The Outdoor Recreation Participation Topline Report 2009, is based on an online survey capturing responses from over 40,000 Americans ages six and older and covers 114 different outdoor activities, making it the largest survey of its type examining participation in sports and outdoor activities.

The Outdoor Foundation's 2009 Outdoor Recreation Participation Topline Report details Americans' participation in outdoor activities from 2007 to 2008. The report is a high-level overview of the foundation's full participation report, which will be released later this year with expanded data and full analysis.

According to the report, an increasing number of Americans participated in nature-based, outdoor activities in 2008. The study finds sizeable participation increases in many nature-based activities including double-digit increases in backpacking, mountain biking and trail running and close to a ten percent increase in hiking and camping. Overall participation trends in recreation, sports and fitness remained largely unchanged from last year.

The report also shows increases in many active outdoor activities among youth, showing a positive trend from 2008 in some key areas. Biking, backpacking and hiking are just a few of the activities that show increases in participation among young people. Overall, outdoor participation for youth ages 6 to 12 is down 7.6 percent from last year, however, showing a continued need to focus on connecting kids and nature.