Here are the best states for outdoor enthusiasts
FILE-Two hikers walk together along a trail in California. (Photo via Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)
Outdoor activities can be fulfilling in many ways, whether people want to enjoy the natural beauty of nature or relax to take a break from the day-to-day routine.
While there are plenty of spaces across the country that offer a number of activities for outdoor enthusiasts, these states stand out among others based on a survey from SmileHub.
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The nonprofit tech company created its list of best states for outdoor enthusiasts by comparing 50 states across three key dimensions: Environmental quality, outdoor activity access and economic impact and job opportunities.
Researchers also ranked the states using 18 key metrics, including national parks per capita, share of land designated for parks and wildlife, and the share of adults reporting no physical activity in their free time.
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Here are the top states for outdoor activity.
Best states for outdoor enthusiasts
- Montana
- Alaska
- Colorado
- South Dakota
- Utah
- Vermont
- Washington
- Wyoming
- Maine
- Oregon
- Hawaii
- California
- Minnesota
- Idaho
- New Hampshire
- Pennsylvania
- Wisconsin
- Florida
- New York
- Arizona
To see the complete list of states in SmileHub’s ranking, click here.