New York City

Manhattan’s more than 840– acre public space, Central Park, draws more visitors than any other urban park in the country. Take a look around its expanse of lakes and bountiful flora, and you’ll find no shortage of activities. From kayaking and rowing to biking and running, the park proves to be a playing field for these and other pulse– pounding happenings.

In recent years, bouldering has been climbing out of obscurity to become quite the Central Park pastime. This alternative to traditional rock climbing refers to climbing challenges typically less than 10 feet in height. These short routes may require just a handful of moves, but call for a combination of balance, strength and precision. Bouldering enthusiasts can be found in Central Park, rubbing chalk on their hands and protecting themselves with fall pads below while ascending the rocks. Thanks to the park’s glaciated rock outcroppings, several areas attract boulderers.

Beginners tend to explore the less challenging Rat Rock, located near the Heckscher Ball Field. Worthless Boulder, situated near 110th Street, offers more challenges. Other popular bouldering spots include Cat Rock, located near Wollman Rink, and Beaver Rock near the park’s south end.

212–310–6600, centralparknyc.org.

Huntsville, Ala.

A slew of multi–use trails for biking, hiking and horseback riding at Lake Guntersville State Park cover more than 36 miles of this sprawling park. Hop on your mountain bike and you might be cruising by the banks of the Tennessee River one minute or discovering a waterfall or a batch of wildflowers the next.

The trails differ in difficulty from moderate to more challenging terrain. Individual trail lengths range from a half mile to 3–and–a–half miles, but they all connect to form a 36–mile loop. Consider the Lickskillet Trail, a 2–and–a–half mile jaunt once used by Cherokee Indians. While the Waterfall Trail may prove tough with steep and rocky sections, it promises a fast ride coming down, not to mention spots to appreciate its namesake.

Open sunup to sundown, daily. $2–$5 entry fee. Lake Guntersville State Park 1155 Lodge Drive, Guntersville, Ala. 256– 571–5440, alapark.com/lake– guntersville–state–park–hiking– trails.

Hilton Head Island, S.C.

Both locals and tourists have come to appreciate stand–up paddle boarding in Hilton Head. This water sport combines surfing, kayaking and canoeing, and promises a combination of aquatic exploration and exercise. H2O Sports, located in Harbour Town Marina, offers stand–up paddle board lessons and excursions.

Wannabe paddlers meet on the beach with an H2O Sports instructor for a quick tutorial. The staff says most of their guests have never touched a stand–up paddle board before. The only requirement to paddle board is the ability to swim. After learning the basics, guests find themselves atop a stand–up paddle board. Then it’s off for a tour of the Calibogue Sound and its neighboring marshes. Calm waters make this trip best suited for first–timers.

Call for reservations. $40. H20 Sports,149 Lighthouse Road, Hilton Head Island, S.C. 843–671– 4386, h2osports.com.

Seneca Rocks, W. Va.

Seneca Rocks, a massive crag and West Virginia landmark, has sheer faces, which pose a challenge to rock climbers. So, you think you can handle it? Seneca Rocks Mountain Guides will show you the ropes, literally. Its Family Climbing Adventure offers a two–day rock climbing and camping experience for families of four or more. You don’t even need a climbing background to start rocking. An instructor provides all of the knowledge and equipment you need. The first day finds your group climbing for a full eight hours. If the guide deems your brood ready, the second day means you’ll be climbing to the summit of Seneca Rocks. If that doesn’t work well for your crew, no worries. Plenty of alternative climbing will ensue.

Call for reservations. $225 per person. Seneca Rocks Mountain Guides, 62 Allegheny Drive, Seneca Rocks, W. Va. 304–567–2115, senecarocks.com.

Nags Head, N.C.

Have you ever dreamt of cutting through the sky Superman style? Kitty Hawk Kites’ Hang Gliding School in Nags Head, N.C. promises to take you there. They’ve been schooling newbies since 1974, with students ranging in age from 4 to 92. Its dune hang gliding lessons soar above the sand at Jockey’s Ridge State Park.

Instructors say these rolling dunes have the right amount of height and provide a cushier landing. The beginner lesson