This 15-mile round trip through the woods near Franconia Notch crosses both the East Branch Pemigewasset River and the larger river itself as it skirts the riverbanks between Lincoln and Woodstock. On a hot summer day, there’s a good chance you’ll see canoeists, rafters, and tubers chilling in the cool waters and kids swinging off a rope at Swimming Hole Bridge. For a real touch of Americana, make a reservation for the July 4 fireworks train. The 7 p.m. departure gets you back to Lincoln in time to claim a spot to watch the Lincoln Woodstock fireworks display. Passengers ride in vintage railcars from the 1920s and 1950s. The train doesn’t turn around, so the 1950s diesel engine pulls it in one direction and pushes it back.

64 Railroad St., Lincoln, N.H.; 603-745-2135; hoborr.com. Begins service Memorial Day weekend. Adults $13, ages 2-11 $10, under 2 free.