Outdoor recreation refers to recreation/activity executed outdoors, most commonly in natural settings. At least in many high-income countries, outdoor recreation is by many considered as an attractive activity during spare time or holidays. People actively seek out activities such as walking in the mountains, climbing, hunting, horseback riding, skiing, etc., which are very often difficult to accommodate in ordinary working days. Some people find outdoor recreation attractive to the extent that they take several months or a year off from work in order to spend time in nature. Outdoor recreation stimulates a healthy lifestyle and increases public health, and it is important to develop outdoor activity habits from early childhood, a habit that should last for an entire lifetime. This book will take you through the definitions of outdoor recreation and different types of recreation. Furthermore, the book will also give you a snapshot of the physiological and psychological effects of outdoor recreation and why outdoor recreation is important for development in children and adolescents, and for adults and the older population, in addition to descriptions of some of the major and maybe the most used outdoor activities.

Forest Recreation focuses on the increasing consideration of forests as destination for recreation. The book aims to put together the findings of researchers on the issues and problems that confront forest recreation administrators and the demands of the public. The selection also offers guidance to forest land managers with respect to the basic requirements of forest recreation as well as in planning. The book starts by defining outdoor recreation, including history and the factors affecting this type of recreation. The text then gives information on the number of forest recreation areas and the distribution of these areas, as well as the underlying legislation covering outdoor recreation. Forest recreation planning is noted, which includes a discussion of a state-wide comprehensive outdoor recreation plan. The book also discusses site selection and the development of recreation areas. Classification of areas in forests is also described, which includes picnic grounds, camping sites, and trails. Sanitation in forest recreation areas is also discussed. The text can best serve the interest of forest land managers, forest technicians, foresters, park technicians, and private landowners who are responsible in planning, developing, and administering forest recreation places.