If you want some thrilling outdoor adventures to take on this year, you’re in for a treat. Whether you’re an adventure lover looking for an adrenaline rush or someone wanting to get to know nature again, there are plenty of activities to push your limits and make memorable experiences.
Hiking adventures, hunting through the wild, food adventures–these will get you into the adventurous spirit!
Hiking With Kids in National Parks
One of the best ways to see nature is to take a backpacking trip in one of the country’s national parks. Places like Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Great Smoky Mountains have trails for beginners and experts alike. A few nights in the woods permit you to be steeped in nature, watch stars, and view wildlife up close.
Whitewater Rafting
Whitewater rafting is an exciting must-experience water sport for enthusiasts. Rivers such as the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon and the Gauley River in West Virginia offer thrilling rapids for a range of skills.
Whether a half-day or multi-day (or more) trip interests you, nothing can compare to barreling through powerful rapids in an adrenaline-pumping, fun adventure.
Big Game Hunting
A time-tested outdoor activity, hunting demands skill, patience, and an understanding of nature. Whether it’s deer, elk, or wild boar you’re tracking, big game hunting provides both a challenge and close ties to the wilderness. To be prepared for hunting, you need the right equipment.
A 12 gauge shotgun is versatile and can be used for several types of hunting, which makes it a popular choice for enthusiasts. Please stay to the law and do ethical hunting.
Rock Climbing and Bouldering
Rock climbing and bouldering are great for an all-over body workout as you push your way (both physically and metaphorically) to new heights. Locations such as Joshua Tree National Park, Red River Gorge, and Acadia National Park cover climbers of all skill levels. If you’re new to the sport, take a guided course to learn the fundamentals of safety and technique.
Off-Roading Adventures
If you’re someone who loves a drive, then there’s nothing like an off-road experience. If you like dirt biking, riding an ATV, or driving a 4×4 on the toughest terrains, you can find adventure trails all over the country. For off-road enthusiasts seeking a thrilling ride, Moab, Utah, and the Black Hills of South Dakota are natural options.
Kayaking
If you’re looking for a more leisurely form of the great outdoors, you can enjoy remote lakes and rivers at your own pace as you paddle around on a kayak. Glide through beautiful waters, navigate nature in its untouched form, and see wildlife on this journey.
Locations such as the Everglades in Florida and Lake Tahoe in California provide an astonishing kayaking experience that can be experienced on your own or in a group.
Camping Under the Stars
There’s nothing quite like camping out under a canopy of stars. Regardless if you choose a primitive campsite in the backcountry or a more developed campground with amenities, camping is a wonderful way to unplug from technology and plug back into the outdoors.
It’s great to cook over an open fire, tell stories by the campfire Drifting off to sleep, waking up to the sounds of nature.
Soar Through Forest Canopies on a Zip Line
If you’ve ever longed to fly through the treetops, zip-lining is an experience not to miss. Many adventure parks and national forests have zip-lining experiences that offer bird’s-eye views across beautiful landscapes. Other geographic features such as the Smoky Mountains and the Hawaiian Islands offer some of the most stunning zip-line courses in the country.
Scuba Diving and Snorkeling
Going on a dive adventure differs from any other adventure. Whether visiting shallow reefs while snorkeling or swimming deep while diving, seeing marine life up close is an experience to remember. The Florida Keys, Hawaii, and the Great Barrier Reef are great locations for scuba diving and snorkeling.
Conclusion
This year is the perfect time to go out of your comfort zone and do something different! Outdoor adventures are a great way to embrace nature and challenge yourself, whether it’s hunting, visiting national parks, or taking a dive in the ocean. So grab your gear, line up your excursions, and buckle up for an epic season of outdoor adventure!
