Modern voyagers have it much easier than the swashbuckling pioneers of yore, who often left home with nothing more than a gunny sack full of dreams, a tin of powdered whiskey, and a coal-powered harpoon gun. Embark on a contemporary adventure with today's Groupon: for $30, you get a white-water-tubing and bike-rental combo (a $60.61 value, including tax and fees) from River & Trail Outfitters, based in Knoxville, Maryland, about a 10-minute drive from Harpers Ferry.

River & Trail dispatches adventuresome spirits on scenic quests, pedaling through verdant valleys and splashing along tumbling rivers. Daylong trips commence with a cycling tour beside the C&O Canal, a meandering journey of dappled canopy light, gently rolling terrain, and impromptu contests to determine whether it's faster to ride a beach-cruiser-style bike or two unicycles downhill. Inflate a potentially uninspired afternoon with amphibious fun by traveling through the Harpers Ferry National Park via buoyant donut and the playful rapids at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers.

River & Trail strives to promote eco-friendly and responsible adventuring by offering trash-free meal options, supporting outdoor programs, and sponsoring cleanup of Antietam Creek. The outfitting company, which has been in business for more than 38 years, is located three miles from Harpers Ferry National Park, which contains an attractively restored Civil War town, a network of hiking trails, and at least one mosquito that'll never bother you. All necessary safety equipment is provided, and River & Trail outfitters recommends that all participants be reasonably fit.