This New England State Was Just Named the Most Outdoorsy Destination in the U.S.

"In September, the outdoor adventure website Kühl released its list of the most outdoorsy states in the U.S. To understate which state loves to get out for a hike, bike, or a camp most, the team analyzed Google search data for 14 outdoor activities, including fishing, backpacking, birding, skiing, swimming, and kayaking, across each state between August 2024 to August 2025. It then adjusted the results per 100,000 residents to accurately compare populations."

"The totals were then used to determine the most outdoorsy state of all-an award that went to Vermont. "Vermont's search activity reflects the state's culture and traditional connection to the outdoors, so it's no surprise it ranks as the nation's most outdoorsy state, with 8,515 searches per 100,000 residents," the findings revealed. "Even as home to the nation's oldest long-distance hiking route, Vermontians showed the most interest in skiing, camping, and kayaking.""

"Following closely behind the Green Mountain State is Hawaii, with 7,796 searches per 100,000 residents. "The state's tropical climate and geography create year-round opportunities for lots of outdoor activities like hiking volcanic trails, morning kayaking to sheltered bays, and surfing the biggest waves you've ever seen," the team shared. "That high level of search interest goes hand-in-hand with Hawaiians' reputation for an active, outdoor-oriented way of life.""

Google search data for 14 outdoor activities across each U.S. state from August 2024 to August 2025 were analyzed and adjusted per 100,000 residents. Vermont ranked first with 8,515 searches per 100,000 residents, showing the strongest interest in skiing, camping, and kayaking and reflecting a strong cultural connection to outdoor pursuits and long-distance hiking. Hawaii placed second with 7,796 searches per 100,000, driven by year-round tropical activities such as hiking volcanic trails, kayaking to sheltered bays, and surfing. Colorado rounded out the top three outdoor-oriented states.

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