During the past two years, the number of Americans who have picked up a new hobby has skyrocketed. While some people have picked up knitting to pass the time or learn another language, studies have shown the majority of Americans have gone outdoors to end the boredom caused by the pandemic.
As a lifelong outdoorsman, Jonathan Kimpson of Atlanta, Georgia, has grown up participating in a variety of outdoor activities and sports, ranging from mountain climbing to whitewater rafting. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Jonathan Alfred Kimpson has used his newfound free time to once again realize his love of the great outdoors and has spent the majority of his 2021 weekends exploring American National Parks as well as his local Atlanta, Georgia wilderness. Jonathan Kimpson is thrilled to see so many Americans outdoors and stresses that there is no shortage of unforgettable adventures within the United States. Below are some of Jonathan Kimpson’s top recommendations for American thrill-seekers and wilderness enthusiasts.
Most Extreme Mountain Biking Route: Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride
Today, there are few mountain bikers who haven’t heard of Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride. This trail is a favorite ride within the mountain biking community; this trail is known for its incredible drops, hairpin downhill turns, and unbelievable views. The trail’s total descent at just over 2,000 feet, making it one of California’s steepest mountain biking trails. While the trail is known for being very beautiful, with pristine meadows and old forests, very few bikers will have the chance to appreciate their surroundings while navigating this ride. The trail is roughly 20 miles long and requires intense technical maneuvering for the majority of the ride. Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride is strictly for experienced riders, and beginner or moderate riders are encouraged to start on some of the many other trails in the area before moving to Mr. Toad’s. Even experienced riders have been known to have a difficult time with Mr. Toad’s trail, and it is recommended that bikers walk for certain steep portions.
Mountain bikers can find Mr. Toad’s trail off of Saxon’s Creek trail, which can be accessed in Big Meadow. The single track run of Mr. Toad’s trail will be a challenge for even the most advanced riders, so be sure to bring adequate protection before attempting.
Most Recommended Waterfall Repelling Location: Ripley Falls
Today, New Hampshire is known as one of the United States’ premier destinations for waterfall rappelling. Although the state holds just over 90 waterfalls, New Hampshire waterfalls are well known in the waterfall repelling community for their breathtaking scenery and large waterfalls, often standing more than 100 feet high.
Located within Crawford Notch, Ripley Falls is one of the most visited sites in New Hampshire for repelling and sees hundreds of visitors each week. Hiking to the top of the waterfall can be completed in under an hour; however, those looking to repel the waterfall should give themselves ample time to hike up the mountain and prepare their gear for the descent.
Tips for rappelling Ripley Falls;
- Wear waterproof hiking shoes with plenty of grip; appropriate footwear is a priority for waterfall repelling.
- Keep braking hand close to hip in order to better control speed and ensure a steady descent.
- Maintain a wide stance on the cliff face to keep balance. Keep feet at the same height as hips, fully leaning back into harness.
Most Exhilarating White Water Rafting Location: Colorado River
The US has no shortage of white water rivers; however, many rafting enthusiasts will often cite the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon as one of the most exhilarating rivers in the United States. Those who choose to go whitewater rafting along the Colorado River are guaranteed stunning scenery of the canyon, exhilarating rafting, and quite the challenge.
The Colorado River is home to a wide variety of whitewater rafting class levels, with certain stretches of the river being reserved solely for professionals and experienced whitewater river runners. Experienced river runners are encouraged to check out the Colorado River’s Class IV and V whitewater rafting sections, renowned as some of the most challenging runs in the United States. Whether you are considering exploring the river on a private or commercial trip, it is crucial to first familiarize yourself with the different stretches of the river before attempting any challenging portion of the Colorado River.
Most Challenging Bouldering Location: Indian Creek, Utah
While climbers can debate what kind of rock makes for the best rock climbs, there is no denying that Indian Creek is home to some of the best climbs in the United States. Located in eastern Utah, Indian Creek is a renowned climbing destination with more than 1300 unique available to local enthusiasts. The area can be found in the northernmost section of the Bears Ears National Monument and has become a rock climbing mecca thanks to the area’s abundance of sandstone cracks that produce excellent climbing structures. The type of rock that makes up the area has allowed thousands of splitter, chimney lines, and off-widths to form throughout the canyon, creating some of the most famous rock climbs in the Midwest.
Although bouldering is relatively new in the rock climbing community, it is quickly growing in popularity, and today, many visitors to the Indian Creek area can find bouldering enthusiasts dotted throughout the canyon, attempting complex bouldering climbs.
