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Issue link: http://digital.outdoornebraska.gov/i/1294360
54 2 0 2 1 – 2 0 2 5 S TAT E W I D E C O M P R E H E N S I V E O U T D O O R R E C R E AT I O N P L A N Below are the most popular activities by participation rate and favorite outdoor activity by frequency of participation for people ages 6 and above. Differences between the participation rate and frequency of participation among the top five activities is shown in the second and third activity. Other outdoor activities between participation rate and frequency remained similar, which indicates the continued level of interest in these activities from a national perspective. Most Popular Outdoor Activities by Participation Rate 1. Running, Jogging, and Trail Running 19% of Americans / 55.9 million participants 2. Freshwater, Saltwater and Fly Fishing 17% of Americans / 49.1 million participants 3. Road Biking, Mountain Biking and BMX 16% of Americans / 47.5 million participants 4. Hiking 15% of Americans / 44.9 million participants 5. Car, Backyard, Backpacking and RV Camping 14% of Americans / 41.8 million participants Favorite Outdoor Activities by Frequency of Participation 1. Running, Jogging, and Trail Running 76 average outings per runner / 4.2 billion total outings 2. Road Biking, Mountain Biking and BMX 48 average outings per cyclist / 2.3 billion total outings 3. Freshwater, Saltwater and Fly Fishing 18 average outings per angler / 885.2 million total outings 4. Hiking 14 average outings per hiker / 624.4 million total outings 5. Car, Backyard, Backpacking and RV Camping 13 average outings per camper / 523.8 million total outings Fall camping at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park. (Cass County) Participation rate: The number of people actively involved in the outdoor recreation activity. Frequency of participation: The rate at which people participated in the outdoor recreation activity by number of outings. The most popular activities listed above involve trails and amenities such as fishing and camping. The report shows hiking has gained more value from the American public as an outdoor recreation activity since 2013, as it was not listed in one of the top five activities. In 2017, it ranked fourth in both participation rate and frequency of participation. As participation in hiking increases, communities should consider the opportunities they have locally to provide this amenity, while also considering the other outdoor activities listed in the recreation their community can offer.