Walk through any trailhead parking lot or paddle out onto a river launch on a sunny Saturday, and itโs pretty clear – outdoor sports are thriving in the United States.
The countryโs got range: snow-covered peaks, dense forests, coastlines, deserts, and plenty of wide open sky. That variety is part of what makes outdoor sports so enticing here.
And the best part? Thereโs something for every kind of active lifestyle, whether you’re into solo runs, family-friendly campouts, or the kind of adrenaline that requires a helmet and a waiver.
Letโs get into the top outdoor sports fueling Americaโs love for movement in the open air.
1. Running
It doesnโt get more straightforward or popular than running. Around 61 million Americans laced up and hit the pavement, trails, or tracks in 2019, and that number hasnโt exactly dipped since.
Running is portable, affordable, and as intense (or mellow) as you make it. Youโll find weekend warriors jogging through Central Park, ultramarathoners tackling 50-mile trails in Colorado, and beginners doing their first two-mile loop around the neighborhood.
Why it works:
- Zero equipment beyond good shoes
- Excellent for heart health, weight management, and endurance
- Can be social or solitary
Notable Spots:
- Central Park, NYC
- Santa Monica Beach Path, CA
- Mount Tamalpais Trails, CA
For beginners, the secret is not going too hard too fast. Start with short jog-walk intervals and work up. Apps like Strava or Nike Run Club help with pacing and motivation.
2. Hiking
With 49.6 million participants in 2019, hiking is one of the most accessible ways to get active in the outdoors. It offers a full-body workout, plenty of mental clarity, and views that beat any gym wall poster.
The US is stacked with trails for all levels, from beginner-friendly loops to full-blown backpacking treks.
And because hiking doesnโt require expensive gear or a high skill threshold, it draws everyone from solo nature lovers to families with toddlers in carriers.
Why people love it:
- Engages muscles and cardiovascular system without impact overload
- Unplugged time in nature is great for mental health
- Easy to scale based on time, terrain, and fitness
Must-hike locations:
Key tips: get solid shoes (blisters ruin everything), carry water, and donโt forget sunscreen, even if itโs cloudy.
3. Bicycling
Nearly 49 million Americans were cycling in 2019, and itโs safe to say the numberโs even higher now. Whether itโs road biking, gravel riding, or mountain biking, itโs a sport that adapts to wherever you are.
Road cycling boosts cardio and speed. Mountain biking builds strength and handling skills. Commuter biking saves money and the planet, one pedal stroke at a time.
For electricโassist alternatives, check out Heybike for foldable eโbikes that combine commuting convenience with outdoor sport benefits.
What it offers:
- High calorie burn with low joint impact
- Transportation plus recreation
- Great way to explore new areas
Hotspots:
- Moab, UT for mountain biking
- Asheville, NC for mixed terrain
- Portland, OR for urban cycling infrastructure
Helmets arenโt optional. Neither is visibility if youโre riding near traffic. Invest in a good fit for your bike – comfort matters more than most think.
4. Fishing
Fishing doesnโt always get lumped in with โsports,โ but it should. With over 50 million participants, itโs one of the most widely enjoyed outdoor activities in the country.
It may not be cardio-intensive, but it still encourages movement – standing, walking banks, casting, reeling, and it demands patience and focus. For many, itโs the ideal way to stay lightly active while unwinding outdoors.
Why it sticks:
- Low barrier to entry
- Great for stress relief and mental reset
- Accessible to a wide range of ages and physical conditions
Prime locations:
- Great Lakes region
- Gulf Coast, FL and TX
- Yellowstoneโs rivers
Check local regulations and get the right license. And bring more snacks than you think youโll need.
5. Camping
Camping isnโt a โsportโ in the traditional sense, but it plays a supporting role in nearly all of them. Itโs the anchor that lets you extend a hike into an overnight trip or turn a fishing day into a weekend reset.
With 41.7 million people camping in 2019, itโs clear that disconnecting from screens and reconnecting with nature still has major pull.
Why it matters:
- Encourages movement: hiking, swimming, cooking outdoors
- Improves sleep and circadian rhythms
- Supports mental health and family bonding
Top picks:
- Yellowstone, WY
- Olympic National Park, WA
- Shenandoah, VA
Start with car camping if youโre new. Test gear in your backyard before heading out. And always check fire regulations, itโs not worth the fine (or worse).
6. Kayaking
Kayaking offers more than just a view from the water. Itโs a full-body workout thatโs low impact and surprisingly peaceful, unless youโre in rapids, of course.
With over 11 million participants and growing popularity, especially among women, kayaking is no longer a niche sport.
Benefits:
- Builds arm, core, and back strength
- Improves balance and endurance
- Brings access to otherwise unreachable scenery
Great paddle spots:
- Florida Keys
- Colorado River
- Lake Tahoe, CA/NV
Start with flat water. Rent before you buy. And always wear a life jacket, no matter how confident you feel.
7. Rock Climbing
Itโs not just for adrenaline junkies. Rock climbing requires strength, control, and planning, and it offers one of the most satisfying workouts you can get outdoors.
Popular crags like Red River Gorge or Joshua Tree attract climbers from all over the world. Indoor gyms are making it more approachable than ever for beginners.
Why climbers are hooked:
- Builds full-body strength and mental focus
- Progress is easy to measure
- Great sense of community
Gear up with a helmet, shoes, and harness. Start in a gym or with a certified guide if youโre new to outdoor routes.
8. Surfing
Thereโs nothing quite like catching a wave. Surfing sharpens coordination, core strength, and balance. Itโs physical, yes, but itโs also meditative in a way that draws people back again and again.
Itโs a lifestyle for many, not just a workout. Thatโs part of the appeal.
Key perks:
- Works nearly every muscle group
- Deep connection with the environment
- Great calorie burn with short, intense efforts
Surf meccas:
- North Shore, HI
- Malibu, CA
- Outer Banks, NC
Newbies should take a lesson or two. Foam boards are your friend early on, and donโt underestimate the sun. SPF is a must.
9. Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP)
SUP has exploded in popularity over the last decade, and for good reason. Itโs easy to learn, great for core and balance, and calm enough for all ages.
Whether itโs a river, lake, or coastal bay, you can SUP just about anywhere. Itโs one of the most beginner-friendly water sports out there.
Advantages:
- Strengthens abs, arms, and legs
- Relaxing but effective
- Easy to transport and store
SUP-ready locations:
- Lake Powell, AZ/UT
- Charleston waterways, SC
- Lady Bird Lake, Austin TX
A wide board is more stable. Go early to avoid the wind and crowds. And wear a leash, it helps keep your board (and you) safer.
10. Whitewater Rafting
Rafting turns a scenic river into a full-body, adrenaline-pumping challenge. Itโs one of the few sports where teamwork is mandatory and thrilling.
Whether you’re paddling Class II rapids or barreling through Class V beasts, rafting will test your strength, coordination, and grit.
What makes it special:
- High intensity, short bursts
- Builds upper body and teamwork
- Connects you with powerful natural environments
Go-to rivers:
- Arkansas River, CO
- Snake River, WY
- Gauley River, WV
Always go with a licensed outfitter unless youโre experienced. Safety gear isnโt optional. And yes, you will get wet.
11. Trail Running
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For those who like running but want a little more texture (literally), trail running ups the difficultyโand the reward.
Itโs physically demanding and requires more awareness, but it pays off in improved balance, agility, and scenery that never gets old.
Standout features:
- Engages more muscles than road running
- Boosts stability and reaction time
- Gets you off busy streets and into nature
Notable trails:
- Columbia River Gorge, OR
- White Mountains, NH
- Chautauqua Park, Boulder CO
Watch your footing, especially in wet conditions. And bring more water than you would on a flat run.
12. Skimo (Ski Mountaineering)
One of the more niche entries on this list, skimo combines uphill ski climbing with backcountry skiing on the way down. Itโs hard work. Itโs remote. And itโs worth it.
Popular in Colorado, Utah, and the Pacific Northwest, skimo attracts endurance athletes looking for the ultimate test of fitness and self-sufficiency.
What to expect:
- Huge cardio payoff
- Builds leg strength and outdoor survival skills
- Requires specific gear and avalanche knowledge
Itโs not a beginner activity. But for those who already ski and want more of a challenge, skimo opens up a whole new world.
Trends, Safety, and Whoโs Getting Involved
Outdoor sports exploded post-2020, and the momentum hasnโt stopped. More than half of Americans participated in outdoor activities in 2021. Activities like hiking, biking, and running continue to lead, but the real growth is in the diversity of activities and participants.
Women now make up nearly 47% of participants. Gear is getting cheaper. Lessons are more accessible. And more people are prioritizing mental and physical wellness through time outside.
Final Thoughts
The best outdoor sports arenโt about records or intensity. Theyโre about moving, breathing, sweating, and feeling more alive. Whether youโre paddling through misty waters or scrambling up a rocky ridge, the goal is simple: stay active and enjoy the world outside.
So lace up, gear up, or paddle out. The wildโs still out there, and itโs waiting.
