Top Resources for Outdoor Activities, Adventures, and Excursions in the United States
Introduction
Looking for the best way to find outdoor activities, adventures, and excursions in the United States? This comprehensive guide will explore various resources and methods to help you discover a wide range of outdoor experiences in your area. From group activities to personal adventures, we will highlight the most useful websites and platforms to enhance your outdoor enthusiast journey.
1. Finding Groups and People with Similar Interests
If you are looking to connect with like-minded individuals and join groups dedicated to various outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, climbing, kayaking, and more, consider utilizing online resources and platforms. One highly recommended site is Outdoor Groups, which is extensively used by enthusiasts to find and join groups. This platform caters to a vast array of activities and regions, ensuring that you can find the perfect fit for your interests.
For those based on the East Coast, the Adventures in the National Parks (AMC) offers a robust network of groups and like-minded people exploring nature. Similarly, local REI or EMS outdoor goods stores often host activities and training sessions, providing a community feel and practical knowledge for outdoor adventures.
Outdoor Bounds, a paid service, organizes outdoor activities and events. While they may charge a premium, their well-organized event structure ensures a high-quality experience, making it worth considering for those seeking a more structured approach to outdoor adventures.
2. Explore Free and Comprehensive Platforms
Exvana is a remarkable resource for outdoor adventures. With over 15,000 listings and 75,000 activities in the directory for North America and Canada, it offers a vast selection of opportunities. Being free to use and join, Exvana caters to a wide audience, from individual adventurers to those looking for group activities.
Active Travels, a site specializing in outdoor adventures, has been around for over a decade and has won numerous awards. Known for its comprehensive content, including trips, travel guides, top 10 lists, slideshows, and inspiration, Active Travels is a one-stop resource for outdoor enthusiasts looking for detailed information and expert advice.
Adventurebound, another fantastic platform, offers outstanding content for all outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, backpacking, and even flyfishing. The site features pictures, maps, and insider information generated by seasoned pros in each specific activity. Additionally, Adventurebound crowdsources information about each location, providing reviews, tips, and photos from actual users. This makes it an invaluable tool for discovering hidden gems and planning adventures in a new city or region.
3. Personal Expertise and Blogging
As a former columnist at National Geographic Adventureand author of books for Outsideand Men’s Journal, I specialize in outdoor and adventure travel. For those interested in following a seasoned outdoor enthusiast and learning from personal experiences, my blog at Active Travelsprovides a wealth of information. You can also follow me on Twitter at @ActiveTravels for daily tips and information on exciting places to explore.
Conclusion
Whether you are a seasoned outdoor adventurer or a beginner looking to discover new activities, the resources and platforms mentioned above can help you find the perfect outdoor adventure. From joining groups to exploring comprehensive directories, there are numerous options available to suit your preferences and interests. Happy adventuring!