Active adventures can be enjoyed all over the USA. It is a country absolutely packed full of outdoors goodness, just waiting to be explored! In fact, It ranks as one of the most popular countries in the world for people looking to get active in. It offers all the active adventures you could ever want, for example:
Fancy surfing crystal clear waves? No problem! Skiing down pristine slopes of powdery snow? Got it! Zip Line across the Grand Canyon more your thing? You can do it here! Or maybe a relaxing stroll through a peaceful forest is your ideal way to unwind? Come right this way.
But America is big. Real big. It’s the same size as Europe, which is a continent full of countries (this stat blows my mind a little). So where to start, when it comes to planning some active action stateside?
This blog article is the perfect place to start, of course!
In this blog I’m going to helpfully chop the USA up into regions. Once chopped up, I will provide an overview of the type of active adventures that can be found in each region. For each area, I will provide a snapshot of what to expect, including some adventure inspiration.
INTRODUCING: THE REGIONS
In this article, I’ve split down the good ol’ USA into the following 8 regions:
- The Deep South
- California
- The Rockies
- Alaska
- North East
- Pacific Northwest
- Southwest
- Mid-West
For each, I have provided information that will assist your planning.
REGION 1: THE DEEP SOUTH
Snapshot. The term ‘Deep South’ was first used to describe the states which were most economically dependent on plantations and slavery. There is much history to this part of the country, it combines rich cultural heritage and celebrated food.
Think Jazz, fried chicken, gumbo and paddle steamers cruising down the Mississippi River.
Where? The Deep South is a region of the Southern United States, it includes the following states: Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina, Texas and Florida.
When? Things can get pretty hot and humid in this part of the world, best to avoid July and August if you’re planning to spend extended periods in the outdoors. It can get pretty unbearable during these months. September and October are hurricane season, also best avoided!
The good news is the rest of the year is generally mild and pleasant. The sweet spot is March through to June.
Active inspiration in the Deep South
This is region is often overlooked when it comes to active adventures. But ignore it at your peril. If you scratch a little deeper beneath the surface, there are a range of outdoor activities to be enjoyed.
Many of the best active options in the Deep South involve water. If that’s your thing, then you are in the right place! Check out the list below for some inspirational goodness:
- Diving in Florida is amongst the best in the Americas, Florida Keys is world famous for diving. Crystal clear water, coral reefs and shipwrecks to be explored in every direction.
- Paddling (paddle board, kayak or canoe) on the Mississippi River. The longest and most iconic river in the United States can be found in this region, the mighty Mississippi. Aim here for almost unlimited paddling options. Maybe even take on its full 2,340 mile length!
- The most popular whitewater rafting in all of America can be found in the very north of the region, in the shape of the Toccoa/Ocoee River. Located in the stunning Appalachian Mountains, you can find rapids galore here.
REGION 2: CALIFORNIA
Snapshot. World famous in its own right, the Golden State is an economic powerhouse. If California was a separate country, it would have the sixth largest economy in the world. It also has an abundance of mountains, deserts, and coasts to explore.
Think sun-kissed beaches, creative local food scene and an adventurous attitude: California is cool.
Where? Located on the Pacific Coast, right over there in the Western USA.
When? The best time to visit California is during its warm, sunny summer. Any time between April and November works well for outdoors adventures. Though perhaps avoid Death Valley during this period, where temperatures can reach a world record breaking 56.7 C (134 F)!
Active inspiration in California
They say that ‘West is Best’! When it comes to active adventures, it’s hard to argue against this. California place has it all, you could spend a lifetime trying out all that this epic state has to offer.
I could write a whole blog article on California alone (and will!), but here are a few ideas to get you in the mood:
- Some of the best surfing on the planet can be found in California, the list includes iconic spots such as Malibu, Santa Cruz and Half Moon Bay. Aim for Southern California (SoCal), you can’t really go wrong!
- The National Parks of California are a hiker’s paradise. Pick one (any one) and get hiking. The scenery is simply outstanding, featuring peaks, canyons, cliffs, domes, rivers, lakes, wildlife, and forests. Yosemite, Joshua Tree, Sequoia, Redwood…the list goes on, and on!
- Staying in the National Parks (why would you ever leave?), Yosemite National Park has been THE international mecca for modern rock climbing since the early 1900s. Climbers flock here from all over the world, grab your climbing chalk and join the flock!
REGION 3: THE ROCKIES
Snapshot. The Rocky Mountains, known as The Rockies, are a massive mountain range. Primarily located in the states of Colorado, Wyoming, Montana and Idaho, it truly is one of the most beautiful mountain ranges on earth.
Think soaring peaks, craft beer and a surprisingly large amount of sunshine all year around.
Where? These epic mountains stretch 3,000 miles in straight-line distance, from the Canadian border in the north to approaching the Mexican border in the south.
When? This is an all year round kinda place! All that changes is the activity. Skiing and mountaineering in the winter, hiking and cycling in the summer.
Active inspiration in The Rockies
Quite remarkable in its diversity, beauty and grandeur, The Rockies delivers endless outdoor adventure opportunities.
With so much nature to explore, the inspiration below is just the tip of the iceberg:
- Home to some of the world’s top ski resort, this region offers huge snowsport variety for skiers and snowboarders alike. If you’re after deep, deep powder, look no further than the Utah resorts of Alta and Snowbird. Pow heaven!
- When the snow melts, a huge mountain bike trail network is revealed. Catering for every experience level, up to and including the world famous Tour Divide event. An annual mountain biking ride traversing the length of The Rockies , from Canada to the Mexican border. It’s 2,745-mile long if you fancy it…?
- In the mountaineering parlance of the Western United States, a fourteener is a mountain peak with an elevation of at least 14,000 ft (4267 m). There are 96 fourteeners in the United States, Colorado has the most (53) of any single state. Time to go climbing!
REGION 4: ALASKA
Snapshot. The state of Alaska is known as ‘The Last Frontier’. Its rugged landscape and climate, coupled with the fact that it is the least densely populated state, has earned it the nickname. You will find only 1 person per square mile here (in New York City you will find 30,000 people per square mile). You can’t come somewhere like this and not have active adventures!
Think big, empty wilderness on a mind-blowing scale. And bears. Think bears!
Where? Alaska is a non-contiguous U.S. state on the northwest extremity of North America. Right up there by Russia.
When? The best time to visit Alaska is during the summer, between May and September. The window for outdoors goodness is relatively short this far north. Unless of course you want to brave the cold, harsh Alaska winter; an extreme challenge!
Active inspiration in Alaska
You are now officially in the big leagues; outdoor activities take serious planning and should not be underestimated. If you’re willing to put the effort in, some of the most stunning wilderness on planet earth is available to you. Once in a lifetime stuff.
- Take a wildlife tour. Grizzly bears, caribou, polar bears, seals and whales are just some of the possibilities. Katmai National Park offers a fantastic opportunity for some bear spotting.
- Deep in the Alaskan wilderness, you can find America’s tallest peak. Coming in at over 20,000 ft, Denali (formerly Mount McKinley) is just one of a number of peaks in the region waiting to be climbed. Don’t forget your crampons.
- Salmon run from mid-May through the end of October on most Alaskan streams and rivers, offering up some of the best fishing anywhere in the world. Head west, way west, to try out some of the famous Aleutian Rivers
REGION 5: NORTH EAST
Snapshot. One of the most historic and culturally rich regions of the USA. This area was one of the earliest English settlements in the “New World” following the arrival of the Pilgrims, who set sail from England aboard the Mayflower in 1620
Think big cities (New York, Boston, Washington DC), clam chowder and Ivy League universities.
Where? Bordering Canada to its north, it spans from New England as far south as Washington, DC.
When? The best time to travel here is during summer and early autumn, between June and October. Summer delivers sunny weather perfect for being outdoors, while the fiery hues of the autumn trees make this a favourite season for people to visit.
Active Inspiration in the North East
Another region which is sometimes overlooked for getting into the outdoor, as many people associate the area with big cities. Instead, this actually makes it one of the best parts of the USA to combine a city break with some active action.
Once you’ve had your fill of skyscrapers, head out of town to discover some amazing nature. It’s closer than you think…
- There are few better ways to take in the stunning autumn scenery of the North East than on two wheels. Grab a bicycle, some snacks and get pedalling. Aim for Vermont to see never ending shades of colour.
- Whale Watching in New England is an unforgettable experience, a host of tour companies are standing by to help you catch a glimpse of a humpback or minke whale.
- The Appalachian Trail is a hiking trail that crosses the region. At 2,200 miles in total length, it is claimed to be the longest hiking-only trail in the world. More than three million people hike segments of the trail each year, join the crowd!
REGION 6: PACIFIC NORTHWEST
Snapshot. The Pacific Northwest, or PNW as it is commonly referred to, is home to a number of world famous companies – including Boeing, Starbucks and Microsoft. Beyond the coffee houses lie acres and acres and acres of bright green forests.
Think lush forests, a pristine coastline, fresh sea food, and a vibrant art scene. And Nirvana. And Jimi Hendrix.
Where? Up in the north-western corner of the USA, between the Pacific Ocean and the Rockies.
When? Fair warning, it rains quite a bit in this part of the world! June to September are generally the best months to visit, summer in the Pacific Northwest is nothing short of magical. The weather tends to be balmy, breezy and dry.
Active inspiration in the Pacific Northwest
There is something about the air in this corner of America, it just tastes so clean and fresh. The chances are that whatever outdoor activity you choose, you will be doing it surrounded by trees. Which is great news, because being around trees is very relaxing.
It’s easy to get close to nature fast in this region, here are a few suggestions to get you started:
- Grab your kayak! Epic sea kayaking awaits all along the coastline, offering a fantastic way to discover this region from a different angle (and maybe spot an orca or two). Aim for the San Juan Islands off the Washington state coast.
- Summer is camping season in this part of the world. Go to Oregon, find a forest (not difficult, most of the state is forest..!), pitch your tent. And breathe! Enjoy crisp, clean air, and trees for as far as the eye can see.
- The PNW is a trail runners paradise, full of miles of twisting trails to explore the backcountry along. Nicknamed the ‘American Alps’, the North Cascades National Park is one of the best places to lace up your running shoes in and hit the trails.
REGION 7: SOUTHWEST
Snapshot. The Southwest is the ultimate playground, luring adventurers with red-rock canyons, Wild West legends and spicy chillies that will burn your mouth! The desert states of Arizona and New Mexico dominate this rugged region.
Think cowboys, cactus and a strong Mexican influence. Great tacos.
Where? Next door to California, paralleling the Mexican border inland.
When? This region gets hot, very hot! To enable outdoor activities without the risk of heat stroke, aim for March to May or September to October as the best months to visit. Temperatures stay relatively high during the winter, making this season another viable option.
Active inspiration in the Southwest
The scenery in this region is unlike anywhere else in the USA, perhaps even the world. At times it feels like you’re on Mars, it’s truly other worldly. The desert feels so vast, with towering sand monoliths and incredible rock formations. A geologist’s paradise!
It is calling out to be discovered and for active adventures to happen:
- Hiking is the way to explore in these parts, with plenty of marked trails to choose from. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, why not take on the 24-mile Rim-to-Rim Hike located in the Grand Canyon. Not to be taken lightly, it’s an epic!
- Channel your inner John Wayne, horse riding around the legendary landscape of Sedona provides unique access to stunning red rock formations. Considered sacred by the indigenous people, there is a definite spiritual vibe here!
- ‘Dispersed camping’ (camping outside of designated campgrounds) is big in the Southwest, and offers a unique opportunity way to spend a night or two. A fantastic way to get away from the noise, for some serious star gazing into the endless night sky.
REGION 8: MID-WEST
Snapshot. This region is vast! Even by US standards. The list of states here is long, get ready…. Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin (Phew, that’s a long list!).
Think Deep pan pizza, iconic sports teams and farms as big as some small countries.
Where? The middle bit of America! Sometimes referred to as the fly over states, because people often fly right over it when travelling ‘coast to coast’.
When? Late May through August is when the weather warms, beaches splash and festivals rock. It’s the best time to see the region in all its glory.
Active inspiration in the Mid-West
Due to the scale, there is plenty of untouched beauty to explore in this region. There are some real hidden gems. Given the vast scale, a whole array of active adventures lay waiting to be discovered by the intrepid traveller:
- Boundary Waters Wilderness Area in northeast Minnesota is a hidden gem. One of America’s most beautiful and remote places, its vast wilderness extends 150 miles along the US-Canada border. By canoe is the best way to see it!
- Often described as ‘Disneyland for mountain bikers’, head to Bentonville, Arkansas. Waiting for you is an extensive network of nearly 70 miles of trails running throughout the city, seamlessly connected to the 400-mile award-winning systems across the bluffs and hollers of Northwest Arkansas.
- Geocaching is often described as an outdoor treasure hunt. Armed with clues and a GPS-enabled device, you seek out small hidden containers. It’s popular in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, which is stunningly beautiful and perfect for exploring.
Conclusion
And so there you have it. When it comes to active adventures, America has it all! The regions of the USA are incredibly diverse, and offer unparalleled opportunities for active adventures. This article aims to help you narrow down where to aim for, as you start to plan your own trip.
Whether you’re aiming for a multi-week expedition into the Alaskan wilderness, or a day trip out of one of the cities with the kids, pick a region and get planning. If I’m being honest, you really can’t go too far wrong.
I’d love to hear about where you’re aiming for. Drop a comment below about your own plans, or throw another option or two into the mix! It’s all about sharing the adventure goodness.
Thanks for reading!