As 2024 unfolds, outdoor sports enthusiasts are gearing up for another exciting year of adventure and physical challenge. From classic pastimes to emerging trends, the USA offers a vast array of outdoor sports that cater to every taste and skill level. Whether you’re looking for adrenaline-pumping action or serene nature experiences, here’s a list of the top 25 outdoor sports activities to try in 2024.
1. Hiking
Highlights:
- Popular destinations: Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, Zion National Park
- Best for: All ages and skill levels
- Gear needed: Sturdy boots, hiking packs, map or GPS
Highlights:
- Popular destinations: Yosemite National Park, Red River Gorge, Joshua Tree National Park
- Best for: Adventure seekers and fitness enthusiasts
- Gear needed: Climbing shoes, harness, helmet, ropes
Highlights:
- Popular destinations: Moab (Utah), Bentonville (Arkansas), Crested Butte (Colorado)
- Best for: Thrill-seekers and fitness buffs
- Gear needed: Mountain bike, bags, helmet, protective gear
4. Kayaking
Highlights:
- Popular destinations: Colorado River, Lake Tahoe, Florida Keys
- Best for: Water lovers and explorers
- Gear needed: Kayak, paddle, stabilizer, life jacket
Highlights:
- Popular destinations: Pacific Northwest trails, Great Smoky Mountains, Sedona (Arizona)
- Best for: Runners looking for a scenic challenge
- Gear needed: Trail running shoes, hydration
6. Surfing
Highlights:
- Popular destinations: Huntington Beach (California), North Shore (Hawaii), Outer Banks (North Carolina)
- Best for: Ocean enthusiasts and adrenaline junkies
- Gear needed: Surfboard, wetsuit
Highlights:
- Popular destinations: Aspen (Colorado), Park City (Utah), Lake Tahoe (California/Nevada)
- Best for: Winter sports fans
- Gear needed: Skis/snowboard, helmet, snow gear
Highlights:
- Popular destinations: Lake Powell (Arizona/Utah), Charleston (South Carolina), Miami (Florida)
- Best for: Water sport enthusiasts and fitness fans
- Gear needed: Paddleboard, stabilizer, paddle, life jacket
9. Scuba Diving
Highlights:
- Popular destinations: Florida Keys, Channel Islands (California), Maui (Hawaii)
- Best for: Underwater explorers and marine life lovers
- Gear needed: Scuba gear, certification
10. Zip Lining
Highlights:
- Popular destinations: Great Smoky Mountains (Tennessee), Hocking Hills (Ohio), Oahu (Hawaii)
- Best for: Thrill-seekers
- Gear needed: Harness, helmet
11. Camping
Highlights:
- Popular destinations: Yellowstone National Park, Grand Canyon, Adirondacks
- Best for: Nature lovers and families
- Gear needed: Tent, sleeping bag, cooking equipment
12. Horseback Riding
Highlights:
- Popular destinations: Montana ranches, Kentucky horse country, Big Bend National Park (Texas)
- Best for: Animal lovers and adventurers
- Gear needed: Riding boots, helmet
13. Fishing
Highlights:
- Popular destinations: Gulf of Mexico, Great Lakes, Montana rivers
- Best for: Relaxation and sport fishers
- Gear needed: Fishing rod, bait, tackle
Highlights:
- Popular destinations: Colorado River, Gauley River (West Virginia), Snake River (Wyoming)
- Best for: Adrenaline junkies and water enthusiasts
- Gear needed: Raft, paddle, life jacket
15. Paragliding
Highlights:
- Popular destinations: San Bernardino Mountains (California), Lookout Mountain (Georgia), Point of the Mountain (Utah)
- Best for: Aerial adventure seekers
- Gear needed: Paraglider, helmet, harness
Highlights:
- Popular destinations: Napa Valley (California), Albuquerque (New Mexico), Sedona (Arizona)
- Best for: Scenic flight lovers
- Gear needed: Balloon ride service
17. Golf
Highlights:
- Popular destinations: Pebble Beach (California), Augusta (Georgia), Pinehurst (North Carolina)
- Best for: Sports enthusiasts and nature lovers
- Gear needed: Golf clubs, golf balls, accessories
18. Sailing
Highlights:
- Popular destinations: Chesapeake Bay (Maryland/Virginia), Newport (Rhode Island), San Juan Islands (Washington)
- Best for: Water enthusiasts and adventurers
- Gear needed: Sailboat, life jacket
19. Snowshoeing
Highlights:
- Popular destinations: Adirondacks (New York), Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado), Lake Tahoe (California/Nevada)
- Best for: Winter hikers and explorers
- Gear needed: Snowshoes, warm clothing
20. Windsurfing
Highlights:
- Popular destinations: Hood River (Oregon), Cape Cod (Massachusetts), Maui (Hawaii)
- Best for: Water sport adventurers
- Gear needed: Windsurf board, sail, life jacket
21. Caving (Spelunking)
Highlights:
- Popular destinations: Mammoth Cave (Kentucky), Carlsbad Caverns (New Mexico), Lava Beds National Monument (California)
- Best for: Underground explorers and adventure seekers
- Gear needed: Helmet, headlamp, sturdy boots
22. Archery
Highlights:
- Popular destinations: Local archery ranges, national parks with archery facilities
- Best for: Precision sports enthusiasts
- Gear needed: Bow, arrows, bags, target
23. Disc Golf
Highlights:
- Popular destinations: Courses across local parks and recreation areas
- Best for: Casual sports enthusiasts and families
- Gear needed: Disc golf discs, pack to hold supplies, basket
24. Beach Volleyball
Highlights:
- Popular destinations: Coastal beaches like Manhattan Beach (California), South Beach (Florida), Virginia Beach
- Best for: Team sports lovers and beachgoers
- Gear needed: Volleyball, net
25. Geocaching
Highlights:
- Popular destinations: Nationwide in parks and urban areas
- Best for: Adventure seekers and families
- Gear needed: GPS device or smartphone
These 25 outdoor sports activities offer a mix of adrenaline, fitness, and nature appreciation that can suit a wide range of interests and fitness levels. Whether you’re an avid outdoor enthusiast or just looking to try something new, 2024 is the perfect year to explore the great outdoors in the USA.
Happy adventuring, friends!
Disclaimer: Duluth Pack is not held liable for the list of recommendations per outdoor sport. Always be safe, and cautious, and use multiple sources and guides to insure you are using the proper safety equipment and best practices.Â