More people are enjoying outdoor activities than ever before. There are fantastic winter sports, such as snowboarding, skiing and ice fishing. If you prefer to be outside in warm weather, there are plenty of opportunities for adventure. For example, you might try your hand at scuba diving, challenge yourself to rock climbing, or take in some natural sights while on horseback.  

Whether you enjoy cold or warm weather activities, there is something for everyone to do. Keep reading to find four places you may not have considered for your next adventure trip. 

1. Hill Country in Central Texas

Texas is enormous compared to most other U.S. states, which means that its topography can range from idyllic coastlines along the gulf to harsh deserts in the west. However, in between these two extremes lies the Texas hill country.

With gently rolling hills that open onto the state's vast plains and a mountainous background, this area has a wide range of outdoor activities you can enjoy. From a home base at the Marriott Odessa, you can spend an afternoon visiting the Odessa Meteor Crater the third largest crater in the United States. 

Make your next stop the Stonehenge replica at the University of Odessa. Then, load up and travel about 30 miles into the Chihuahuan Desert to visit Monahans Sandhills State Park. The 800-acre equestrian park offers plenty of opportunity for horsing around outdoors. 

2. Black Hills of South Dakota

Another great place whose outdoor adventures may get overlooked is South Dakota. Yes, the area is famous for its annual bike rally at the city of Sturgis which is definitely worth checking out if your trip overlaps with the rally but it offers so much more. 

After you check out the tourist destinations at Mount Rushmore, find a qualified rock climbing guide to learn about scaling other parts of the mountain. Of course, you can't climb near the carvings, but you can get close enough to earn bragging rights. 

There are also a ton of great hiking opportunities nearby. For example, the Notch Trail is a short but challenging hike in the Badlands National Park that will take you to a stunning overlook. You can also climb  Black Elk Peak in Keystone, which happens to be the highest point between the Western U.S. and France's Pyrenees Mountains.

3. Interior of South Carolina

If you prefer outdoor adventures with a southern flair, consider a trip to the interior of South Carolina. Congaree National Park in the central part of the state is one of the least visited national parks. Despite that, it offers a wide range of activities for everyone in the family.

The Congaree and Wateree rivers provide ample opportunities for kayaking and canoeing. You can also try your hand at fishing along the banks. Hiking trails meander throughout the park for a chance to explore it on foot. There are also exciting and informative educational programs for those who are interested in ranger-led activities. 

4. Upper Peninsula of Michigan

Michigan's upper peninsula offers a wide range of activities for outdoor enthusiasts. Big Powderhorn Mountain and Copper Peak are both a treat for winter sports enthusiasts. Whether you want to try your hand at skiing or snowboarding, you can give either a try. For an even more adventurous winter activity, head out for some cold-weather climbing at the Curtains ice climbing wall. 

Sand Point Beach in Munising is an excellent day trip during warmer weather. From there, you can head a few miles to visit the cascading Munising Falls. If you have a couple of extra days, consider some backcountry camping in the nearby Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

If you are among the growing number of people who have discovered a love of outdoor adventure, you are in luck. There are countless opportunities, sometimes in places that you might not have thought to look. Amazing adventures await you from the upper peninsula of Michigan to the Texas hill country.