White Mountains summers are for adventure and exploration. What better way to than an ATV rental in the heart of the White Mountains?
Based in Lincoln, NH, Out Back Kayak has been bringing people on adventurous tours of the White Mountains since 1995. Out Back Kayak offers snowmobile, ATV and kayak tours, complete with tubing and swimming opportunities in the nearby river.
Recently, the WMAA staff decided to experience what it’s like to book a Lincoln, NH ATV rental with Out Back Kayak,and explore the great outdoors on one of their signature tours.
Upon arrival at Out Back’s impressive retail store in Lincoln, we were greeted by the lovely owner Kelly, who guided us through a safety chat before we signed our waivers. In order to participate in the ATV tours at Out Back Kayak, you must either present a driver's license or take the New Hampshire Fish and Game OHRV course. In addition, you must wear pants and closed-toed shoes as safety precautions. Once we were all checked in, we headed to the Out Back Kayak Outdoor Center, a 10-minute drive away in the neighboring town of Woodstock, NH, to embark on our trip.
We were welcomed to the outdoor center by our fantastic guide, Butch, who had our ATV's ready and waiting for us. After our discussion on the dos and don'ts of ATV riding, Butch helped us strap on our helmets, turn on our vehicles, and we were ready to go!
As we started, we slowly each started to learn how to maneuver our ATVs with the help of Butch and Kelly. Unlike a car, you operate the gas with your thumb and utilize handbrakes on these rigs. Once out on the trails you can roll along, enjoy the views and get more comfortable with your ATV.
After a bit of gentle cruising, we took our first stop near a train trestle bridge to check in with one another and also check out the gorgeous view of the Pemigewasset River. If you do your ATV tour on a warmer day than we did, you can stop here to take a swim. After our brief pause, we hopped back on our vehicles and resumed our journey.
Butch guided us through the gorgeous trails, weaving in and out of the woods and showing off spectacular views along the way. We stumbled upon a pond amid the trails, which Kelly explained to us was a result of excavation and natural spring during the construction of I-93. The pond is stocked with fish, and Out Back Kayak will even bring fishing poles down if that is something you are interested in partaking in. The lovely folks at Out Back Kayak truly aim to accommodate your tour so that you have as much fun as possible, and that cannot be made clearer by their excellent attitudes and entertaining stories.
After whipping our ATVs around the pond and getting comfortable driving them, we took them for a spin near the river where we crossed small streams and endured some bumpy rides on the river rocks. We paused to take in the river again and got to learn about some fascinating history from Kelly and Butch. We learned all about the conservation efforts of the area, and how different things were when they first started Out Back Kayak. Butch told us stories of past groups, and how fun it is bringing people out here every day. After some more chatting, and some photo ops, Kelly mentioned it was time to go back and roast marshmallows, so we reboarded our ATV's and started back.
We returned to the trestle bridge overlook, where Kelly had a fire waiting for us with marshmallows and sticks. We chatted with our lovely guides while we enjoyed our sweet treat, a bit reluctant to wrap up such a great time. We were all sad to see the end of our tour as we strapped on our helmets, motored back to our cars, and said thanks to our guides.
You can book either a 30-, 60-, or 120- minute tour with Outback Kayak, and customize your excursion with the Kelly and Butch’s input. You can take a swim, go for a paddle, or just enjoy the ATV ride, but however you decide to do it, you will have a fantastic time. This is the perfect guided outdoor activity for groups in the White Mountains, as well as those who are just looking to do something adventurous in the great outdoors.
If you do not have a driver's license and you are 12 or older, you can take the NH Fish and Game OHRV course to obtain your OHRV License. You can learn more about this course on Outback Kayak's website, or the NH Fish and Game website.
In addition, you must be wearing long pants and closed-toed shoes to participate in an ATV tour with Outback Kayak. Outback Kayak provides helmets and clear glasses for you to use while riding, but you are welcome to bring your own. We recommend bringing bug spray, sun protection, and water with you on the ATV tour to stay safe on those warm summer days.
For more information and to book your tour with Outback Kayak, visit their website or call (603) 745-2224. Advance reservations highly recommended.
