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Zoar Outdoor
Category: Active Life Rafting/Kayaking Rafting/Kayaking [Edit]
7 Main StCharlemont, MA 01339
(800) 532-7483
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 9 am - 5 pm
Sat-Sun 8 am - 6 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
24 reviews for Zoar Outdoor
24 reviews in English
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Review from C. S.
Acton, MA
10/13/2011
The Zoar people are just awesome. I have gone rafting with them, received kayak instruction, gone ziplining, and have been enormously impressed with the outfit. It's a well-run organization, with great people.
If you like rafting, they'll take good care of you, whether your taste runs to the mellow Fife Brook/Zoar Gap section or the somewhat more exciting Dryway.
If you want kayak instruction, I can tell you that I haven't run into any instructor there whom I wouldn't recommend. I have seen them deal with adept kids, confused older folks, and everyone in between, with courtesy, grace, humor and skill. (BTW, they also provide canoe instruction if that's your preference.)
The ziplining trip is also fun, and I felt very safe taking my kids on the ride.
Go, do something. You'll have fun. -
Review from Louisa L.
Vernon Rockville, CT
10/10/2011
What an awesome trip. Went zip-lining with my family to the Deerfield Valley Canopy Tour. 3-hour trip, 11 zip lines, 2 bridges, & 3 rappels with water & snacks mid-tour for only $92/person. It was great. Our guide Sandy & Emily were awesome: very cool & chill. They explained all the safety rules. Gave us some background information about the trees & how each zip line got its name. Yesterday was the hottest day in the fall and we wanted to see the foliage. The view was okay, but we all had fun zip-lining.
Word of advice. Put on bug spray. Wear comfortable shoes. Have fun!!! -
Review from Ali R.
Staten Island, NY
5/31/2011 2 photos
Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! That's all I have to say!
Ziplining was one of the most fun things I have ever done!
I live in NY and wasn't going away on vacation anywhere anytime soon where I could zipline, so I decided to google ziplining anywhere on the east coast. And I found Zoar Outdoor!
So, my boyfriend and I randomly decided to go on a roadtrip one day [6 hrs each way] to MA.
Luckily for us, we went on a Thursday [2009], and so we only had 4 people in our group, including us. Our guides were Vivian and Vanessa [They were extremely friendly, nice, and funny!] and they made our experience the best it could be!
I definitely recommend this to anyone who wants to have a fun, thrill-seeking adventure! And when you get up to the highest trees, the view is phenomenal! -
Review from Craig B.
New York, NY
7/17/2011
I'd highly recommend ZOAR to anyone. The ZIP line is a lot of fun, but it's also very safe. You'll notice the rapport with the staff when you arrive. The guides are very well trained and have two main objectives: that you have a good time, and that the experience is safe. ZOAR works hard to make sure that you have a great overall experience.
Our guides were Janine and Christopher, who were great. -
Review from Trini V.
Quincy, MA
7/7/2011
Had a wonderful time at Zoar Outdoors last year! And will be doing it again for the summer!
Zoar Outdoors provides such a great range of activities for the outdoor enthusiast. Last time I was there, we camped for the weekend and did the zip lining!
I have to admit, moving through trees at such a fast speed hanging by a harness was a little daunting to me, but by the time I got to line number three (there are a series of lines to take to get you back to the base camp), it was easy to forget the risks and just enjoy the experience!
The view from above was breathtaking and our guides (there were two), were so knowledgeable and friendly!
This time I will be trying the white water rafting, so stay tuned :-)
Overall, a definite recommendation from me. -
Review from Jen S.
3/6/2011
Did a group rafting excursion. Very professional, good instruction, and most importantly, everyone had a blast.
I did not fall off the raft. -
Review from bill t.
Holyoke, MA
7/26/2010
Jennifer brought me here for my birthday, and it was a gigantic amount of fun. We were the first group to go (9:00 a.m.) on opening day for the season, and there were just the two of us along with the two guides. They were very professional and deliberate with the safety checks each time we clipped into a new zip, but they were also hilarious and fun to hang out with (so to speak) during the 2.5 hours or so it takes to get trained on the equipment, ride up the mountain and zip back down.
We went in April and the trees were still bare, so we had some great mountain views along the way. Apparently later in the season there's a greater illusion of speed after the trees leaf out and you're screaming down a green corridor with leafy walls a few feet away. I'd love to go back at different times of the year. . . I bet it's amazing during leaf season if they stay open that late.
I'm not crazy about heights, and I don't always like traveling at high speeds if I'm not familiar with how the equipment works and my own skill with the gear. Neither of these were any problem here, though, and it was exciting without feeling dangerous or out of control. I highly recommend the concept, the location, the staff. . . really a lot of fun! Next time I go, I'll try to get a group of friends together, as I think it'd be even better with a bunch of pals trash-talking and egging one another on to attempt ill-advised stunts. -
Review from Donmarie B.
Lowell, MA
7/8/2011
I took my fiance (at the time) on the Zoar Gap rafting trip for his birthday. We drove over from the Middlesex county area to Charlemont on Saturday during the day. We took the middle of the road approach of the cabins (not quite roughing it as much as tents, but not as nice as the hotel.) We're not hugely athletic, so we had fun & got a bit of a workout from this trip. Maybe someday we'll go back and try the Dryway. The lunch they made was pretty yummy, too. We still talk about their butternut squash soup. Next up is the zipline tour. Can't wait!
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Review from Matthew G.
Ashfield, MA
11/20/2010
First time I went to Zoar was taking my teenage son on a Kayaking trip. Since then we have come back a number of times for everything Zoar offers.
I have experienced just about all the offerings in this region and no other place or company even comes to close to Zoar. The process of booking a trip is easy. The people are super professional, personable, and highly trained. From the river to the mountains, the Zoar takes you to the most beautiful spots in the region. But most of all, they create an experience for you that really leaves you feeling the magic and beauty of the natural world.
I have been from the White Mountains to Patagonia to the Sierra Nevadas and would recommend to anyone near or far to come to Zoar.
M -
Review from Tim N.
Cambridge, MA
9/9/2010
I had a fantastic time. Me and two friends did the Zoar GAP tour and although it was pretty easy we had a lot of fun. Our Boat the "Big Blue Butternut" bashed through the rapids with ease, thanks to the help of our super friendly guide S.
Will come back here to try the harder rapids. -
Review from Jody D.
Somerville, MA
8/10/2011
Zoar is a very professional operation. We went white water rafting and zipping this past weekend and had a great time. The experience is very safe, the guides are awesome, and Charlemont is beautiful--especially the Deerfield river. We'll be going back for another adventure--maybe kayaking and rock climbing.
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Review from Roni E.
10/13/2009 6 photos
A-MAZE-ZING! A-MAZE-ING! AMAZING!!!!
Seriously... it doesn't get better than this! We booked a zipline tour with Deerfield Valley/Zoar Outdoor with a Groupon we had purchased and it was the best decision I've ever made!
Normal cost is $85 so with the Groupon it really made the trip worth it. And if you've never tried ziplining before, definitely try it out. It will be one of the most amazing experiences ever in your life. Especially if you love the outdoors, like I do. I'm pretty much an adrenaline junkie and ziplining definitely took care of that.
Shortly after check in, Kate and Kim (who BTW were some very awesome, funny, and friendly guides), got us into our harness, helmet, gloves, and various other gears that hung from our bodies like a ball & chain as if you were a prisoner (j/k!). This gear actually is what holds you up on the cables while you're pretty much like 50 feet in the air, so respect the equipment.
After we were all geared up, we were taken up on a small hill to learn how to zip, break, signals, and how to self-rescue ourselves should we stop too early (which we luckily didn't have to do!). After some practice on our technique, we were driven up to the "Initiation" by a couple of ATVs and before we knew it, we were flying through the trees and even rappelling down a few of them!
Half way through our tour, there was a stop for some hot chocolate which definitely hit the spot since it was starting to get cold. For those of you that decide to do this in the late fall, I mean autumn season (they don't say the "F" word here), be sure to layer up. I had 4 layers and was pretty good throughout the day except for a slight chill towards the later end of the day.
We finished our last zip at base and walked back down to where we started off. Here we got to see a slideshow of our photos which can be purchased for $14 each. Or if you have a smaller group, the better deal is $10/person/group - so for the 2 of us - cost us $20 for a CD. $40 max for a group so depending on how large your group is this could work out even better for you.
I just wanted to say a special Thank You to Kate & Kim for doing an excellent job and for making sure we got back safe & sound in one piece as well as being thorough and going over everything with us.
And I'm especially proud of Grams for going with me and not backing out even though she was scared. She was great through it all! And no she did not cry and there's pictures to prove she did do it!
I would definitely return for another trip!Listed in: Action Adventures!
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Review from Melissa M.
Medford, MA
10/15/2009
Let me tell you the truth. Ziplining is BADASS! I never thought I'd do something this adventurous in my whole life. But, you know what? I did it! I did this a few days ago and my arms are still paining! A good kind of pain, not a bad kind of pain.
Kim and Kate were our guides and they were exceptional.
You get such a rush of adrenaline. This honestly was the best time I've had outside on a very chill Autumnal day.
I cannot wait to come back and zip through the trees!
I felt safe and secure the whole time.
I can't say enough good things about this. Just do it! :) -
Review from Sharon P.
Ansonia, CT
5/23/2010
Took a school group here...23 teenagers...this was awesome. The guides were enthusiastic, funny, and showed great experience. The training they receive is so good, that one of the groups found out that at the end that it was one of their guides first day, and they couldn't even tell because she was so good.
My group had Meghan and Josh and they couldn't have been more awesome.
Go go go! -
Review from Dorina M.
Allston-Brighton, MA
7/18/2011
Went zip-lining with a group of my friends. It was AMAZING! We had so much fun! They start you off in ground school where you can learn the basics of zip-lining. Then, they drive you up the mountain where you descend down 11 different zips. Each zip is progressively longer and faster. The guides are great and are there every step of the way. Safety is their top priority and I never felt scared, only exhilarated!
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Review from John F.
Amherst, MA
9/15/2011
Fun! Safe! Great staff. They're very professional. The equipment seemed top notch. The course was interesting and at times exhilarating. It's nothing too crazy so if you're a chicken you'll probably be fine and feel proud of your exciting day. if you're a thrill seeker there's plenty of thrills to be had. Thanks Kim and Kaci for being our guides!
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Review from Paul M.
Marblehead, MA
2/3/2011
Greg Poehlein @Zoar Outdoor has continually delivered superb customer service for me. With Zoar Outdoor I have; WW rafted, bought Kayaking accessories, rented Kayak Equipment and now a new boat. Each and every time Zoar Outdoor has delivered!
I love my Wavesport Fuse 56 kayak! Thanks Greg and great hull Wavesport! -
Review from Christine S.
Fairfield, CT
7/5/2011
This was a great outdoor center that is not too far away to spend the day. We went on the float trip with our 5 year old and had a great time. Entertaining guide, dinner and the perfect sunset. Shelburne Falls Ma is a little slice of heaven and Zoar Outdoor was the perfect gateway experience for our family and friends.
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Review from Jamie G.
8/31/2009
I brought a group of 16 people here for rafting. The rafting was good (the Deerfield River isnt really that great.. I'd recommend the Kennebec in Maine) but it was good for young kids on the trip. The guides were funny and super friendly.
My complaints:
River Side Lunch ended up being at the base because of light rain showers. I was expecting hot food, like a BBQ, but we got some cold cuts, bread, and pasta salad. Not very good.
Pictures. They have a photographer take some pictures of each raft at the Zoar Gap rapid and we watched a slide show afterwards. Then they try to sell you the pictures... pictures of ONE raft (about 10-15 pictures of pretty much the same pose) on a CD cost $50.00. For each additional raft, $25.00. For my group in three rafts that would cost me $100 for some pictures on a CD. I complained and they discounted me to $85.00. Still exhorbitant for some pics on a CD that cost them a few bucks to make! Total profit and totally not worth it. I would choose a different company next time. -
Review from Kristina S.
Brookline, MA
10/4/2010
We were hoping to do the action packed Dryway rafting trip, but it was not available because of dam maintenance. No fault of Zoar Outdoor. However, instaed we thought the Zoar Gap rafting trip would be similar. Not at all, it was similar to the description of the family float trip. It could be fun if you like splashing around and swimming, but not in October. They don't tell you on the description, but the boats basically have a water fight all the way down the river. And even if you want to be a "peace boat", your guide may start trouble with the other boats for his own entertainment and you don't have a choice but to get splashed all day in the cold.
Good for families with younger kids, not so entertaining for adults.
Not sure if you can research in advance on the guide to ask for. If you want to goof around, ask for Grieg. -
Review from Kim P.
Henderson, NV
11/12/2009 2 photos
Great zip-lining place located in a beautiful wooded hilly area. I was a little nervous at first but it is really easy and fun, the guides explain everything really well. They have a lot of safety measures-you're always clipped into a metal cable on the tree, they have arborists check the trees, good equipment, etc. The harnesses are actually not uncomfortable like I thought they would be (husband said his wasn't uncomfortable either). Went on around 7 zips, 2 bridges and a few rappels. Only thing that worried me was being on time because of their policy-if you're not there you're outta luck. (not sure how strict they really are on that policy)
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Review from annie w.
7/25/2010
superfun time! one-of-a-kind experience! i hear they've only been open for two years now, so give them a visit! 11 zips in 3 hours, with rope bridges and tree-to-tree sights! they're also rated by yankee magazine as the best ziplining tour in new england!
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Review from Sally W.
Middlesex, MA
6/14/2010
Let me start off by saying that this was a very enjoyable experience-- the guides were really friendly, helpful, and funny, and the zips were fun.
Still, if you're looking for crazy thrills, these aren't incredible-- only a few of the zips reach speeds to actually thrill me, and most weren't long enough for me to stop to think. In addition, between the zips was a lot of down time to wait for them to get each person through-- needed, but just something I hadn't thought about before. Therefore, the majority of the three hours isn't actually spent zipping.
For someone who is trying to get over a fear of heights, or looking to have a fun day with kids, this would be a great activity-- the kids could talk and entertain themselves during the downtime, and it would seem incredible zip-lining. But for those looking for gut-wrenching thrill, this isn't exactly the place.
In addition, the zips are all in the middle of the woods (also something I didn't really think through). If you're looking for vistas, you won't get many (maybe one). And make sure you're going on a nice day-- bad weather doesn't make for the greatest experience (i.e. the day I went!)
Still, this place has great potential for a enjoyable day-- I can't stress enough how personable the staff is. -
Review from Jody L.
Brookline, MA
6/10/2010
I can't say enough about this Zip line tour. It was incredible. I went with my sister (we're both in our 40s) and our three teenage kids. We had our own tourguide, Jeffrey and Adam, who were both very professional but also lots of fun. The forest is beautiful -- not a soul around -- and the zipping is exhilarating. I always felt very safe -- the training was easy and fun. We are going again, for sure.
