10 of the best places to Hang Glide in America!

Who hasn't looked up at a bird soaring overhead and wondered what it would feel like to fly like they do? (C'mon, you know you have). Enter, hang gliding.

Hang gliding involves strapping on a lightweight airframe, then jumping from a high hill, dune, mountain or whatever, and letting the air currents lift you into the wild blue yonder. "Steering" occurs by shifting your body weight.

As a sporting activity, it became popular in the 1970s - but there are early forms of hang gliding dating as far back as sixth-century China. Soldiers were tied to giant kites and hauled upwards to spy on the enemy below (that must've made for some interesting landings afterwards).

Got the itch to fly? Here are ten places around the U.S. guaranteed to provide an amazing bird's eye view.

1. McConnellsburg, PA

"The Pulpit "is a beautiful launch point that attracts hang gliders from Pennsylvania and Maryland. You may find yourself sharing the skies with the hawks that also nest nearby.

2. Rising Fawn, GA

Situated by Lookout Mountain, take off for amazing views of both the mountain and the Chattanooga Valley. If you don't feel like running and jumping to get going, you can be towed up to 1,500 feet for your flight.

3. Kitty Hawk, NC

The Wright Brothers loved this area for a reason. Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head offer great winds and dunes that are high enough for a great takeoff. And you'll get a fantastic look at the birds who call this area of the Outer Banks home.

4. Vail, CO

Talk about a "Rocky Mountain high." Wolcott Ridge is outside of Vail and a hot spot for long mid-afternoon or early evening soaring. The air conditions are perfect then, providing for extended flights of up to 50 miles!

5. Sun Valley, ID

Although it's better known for it's skiing, the same terrain makes for some awesome hang-gliding. Take off from King Mountain and glide through the breathtaking Lost River Valley. The thermals allow for a nice, long flight.

6. Draper, UT

Flight Park State Recreation Area is just outside of Salt Lake City, and the "flight" in its name says it all: it's dedicated to hang gliding! The beauty of the place is that there's no one best launch point: the winds are such that you can pick up a great breeze and catch some air pretty much wherever you turn.

7. Issaquah, WA

A half-hour outside of Seattle lies Tiger Mountain. This glorious hang gliding spot provides views of Mt. Rainier, Lake Sammamish, the Cascade Mountains and the Seattle skyline.

8. Pacific City, OR

Cape Kiwanda is a favorite of hang gliders seeking to avoid the frequently crowded skies over northern California. The winds are amazing, and the dunes give plenty of options for an easy takeoff.

9. San Diego, CA

There are over a hundred launch spots in California, but the San Diego area regularly tops the list. Nearby La Jolla is a scenic place to take off for views of this lovely city.

10. Maui, HI

The islands of the Aloha State offer endless views of gorgeous greenery, volcanoes and, of course, those glorious beaches. Among the many places to take flight, Waipoli Flight Park on Mt. Haleakala is a favorite spot for both beginners and those with lots of "air miles."