse, $109–$229/night) with private and shared bath rooms to rustic cabin tents on wooden decks and wilderness tent camping, with the campground rated #1 of 2 in Charlemont on TripAdvisor. Acquired by Berkshire East Mountain Resort in February 2020 while maintaining its distinct brand identity, Zoar Outdoor employs approximately 10 year-round staff and up to 150 seasonal guides, all committed to safety-focused, professional instruction. The company has earned notable recognition including the Haas Entrepreneur of the Year Award (2013), Yankee Magazine's "Best of New England" designation, and status as an American Canoe Association (ACA) Instructor Training Center offering professional certifications in river kayak, river canoe, swiftwater rescue, and stand-up paddleboard. Conveniently located in the Berkshires along the historic Mohawk Trail—just 2 hours from Boston and Hartford, 3 hours from New York City and Providence—Zoar Outdoor serves as the ideal basecamp for guided waterfall hikes, summit adventures, and human-powered outdoor recreation throughout western Massachusetts and the greater New England region.
Ridgeback Guide Service LLC, founded in June 2017 by fifth-generation Vermonter and Registered Maine Guide Ron Harrington II, specializes in guided overlanding adventures, 4x4 off-road tours, and backcountry expeditions throughout the Northeast from their base at 189 Snake Hill Road, Pownal, VT 05260. Awarded Tread Lightly! Ambassador of the Year in 2022 and holding a BBB A+ rating, this Vermont adventure guide service offers day trail rides at $160-$200 per vehicle exploring Vermont Class 4 roads, New Hampshire Class 6 roads, and North Maine Woods backcountry trails—plus multi-day expedition trips like the "Planes, Trains and Overland Adventure" featuring Katahdin Iron Works, a B52 crash site, and abandoned ghost trains deep in Maine's wilderness. Unlike traditional hunting guides, Ridgeback crafts custom overland experiences combining fly fishing trips, kayaking destinations, craft brewery tours, covered bridge explorations, wildlife photography, and "local-vore" stops at authentic Vermont general stores and eateries serving maple creamees. Customer reviews are unanimously positive, praising Ron's expertise, historical knowledge, accommodating approach for all skill levels, and "shirt off their back" hospitality—one guest called their private day exploring Vermont Class 4 roads "an AMAZING experience" perfect for beginners and seasoned off-roaders alike. The company offers overlanding training covering basic to advanced off-road driving skills, vehicle recovery, and winching techniques, with all trips professionally pre-scouted and featuring full recovery equipment. Operating year-round seven days a week with their adventure dog Ranger (a Rhodesian Ridgeback who inspired the company name), Ridgeback partners with Main Line Overland for their New England Trail Ride Series with 2025 events at $200 per vehicle. Contact Ron at (802) 491-7102 or info@ridgebackguideservice.com to book your Vermont off-road adventure or custom New England overlanding expedition.
