The 9 Most Outdoor-Obsessed States

There’s something about stepping outside that resets the mind and soul. It could be a quick walk around the block, a weekend camping trip, or a powder day in the mountains. Depending on where you live, you may be more into outdoor adventure than others and there are some states take their love of the outdoors to another level.

To see which states in the nation are the most adventure-hungry, travel brand KÜHL dug into Google search data from August 2024 to August 2025, analyzing interest in 14 outdoor activities across all 50 states and adjusting the results per 100,000 residents. The results show not only which states are the most outdoor-obsessed overall, but also which activities define their local passions.

Camping topped the national list, but winter sports made a strong showing as well. Vermont stood out for skiing and snowboarding, while western states like Colorado, Utah, and Montana also saw high levels of interest in snow sports. See below for the nine most outdoor obsessed states.

Starting the list is New Hampshire with 6,309 searches per 100,000 residents. New Hampshirites are drawn to the outdoors because the state offers a mix of mountains, lakes, and forests that make year-round recreation easy and accessible. From skiing in the White Mountains to hiking along the Appalachian Trail or paddling in its many lakes, New Hampshire locals embrace every opportunity to stay active outside.

In Utah, there were 6,535 searches per 100,00 residents to put it in eighth place. Utahns are drawn to the outdoors by the state’s dramatic landscapes, from red rock canyons to towering mountain peaks, offering endless opportunities for adventure. Whether it’s skiing in the Wasatch Range, hiking in Zion, or mountain biking in Moab, outdoor activities are a central part of everyday life in Utah.

Washington had 6,706 searches per 100,000 residents, good enough for seventh place. Washingtonians are surrounded by natural playgrounds, from the snow-covered peaks of the Cascades to the rugged Pacific coastline, making outdoor adventure part of daily life. Whether it’s skiing at Crystal Mountain, hiking in Olympic National Park, or kayaking in Puget Sound, people in Washington embrace the outdoors year-round.

With 6,778 searches per 100,000 residents, Wyoming comes in at sixth place. People in Wyoming are drawn to the outdoors by the state’s wide-open landscapes, from the jagged peaks of the Tetons to the vast prairies and high plains. With world-class hunting, fishing, hiking, and access to iconic parks like Yellowstone, spending time outside is simply part of everyday life.

Coming in at number five is Oregon, with 7,035 searches per 100,000 residents. Oregonians are drawn outside by the state’s dramatic mix of landscapes, from misty coastlines and towering forests to volcanic peaks and desert plateaus. With endless opportunities for hiking, skiing, fishing, and camping, outdoor adventure is woven into everyday life in Oregon.

Montana takes fourth place with 7,069 searches per 100,000 residents. Montanans are surrounded by vast wilderness, from Glacier National Park to the Yellowstone backcountry, which makes outdoor adventure part of daily life. Hunting, fishing, camping, and exploring wide-open spaces are more than hobbies here—they’re woven into the culture and identity of the state.

Colorado secures third place, with 7,272 searches per 100,000 residents. Coloradans are drawn outside by the state’s towering mountains, endless trails, and world-class skiing, which make outdoor recreation a way of life rather than just a hobby. With 300 days of sunshine a year and quick access to everything from hiking and biking to snow sports, it’s easy to see why residents spend so much of their time in nature.

Hawaii comes in at second place with 7,796 searches per 100,000 residents. Hawaiians live in a place where the outdoors is part of daily life, from surfing world-class waves to hiking lush volcanic trails. With year-round warm weather and stunning natural beauty, it’s no wonder residents embrace an active lifestyle that keeps them connected to the land and sea.

Logging 8,515 searches per 100,000 residents, Vermont’s mix of mountains, forests, and lakes makes it a year-round playground for outdoor enthusiasts. From skiing and snowboarding in the winter to hiking, camping, and kayaking in the summer, its long tradition of outdoor recreation, including the country’s oldest long-distance hiking trail, cements its reputation as one of the most nature-obsessed states.

From the snowy peaks of Vermont to the sun-soaked beaches of Hawaii, it’s clear that Americans’ love for the outdoors takes many forms. Whether it’s skiing, hiking, paddling, or simply exploring the natural world around them, these top states show how deeply outdoor recreation is woven into daily life. For residents, spending time outside isn’t just a hobby—it’s a way to connect with nature, stay active, and recharge. No matter where you live, there’s inspiration to be found in their passion for adventure.