Photo: Daniel Brittain, Explorer for The Outbound
When a holiday weekend comes around, you need to take advantage of that extra day off and spend some time outside. We've got 21 unforgettable adventures that are the perfect way to do just that. Whether you're into hiking, camping, biking, climbing or fishing, there is something for everyone on this list. So take a look and get inspired to make the most of your Labor Day weekend.
Saddle Mountain is a pretty stellar spot if you are looking for a beginner/intermediate hike with incredible views close to Portland. Learn more.
This trail system is somewhat of a hidden gem to mountain bikers south of the Wyoming border. Those who know their way around the best trail systems, though, hail Curt Gowdy as one of the best. Learn more.
Catch amazing sunset views of the Hudson River West Point, Newburgh-Beacon Bridge, Storm King Mountain, and Bannerman Castle on this four-mile roundtrip hike. Learn more.
Catch a great feast and cook it up at home or at the BBQ stations at the beach and enjoy the sunset over the bay.
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The Bell Rock Trail in Sedona is a relatively easy hike with a majestic reward. It is a well-maintained trail that with plenty of views to keep your eyes happy. Don't be surprised if you catch yourself turning around every five minutes and saying, "wow, this is gorgeous!" Learn more.
Latourell Falls is a beautiful and unique waterfall in the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon. This amazing waterfall is just a few hundred yards from the road and parking lot. Once you park, there is a viewpoint for the falls that is straight ahead. Learn more.
Big Cottonwood Creek is a fun little creek that is often overlooked by the more popular fly-fishing waters of the Provo, Weber, and the Green Rivers of Utah. The fish aren't as big, but make up for it by being less selective with flies and a willingness to go after dry flies any time of the year. Learn more.
This natural spring is easily one of the best hidden gems in Florida. The pool of water is crystal clear for swimming, scuba-diving, and jumping in from off on a cliff to the side. The water is also about 70 degrees - a perfect compliment to the hot, humid climate of Florida. Learn more.
Located just 20 minutes from the heart of Salt Lake City, Little Dell Reservoir is the perfect quick getaway for a recreational paddler or angler. Learn more.
This little hike is one of the most popular in the area, and for good reason! It's a short and steep mile to the top, but the views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah National Park to the east, are some of the best around. Learn more.
Glacier-fed Lake Wenatchee is only two hours east of Seattle, nestled in the Okanogan- Wenatchee National Forest. The park is fully equipped with all the amenities you'd expect - camping spots, a sand/rock beach, picnic tables, bathrooms and a boat launch. Learn more.
This is an great campsite in an beautiful location that happens to serve as the perfect base camp for rafting adventures. Learn more.
Stanley Lake, located in the heart of Idaho's Sawtooth National Forest, is an amazing recreation site for a weekend or a week. Learn more.
This is one of the best hikes in the Los Angeles area. Super easy, yet beautiful and a perfect place to get away from the city. Learn more.
You can make this a day trip for hiking the lake or you can grab a spot on its shore line for a day of swimming and relaxation. If you're looking to fish, this lake has tons just waiting to be caught. Learn more.
Hiking the dunes is worth the reward once you reach the shoreline of Lake Michigan. You'll start seeing a sliver of blue as your descend the last major dune climb. The trail ends at a wooden staircase leading you down to the beach. The view from the top will take your breath away. Learn more.
Sculpture Falls is a hidden gem that is part of the 7.9-mile long Barton Creek Greenbelt in Austin. It's considered an urban oasis and is part of the Edwards Aquifer making the water temperatures in the summer about 70 degrees, and is a perfect way to cool off in the Texas heat! Learn more.
This little lake close to Charlottesville is the perfect place for an after-work kayak, SUP, or just picnic by the water. It's a 20-minute drive from town, and the perfect place to watch the sunset over the Blue Ridge with water views. Learn more.
You can easily spend hours wandering the green singletrack Bent Creek has to offer. This area epitomizes the fun and beauty to be found biking in the North Carolina mountains. Learn more.
This is about as short a walk and as little effort as you can put in for a beautiful swimming hole and waterfall. Learn more.
Grab your paddle board or rent one from Baldwin Beach, and head out along the southwest shores of Lake Tahoe towards Emerald Bay. Enjoy the pristine blue water and keep your head up for the occasional osprey or bald eagle. Learn more.
Remember to always leave no trace on your adventures.
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