COUNCIL GROVE – Fitness enthusiasts picked a handful of hiking, cycling and kayaking opportunities in Kansas and Missouri among their tops for Labor Day vacation workouts.
101GreatGoals.com recently carried out a poll of 3,000 fitness enthusiasts to uncover America’s most popular Labor Day workouts. Hiking the Kansas Flint Hills, the Prairie Spirit Trail in eastern Kansas, running Kansas City’s Riverfront Heritage Trail and southern Missouri’s Ozark Scenic Riverways hikes scored in the results.
Labor Day is often celebrated across America with traditional family gatherings, including BBQs, beers, and some well-deserved relaxation. But there’s a growing trend among fitness enthusiasts who see the holiday as the perfect time to get moving. With ideal weather – warm but not as scorching as peak summer – Labor Day offers a unique opportunity for an invigorating workout. Plus, the extended weekend allows for travel to destinations that might not be accessible on a regular weekend.
“Labor Day is becoming much more than just a holiday to relax,” said Darren Colbrook of 101GreatGoals.com. “It’s now a chance to get outdoors and move. The results of our survey show that fitness enthusiasts are looking for destinations that offer not only a physical challenge but also a memorable experience.”
The top 10 were as follows:
#1 Running the Miami Beach Boardwalk, Florida
Taking top spot, a run along the Miami Beach Boardwalk offers a blend of urban energy and ocean views, making it a vibrant workout spot in the heart of South Florida.
#2 Kayaking in the Everglades, Florida
With two Florida locations in the top 2 spots, the Everglades’ unique ecosystem provides a thrilling adventure for kayakers. It’s an ideal destination for those looking for a full-body workout surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty.
#3 Hiking in Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada
Just outside of Las Vegas, Red Rock Canyon offers stunning desert landscapes and challenging hikes through canyons, red sandstone formations, and rugged terrain.
#4 Hiking Stone Mountain, Georgia
A challenging hike up Stone Mountain rewards you with panoramic views of Atlanta and the surrounding area, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
#5 Hiking in Yosemite’s Mist Trail, California
One of Yosemite’s most popular hikes, and the nation’s 5th most popular, the Mist Trail takes you up close to Vernal and Nevada Falls, offering a challenging workout with spectacular natural scenery.
#6 Hiking in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, Missouri
The Ozarks offer a variety of trails with stunning views of rivers, caves, and forested hills, making it a perfect destination for hikers seeking natural beauty and solitude.
#7 Hiking in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
In 7th place, The Great Smoky Mountains offer some of the most beautiful and diverse hiking trails in the country, with views of mountains, forests, and waterfalls.
#8 Surfing in Huntington Beach, California
Known as “Surf City USA,” Huntington Beach offers perfect waves for both beginners and seasoned surfers. It’s the quintessential Californian workout, particularly on Labor Day.
#9 Hiking Camelback Mountain in Phoenix, Arizona
A classic Arizona workout, the Camelback Mountain hike is a steep and challenging climb that rewards you with panoramic views of the Phoenix metropolitan area.
#10 Hiking the Precipice Trail in Acadia National Park, Maine
And rounding up the top 10, known for its steep and challenging terrain, the Precipice Trail offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and Mount Desert Island, making it a must-do hike in Maine.
3 Kansas workouts were voted among the top 150 in America:
#27 Hiking in the Flint Hills Nature Trail
The Flint Hills Nature Trail offers a serene hiking experience through the rolling hills and tallgrass prairie, providing a unique glimpse of Kansas’ natural beauty.
#115 Running the Riverfront Heritage Trail in Kansas City
This urban trail connects various parks, historic sites, and neighborhoods along the Kansas River, offering a scenic and culturally rich running experience.
#124 Cycling the Prairie Spirit Trail
This 52-mile trail runs through the small towns of Ottawa, Garnett and Iola, with an intersection with the 96-mile Flint Hills Trail at Ottawa which connects Osawatomie and Council Grove. Cycling or hiking, the treks provide beautiful landscapes and a peaceful and scenic ride through the heart of Kansas.
Dane Hicks is a graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism and the United States Marine Corps Officer Candidate School at Quantico, VA. He is the author of novels "The Skinning Tree" and "A Whisper For Help." As publisher of the Anderson County Review in Garnett, KS., he is a recipient of the Kansas Press Association's Boyd Community Service Award as well as more than 60 awards for excellence in news, editorial and photography.
