By R. Michael Brown, Writer, Premium Ghostwriter, Professional Adventurer*
This is your story. Your ambition stands at the edge of a mind-blowing mountain, heart – hammering with expectation, and a readiness for the triumph you seek from outdoor adventures and nature.
Your thought-moment isn’t just about the brilliant view.
It’s for the trip you’re about to take, the nerves vs. personal story you crave to make, the hit of dopamine you’re ready to take at your peak, and the anticipated future ventures that are calling you to grow memories.
Go outside and find the world of outdoor adventures. From hiking serene trails and kayaking under tree-tunnels to the adrenaline blast of gravel biking, there’s something for every thrill-seeker and nature lover.
Let’s gear up and embrace the wild — nature’s calling, and it’s time to answer.
Here’s your guide.
Hiking: The Foundation of Outdoor Adventures
Hiking is where many outdoor adventures and nature begin. It’s simple. Lace up a pair of sturdy hiking boots, grab a map, and head out to your local trails.
Your self-made story starts with easy trails to build endurance. Pick a trail that matches your fitness level — like a 2-mile loop at a nearby state park.
Download a trail app like AllTrails to find routes and read reviews from fellow hikers.
Don’t forget essentials: water, snacks, a first aid kit, and a charged phone. Hiking isn’t just a walk in the woods; it’s a chance to explore, discover, and bond with nature.
Before you leave, let someone know when and where you’re going and when you expect to be back.
I started my hiking adventures as a military brat, walking from my home exploring the area as we moved every three to four years in Europe and the U.S. Each time I left the house, I made the trip longer until I was out for the entire day.
“Hiking allows you to disconnect from the daily grind and reconnect with the natural world,” says John Muir, the famed naturalist and “Father of the National Parks.”
Stats
You’re not going to be alone. According to Statista, more than 61 million folks in the United States participated in hiking activities at least once in 2023, which is the highest number recorded since 2010. 55% are male, 45% are female.
Backpacking: Elevate Your Hiking Game
Once you’ve mastered day hikes, consider backpacking. Imagine carrying everything you need on your back, camping under the stars, and waking up to breathtaking views. It’s outdoor adventure and nature on steroids.
To get started, invest in a good backpack — something around 50-70 liters. Learn how to pack efficiently: heavy items close to your back in the bottom toward your hips, lighter items on top. Plan a short overnight trip to test your gear.
Think of essentials: a lightweight tent, sleeping bag, and portable stove. Practice setting up camp in your backyard first. Backpacking turns a simple hike into an immersive, multi-day adventure – and a story added to your memory.
As I have said, let someone know when and where you’re going and when you expect to be back.
After hiking my neighborhoods and local parks, I started backpacking. I saw amazing sights in Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, Appalachia, and Florida. Backpacking in Florida? Yes, the Ocala National Forest has The Florida Trail.
Eventually I used what I learned on those trips when I started working with my camera crew on projects with Discovery Channel. That’s when I became a professional adventurer. I was paid to travel and camp as a writer and producer. It was harder than it looks on TV but afforded some remarkable memories.
“Backpacking is about self-reliance and adventure. It teaches you to be resourceful and appreciate the beauty around you,” says Cheryl Strayed, author of “Wild.”
Stats
The Broke Backpacker reports that there are about 45 million backpacking trips taken annually around the world. Most backpackers are 20-25 years-old. However, I was backpacking in the rainforest in Brazil and in the Galápagos Islands in my forties for work with Discovery. My cameraman was in his sixties! Indeed I’ve run into plenty of backpackers in their thirties, forties, and fifties so don’t let age hold you back!
Kayaking: Paddle Your Way to Adventure
Kayaking offers a brilliant way to explore lakes, rivers, and coastal waters. Start with a sit-on-top kayak—they’re stable and easy for beginners. Rent one from a local outfitter and spend a few hours paddling on a calm lake or stream.
Focus on your paddling technique: use your torso to power your strokes, not just your arms. I have a double pedal kayak. It fits my movement better and is faster than paddling with your arms. Two is better than one. Pedal power!
Wear a personal flotation device (PFD) and bring along essentials like sunscreen, water, and a dry bag for your belongings. As you gain confidence, try longer trips or even whitewater kayaking for an exhilarating experience. Kayaking is both a peaceful escape and a thrilling escapade.
Overnight kayaking is the way to go for seeing the backcountry in Florida. Think of it as backpacking in a boat on rivers, springs, and streams. The hundreds of springs in Florida make this the best way to explore outdoor Florida. You won’t forget the stories you make on these trips.
“Kayaking gives you a different perspective of nature. It’s about finding a rhythm with the water and embracing the tranquility or thrill of the moment,” says Eric Jackson, World Champion kayaker.
Stats
According to Statista, nearly 20 million Americans went kayaking at least once in 2023, which is a continuation of the sport’s increasing popularity since 2010.
Rock Climbing: Reach New Altitudes
Rock climbing is the ultimate test of strength and agility. Start indoors at a climbing gym to learn the basics.
Rent gear initially: climbing shoes, harness, and chalk bag. Join a beginner’s class to understand safety procedures and techniques.
Once you’re comfortable, venture outdoors with a guide. Websites like Mountain Project can help you find climbing spots and routes. Always climb with a buddy and double-check each other’s gear.
Bring plenty of water, snacks, and a first aid kit. Rock climbing is not just about reaching the top; it’s about pushing your limits, making extreme stories, and embracing the climb.
While I’ve never done serious rock climbing, you don’t have to be a mountain climber with all the gear. There are plenty of places that have just hand and foot holds to make climbing easier.
Climbing up Storm Peak in Colorado, traversing the glaciers in Summer, and looking down at the eagles circling in the crevasse below while catching a summit view of Longs Peak, Mt. Meeker, Pagoda Mountain, and the Rocky Mountain Range in the distance was worth the effort. Camping on the glacier streams below was awesome.
“Climbing teaches you to face challenges head-on. Every ascent is a new problem to solve, and the sense of accomplishment at the top is unmatched,” says Alex Honnold, professional rock climber and subject of the documentary “Free Solo.”
Stats
It’s lonely at the top compared to other outdoor adventures and nature. In 2023, the number of participants in indoor climbing in the United States peaked at approximately 6.36 million. The number of participants in climbing (traditional / ice / mountaineering) in the United States amounted to approximately 2.57 million. This was an increase of roughly 4.9 percent from the previous year. -Statista
Camping: Embrace the Wild
Camping allows you to fully immerse yourself in nature. Start with car camping, where you drive to a campsite and set up.
Reserve a spot at a local campground — sites often have amenities like bathrooms and picnic tables. Pack a tent, sleeping bag, camp stove, and cooler with food. Learn how to set up your tent at home before heading out.
Enjoy cooking over an open fire (how I learned to cook), stargazing, and the sounds of the wilderness at night.
For a more rustic experience, try backcountry camping, where you hike, bike, or kayak to your campsites. Camping is about slowing down, disconnecting, and savoring the simplicity of the outdoors. Some of your best stories will be made, and told, around a campfire.
Camping in the rainforest in Brazil was an extreme venture. Before you go you must learn how to walk the jungle, what to watch out for, and bring specialized gear. Our Discovery Channel production on the Golden Lion Tamarin monkeys was an adventure of a lifetime with the World Wildlife Fund. And the Galápagos Islands project was off the charts too.
“Camping brings you closer to nature and offers a break from modern life. It’s a chance to unplug and enjoy the simpler things,” says Bear Grylls, adventurer and TV host.
Stats
Camping is booming in the US! According to The Dyrt’s 2024 Camping Report, 85 million Americans camped in 2023, with over 20 million new campers since 2021.
Road Cycling: Make Your Own Tour de France
Road cycling offers a thrilling and scenic way to explore your surroundings. Do you know that cows always look at you when you ride by (they rarely look at cars)?
Start by investing in a quality road bike that suits your riding style. Ensure it’s fitted correctly for comfort and efficiency.
Plan your routes using apps like Strava, choosing a mix of flat stretches and challenging hills. Aim for quiet, less-trafficked roads to enhance your experience. Equip yourself with a helmet, padded shorts, and a good pair of cycling shoes with cleats – and learn how to use them safely.
Here’s how to create your own mini-Tour de France: Start with a manageable distance, like 20 miles. Gradually increase your mileage each week, incorporating new routes and terrains. Set personal goals, such as climbing a local hill faster or riding a century (100 miles). Ride everyday to make it your Tour.
Remember to stay hydrated, carry energy snacks, rest, and perform regular bike maintenance. You’ll be able to go the next day too.
I started road cycling in Italy as a kid when the Italian vendors chased by third-grade self off the sidewalk. Then I did bicycle touring in Utah, Colorado, and Florida. Finally, I became a road racer. I have over 150,000 miles in my legs and was a volunteer U.S. Olympic Cycling Coach for Juniors (13–17-year-olds) out of the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs.
One of the first things you should learn is how to fall safely. Falling will happen, but you can learn to mitigate the potential damage. Get an old bike, go to a clean grassy field at a park and learn to slide and to roll. You’ll be glad you gained these skills.
If you ride with others, only do it with experienced cyclists so you can learn how to ride safely in a pack. When I was a coach, we used to tie riders together to teach them but that’s not necessary unless you’re going to ride in a peloton.
“Road cycling combines physical challenge with the freedom to explore,” says Chris Froome, four-time Tour de France champion.
Stats
In 2023, the number of participants in road / paved surface biking in the United States amounted to approximately 42.24 million. This figure was a decrease of roughly 1.3 million from the previous year. – Statista. Part of the reason is because there was a huge boom in bicycle sales and riding during COVID because of cabin-fever. So, the numbers were bound to drop when restrictions were lifted.
Mountain Biking: Conquer the Trails
This outdoor adventure in nature offers a fast-paced journey on rugged terrain. Start with a hardtail bike — one with front suspension only, which is perfect for beginners.
Find local trails through apps like Trailforks. Wear a helmet, gloves, and padded shorts for protection. Start on beginner trails to get a feel for handling your bike on soil and rocks.
Focus on keeping your weight balanced and looking ahead, not down at your front wheel. As you improve, try more challenging trails with steeper climbs and descents. Mountain biking combines the thrill of speed with the bumps of nature.
“Gravel riding” is the latest craze in cycling. It’s riding on dirt roads – some hardpacked and some loose gravel, soil, or mud. Gravel bikes are big in Florida because there are so many gravel and dirt roads throughout the farms and countryside. It doesn’t require a mountain bike. You just need a set of gravel wheels and tires that you can use on your road bike.
“Mountain biking is all about the adrenaline rush and the connection with the trail. It’s a full-body workout that immerses you in the landscape,” says Hans Rey, mountain biking legend.
Stats
More folks are liking the dirt rather than the road. According to Statista, in 2023, more than 9.2 million folks in the United States participated in mountain biking or riding on non-paved surfaces, which is a 4.1% increase from the previous year. Could it be the traffic?
Fishing: Patience and Reward
Fishing is a relaxing and gratifying outdoor pursuit. Start with basic gear: a rod and reel, tackle box, and bait. Saltwater and freshwater fishing require different gear. Let’s focus on fresh. Choose a local lake, stream, or river to begin.
Cast your line and see what happens — it’s a game of wait-and… Early morning or late afternoon are usually the best times to fish. Local weather is often a factor.
Learn different techniques: casting, jigging, drop or bottom-fishing, or trolling, depending on your location and target fish. Bring a cooler for your catch, a hat, and plenty of drinking water.
Fishing teaches patience and offers the reward of a fresh meal. Plus, it’s a peaceful way to enjoy time by the water – until that strike! Then the thrill explodes. Don’t forget the fish stories… a big part of the adventure.
My experience fishing has taught me that you have to go where the fish are and you must have the right bait. Live bait is usually best. Known bottom holes, ledges, and plant cover where fish are caught often are the best spots. Casting into random open water rarely gets a strike.
“Fishing is about patience and observation. It’s a way to connect with nature and enjoy the quiet moments,” says Jeremy Wade, biologist and host of “River Monsters.”
Stats
In 2023, 57.7 million Americans ages 6 and over took to the nation’s waterways to enjoy recreational fishing, a 6% increase from 2022. -Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation’s (RBFF) 2024 Special Report
Geocaching: The Modern Treasure Hunt
Geocaching is a global game of hide and seek using GPS. Start by downloading the Geocaching app on your phone. Create an account and search for nearby caches full of unique items.
These can be hidden in parks, urban areas, or remote locations. Bring a small trinket to exchange at the cache. Use the GPS coordinates and clues to find the hidden container, then log your find in the app.
It’s an adventure that combines technology with outdoor exploration. Geocaching turns a simple walk into an exciting treasure hunt.
I’ve never done geocaching but it sounds like fun!
“Geocaching brings a sense of adventure and discovery to everyday walks. It’s a great way to explore new places and enjoy the thrill of the hunt,” says Brian Roth, co-founder of Geocaching.com.
Stats
According to Geocach there were 1,811,232 U.S. geocachers in 2023.
Birdwatching: Discover Nature’s Aviators
Birdwatching is a serene and educational outdoor pursuit. Start with a good pair of binoculars and a field guide to birds in your region.
Head to a local park or nature reserve early in the morning. Listen and look for movement in the trees and bushes. Note the birds’ colors, sizes, and songs to identify them. Apps like Merlin Bird ID can help with identification.
Keep a journal of your sightings, noting the date and location. Birdwatching teaches patience and observation skills, and it’s a wonderful way to connect with wild aviators – no, not the pilots in “The Right Stuff.” The birds folks…
Ever since we moved last year to an oak tree full acre on a lake in Lake Placid, Florida – next to a forested area, orange groves, and cattle ranches – it seems like we’re in Jurassic Park. Wildlife is everywhere. Bears, gators, bobcats, and birds… LOTS of different birds. Including a couple of eagles that have a nest about 75 yards away, plus sandhill cranes, ducks, herons, cardinals, wild turkeys, egrets, ospreys, ibis, blue jays, hawks, geese, and more. Listening to and watching birds every day is part of our peace in our lake house.
Explore your local parks to find some of your own, or come to my backyard.
“Birdwatching sharpens your senses and enhances your appreciation for nature. It’s a peaceful yet rewarding hobby,” says David Attenborough, renowned naturalist and broadcaster.
Stats
Around 96 million folks in the U.S. closely observed, fed, or photographed birds; visited public parks to view birds; or maintained plantings and natural areas around the home for the benefit of birds in 2022. That’s more than 35% of the nation’s population aged 16 and over. -All About Birds
Trail Running: Speed Through Nature
Trail running combines the endurance of running with the magnificence of nature. Start with a pair of trail-running shoes — they offer better grip and support.
Choose a local trail with varied terrain. Begin with short distances to adapt to the uneven ground. Focus on your footing and pace. Carry a small hydration pack with water and snacks.
Gradually increase your distance and difficulty. Trail running is not just a workout; it’s an exhilarating way to experience the outdoors and improve your fitness.
I wasn’t very good at running on the track in high school; but, I was best at cross country. Something about running in the wild brings out the speed and fun in me.
When I wasn’t running the fields and forest, I ran the beach at low tide. Best for your head. No traffic. Water and waves. You can get away from the crowded sections of beach. Mix it up by running through a beach park and beach and back, always away from folks that will clog your brain. Let the waves and fresh air move you.
“Trail running challenges your body and mind in new ways. It’s about finding a flow with the trail and enjoying the natural surroundings,” says Scott Jurek, ultramarathon runner and author.
Stats
Are the woods getting crowded? Not yet. Trail running in the U.S. jumped from 13.2 million participants in 2022 to 14.8 million in 2023, a one-year increase of 12.3 percent, according to the SFIA’s 2024 Topline Participation Report. There aren’t beach runner statistics but total number of runners in the U.S. every year lately are around 50 million. I’ve been running the beach for over 40 years and I rarely see other runners. Anecdotally, for every 100 runners I see on the roads / sidewalks around the car traffic, I might see 5 running the beach.
Surfing: Ride the Moving Hills and Mountains
Surfing is a great way to play in the ocean and experience the hoot of riding waves. Start by choosing a beginner-friendly beach with gentle waves.
Rent or purchase a longboard, which provides more stability for novices. Take a lesson from a local surf school to learn the basics: paddling, popping up, standing and footwork, and wave etiquette.
Here’s how to get started: First, make sure you’re a strong swimmer. Practice paddling your board and standing up on the beach. Then, venture into the water and catch small, white-water waves. Get good at popping your longboard over waves and duck diving when paddling out.
Focus on your balance and timing when you stand up. As you progress, move to larger waves and different types of breaks.
Always check the surf report for wave conditions and safety alerts. For Florida East Coast live webcams check my free website BrownieBytes.net. Equip yourself with a wetsuit if the water is cold and always wear a leash to stay connected to your board.
I’ve surfed for over 50 years. My father was raised in Hawaii so it’s part of my DNA. Learn about runouts and how to deal with them, especially if you lose your surfboard and have to swim for it.
Don’t go out in surf bigger that you can handle. Learn to fall off your board without hitting it, or having it hit you, and how to wipeout without injuring yourself on the bottom.
Because I traveled a lot for work, I was blessed to surf in many parts of the world, and it was truly an adventure. Hotspots: Maui; Rio de Janeiro; Galápagos Islands; Trinidad and Tobago Islands; Puerto Rico; Cayman Islands; Jamaica; Naples, Italy; and more.
“Surfing teaches you to go with the flow and embrace nature’s power,” says Kelly Slater, 11-time World Surf League Champion.
Stats
The number of individuals who went surfing in the Unites States increased in 2023 over the previous year, with the figure almost reaching four million surfers in that year.
It’s Your Time
Outdoor adventures in nature offer endless chances for fun and fitness. From hiking and backpacking to kayaking and rock climbing, each activity provides a special way to connect with nature and test yourself. There are many more adventures – name a few in the comments below!
Whether you’re seeking solitude in the wilderness or a thrilling escapade, there’s an outdoor adventure ready for you. So, gear up, head out, and start exploring. The outside is calling. Make your stories and memories!
*About R. Michael Brown
R. Michael Brown is a writer and producer for the following markets: technology; outdoor adventures, nature, and environment; real estate; public policy; and healthcare. He’s been an outdoor adventurer and nature lover around the world his whole life. He earned a BA in Journalism with a focus on science, engineering, technology, and medicine and an MA in Broadcasting, Marketing, and Public Relations. He was a pioneer in multimedia, Internet, and Web communication at IBM, winning a NY Film Festival Award for “Introducing Ultimedia” showing the world what the Web would be like once it launched in 1994 – The production was featured on ABC’s Good Morning America, NBC’s Today Show, Discovery Channel, and on consumer tech magazine covers like PC Magazine. During his time at IBM, Michael was the first Multimedia Producer and University Relations Manager for communication studies and technology working with MIT Media Lab, Full Sail University, Stanford University, and many more. He was the multimedia marketing and communication manager that launched Nextel (Product of the Decade from Business Week Magazine) over the early Web from Motorola. At both IBM and Motorola, he produced Future Vision multimedia content showing governments and large enterprises how future technologies would impact the lives of people, businesses, universities, and governments. He worked with the World Wildlife Fund and wrote and produced feature segments in the Rainforest in Brazil, Galápagos Islands, and Florida Keys winning a Presidents award from the WWF. Several of his productions have been on Discovery Channel, ABC Wide World of Sports, CNN, PBS, and local affiliates. Michael has introduced the Web and social media to new home builders, the real estate market, and nonprofits and is currently a consultant at RMichaelBrown.com. In addition, he is an Adjunct Faculty member of the Florida Atlantic University School of Communication and Multimedia Studies.
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