Outdoor Activities

Answering the question of whether it's safer to ride on the sidewalk starts with answering a different one: Is it even legal to do that?

By Julia Layton

Stuck in traffic again? Don't just sit there. In fact, it might be the perfect time to get in a little exercise. But there's not a lot of room. So what kinds of exercise can you do in your car?

By Jeff Harder

Urban hiking started out as a necessary part of life in the big city, but now the activity is reserved for those who know the best way to explore a city is to walk it.

By Linda C. Brinson

When mountain climbing becomes too mundane, that's when you go buildering. We'll tell you just what it takes to master this urban sport.

By Mark Boyer

From New York to L.A., bicycle fever is taking hold as city folk turn to two wheels. Be sure you arrive alive with our safety tips.

By Chris Opfer

Running on a treadmill at the gym may get the job done when it comes to burning calories, but it's awfully boring. How else can you exercise in your city?

By Clint Pumphrey

Some rock climbers take the phrase "living on the edge" to its extreme. It's one thing to ascend steep, dangerous peaks -- it's another to sleep on a ledge. That's were a portaledge comes in.

By Jane McGrath

The surfboard must be one of the simpler sports accessories, right? All you need is a board to stand on and some gnarly waves. But to get to modern surfing, the surfboard had to undergo lots of changes.

By Brian Boone

For years, people have been discovering the beauty and simplicity of canoe fishing. What's the best way to outfit your canoe without overdoing it -- or capsizing?

By Jane McGrath

Gun. Fish. Leash. Lineup. Fin. Minimal. Goofy foot. Do you know what these words mean in surfer's dialect? You're about to find out.

By Christine Venzon

You don't have to be an astronomer to enjoy the stars. And if you love camping you can combine the two. Roughing it might give you your best view of the heavens.

By Melanie Radzicki McManus

If you thought hiking during the day was adventurous, you should try nocturnal trekking! But is it safe? And where are the best night hiking destinations?

By Gerlinda Grimes

Sure, camping on the beach sounds awesome – until your dog and your partner plaster you against one side of the tent and a shell keeps jabbing you in the back. How can you turn this sleepless scenario around?

By Jessika Toothman

For many, camping means the earthy smell of the outdoors, sleeping under the stars and cookouts. Some, however, prefer colder weather and a snowy landscape for roughing it.

By Melanie Radzicki McManus

Do you experience pain in your ears when you fly? Then you've encountered barotrauma. What causes that pain, and will it resolve on its own?

By Jacob Clifton

If touring by bicycle sounds like the kind of excursion you'd like to try, you're not alone. The Adventure Cycling Association is filled with people who love two-wheeled road trips.

Ditch the oar! Now you can power your personal watercraft with the power of your lower body. This twist on the classic kayak sounds fun, but is it really better than paddling?

By Jacob Clifton

It's summertime and the livin' is easy -- especially if you have three months off to frolic. Even if you don't, you can take advantage of these gorgeous camping spots.

By Allison Wachtel

Is there any truth to the old adage that extra weight carried on the feet is disproportionately more exhausting than weight carried on the torso?

By Akweli Parker

Every wilderness area has its own unique variety of dangerous critters -- and the desert is no exception. Here are a few you'll want to keep out of your sleeping bag.

By Christopher Lampton

Choosing the right backpack isn't so tough, really. You just need to take into account exactly how you'll be using it, what you plan to carry in it and how it fits your body.

By Jamie Page Deaton

The thought of walking a 1-inch-thick rope from one towering cliff to another makes most people feel sick. But not highliners. Where did this sport come from and how in the world do people do it?

By Clint Pumphrey

Deep-sea fishing used to seem extreme. Not anymore. Now, days where you fish by hand or reel in 200-plus pound marlins -- from a kayak -- are considered just another day on the water.

By John Perritano

It's considered one of the most grueling races in the world. So what exactly is the Dakar Rally and who's racing in it?

By John Perritano

If you want an adrenaline rush quite like none you've had before, BASE jumping might be for you. And these are five of the best spots to take a leap.

By John Perritano