| Characteristic | Share of respondents |
|---|---|
| Get exercise | 61% |
| Be with family and friends | 53% |
| Keep physically fit | 52% |
| Be close to nature | 40% |
| Observe scenic beauty | 39% |
| Enjoy the sounds and smells of nature | 36% |
| Get away from the usual demands | 32% |
| Experience excitement and adventure | 26% |
| Be with people who enjoy the same things I do | 22% |
| Gain a sense of accomplishment | 20% |
| Because it is cool | 18% |
| Develop my skills and abilities | 16% |
| Experience solitude | 15% |
| Be with people who share my values | 13% |
| Gain a sense of self-confidence | 12% |
| Talk to new and varied people | 10% |
| Other reason(s) | 4% |
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Source
Source
Release date
July 2018
More information
Region
United States
Survey time period
during the 2017 calendar year
Number of respondents
30,999 respondents
Age group
6 years and older
Method of interview
Online survey
Supplementary notes
A participant in outdoor recreation is defined as an individual who took part in one or more of 40 outdoor activities at least once during the year. Included in those 40 activities are for example backpacking, bicycling, surfing and fishing.
Multiple answers were possible.
This question was phrased by the source as follows: "What motivates you to participate in outdoor activities?".
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