Tours and Guided Trips in the Merrimack Valley

Some places are best seen on your own, with a map and a free afternoon. Others open up when someone who knows them well shows you around. The Merrimack Valley, the stretch of southern New Hampshire that follows the Merrimack River through Concord, Manchester and Nashua, has both kinds of experiences. This guide focuses on the second: tours and guided trips where an expert pilot, fishing guide or museum docent turns a visit into something you will remember.

The options below range from floating over the countryside at sunrise to learning to cast a fly on a local river to walking through the history of racing and the telephone. None of them requires special skills, and most work well for couples, families and small groups.

The River at the Center

It helps to understand the river the region is named for. The Merrimack River is 117 miles long. It begins at the confluence of the Pemigewasset and Winnipesaukee rivers in Franklin, New Hampshire, flows south into Massachusetts, and then turns northeast to reach the Gulf of Maine at Newburyport.

The river powered the region's industrial growth. In Manchester, the Amoskeag Manufacturing Company grew throughout the 19th century into the largest cotton textile plant in the world. At its peak, it had 17,000 employees and around 30 buildings. The long brick mills of the Amoskeag Millyard, pictured above, still line the river in Manchester, and a walk past them is a good way to start thinking about the valley's history before you sign up for any tour.

Hot Air Balloon Rides

For a view of the Merrimack Valley that most visitors never see, consider a hot air balloon flight. A&A Balloon Rides is based in Chester, according to its website, which also describes the company as being about 30 minutes from Boston. The company's site header lists North Salem, so confirm the meeting location when you book.

The company describes the experience well: the roar of the burners as you rise, then the silence of floating with the wind, looking down on trees, lakes, farms and fields. Its site says the balloon drifts at heights of 500 to 2,000 feet. Because a balloon moves with the wind, passengers do not feel a breeze in the basket, which surprises many first-time flyers. The company features sunrise flights on its website, and it also mentions lodging options and weddings for those who want to build a larger occasion around a flight.

A few practical notes apply to any balloon flight. Flights depend heavily on the weather, so be ready for the possibility of a rescheduled date. Dress in layers and wear closed-toe shoes, since landings are often in fields. Read the company's waivers and policies page before you go so you know what to expect about timing, weight limits and cancellations.

Guided Fly Fishing

The Merrimack Valley's rivers are not only historic; they are also fishable. New Hampshire Rivers Guide Service offers guided fly fishing trips across the state, and its website lists options close to the valley. It runs drift boat trips for trout or smallmouth bass on the Merrimack and Androscoggin rivers, and for trips in southern New Hampshire it offers wading opportunities on the Contoocook River, the Souhegan River and other locations below the White Mountains.

The service operates the Northeast Fly Fishing School for people who want structured instruction, and its website notes that beginners will find patient coaching while experienced anglers can test their skills against some of the largest, wariest smallmouth bass in New England. It also points out that a guided day can be a good way to relax on a business trip to Concord, Manchester or Nashua. The guide service says it is licensed, insured and a member of the NH Guides Association, which is a sensible set of things to ask about any guide you hire.

Anglers generally need a valid New Hampshire fishing license. Ask your guide whether you should buy one in advance, and check current rules before your trip.

The New England Racing Museum

Loudon is home to New Hampshire Motor Speedway, a 1.058-mile oval that has hosted NASCAR, IndyCar, modified races and the Loudon Classic. Next to the speedway's south entrance, the New England Racing Museum tells the story of motorsport in the region.

According to the museum, its mission is to discover, preserve and educate the public on the history of New England motorized racing, including the people involved. The museum covers 10,000 square feet and displays race cars and motorcycles from all disciplines, all with a New England connection. Visitors can also see trophies, driver helmets, racing photography and artifacts, along with a Soap Box Derby display, a slot car track and an iRacing simulator.

The museum keeps limited hours, so check its website before planning a trip around it. It also hosts special events through the year. If you are a racing fan visiting the speedway, a stop at the museum adds depth to the experience; if you are new to motorsport, it is an approachable introduction.

The New Hampshire Telephone Museum

In Warner, a small town in Merrimack County that is home to Rollins State Park and Mount Kearsarge State Forest, the New Hampshire Telephone Museum explores the history of communication. It is one of the best places in the valley for a docent-led visit.

The museum recommends planning on at least an hour, and it notes that many guests stay for three hours. If you want a docent-led tour, the museum says advance reservations are required. Group tours are available on request, and private tours can be arranged by calling ahead. For visitors who prefer to explore on their own, the museum offers a free audio mobile app.

The museum also describes itself as ADA compliant, with an accessible entrance and restrooms and seating throughout the galleries; call before your visit if you need the elevator. The Warner Firefighters Museum is on the lower level of the same building. After your visit, the town of Warner has other museums, restaurants and shops, and the Warner Rail Trail has a Story Walk that families enjoy.

Putting a Day Together

These experiences spread across the valley, so pair them by location:

• A sunrise and a river. Start with an early balloon flight in the Chester area, then spend the afternoon on the water with a fishing guide on a southern New Hampshire river.
• A history day. Walk past the Amoskeag Millyard in Manchester in the morning, then drive north to Warner for a docent-led tour at the telephone museum.
• A racing day. Visit the New England Racing Museum in Loudon, timing your trip to the museum's open days.

Tips for Booking Guided Experiences

• Book ahead. Guided trips and docent tours have limited capacity, and popular dates fill.
• Ask about weather policies. Balloon flights and river trips are weather dependent. Know how rescheduling works.
• Confirm the meeting point. Some companies list more than one town; ask exactly where to meet.
• Share your experience level. Guides can tailor a trip to beginners, kids or experienced participants if they know in advance.
• Check current details. Hours, schedules and pricing change, so confirm them directly with each business.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you take a hot air balloon ride in the Merrimack Valley?

Yes. A&A Balloon Rides is based in Chester, according to its website, and flies over the southern New Hampshire countryside.

Where can I go fly fishing near Manchester or Concord?

New Hampshire Rivers Guide Service offers guided trips on the Merrimack River and wading trips on the Contoocook and Souhegan rivers.

Do I need a reservation for a tour at the New Hampshire Telephone Museum?

Yes, the museum says docent-led tours require advance reservations. Self-guided visits with the free audio app are also an option.

Where is the New England Racing Museum?

In Loudon, next to the south entrance of New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

Sources

• Merrimack River, Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merrimack_River
• Amoskeag Manufacturing Company, Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amoskeag_Manufacturing_Company
• New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Hampshire_Motor_Speedway
• Warner, New Hampshire, Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warner,_New_Hampshire
• A&A Balloon Rides official site: https://www.balloonridesnh.com
• New Hampshire Rivers Guide Service official site: https://nhriversguide.com
• New England Racing Museum official site: https://nermuseum.com/
• New Hampshire Telephone Museum official site: https://nhtelephonemuseum.org