Every State's Best Outdoor Activity

The United States has a wide array of outdoor activities for all activity levels. And each state is known for some spectacular sites. So whether you're interested in birding, stargazing, hiking, mountain biking or whale watching - here's a can't miss adventure in each state.

You can certainly enjoy plenty of time outdoors tailgating great college football games in Alabama but the Yellowhammer State is chock-full of spectacular hiking trails like the Bald Rock Boardwalk at Cheaha State Park and the scenic trek to Point Rock Overlook at Buck's Pocket State Park. Hikers visiting Alabama can look forward to diverse landscapes, from DeSoto State Park and its namesake waterfall spanning more than 100 feet to the calming beaches of Gulf State Park.

Home to more than 40,000 miles of coastline and a wide range of bodies of water, including ocean, lakes, rivers, streams and creeks, Alaska is an angler's paradise. Visitors will have a shot to capture some of the most sought-after species like halibut, salmon, crab and lobster while enjoying unparalleled scenery. The summer months of June, July and August are the best and busiest times for fishing in Alaska and places like Ketchikan and Homer offer visitors some of the best opportunities to reel in something worthwhile.

There's tons of fun in the sun to be had outdoors in Arizona but hiking is the one activity that's available in each of the state's marquee destinations, from the iconic Grand Canyon National Park in the northern part of the state to Camelback Mountain in Phoenix and the splendid red rocks of Sedona in between. Arizona also offers hikers an abundance of excellent photo-ops in places like Horseshoe Bend, Cave Creek and Saguaro National Park outside of Tucson.

Arkansas is known as the Natural State and therefore there's no wrong way to go about experiencing the great outdoors here. The state's natural hot springs certainly can't be missed but hopping into a kayak or even a canoe is one of the best ways to see the most in the least amount of time as Arkansas features more than 9,700 miles of rivers and streams in addition to lakes like Table Rock in the Ozarks where travelers can slow down to take in the scenery or cast a line in search of a mighty bass or trout.

From Santa Cruz to San Diego, the Golden State boasts hundreds of miles of glorious beaches that draw surfers from all over the world. But beyond the waves, surfing influences so much of California culture and even if you're brand new to the sport you can learn about the history of surfing at a plethora of fascinating museums, peruse the many seaside surf shops to get properly equipped, pick up pointers and schedule lessons and even chow down like a local at a beachside snack shack.

White water rafting is one of the premier outdoor attractions visitors can enjoy in Colorado. After all, the Arkansas River boasts more than 100 miles of raftable waters ranging from Class I Floats to the more intense Class V rapids. Whether you're a beginner looking to relax and take in the scenery or a seasoned pro in search of a thrill, the Centennial State is guaranteed to deliver a memorable experience on the river.

Connecticut might be one of the nation's smaller states but travelers have plenty of varying landscapes to choose from when it comes to how they spend their time outdoors, from the state's charming coastal towns, villages and seaports to the colorful countryside. Nonetheless, hiking is arguably the best way to do and see the most in the Nutmeg State and the Mattabesett and Mount Higby Trail is a great starting point that provides spectacular views of rolling hills and wildflowers. Additionally, Connecticut is home to numerous botanical gardens, nature preserves and wildlife refuges that visitors can walk through at their own pace.

A long bike ride is one of the best ways to explore the nation's First State, whether cruising the boardwalk seaside in places like Rehoboth Beach or traversing the scenic Chesapeake and Delaware Canal, which provides riders with stellar views of the water and surrounding nature as well as an excellent turnaround point at the historic and charming port town of Delaware City.

Florida offers no shortage of sensational outdoor activities, including fishing, surfing, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. However, diving is perhaps the most memorable activity that travelers can participate in as the state's surrounding waters feature not only captivating marine life but vibrant coral reefs and even shipwrecks in some cases. Visitors seeking the ultimate diving experience will want to head to the Florida Keys and places like John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park to take part in both snorkeling and scuba diving.

Just like neighboring Alabama, Georgia wows visitors with some truly striking terrain that's best experienced on a hike. Travelers should definitely venture to the Chattahoochee National Forest to view the magnificent Amicalola Falls and explore the two-mile-long Tallulah Gorge, also known as the Grand Canyon of the East. Don't forget about scenic Springer Mountain, the southern terminus for the 2,000-plus-mile-long Appalachian Trail.

Surfing is Hawaii's iconic sport and one of the best outdoor activities the islands have to offer. Surf lessons are easy to find, waves can be everything from tame to enormous with everything in between.

If you are not up for surfing yourself, watching is almost as fun--especially if you visit during the winter. Big wave season in Hawaii happens roughly between November and February on Hawaii's north shores. On Oahu's North Shore is one of surfing's most exciting events, the Van's Triple Crown of Surfing, which takes place in November and December.

Idaho is an adventure playground with lakes for swimming, rivers for fishing and mountains for hiking but among the most ideal ways to enjoy the scenery, mountain biking may be one of the best, especially among the peaks of the Sawtooth Mountains, which provide the perfect backdrop for your next outdoor adventure.

Myriad trails offer beginner and advanced rides with everything in between. Stanley is ideal as a base. Visitors can head to the Redfish Lake Loop, the Fisher Creek Loops, the Elk Meadows Loop and more.

You don't even need to leave Chicago to adventure outside in Illinois. Visitors can kayak down the Chicago River right through the heart of the Windy City. Farther afield in Illinois, however, there exist a number of other ideal places for visitors to get out on the water. Popular kayaking spots include the whitewater kayak course in Yorkville, beautiful Cedar Lake in Carbondale, Pottawatomie Park in St. Charles and more.

Make a plan to do some hiking in Indiana when you visit. The Ladders Trail in Turkey Run State Park was voted best hiking trail in Indiana. It is part of a five-mile challenge of rugged hiking that includes a ladder and approximately 1,500 human-made steps. The trail takes guests to the Coal Mine, the Narrows Covered Bridge, Lusk Home, the Punch Bowl, Camel's Back, "140" steps, Boulder Canyon, Falls Canyon and across many streams.

You don't have to stray far to find outdoor adventure beyond the Des Moines skyline. Gray's Lake in downtown is perfect for paddling. Whether it's in a boat or on a stand-up paddleboard, the 167-acre park is an ideal spot for adventure. A two-mile trail also loops around the park for land-lovers who want to go for a stroll.

In Kansas, get ready for some mountain biking and explore the great outdoors. Switchgrass, which opened in 1995, is located in Wilson. There are 20 miles of challenging and scenic singletrack mountain bike trails. There is something for every level of rider and is the best way to see the Dakota Sandstone formations up close.

Kentucky has a rich culture of horse farming and horse racing so it makes sense that those desiring an outdoor adventure in the state would focus on horseback riding. Kentucky Horse Park offers everything outdoor enthusiasts love. There's camping, a museum, horse shows, horse and pony rides and a number of events, including horse shows.

Louisiana is known as a sportsman's paradise but being on the bayou wouldn't be the same without rod and reel in hand. There are seemingly unlimited miles of protected marshes, lakes and wetlands that can be explored, offering both salt and freshwater varieties of trout, bass, catfish, flounder and more.

In St. Bernard Parish, just a few miles south of New Orleans is an ideal spot for anglers with four commercial marinas that offer launch facilities.

Getting outdoors in Maine is almost a requirement when visiting with its stunning coastline, miles of hiking trails and stunning lakes.

Those up for a challenge and looking for a unique way to get outside can scale Maine's greatest heights. There's Camden Hills with a twenty-foot-deep chasm or visitors can cling to the granite cliff faces hovering above the Atlantic coastline. Half- and full-day adventures are offered by local guides that provide all the gear you need and can tailor the experience to your level.

When visiting Maryland and looking for outdoor adventure, travelers should set sail on the Chesapeake Bay--one of the country's best sailing destinations. In fact, Annapolis is known as the Sailing Capital of America and home to the United States Naval Academy.

There are many tours that take visitors out on the water to explore. It's even possible to set sail with a Chesapeake Storyteller onboard a classic schooner.

Known simply as 'The Cape,' Cape Cod is the part of Massachusetts that looks like a flexing arm on a map. It's one of the most glorious vacation spots in the U.S. and a throwback to another time - in addition to its laid-back beaches, there is also a ton of bike-riding, walking and hiking. Don't forget the spectacular whale-watching tours in the Atlantic. Oh, and Provincetown, at the northern end of the Cape, is one of the most gay-friendly vacation destinations in the world.

Go ahead, pick one of the Great Lakes. Michigan is unique in that the state touches four of the five Great Lakes - Superior, Huron, Erie and Michigan. That means not only swimming, but some of the best boating in the Midwest and some great adventures at the sandstone cliffs of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, or at famous Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

Minnesota is known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes, some big enough to boat on and others small enough to easily swim across. No matter what the size, however, there's one thing in common with all those lakes - they freeze. And that means, ice hockey. Minnesota is the unquestioned king of hockey in the U.S., for both boys and girls. Kids start at a young age and develop just like youngsters in other states in AAU basketball or Little League baseball.

Mississippi has such a great climate that being outdoors is just like being indoors. That's why the Land Conservation Assistance Network created an agritourism trail that is second to none. Trust us, this isn't just hopping from farm to farm. There's history with old plantations, country stores, pottery studios, museums, hay and corn mazes, pumpkin patches, petting zoos, barn dances, fairs and festivals, Christmas tree farms, even shrimping tours. Yep, you can be your own Bubba Gump!

Everybody thinks Branson is a town where you get shuttled in and out of theaters to see great shows. It's so much more than that, a great deal of which can be done outside. That includes a zipline, a butterfly palace, jetboat adventures, a scenic history and beauty tour of the area, and so much more.

In what is arguably the most expansive state for outdoor activities, people - residents and tourists alike - flock to Montana for hunting, horseback riding but especially flyfishing. And take your pick. Montana's Beaverhead River, Yellowstone River, Big Hole River, Hebgen River, Madison River and more all are considered some of the best fishing spots in the state if not the country.

Too much to pick just one. Rather, we narrow it down to one place - Platte River State Park. We're talking 450 acres of outdoor bliss, including biking and hiking, canoeing and kayaking, camping, an archery range, fishing, even a playground for the kids.

Now, technically, the Grand Canyon flirts with the state of Nevada but is actually in Arizona, literally just over the border. So you really can't say that best outdoor activity in Nevada is hiking the Canyon - although some would argue that hiking the Las Vegas Strip and people-watching is an activity all unto itself. But we digress. What IS in Nevada is the Colorado River, and you can raft that famous body of water from Nevada right into the basin of the Grand Canyon, which is what many people do.

When people think of skiing on the east coast they automatically think Vermont, and rightfully so, or even New York, which has hosted two Winter Olympics at upstate Lake Placid. Better start including New Hampshire on that list. Mount Washington, in the town of North Conway, is a mini version of a Vail with its skiing and shopping. Nearby Bretton Woods Resort, with 62 trails, is one of the most upscale areas you'll find. Loon Mountain is perfect for families.

The beach and the boardwalk. The boardwalk and the beach. New Jersey has both in droves. For as long as they can, New Jerseyans will head to the shore to tan, swim, boogie board, surf, and, of course, strolling the boardwalk for the rides, the cotton candy, the fortune telling and more. It can be kitschy, for sure, but there isn't a better outdoor activity from the top of the state to the bottom than to be on the Jersey Shore.

New Mexico is the fifth-largest state in the nation and is big on outdoor offerings for fresh-air enthusiasts. The Land of Enchantment is filled with all types of terrain, and boasts five national forests, 15 national parks and monuments, 34 state parks, and 26 wilderness areas. And, with 310 days of sunshine each year, the city of Albuquerque offers one of the state's most iconic outdoor activities year-round: hot air ballooning. There are numerous local companies who can take you up into the clear skies above the city, with the most gorgeous vistas typically on offer at sunrise and sunset.

The Adirondacks are one of New York state's quintessential outdoor attractions and whitewater rafting or tubing is one of the most exciting ways to experience New York's nature-based adventure scene. As it winds over 300 miles from Mount Marcy's Lake Tear of the Clouds all the way into, the Hudson River's route is considered one of the top 10 U.S. whitewater rafting trips. There are also plenty of Adirondack rapids to be ridden on the wild Sacandaga River, the beautiful Black River and the backcountry Moose River. You'll also find excellent rafting opportunities elsewhere in The Empire State, including in the Catskills and at Niagara Falls.

One of the nation's best-kept secrets with unique geography and varying terrain, North Carolina provides countless outdoor recreation opportunities. Much of its awe-inspiring natural beauty can best be appreciated on foot, whether it's a day hike at any of the state's four national forests, 10 national parks or 41 state parks; or a thru-hike on a long-distance trail, like The Tar Heel State's famous Appalachian Trail or Mountains-to-Sea Trail. While exploring the state's well-preserved wildlands, you may even come across one of its hundreds of breathtaking cascades and waterfalls.

Famous for its beautiful lakes and rivers, North Dakota offers epic fishing opportunities year-round, with fish still plentiful this year statewide. It's a top destination for serious walleye anglers, but you'll also find other species like northern pike, perch, bass and other game fish in the state's 400-plus lakes and waterways. Some of anglers' most-visited spots include The Peace Garden State's largest bodies of water: Lake Sakakawea, Lake Oahe, the Missouri River, Devils Lake and Lake Ashtabula.

If you're looking for an Ohioan signature activity, try taking up a canoeing paddle. Head to Loudonville-also called the "Canoe Capital of Ohio" for the many canoe liveries along its section of the Mohican River-home to Mohican State Park and Mohican-Memorial State Forest. More than 30 miles of the area along this stretch of river received a "Scenic River" designation from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. The Buckeye state's southern Hocking Hills region is another spot where you'll find numerous canoe outfitters offering daytime, moonlight or overnight trips.

The Sooner State is one of only four states with 10 distinct ecological regions, making it one of the most geographically diverse in the union. In Indiahoma, you'll find a rugged wilderness area called the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, which is home to landscapes and species found nowhere else in Oklahoma. Here, along the 2.4-mile Charon's Garden Trail, intermediate to advanced hikers can get up-close and adventuresome with some singular geographic features-such as unique rock formations, boulder caves, winding creeks and gorges. Adventuresome types can hit this tucked-away trail to weave between and jump across massive boulders for a heart-pumping good time that also offers sweeping valley views.

"The Beaver State" is actually considered the birthplace of American sport climbing, and rock-climbing opportunities are as varied as the state's picturesque landscapes and there are spots suited to every skill level. Oregon is now an international rock-climbing destination with numerous well-known routes that offer adventurers both a physical challenge and amazing views. Smith Rock State Park, near Bend, is among the most well-known and popular places for everyone from beginners to advanced rockhounds, and supplies thousands of established routes year-round. Other noteworthy locations that offer exhilarating routes for sport and traditional climbers and boulderers include Trout Creek at Willamette National Forest, Lost Lake Boulders near Mount Hood's crystal-clear Lost Lake and Spring Mountain in the northern Blue Mountain.

Pennsylvania's great outdoors boasts hundreds of miles of fantastic trails to be explored, from relatively flat, easy rail trails to steep, challenging mountain routes, the state's variety of offering for hikers, backpackers and other types of trail users has something to suit everyone. You could take a multi-day trip along Pennsylvania's section of the world-famous Appalachian Trail, which winds along spectacular ridgelines and through mountain passes. Or, perhaps, a day trip during the warm-weather seasons to the famous Falls Trail at Ricketts Glen State Park, a seven-mile route that's home to more than 20 waterfalls, the tallest of which is over 90 feet high. A popular backpacking route, the 60-mile Loyalsock Trail ties together Worlds End State Park and Loyalsock State Forest, winding through some challenging mountain forests and valleys.

The Ocean State can't really be thought of separately from its coastal setting and, with such a strong sailing heritage, outdoor adventuring in Rhode Island just isn't complete until you've boarded some sort of sea-going vessel. Newport, in particular, known as the "Sailing Capital of the World" is a great spot to try your hand at sailing. Non-profit organization Sail Newport is New England's largest public sailing center and the state's premier public sailing site. There, you can find award-winning instruction for both adults and children, with programs for beginner to advanced sailors, as well as affordable sailboat rentals for those who wish to head out on their own. Sailors of every skill level will fall in love with Rhode Island's protected harbors, majestic bridges and tranquil coves.

Some of The Palmetto State's most jaw-dropping vistas are along the spectacular stretch of Blue Ridge Mountains that passes through South Carolina and, while there are several ways to explore that majestic wilderness, hiking is probably the most preferred method. The Carolina mountains offer endless miles of trails, all offering incredible views of the blue-hued peaks and forested slopes, along with the occasional waterfall and an abundance of wildlife. The 15.5-mile Chattooga River Trail in Sumter National Forest, which overlooks the scenic Chattooga River gorge, is popular among backpackers, with five major waterfalls along the route. But, the best hike to a waterfall is a two-mile trek along the Upcountry's Foothills Trail to Lower Whitewater Falls, which takes a 200-foot plunge down a rock face to Lake Jocassee.

South Dakota is known for its outdoor adventures, but biking plays a special role in this state. It's a great activity for the entire family to enjoy, especially in the Black Hills National Forest, where bikers can ride the 109-mile George S. Mickelson Trail from Deadwood to Edgemont, which is perfect for families or beginners due to its relatively flat gravel surface. In Spearfish is where the annual Dakota Five-O is held, a 50-mile mountain bike race, which offers free food and beer for those who make it to the finish line, as well as fun stations along the way. Bikers can also bike trails along the great Missouri River, or through the state's beautiful forested regions.

Tennessee is another great state for outdoor adventures, but it's home to one very unique outdoor pastime: hunting for waterfalls. Home to over 500 waterfalls, hikers and other outdoor lovers will be pleased to find plenty of opportunities to spot these majestic geological wonders. Some examples of waterfalls in Tennessee include Fall Creek Falls, Jackson Falls at Natchez Trace Parkway, Machine Falls, Rock Island State Park's Twin Falls and, perhaps the most interesting of all, Lookout Mountain's underground Ruby Falls, which falls a stunning 145 feet, making it the nation's largest underground waterfall!

While the diverse geography of Texas allows for plenty of watersports, hiking, biking, horseback riding, golfing and other outdoor activities, it's also recognized as the "birding capital of the nation," with some 600 bird species that make the state their home. It's home to the World Birding Center, which offers nine locations from which to view birds along a road that stretches over 100 miles, as well as the unique Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail, which offers perfect opportunities to spot some of the region's most popular species from Beaumont to the Rio Grande in areas that have been set aside for the conservation of these species.

Certainly one of the most leisurely outdoor activities one can do, stargazing is made perfect in Utah, where there are many different International Dark Sky Parks from which to view the Milky Way and test out your astronomy skills. Antelope Island State Park, Dinosaur National Monument, East Canyon State Park, Jordanelle State Park, Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Natural Bridges National Monument, Bryce Canyon National Park and Capitol Reef National Park are only a few of the incredible Dark Sky Parks in the state, and the list goes on! Many of these parks and monuments also offer guided nightly activities, from stargazing parties to astronomy festivals and full moon hikes. What is a more serene and memorable an outdoor experience than that?

Vermont is known for so many incredible seasonal activities, like skiing, hiking, rafting and more. But none typify the state known for its maple syrup production quite like leaf peeping in the autumn. Wherever you go in Vermont during the fall season, you can be sure to find some of the most gorgeous forest colors in the nation. It's also a great activity because everyone can do it, from the youngest child to the oldest of travelers. The state's peak autumn colors are usually from mid-September through October. Leaf peeping is so popular in Vermont that the state's official tourism website even offers a foliage forecaster and has an email newsletter on the subject for travelers wanting to learn more about the state's beautiful foliage and the best times to visit!

What's a more memorable outdoor experience in Virginia than what many consider a life-long goal or bucket-list trip? Hiking the Appalachian Trail is the best outdoor activity in Virginia. The state is home to more miles of the famous trail than any other state in the country, at over 531 miles. The trail in the state ranges from easy to challenging, offering a range in geography from farmland to forest. One of the best places to hike the Appalachian Trail as a beginner or as an expert is Shenandoah National Park, known for its sweeping vistas of gorgeous, mountainous forest. Travelers who choose to hike the trail for longer than a day should be responsible and take the proper precautions and gear along with them on their journey.

The state of Washington is home to incredible on-land outdoor activities like hiking, mountain climbing and other fun activities, but it's also uniquely positioned as one of the best places to discover the local marine life. Whale Watching from Puget Sound or along the coast can be done just by spending time along the coast, or by taking a reputable whale watching tour that ranges from kayaks to larger vessels. Families, friends and single whale watchers can enjoy a variety of marine life, including orcas, gray whales and minke whales from spring through late fall, along with sea lions, octopus, salmon and other creatures. Seattle and the San Juan Islands are particularly known as hotspots for whale activity. Travelers to the San Juan Islands should also stop by the Whale Museum to learn more about the beautiful creatures.

West Virginia is home to the Appalachian Trail and the nation's newest national park, the New River Gorge National Park & Preserve, but it's also home to some of the best white water rafting opportunities in the country. Beginners or people who have some experience with the fun yet sometimes dangerous activity can enjoy the Tygart River, the Potomac River or the Cheat River, while experience white water rafters can enjoy the Gauley River or the New River, which can take rafters under the stunning New River Gorge Bridge. Some seasons offer more difficult intensities, with fall being the most intense for rafters in this region. As always, you'll want to book a reputable trip with a rafting expert to ensure a safe adrenaline-filled experience.

One of only eleven National Scenic Trails in the nation, the Ice Age Scenic Trail offers 1,000 stunning miles of hiking, walking and biking opportunities, and all in the state of Wisconsin! The trail was created to connect and preserve some of the most beautiful geographical landscapes and monuments created by the last Ice Age and it spans grasslands, marshes, forests and more. The Ice Age Scenic Trail offers plenty of trailheads to begin a hike, even in residential areas, and plenty of locals and travelers enjoy at least part of the trail throughout the year, with opportunities for snowshoeing in the winter, biking during the summer, leaf peeping during the spring and fall and, a Wisconsin pastime for children and adults alike, wildlife viewing throughout the year. Who knows? You might just find yourself face to face with a great snowy owl or a bald eagle, or more commonly yet no less graceful, a sandhill crane. It's also a relatively safe trail, since only small portions of it allow the use of motorized vehicles.

While Wyoming is known for its incredible parks and plethora of outdoor activities, it's uniquely positioned for one winter activity in particular: snowmobiling. With over 2,000 miles of snowmobile trails throughout the state and between 45 to 70 inches of snowfall annually throughout the state, snowmobile lovers will have no trouble finding a trail to set out upon or even having enough to snow to make the sport possible, which can be an issue in other states due to the effects of climate change. Snowmobilers can also find trails through Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks, where they can spot plenty of wildlife along with their incredible winter scenery.