Here are the best ways to get outdoors in all 50 states

The United States is blessed with diverse landscapes, from rugged mountains and pristine coastlines to vast forests and breathtaking national parks. With outdoor recreation becoming increasingly popular, each state offers unique opportunities for adventure and exploration. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, thrill-seeker, or simply seeking tranquility in the great outdoors, here are the best ways to experience nature in all 50 states:

1. Alabama: Explore the natural beauty of Gulf State Park with its white sand beaches, hiking trails, and opportunities for fishing and wildlife viewing.
2. Alaska: Embark on a wilderness adventure in Denali National Park, home to North America’s tallest peak, diverse wildlife, and scenic hiking trails.
3. Arizona: Discover the iconic red rock formations of Sedona, ideal for hiking, mountain biking, and enjoying stunning desert landscapes.
4. Arkansas: Immerse yourself in the Ozark Mountains, where you can go hiking, camping, fishing, and even enjoy scenic drives along the Pig Trail Scenic Byway.
5. California: Experience the wonders of Yosemite National Park, featuring majestic waterfalls, granite cliffs, and opportunities for rock climbing, hiking, and camping.
6. Colorado: Hit the slopes for world-class skiing and snowboarding in Aspen, Breckenridge, or Vail during the winter months, or explore hiking trails and scenic drives in the summer.
7. Connecticut: Enjoy a peaceful day of kayaking or canoeing along the Connecticut River, surrounded by picturesque landscapes and abundant wildlife.
8. Delaware: Take a leisurely bike ride along the Junction and Breakwater Trail, offering scenic views of coastal marshes and forests.
9. Florida: Discover the diverse ecosystems of Everglades National Park through guided tours, kayaking adventures, and wildlife spotting opportunities.
10. Georgia: Hike to the top of Brasstown Bald, the highest peak in Georgia, for panoramic views of the surrounding Appalachian Mountains and Chattahoochee National Forest.
11. Hawaii: Snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of Hanauma Bay on Oahu or hike to the summit of Diamond Head for breathtaking views of Honolulu and the Pacific Ocean.
12. Idaho: Experience the rugged beauty of Sawtooth National Recreation Area, where you can go hiking, camping, fishing, and boating amidst stunning mountain scenery.
13. Illinois: Explore the scenic trails and limestone bluffs of Starved Rock State Park, offering opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and waterfall sightings.
14. Indiana: Visit Indiana Dunes National Park for sandy beaches, dunes, and hiking trails along the shores of Lake Michigan.
15. Iowa: Discover the tranquility of Effigy Mounds National Monument, featuring ancient Native American burial mounds and scenic overlooks of the Mississippi River.
16. Kansas: Go on a wildlife safari at the Flint Hills Discovery Center or explore hiking trails and nature preserves in the scenic Flint Hills region.
17. Kentucky: Venture into Mammoth Cave National Park, home to the world’s longest cave system, where you can take guided cave tours and enjoy outdoor activities.
18. Louisiana: Kayak through the peaceful swamps and bayous of Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, known for its rich wildlife and cultural heritage.
19. Maine: Experience the rugged coastline of Acadia National Park, offering scenic drives, hiking trails, and ocean views from Cadillac Mountain.
20. Maryland: Explore the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, where you can bike along the towpath, go hiking, and enjoy scenic river views.
21. Massachusetts: Take a scenic drive along Cape Cod’s coastline, visit Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket, and enjoy beaches, lighthouses, and outdoor activities.
22. Michigan: Discover the beauty of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, featuring colorful sandstone cliffs, waterfalls, and opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and camping.
23. Minnesota: Explore the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, a vast wilderness area known for its pristine lakes, canoe routes, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
24. Mississippi: Visit Gulf Islands National Seashore for sandy beaches, historic sites, and outdoor activities such as swimming, boating, and birdwatching.
25. Missouri: Discover the natural wonders of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, where you can float down crystal-clear rivers, go hiking, and explore caves.
26. Montana: Experience the majesty of Glacier National Park, known for its glacier-carved peaks, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife like bears and mountain goats.
27. Nebraska: Explore the unique landscapes of Chimney Rock National Historic Site or go hiking and birdwatching in the scenic Sandhills region.
28. Nevada: Discover the otherworldly beauty of Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, where you can go hiking, rock climbing, and enjoy scenic drives.
29. New Hampshire: Hike to the summit of Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeast, or explore the White Mountains National Forest for outdoor adventures.
30. New Jersey: Visit the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area for hiking, kayaking, and scenic views along the Delaware River and Appalachian Trail.
31. New Mexico: Explore the ancient ruins of Chaco Culture National Historical Park or hike through the dramatic landscapes of White Sands National Park.
32. New York: Experience the natural wonders of Niagara Falls State Park, visit the Adirondack Mountains for hiking and camping, or explore the Finger Lakes region.
33. North Carolina: Discover the beauty of the Blue Ridge Parkway, known for its scenic drives, hiking trails, waterfalls, and panoramic mountain views.
34. North Dakota: Explore Theodore Roosevelt National Park, where you can hike among rugged badlands, spot wildlife like bison and wild horses, and enjoy scenic drives.
35. Ohio: Visit Cuyahoga Valley National Park for hiking, biking, and exploring waterfalls, forests, and the historic Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail.
36. Oklahoma: Discover the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge for hiking, wildlife viewing, and exploring rugged landscapes and unique rock formations.
37. Oregon: Explore the diverse landscapes of Crater Lake National Park, the Columbia River Gorge, or the Oregon Coast for hiking, scenic drives, and outdoor adventures.
38. Pennsylvania: Hike the Appalachian Trail, visit Valley Forge National Historical Park, or explore the natural beauty of the Pocono Mountains and waterfalls.
39. Rhode Island: Enjoy coastal hikes, beachcombing, and scenic views along the Cliff Walk in Newport or visit wildlife refuges and state parks for outdoor activities.
40. South Carolina: Discover the beauty of Congaree National Park, known for its old-growth forests, kayaking trails, and diverse wildlife.
41. South Dakota: Visit Badlands National Park for dramatic landscapes, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing, or explore the iconic Mount Rushmore National Memorial.
42. Tennessee: Hike to waterfalls in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, explore the scenic trails of the Appalachian Trail, or visit Ruby Falls and Lookout Mountain.
43. Texas: Experience the vastness of Big Bend National Park, the Guadalupe Mountains, or explore the Gulf Coast for beaches, birdwatching, and outdoor activities.
44. Utah: Discover the stunning rock formations of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, hike in Zion National Park, or explore the scenic beauty of Bryce Canyon.
45. Vermont: Enjoy outdoor activities in the Green Mountains, visit Lake Champlain for water sports, or explore charming towns and scenic landscapes.
46. Virginia: Hike the Appalachian Trail, explore Shenandoah National Park, or visit historic sites and outdoor attractions throughout the state.
47. Washington: Discover the beauty of Olympic National Park, Mount Rainier National Park, or explore the San Juan Islands for outdoor adventures and scenic views.
48. West Virginia: Go whitewater rafting on the New River Gorge, hike in the Appalachian Mountains, or explore state parks and forests for outdoor activities.
49. Wisconsin: Visit Apostle Islands National Lakeshore for kayaking and island exploration, hike in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, or enjoy outdoor adventures.
50. Wyoming: Experience the wonders of Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, or go hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing in the scenic Wyoming landscapes.

No matter which state you choose to explore, the United States offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventure, from national parks and scenic trails to waterways and natural wonders. Get ready to pack your bags, lace up your hiking boots, and experience the best of nature in all 50 states!