The United States offers endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. From coast to coast, there are stunning natural landscapes that provide the perfect backdrop for outdoor sports and activities. Getting outside in nature provides many benefits – fresh air, vitamin D from the sun, stress relief, and exercise for both mind and body.
If you’re looking for a new challenge or outdoor hobby, there are lots of exciting sports to try. Here are the top 5 outdoor sports in the USA that will get your heart pumping and have you exploring the great outdoors.
1. Hiking
One of the most popular outdoor activities in the US is hiking. It’s easy to get started since all you need is a good pair of hiking boots or shoes, and you can hike trails all over the country. Hiking offers low-impact exercise to build strength and endurance while enjoying fresh air and taking in beautiful natural scenery.
There are hiking trails for all levels, from short and easy nature walks to multi-day backpacking treks covering dozens of miles. Some of the best places to hike in the US include:
- Appalachian Trail – Walk a portion or all 2,190 miles of this iconic trail traversing 14 states along the Appalachian Mountains.
- Rocky Mountain National Park, CO – Hike through alpine forests and meadows with amazing views.
- Yosemite National Park, CA – Iconic scenery and hundreds of miles of trails ranging from easy to strenuous.
- Zion National Park, UT – Hike sheer red rock cliffs and winding canyons.
- Acadia National Park, ME – Hike and summit granite peaks overlooking the Atlantic ocean.
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN/NC – Explore one of the most biodiverse parks with forests, rivers, and waterfalls.
Whether you hike for a few hours or a few weeks, hiking lets you set your own pace to enjoy nature up close. It’s a great way to get your daily exercise while exploring the beauty of the outdoors.
2. Kayaking
For an adrenaline rush on the water, kayaking is one of the top outdoor sports in the US. It’s fun and exciting paddling a kayak across lakes, rivers, and oceans while taking in gorgeous scenery not visible from land. It’s also an excellent low-impact workout for the upper body.
Kayaking can be done recreationally for a few hours or even competitively as a sprint sport. Here are some top places to kayak in the United States:
- Apostle Islands, WI – Paddle through sea caves and rock formations in Lake Superior.
- Salmon River, ID – Traverse Class III-IV rapids on this wild river through the Frank Church Wilderness.
- Destin, FL – Kayak along the sandy beaches and emerald green waters of Florida’s panhandle.
- Lake Tahoe, CA/NV – High alpine lake straddling the California and Nevada border.
- Valdez, AK – Paddle with icebergs floating down from glaciers.
- Tacoma, WA – Kayak on Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands to see orcas and seals.
Whether you want a peaceful paddle or an adrenaline filled rapid run, kayaking allows you to experience waterways from a unique vantage point. Take a lesson to learn proper technique, then rent or buy a kayak to start your paddling adventures.
3. Rock Climbing
If you want a challenging way to get off the ground, then rock climbing is the outdoor sport for you. The goal is to climb up, down or across natural rock formations or artificial rock walls using your hands, feet, and body strength – all while safely attached to a rope for protection.
Rock climbing builds tremendous grip strength, body control, and mental focus. And it provides stunning aerial views you can only get by scaling cliffs and boulders. Some stellar rock climbing destinations include:
- Yosemite National Park, CA – Climb the soaring granite monoliths of Yosemite Valley and Tuolumne Meadows.
- Red Rock Canyon, NV – Sandstone cliffs and boulders outside Las Vegas.
- Joshua Tree National Park, CA – Scramble up cracks and slabs on the park’s namesake Joshua Trees.
- Rifle Mountain Park, CO – More than 1,000 sport and trad climbing routes along the Colorado River.
- Shawangunk Ridge, NY – “The Gunks” offers classic multi-pitch climbs with vertical cliffs.
- City of Rocks, ID – Granite spires towering up to 600 feet.
Rock climbing requires skill, strength, and courage. Take a guided course to learn safety techniques, gear placement, knot tying, and climbing movement fundamentals before venturing out. With the right preparation, gear, and stoke, rock climbing allows you to test your personal limits while soaking in birds-eye panoramas.
4. Mountain Biking
Strap on a helmet and hop on a mountain bike to ride through backcountry terrain and scenery not accessible by other means. Mountain biking provides an awesome adrenaline rush combined with a serious cardio workout.
Mountain bikes are durable with wide, knobby tires that grip dirt, rocks, and roots. Front and rear suspension helps absorb impacts for a smoother ride down rugged trails. Mountain biking involves climbing and descending steep, technical trails that wind through forests, mountains, and deserts.
Top mountain biking trail networks around the US include:
- Moab, UT – Monumental red rock desert landscape with trails for all abilities.
- Kingdom Trails, VT – Over 100 miles of mountain biking trails through Green Mountains forests.
- Downieville, CA – Challenging downhill rides with jaw-dropping Sierra Nevada views.
- Fruita, CO – Ride desert mesas and canyons near Grand Junction.
- Bentonville, AR – Hundreds of miles of acclaimed mountain biking in Ozark forests.
- Cuyuna Lakes, MN – Old mining trails wend around crystal clear lakes in central Minnesota.
With a sturdy mountain bike and proper safety gear, you can explore the backcountry and grind up steep climbs for thrilling downhill rides. Don’t be intimidated as a beginner – start on green circle rated trails and take mountain biking skills classes to hone your technique. The reward is riding through natural settings you can’t experience any other way.
5. Rafting & Whitewater Kayaking
For adventure on fast moving water, rafting and whitewater kayaking top the list of outdoor sports. Navigating a paddle raft or whitewater kayak through rapids brings a rush of adrenaline few other sports can match. You’ll also soak in beautiful scenery along America’s wild rivers.
Whitewater is classified from Class I rapids (easy waves) up to Class VI rapids (severe and dangerous). Here are some fantastic US whitewater destinations:
- Gauley River, WV – Up to Class V rapids tumble through a deep river gorge.
- Middle Fork of the Salmon, ID – “The river of no return” features challenging Class III-IV rapids.
- Colorado River, Grand Canyon, AZ – Iconic multi-day rafting trips through massive Class IV rapids surrounded by stunning red rock cliffs and spires.
- American River, CA – Close to Sacramento, the South Fork has Class III whitewater for thrilling day trips.
- Chattooga River, GA/SC – Section IV has 15 Class III-IV rapids in a wilderness setting.
- Kennebec River, ME – East Coast whitewater with Class III-IV rapids.
- Ocoee River, TN – Site of Olympic kayaking competitions with continuous Class III-IV rapids.
Go with a guide to safely learn paddle techniques before considering self-guided trips. Getting out on moving water in a paddle raft or kayak lets you challenge your paddling skills while taking in dramatic whitewater scenery.
Start Your Outdoor Sport Adventures
With its incredibly diverse landscapes, the United States is a paradise for outdoor sports. Hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, mountain biking, and whitewater sports are some of the best ways to get your heart pumping while surrounded by the beauty of nature.
Beyond the exhilarating physical challenges, these outdoor sports also provide tremendous mental benefits. Focusing intensely while kayaking rapids or climbing a rock face requires extreme mental discipline. And exercising while immersed in nature is a proven stress reliever.
As a beginner, take lessons from qualified instructors to learn proper gear and techniques for staying safe and having fun. Join group outings to meet other outdoor enthusiasts. Invest in quality sporting equipment you can grow into as your skills progress.
With the right guidance and preparation, you’ll be ready to conquer a stimulating outdoor sport that fits your abilities and interests. Just choose your adventure, then step outside and start exploring the vast natural wonders across the USA. The rewarding challenges and breathtaking scenery will have you hooked on outdoor sports in no time!
