Things to do for the adventure and thrill seeker

Forget relaxing at the beach — for you it’s all about the adrenaline rush.

Take rafting to a new level with The Rapid River Float Plane Adventure offered by ELC Outdoors in Berlin that combines a whitewater rafting trip with a float plane ride.

For the thrill seeker, summer’s the time to fly through (or over) the trees with Alpine Adventures’ Super Sky Rider in Lincoln at speeds that have been clocked at more than 60 mph, or try Gunstock Mountain Resort’s Zipline Canopy Tour in Gilford, which at 1.6 miles is the longest such course in the continental US. Reservations are recommended and can me made online or by calling the Adventure Center at (603) 737-4388. Many of the state's ski resorts offer summer adventures that range from ziplines and guided hikes to off-road Segway tours and horseback riding. Check out our list for more information.

Speaking of soaring far above the ground, the Franconia Soaring Club offers introductory glider flights with an experienced commercial pilot or fight instructor.

Like your aerial adventures with a little more wind in your hair? Try hang gliding or paragliding at Morningside Flight Park in Charlestown.

Back on the ground, challenge yourself to hike NH’s portion of the Appalachian Trail, a seriously tough 160.9-mile stretch (it’s rated an 8 out of the 1-9 difficulty scale) that winds through the White Mountains.

If you're heading to the Mount Washington area, why not drive an ATV to the top of NH's highest summit for NH ATV Day on Sunday, June 26. This is the only day that ATVs are allowed on the Auto Road. If you'd rather drive your car up the  Auto Road, we recommend checking out Sunrise Drives on June 19, July 31 and August 28. Don't forget your camera and an extra cup of coffee.

Speaking of not looking over the edge, why not attempt the most extreme picnic you'll ever eat high above the ground on Table Rock in Dixville Notch?

Ready to cool off? Tackle the rapids with North Woods Rafting and Mahoosuc Outdoors in Milan or join ELC Outdoors in Berlin on one of their great combos, like the Whitewater Rafting and Wildlife Tour, River Raft and Ropes or the Rapid River Float Plane Adventure. The unique "Paws and Paddles" package at Raft NH and Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel in Gorham combines whitewater rafting during the day and an evening rolling sled dog ride. Quickwater Canoeing and Kayaking in Concord offers rentals and shuttle service to help you explore the Merrimack River.

If you’re looking for a motorized day of off-roading, then stop in at Bear Rock Adventures in Colebrook to get hooked up with an ATV and everything else you need to explore the 1,000-plus miles of interconnected trails that make up Ride the Wilds. Once you're hooked on the sport, enjoy all things ATV at the fantastic annual Jericho ATV Festival in Berlin where thousands of people are expected to head north to enjoy some muddy fun. Other than messy ATV rides you’ll find delicious food, a variety of vendors and a rockin’ block party (July 31-August 2). There's more vehicular fun to be had at Jericho Mountain State Park this summer. For the first time ever, the Northwoods Off-Road Club welcomes you to take your truck and hit the brand-new trails opening at the park. This is the first such network of trails for trucks in the state.