Explore the Best Outdoor Adventures in Every U.S. State

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From the arid deserts of Arizona to the rugged coastlines of Maine, and from the sunny shores of Florida to the towering peaks of Colorado, the United States boasts an astonishing variety of natural landscapes. The recently published National Geographic book, “Great Outdoors USA: 1,000 Adventures Across All 50 States,” unveils an array of ways to experience these diverse environments, whether you’re into hiking, rafting, climbing, surfing, or biking. Here, we present 50 of its top recommendations, one for each state.

Discover epic escapades in the following regions: Northeast, Southwest, Southeast, Midwest, and West.

Northeast

Maine: Embark on a Crowd-Free Coastal Hike

For a coastal hiking experience that rivals those in Acadia National Park but without the tourist crowds, set your sights on Bald Mountain Trail. This 3.4-mile loop trail leads to the summit, offering breathtaking 180-degree views of Penobscot Bay. On a clear day, you can gaze upon Rockport to the south, Acadia to the east, and numerous islands in between.

New Hampshire: Trek from Hut to Hut

High in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, you’ll find eight backcountry hostels that warmly welcome hikers with hearty meals and cozy bunks. Operating for over a century, these huts are spread across Franconia Notch State Park and the Carter-Moriah Range. They serve as convenient waystations amidst alpine tundra, ridge trails, and cascading waterfalls.

Vermont: Glide Through a Lakeside Winter Wonderland

Each winter, Lake Morey Resort near Fairlee, Vermont, transforms into a magical winter playground. The Lake Morey Skate Trail, a 4.3-mile icy path along the shoreline, allows you to skate amidst pine forests where bald eagles occasionally roost. Bring your skates or rent a pair from the resort for an unforgettable winter adventure.

New Jersey: Follow the Flight of Birds and Butterflies in Cape May

In September and October, the charming Victorian beach town of Cape May, New Jersey, becomes a migratory hub. Tens of thousands of monarch butterflies journey through on their way to Mexico for the winter, offering a mesmerizing sight. You can witness this natural spectacle from the Garrett Family Preserve, which is also an ideal spot for observing the fall and spring bird migrations.

Connecticut: Ski in the Birthplace of Artificial Snow

With a 650-foot vertical drop, Connecticut’s Mohawk Mountain Ski Area may seem modest, but its eight chairlifts provide access to 26 exhilarating trails. Many of these trails are illuminated, allowing for night skiing. As you ascend toward the summit, you’ll find trails connecting to snowshoe and cross-country ski paths that lead deeper into Mohawk State Forest.

Rhode Island: Set Sail Like an America’s Cup Racer

Rhode Island, known as the home of the America’s Cup, invites visitors to experience the thrill of sailing. Charter a sailboat with America’s Cup Charters in Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay. On a two-hour outing, you can help raise the sails and navigate, or simply relax while passing by sandy coves, estuaries, and historic mansions. The three-hour adventure even reenacts the famous sailing race, providing a taste of the high-seas competition.

Massachusetts: Spend the Night in a Lighthouse

For a unique overnight experience, book a stay at the Borden Flats Lighthouse in Massachusetts’ Taunton River. This striped, sparkplug-style tower was constructed in 1881 to guide ships through the relatively shallow waters of Mount Hope Bay, near Fall River. Be sure to book well in advance to secure your self-catering apartment with stunning views.

New York State: Cycle to Vineyards in the Finger Lakes

The Finger Lakes region in upstate New York, shaped by glaciers thousands of years ago, is famous for its wineries and picturesque water views. Cyclists can craft their own routes, exploring dozens of wineries, or opt for guided tours provided by operators like Carolina Tailwinds or Wilderness Voyageurs.

Delaware: Witness a Spectacular Crab Convention

Delaware Bay is home to the world’s largest concentration of horseshoe crabs. Every spring, typically in May and June, these ancient arachnids emerge from their winter slumber on submerged continental shelves to lay eggs along Delaware’s shores. The best viewing spots include Woodland Beach and Bowers Beach in Kent County, especially during high tide, sunset, and when a new or full moon coincides.

Pennsylvania: Get a Bird’s-Eye View of Migrating Hawks

Each fall, around 18,000 raptors pass through Pennsylvania’s Hawk Mountain area as they journey south. Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, the world’s first sanctuary for birds of prey, boasts ten lookouts connected by hiking trails. Knowledgeable interpreters help visitors identify different species. The North Lookout, with its rocky ledges, provides some of the best seats in the house, while the Silhouette Trail offers ADA-accessible access to the South Lookout. Windy days tend to be the most productive, with birds in flight from dawn to dusk.

Continue your adventure in the Southwest, Southeast, Midwest, or West.

Southwest

New Mexico: Soak in the Warm Waters of Jemez Springs

The “Land of Enchantment” is blessed with thermal waters, including the bubbling, mineral-rich pools of Jemez Springs Bath House. Nearby, Spence Hot Springs offers a more rugged experience with a natural rock pool nestled in a pine forest.

Arizona: Seek Solitude in the Desert

The vast Arizona Strip, covering over 7,811 square miles in the northern part of the state, offers stunning canyons and desert landscapes. The best way to explore this region is on foot or via four-wheel drive vehicles, as many trailheads are located at the end of rough roads. Venturing into the remote Grand Canyon–Parashant National Monument will reward you with breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon from Whitmore Canyon, Kelly Point, and Twin Point overlooks.

Oklahoma: Explore a Bat Cave

Alabaster Caverns State Park in Oklahoma features a unique cave system formed from a rare type of gypsum. It’s the only cave of its kind in the U.S. Guided tours take visitors into the depths, where selenite crystals glisten like stars, and a stream flows through the length of the cave. Tours run from April through October to protect hibernating bats. For the more experienced, the park also offers access to four “wild” caves (permits required), ranging in length from 550 to 1,600 feet.

Texas: Stargaze in a Dark Sky Reserve

Texas boasts six International Dark Sky Parks, two Dark Sky Sanctuaries, and even a Dark Sky Community in Dripping Springs. For the ultimate stargazing experience, head to Big Bend National Park. From the Hot Springs Canyon Trail overlooking the Chihuahuan Desert to the wheelchair-accessible Rio Grande Village Nature Trail, you’ll be treated to stunning night views of the Milky Way during the summer months and the Perseid meteor shower in mid-July to mid-August.

Explore more adventures in the Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, and West regions.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of our epic adventure guide, where we’ll unveil thrilling outdoor experiences in the Southeastern and Midwestern states! Get ready to embark on the journey of a lifetime and discover the incredible natural wonders waiting to be explored in every corner of the United States.

Please note that the information provided is subject to change, so be sure to check with local authorities and organizations for the most up-to-date details on these adventures.

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More about Outdoor Adventures

• National Geographic’s Great Outdoors USA