Outdoor Activities
It's warming up.  Let's go outside!

No matter where you live, almost anytime, outdoors is available just outside your door.  Whether you're a nature enthusiast or someone simply looking to enjoy the fresh air, there's much to do outside.  Get the scoop on some favorite things to do outdoors and share!

 

Hiking

Grab enough water, wear comfortable and weather appropriate clothing, along with any needed covering like sunscreen and be on your way.  Hiking is one of the most accessible outdoor activities. You may have interesting trails near your home, or have access to local parks or nature reserves, don’t delay, get moving to enjoy the beauty of your natural surroundings.  If you decide to hike in remote areas or indulge in multi-day treks, don’t forget to tell someone where you’re going and keep an ability to always make a phone call and keep emergency contact information on you, too.

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According to Grayson Haver Currin at Outside

The 10 Most Beautiful Hikes in the U.S.

Black Elk Peak, South Dakota

Length: 7 – 13 Miles

Duration: One day

Elevation: Climbing and descending, mostly accommodating grades

Best Start Location: Sylvan Lake Parking Lot

Attributes: Region rich with geologic oddities with uplifted zone of ancient granite

 

Coyote Buttes North: The Wave, Arizona

Length: 6 – 10 Miles

Duration: One day

Elevation: Steady with some steep climbs

Best Start Location: Wire Pass Trailhead

Attributes: Surreal and surprising intricacies

 

The First 30 Miles of the Florida Trail, Florida

Length: 30.6 Miles

Duration: 2-3 days

Elevation: Flat

Best Start Location: Oasis Visitor Center, Big Cypress National Preserve

Attributes: Murky swamps, pine glades and prairies

 

Franconia Ridge Loop, New Hampshire

Length: 9 Miles

Duration: Half day

Elevation: Steep climb, rolling ridge

Best Start Location: Lafayette Place Campground, Franconia Notch State Park

Attributes: Mountain climbing with peaks

 

The Grand Canyon:  Rim-to-Rim, Arizona

Length: 20-30 Miles

Duration: 1-3 days

Elevation: Steep climb

Best Start Location: North Kaibab Trailhead

Attributes: Two-billion years of geologic history

 

Longs Peak: The Keyhole, Colorado

Length: 14 Miles

Duration: One day

Elevation: Steep climb

Best Start Location: Longs Peak Trailhead

Attributes: Significant mountain climbing

 

Lost Coast Trail, California

Length: 25 Miles

Duration: 2-4 days

Elevation: Mostly gentle, steep terrain nearby

Best Start Location: Mattole Beach Campground

Attributes: Natural beauty maintained

 

Max Patch, North Carolina

Length: 1-5 Miles

Duration: 1 Hour

Elevation: Stoll with a bit of steep areas

Best Start Location: Max Patch Road

Attributes: Short walk offers expansive view of Appalachia

 

Pacific Crest Trail, California, Oregon and Washington

Length: 2,655 Miles

Duration: 3-6 Months

Elevation: Rarely daunting

Best Start Location: Sothern Terminus, Campo, CA

Attributes: 3 iconic long trails

 

Teton Crest Trail, Wyoming

Length: 35 - 40 Miles

Duration: 2-4 days

Elevation: Occasionally steep climbs

Best Start Location: Phillips Bench Trailhead

Attributes: Accessible peaks near airport and town