Adrenaline Rush in Merrimack: New Hampshire's Hidden Adventure Playground

The Merrimack River isn't just a historical waterway—it's a tactical challenge that requires the same precision planning as any military operation. During my week-long adventure, I dedicated two full days to mastering its Class III and IV rapids, particularly the section north of town where the river narrows and the current intensifies.

While many visitors book with commercial outfitters, I opted to join a local kayaking group through MeetUp, which connected me with experienced paddlers who knew every eddy and hydraulic by name. The river's personality changes dramatically with water levels, making summer the ideal time when the flow is consistent yet challenging.

My military logistics background came in handy planning our river descent. I tracked our progress using my waterproof GPS which proved invaluable when we needed to identify our exact position relative to the take-out points. For anyone tackling these waters, proper gear is non-negotiable—my dry bag kept my essentials bone-dry even after an unexpected swim at Cromwell's Rapids.

Any supply chain manager will tell you that efficient routes are critical, and the 563-acre Horse Hill Nature Preserve offers exactly that for mountain bikers. This network of trails presents a strategic challenge that would impress even the most seasoned tactical planner.

The preserve features over 40 miles of interconnected single-track and wider trails that range from beginner-friendly paths to technical sections that demand your full attention. What fascinated me was how the trail system mimics military terrain analysis—you must constantly assess your approach, identify obstacles, and execute with precision.

I spent three days exploring these trails, each day increasing in difficulty. My rental from Goodale's Bike Shop in Nashua (just 15 minutes away) was a full-suspension trail bike that handled the terrain admirably. For navigation, I relied on the trail app which provides detailed offline maps—essential when cell service becomes spotty in the deeper sections of the preserve.

Pro tip: The locals refer to the most technical section as 'The Trenches'—a fitting military nickname for a series of root-laden descents that test both nerve and equipment. My knee pads saved me from serious injury when I misjudged a particularly gnarly drop.

Just a 30-minute drive from Merrimack lies Pawtuckaway State Park—home to some of the finest granite boulder fields and sport climbing routes in New England. As someone who appreciates both military strategy and fine wine, I found climbing to be the perfect blend of tactical problem-solving and appreciation for natural terroir.

The Round Pond area features hundreds of bouldering problems ranging from V0 to V12, while the Blair Woods section offers sport routes up to 5.12. What makes Pawtuckaway special is the variety of rock formations—each presenting unique challenges that require different approaches, much like battlefields throughout history have demanded different tactics.

I connected with Vertical Dreams climbing gym in Manchester for a guided day, which proved invaluable for understanding local ethics and route recommendations. My guide, a former Army Ranger named Mike, shared my appreciation for how climbing routes often mirror military objectives—requiring careful planning, execution, and adaptation.

For anyone attempting these climbs, proper footwear is essential. My climbing shoes provided the perfect balance of comfort and precision for a full day on the rocks. And when the day was done, I celebrated with a bottle of local fruit wine from Moonlight Meadery, located right in Merrimack—proving that adventure and fine beverages are never far apart in New Hampshire.

Military history has taught me that sometimes the best approach is from above, and Liquid Planet Water Park in nearby Candia offers exactly that experience with their zipline course. While water parks might seem like family-oriented destinations (and this one certainly accommodates families), their 1,000+ foot ziplines provide an adrenaline rush that would satisfy any adventure seeker.

The Zip & Dip package allows you to alternate between cooling off in the water features and soaring through the air across multiple ziplines of increasing length and speed. What impressed me most was the attention to safety protocols—reminiscent of military equipment checks—while still maintaining an atmosphere of excitement.

For capturing the experience, I used my action camera mounted to my helmet with a helmet mount. The footage perfectly captured both the speed sensation and the panoramic views of the surrounding New Hampshire landscape.

After a day of ziplining, I treated myself to a tasting at nearby LaBelle Winery in Amherst. Their Seyval Blanc paired wonderfully with memories of flying through the air—the wine's crisp acidity matching the sharp thrill of the zipline experience. This combination of adventure and refinement is exactly what makes the Merrimack area so special to me.

Any successful military campaign requires a well-positioned base of operations, and my adventure week was no different. I strategically chose the Residences at Daniel Webster in Merrimack as my headquarters—an extended stay hotel that offered apartment-style accommodations perfect for cleaning and maintaining gear between excursions.

The central location put me within 30 minutes of all my adventure destinations while providing essential amenities like laundry facilities (crucial after river days) and a full kitchen where I could prepare energy-dense meals for active days. The property's proximity to the Merrimack Premium Outlets came in handy when I needed to replace a torn pair of hiking pants midweek.

For provisions, I relied heavily on Harvest Market for high-quality groceries and prepared foods. Their deli makes excellent sandwiches that hold up well in a insulated cooler during all-day excursions. When cooking at my accommodations, I appreciated having my portable spice kit which allowed me to properly season meals without carrying my entire kitchen cabinet.

For post-adventure recovery, I discovered Therapy Vineyards & Winery just outside town—a small producer making surprisingly complex reds that helped soothe muscles tired from the day's exploits. Their Cabernet Franc, in particular, offered notes of black cherry and pepper that complemented evenings spent reviewing maps and planning the next day's adventure.