Pinpointing the definitive "best" states for outdoor recreation in the United States is a challenging task, yet one we’ve undertaken. The sheer diversity of landscapes and activities across the nation makes it a subjective pursuit, but certain states consistently rise to the top as havens for outdoor enthusiasts.
It’s crucial to acknowledge that every state, from the smallest to the largest, offers opportunities to connect with nature. The US boasts approximately 6,600 state parks, complemented by a network of national parks stretching from the northern reaches of Maine to the sunny shores of Southern California. This widespread accessibility ensures that no American is ever too far from a natural escape.
However, the states featured below share a common thread: a remarkable variety of outdoor landscapes that foster a diverse range of recreational possibilities. In these destinations, you can seamlessly transition from a challenging hike one day to an exhilarating whitewater rafting adventure the next, followed by a relaxing fishing excursion at a luxurious backcountry lodge. Furthermore, these states boast thriving industries dedicated to supporting outdoor recreation, providing easy access to guides, lodges, outfitters, rental shops, and all the necessary services for a seamless and enjoyable outdoor experience.
While the focus is on outdoor getaways, it’s important to note that you don’t need to be an adrenaline junkie to have a fantastic time. From family-friendly zipline tours and charming dude ranches to leisurely cycle-and-wine routes, these states offer a wide array of activities and accommodations to suit all levels of adventure and comfort. Let’s delve into the top contenders for the top US states for an outdoor getaway.
1. Utah: A Land of Contrasts
Utah’s allure extends far beyond the renowned ski resorts nestled in the mountains near Salt Lake City. Venture beyond the urban center, and you’ll discover vast desert landscapes adorned with some of the most unique rock formations in the country. Utah’s "Big Five" national parks—Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef—warrant several days of exploration. Experience the captivating river canyon trails of Zion, the otherworldly hoodoos of Bryce Canyon, and the awe-inspiring arches that define Arches National Park.
But the adventure doesn’t end with the national parks. Perhaps you’d like to try stand-up paddleboarding in a natural underground hot spring? Or embark on a guided llama trek through the mountains, complete with gourmet fireside meals? Utah offers outdoor adventures for every activity and skill level, from challenging downhill mountain bike trails in Moab to accessible slot canyons perfect for novice hikers.
The ideal time to visit Utah varies significantly depending on your destination, so it’s advisable to check local recommendations for the specific town or region you plan to explore. No doubt this state will be the top US states for an outdoor getaway.
2. California: The Golden State of Adventure
What’s your preferred outdoor activity? Skiing? Surfing? Rock climbing? Mountain biking? Scuba diving? BASE jumping? It doesn’t matter, because California has it all. With 840 miles of coastline, an entire mountain range, and both the highest and lowest points in the continental US (Mount Whitney and Death Valley National Park, respectively), California boasts every type of terrain imaginable for outdoor adventure.
California also holds the distinction of having the most national parks of any state (nine) and some of the only ancient redwood forests in the United States. If you can’t find something to enjoy outdoors in California, it’s on you—especially considering that incredible outdoor destinations like Muir Woods and Idyllwild are within easy reach of the state’s major cities.
3. Alaska: The Last Frontier
While California boasts nine national parks, Alaska comes in a close second with eight. However, in terms of total acreage, Alaska reigns supreme, with over 32 million acres protected within the national park system. From touring glacial fjords to hiking mountain summits, Alaska’s national parks are diverse, wild, and vast.
Beyond national parks, Alaska beckons outdoor enthusiasts with a plethora of opportunities. Travelers can stay at remote eco-camps to observe grizzly bears in their natural habitat, go dogsledding in Nome, mountain bike through historic Gold Rush towns, and witness the mesmerizing northern lights from the comfort of a heated geodesic dome.
Alaska’s dramatic landscapes further enhance the outdoor experience. Due to the state’s immense size and challenging terrain, travel between parks often requires a combination of seaplanes, trains, and ferries. The peak season for visiting Alaska is late summer (July and August), and many non-snow-related activity operators close between October and May.
4. Tennessee: More Than Just Music
Beyond its renowned country music scene and lively honky-tonk bars, Tennessee is a hidden gem for outdoor adventure, largely thanks to the Great Smoky Mountains. Nature lovers can chase waterfalls, embark on multi-day whitewater rafting tours to secluded beachside campsites, or hike sections of the iconic Appalachian Trail. Fly-fishing is also a popular pastime in Tennessee, thanks to the state’s three major river systems: the Mississippi, Cumberland, and Tennessee.
Tennessee is particularly well-suited for family-friendly outdoor experiences, offering a variety of activities that are engaging but not overly extreme. Families can enjoy ziplining and riding a mountain coaster in Gatlinburg, or take a glass-roofed train through the scenic Hiwassee River gorge. Glamping and treehouse resorts are popular accommodation options in Tennessee, providing an opportunity to immerse yourself in nature without sacrificing comfort. Unique lodging choices include a Conestoga wagon and a treehouse resort near Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The top US states for an outdoor getaway is a good title that suites this state.
5. Vermont: A Wilderness Escape
If you crave adventure but dislike large crowds and high prices, Vermont might be the perfect summer destination for you. While it’s also stunning in winter, the crowds tend to be larger due to the state’s renowned ski resorts, considered some of the best east of the Rocky Mountains.
In summer, Vermont transforms into a seemingly endless wilderness where you can enjoy the solitude of nature. Hike the 273-mile Long Trail, paddle on Lake Champlain, or hit the downhill bike park at Killington Mountain Resort. You can also road bike between the state’s numerous breweries (over 50) or attend one of the hundreds of outdoor festivals in charming downtown Burlington.
If you plan to visit in winter and need a break from skiing or snowboarding, you’re in luck. You can enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, take snowmobile tours, learn to tap trees for maple syrup, try ice carving in Stowe, or experience the thrill of fat-biking. You can even stay at the Trapp Family Lodge, owned by the Trapps of "The Sound of Music" fame.
6. Washington: The Evergreen State
Washington State, the northernmost state in the Pacific Northwest, is a truly enchanting destination. From the eco-lodges and whale watching opportunities in the San Juan Islands to the river floating and mountain towns of the northeastern region, it’s a breathtaking place for outdoor adventurers to spend a week.
Hikers will be delighted to discover that Washington boasts three national parks, one of which (Olympic National Park) encompasses the Hoh Rainforest, one of the few temperate rainforests in the continental US and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
North of the Hoh Rainforest lies the San Juan Islands, renowned for orca sightings, island eco-lodges, and remote fishing and paddling camps accessible only by seaplane or ferry. To the east, you’ll find North Cascades National Park and the Mount Baker/Snoqualmie National Forest, both offering numerous multi-day backpacking routes and peak-bagging opportunities. On the other side of the mountains, you can enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, and camping with generally smaller elevation changes, making it an ideal location for beginner athletes.
7. Colorado: Rocky Mountain High
Colorado is famous for its incredible skiing, thanks to its numerous massive ski resorts—Vail alone spans over 5,200 acres. Colorado’s cold temperatures and high elevations (over 20 ski resorts have top elevations above 10,000 feet) result in dry, fluffy snow, making powder days a frequent occurrence. Some resorts average over 400 inches of snow per year, and skiing through July 4 is common at Arapahoe Basin. Ouray is also known for its world-class ice climbing.
Summer visitors have just as much to look forward to, from experiencing the Wild West at a ranch near Durango or Crested Butte to exploring historic cowboy towns like Tin Cup and Silverton. Many ski resorts transform into mountain bike and hiking destinations in the summer, and the area around Grand Junction is popular for renting bikes and cycling between wineries and orchards.
If you have a national parks pass, be sure to visit Rocky Mountain National Park, which features over 350 miles of hiking and backpacking trails and stunning high-altitude campsites. And skiers don’t have to change gears in the summer; sandboarding is a popular activity at Great Sand Dunes National Park. The lesser-known Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is rarely crowded, even on summer weekends.
8. New Mexico: The Land of Enchantment
New Mexico lives up to its nickname, "The Land of Enchantment," with its abundance of geological wonders.
The state’s Guadalupe Mountains are home to Carlsbad Caverns National Park, an epic site for cave exploration. It features the largest cave chamber in the country, measuring 4,000 feet long. Due to the cave system’s vastness, even those with a touch of claustrophobia will find plenty of areas to explore. For a more strenuous experience, take the tour through Slaughter Canyon.
If you prefer to stay above ground, head to Taos for skiing or hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing in the summer, or spend the day soaking and swimming at a natural hot springs resort in Santa Fe. New Mexico also offers numerous golf courses, and its several internationally recognized Dark Sky Parks host astronomy events and moonlight hikes throughout the summer. New Mexico is a true year-round destination, although it can be extremely hot in the summer for hiking and camping at lower elevations.
9. West Virginia: Wild and Wonderful
With the addition of the country’s newest state park, a relatively small population, affordable hotels, and plenty of remote places to play, West Virginia’s appeal for outdoor activities is no longer a secret.
In addition to the hiking, whitewater rafting, and camping available in New River Gorge National Park, West Virginia’s small towns offer a wide range of outdoor experiences. Rock climbing and paddling (including kayaking, paddleboarding, and rafting) are popular sports, and there are many places for beginners to get started.
West Virginia is also home to a variety of eco- and nature resorts, from those focused on paddling to those that blend luxury into the outdoors. Because the state is relatively uncrowded, peaceful activities like bird watching, foraging, forest bathing, and fishing are also popular. The top US states for an outdoor getaway is right here.
10. Wisconsin: The Badger State
While Michigan often receives more attention in the Midwest for outdoor travel, Wisconsin offers its own outdoor wonderland with a wide range of activities. The college town of Madison is one of the most active cities in the Midwest, with over 200 parks, numerous long running and cycling paths, and kayak/paddle trails on the river through the heart of downtown.
Heading north from Madison, you’ll discover Door County, which covers a peninsula in Lake Michigan and features charming waterfront villages like Egg Harbor and Sturgeon Bay. Further north lies Apostles Island National Lakeshore, renowned for its cliffside kayaking and island campsites, many of which are accessible only by canoe or kayak.
Wisconsin’s heartland also offers plenty to do, from fishing and ATV tours to hiking trails, wilderness resorts, and numerous farms and orchards where families can enjoy the outdoors. It’s best to visit between late spring and mid-autumn unless you’re prepared for snow.
