The Best Outdoor Activity in Each State

After a long and frosty winter spent indoors, spring has officially sprung and with it the opportunity to get outside and properly explore again. Whether you're seeking inspiration for a socially distant adventure or just want some wind & sunshine on your face, the following 50 pursuits will provide both fun-and fresh air.

The star attraction of this fetching national forest is the Sipsey Wilderness, which also goes by the evocative nickname "The Land of One Thousand Waterfalls". Is that number accurate, or is it just a hopeful guess? Either way, you'll have a blast double-checking their arithmetic.

Fishing is a year-round pursuit in Alaska, but the peak time to pursue the state's famous salmon is from May until September. Combine a fishing excursion with some hiking to get the full Last Frontier outdoor experience.

How many major American cities have a mountain made for hiking hanging out right smack in the middle of them? Not many, but that's the case with Camelback in Phoenix, an approachable-but-challenging hike that will get you primed to take on bigger adventures in the Grand Canyon State.

The first waterway to be crowned a National River, the Buffalo weaves its way under gorgeous bluffs and beside a bevy of scenic Northwest Arkansas beauty spots. Floating down its peaceful waters is the finest way to fully appreciate the Natural State.

There are only a few states where you can watch the sun properly drop into the Pacific each evening and none of them are as synonymous with beach life as California. Dig your toes in the sand, sip a beverage of your choice and watch the sun fade into the great blue yonder. Then toss a sweatshirt on and stay for the beach bonfire.

There's no better way to combine fresh air, sunshine and adrenaline than descending the majestic Colorado slopes. Skiing has made Colorado famous around the world and many of the resorts stay open through spring.

The state's tallest peak, Bear Mountains sits right on the border with Massachusetts and the challenging trail to the peak is adjoined by the celebrated Appalachian Trial. The views are wonderful and at the right time of year, wildflowers will help guide the way to the top.

A long walk along the beach in front of the dunes at Cape Henlopen State Park is the perfect way to wind down and catch a little vitamin D. In addition to beach bliss, the park is home to historic World War 2 watchtowers.

From eye-catching reefs teeming with colorful life to dramatic submerged statues, the Florida Keys are alive with underwater sights. Key Largo has long been considered one of the diving meccas of the world, but you'll find great dives scattered all over these isles.

This natural wonder stretches over two miles and is nearly 1000 feet deep. Hike from the rim to the floor of the gorge (permit required), making time to stop and gaze at breathtaking Hurricane Falls along the way.

Out of this world. Rugged. Staggeringly gorgeous. All of those descriptors apply to the Napali Coast on the island of Kaua'i. While viewing the jagged cliffs and turquoise water from a helicopter has become all the rage, seeing it at sea level is still the best way to truly appreciate its stupefying splendor.

A fantasy land of rushing rapids, refreshing swimming "pools" and white sandy beaches, the Lower Salmon sits at the heart of the largest swath of roadless land in the USA. Hit the water here for the experience of a lifetime.

Canyons, waterfalls, and handsome hiking trails await at Illinois' most popular state park and leaving no stone unturned here will result in a trip full of surprises.

You didn't know the Hoosier State had a beach? These tremendously impressive sand dunes on Lake Michigan will set you straight and provide the stunning backdrop to days spent relaxing by the water.

This trail has only been around a decade, but it's already become an Iowa icon. Stretching over 25 miles between the towns of Woodward and Ankeny, the star of the pathway is the High Trestle Trail Bridge that features striking steel frames that light up at night.

This over 100-mile long "rails to trails" project weaves its way through the wonderful landscape of the rolling Flint Hills. Explore on foot, bike or even horseback. In addition to the landscapes, you will also learn about local history at the Chippewa Burial Grounds, White Eagle Gas Station and a museum dedicated to abolitionist John Brown.

One of the largest manmade lakes in the nation, Kentucky Lake is the epicenter of water-based recreation in the state. Affectionately known as the "houseboat capital of the world", renting one of these amazing floating homes here will be a travel experience you'll never forget as will zipping around the water on a jetski.

It's known as Sportsman's Paradise for a reason and you'll find a neverending list of outdoor pursuits in Louisiana to take part in. Fishing, kayaking and paddling are great ways to get to know the moody wetlands of the state or you could see them in real style on a guided swamp tour.

The East Coast's most stunning national park, Arcadia abounds with hiking adventures. Whether you go for a short, sweet and intense adventure on the Beehive Trail or a leisurely stroll on the Ocean Path, exploring this park on two feet is peak Maine.

An island paradise of unspoiled beaches, sparkling seascapes and an awe-inspiring herd of wild horses, Assateague is a world apart from the mainland. Post up right on the beach to embrace all that this wild and wonderful place has to offer.

This iconic summer retreat is crisscrossed with bike paths that offer sweeping views of the island's harbora, sandy beaches and crashing waves. Strap on a helmet, slather on the sunscreen and set out to explore some of the Bay State's most iconic scenery.

While you can certainly admire these picturesque rock formations from dry land, seeing them from Lake Superior takes things to a whole new level. A guided tour is required to see them from the water and the leader of your excursion will help provide insight into the history and geology of the area.

A wonderland of water on the border between the USA and Canada, Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness offers canoeists the chance to explore over 1,000 miles of lakes, streams and rivers. Here, one minute you are in American water, the next Canadian, but everywhere you look you are surrounded by the wonder of Northern nature.

They call it a secret for a reason, so head straight south in order to plant your chair in the sand and claim your section of Mississippi Gulf Coast beachfront property for the day-or a fortnight-before the word spreads.

On summer weekends, it can seem like the entirety of the Show-Me State has decamped to "the Lake", but you are never far from a slice of solitude in one of the lake's hundreds of hidden coves. Fuel-up, take to the water and soon you'll stumble across your own slice of lake paradise.

The time to have a gander at these giant blocks of ice is running out as Glacier National Park's star attractions are perenially shrinking and the park is predicted to be glacier-free at some point this century. Take the Grinnell Glacier Trail for jaw-dropping views and a meeting with one of the remaining glaciers.

Take a trip to Toadstool Geologic Park in far northwest Nebraska for the chance to hike among bizarre boulders and odd landscape features that feel out of this world. The scene is especially atmospheric at sunset when the rocks are painted with a peachy-pink glow.

This national conservation area in suburban Las Vegas attracts climbers from all over the country to explore its majestic burnt orange rock. If you aren't up for climbing, then just take to the hiking trails like Calico Tanks where you'll walk up stone steps in order to score views of the desert and distant Las Vegas Strip.

Whether you are looking for a laid-back stroll by a stream or an intense ascent, the White Mountains are the place to go. In fact, the White Mountain National Forest officially owns over 1,000 miles of trail.

You could certainly make a case for a slow stroll down a beachside boardwalk being the state's most quintessential activity, but ascending this mount overlooking the Delaware Water Gap gets the edge. Take your time on the way up, because you're going to want to stop and enjoy the view at plenty of places along the way.

Recently upgraded from a national monument, White Sands National Park is one of the world's most riveting natural wonders. Here, you'll find towering dunes of snow-white sand, which can be sledded on just like the frozen stuff.

The Finger Lakes are fantastic and Letchworth State Park is pretty as all get out, but they can't compete with the lore that surrounds Niagara Falls. Take a cruise on the legendary Maid of the Mist in order to be kissed by the waterfall's refreshing spray, and iconic American travel rite of passage.

One of the nation's most up-and-coming destinations, Asheville is all things to all types of outdoor lovers. Hit the endless supply of hiking trails that lead to peaks, streams and falls in the surrounding hills or just bounce between patios at the local craft breweries. Or combine them for the kind of day the locals love.

Theodore Roosevelt's namesake national park is a testament to perhaps the most important figure in the history of American conservation. Head to this park to spot bison, the West's most iconic animals, take scenic drives and walk among windswept badlands.

Most certainly in the conversation when it comes to the most underrated national parks in the country, Cuyahoga National park is packed with lush greenery, gorgeous waterfalls and wildlife-all just a stone's throw from Cleveland. Take to the Towpath Trail for a relaxing walk that retraces the path of the historic Ohio & Erie Canal.

The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge is a rugged expanse in southern Oklahoma that is home to landscapes and wildlife that you'll find nowhere else in the state. Within the refuge, the Charon's Garden Wilderness Area is home to intermediate hiking trails that weave between-and hop over- giant rocks in addition to offering great views of gorges and wide valleys.

Hood River has been called the "world capital of windsurfing" and the stretch of Columbia River near the town is almost always filled with both windsurfers and kitesurfers. Join them for an incomparable adrenaline rush.

Home to over 20 named cascades, this state park is a waterfall-lovers dream come true. Find your favorite during a romp on the Falls Trail System, which shows off the best the park has to offer including the giant 94-foot tall Ganoga Falls.

They don't call it the Ocean State for nothing. Nope, whether you explore the shoreline in a kayak, sailboat or surfboard, there's only one way to properly get to know Rhody: from the sea.

Hunting Island is the Palmetto State's most popular state park and standing on the shore absorbing the sun while the balmy breezes blow here is just about as good as it gets. After you hit the beach, have a look at the unique saltwater lagoon and historic lighthouse.

The beguiling Black Hills region is a mecca for motorcycle riders, most famously each summer at the Sturgis motorcycle rally. Even if you prefer four wheels, join the riders on a tour of the hills that culminates in a visit to Mount Rushmore.

When it came time to choose a spot to host the whitewater events at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, they choose to head north to Ocoee River near Chattanooga. This river is widely considered to be one of the best runs in the country and is perfect for everyone from weekend warriors to experts.

Located in the far reaches of West Texas, Big Bend National Park is one of the nation's most bewitching places. Known for wide-open spaces and rocky canyons, the real show happens after dark. Stay the night to see how many thousands of stars you can spot.

A magical place where spindly hoodoos stand sentry inside the massive natural amphitheaters next to pines, this place is like nowhere else on the continent. Consider Bryce Canyon the epitome of Utah's travel slogan "Life Elevated".

This heavenly body of water owns a rich heritage when it comes to American history and trade, but the best way to enjoy it today is by simply sitting on the shore (or on a boat) while you watch your worries slip away into the water.

Virginia owns more Appalachian Trail mileage than any other state and hitting this iconic pathway for the day is a thrill and will give you a sample of what "thru-hikers" experience on their epic journey. McAfee Knob makes for a memorable trek and rewards hikers with sweeping views.

Spotting the state's tallest mountain in its namesake national park is always a thrill as it serves as the most majestic of backdrops for an endless array of outdoor activities. Things are especially charming in summer when wildflowers populate the park.

The dramatic New River Gorge was crafted by one of the oldest rivers in North America and is now the centerpeice of the country's newest national park. This playground is home to endless whitewater rafting and hiking opportunities in addition to historical sights and of course the iconic New River Gorge Bridge.

Hit the water to appreciate the beauty of the Apostle Islands and from the comfort of your kayak or lake cruiser, you'll be able to fully admire the sea caves, cliffs and lighthouses that populate these isles. For the full experience, book a camping spot on the islands.

Waterfalls. Geysers. Hot springs. Lakes. It's all here. Yes, Yellowstone is the original and still arguably the best national park in the nation and there's no better experience in the Cowboy State than coming face to face with the geological grandeur that has since made it a household name around the globe.