Adventure Vacation Ideas: Spring Break

Spring break vacation is the perfect time to have an outdoor adventure. There are fun outdoor adventures for just about everyone to enjoy across America, no matter what your interests are or where you're located. Spring break is a great time of year because the weather is comfortable, the bugs aren't out quite yet, and the rivers are benefiting from increased flow for big rafting as the spring rains come and the ice begins to melt from peaks in preparation for the summer months.

Every corner of America has great adventure activities that you can do during your spring break ranging from hiking and backpacking, climbing, paddling and white water rafting, and biking trips. The following spring break vacation ideas are by no means exhaustive, but they should give you a good start to your adventure vacation planning for your region.

When planning an outdoor adventure, always make sure to confirm basic things such as the weather conditions expected, any hazardous outlooks for the area, and always make sure you carry enough water with any activity you choose for your vacation. It is recommended that you carry twice the amount of water that you intend to use, which is especially helpful if things don't go as planned, such as with an emergency.

Hiking and Backpacking

If you're looking to do some backpacking and hiking on your spring break vacation, it can be a lot of fun and adventure with minor planning and gear. For a hiking or backpacking trip, make sure you have a map of the trails you want to travel and local emergency numbers for your destination. Know if there's water available along the trail. Always wear good shoes when your hiking or backpacking so that your feet are properly supported and protected against snakebites or harmful plants along the trail.

There are many popular hiking and backpacking trails that make a great spring break trip. Check out the following popular trails across America and enjoy your adventure in the wilderness. Many of these ideas of trails offer breathtaking views and glimpses of wildlife that are sure to leave you with exciting memories of your vacation.

Great Smokey Mountain National Park, North Carolina www.nps.gov/grsm

Big Bend National Park, Texas www.nps.gov/bibe

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona www.nps.gov/grca

Olympic National Park, Washington www.nps.gov/olym/wic

Climbing

Climbing is an exciting outdoor sport that's perfect if you're looking for and adventure on your spring break. If you're not an experienced climber, there are many companies that can set you up with the proper gear and give you some basic training on the rock face.

Rock climbing requires decent physical condition depending on the difficulty of the climb, especially upper body strength, but there are easier climb that you can do if you're just looking for fun. Try combining a climbing vacation with a hiking trip, and you'll have a complete week of excitement and experiences.

Adirondack Park, New York www.rockandriver.com

The Needles, South Dakota www.sdgfp.info/Parks/Regions/Custer/index.htm

Castleton Tower, Utah www.moabdesertadventures.com or www.blm.gov/utah/moab

Smith Rock State Park, Oregon www.timberlineguides.com or www.smithrock.com

Paddling and White Water Rafting

Anytime you're on a raging river it's definitely an adrenaline rush and an adventure you won't soon forget. Both rafting and paddling are surprisingly affordable often for a whole day of white water action. If you don't already own paddling or rafting equipment, your best plan is to go with a guide group and purchase one of their trip packages for your spring break trip.

While rafting and paddling can be an extreme adventure, there are some hazards to being in a raging river with the possibility of falling out of the water craft. Your river guide will go over any safety concerns and they are each typically very experienced with whichever river you choose to take your trip on.

Chattooga River, Georgia www.southeasternexpeditions.com

Youghiogheny River Gorge, Pennsylvania www.wwaraft.com

Niobrara River, Nebraska www.nps.gov/niob

Verde River, Arizona www.arizonakayak.com

Upper Klamath River, Oregon/California www.turtleriver.com