There is no arguing that National Parks lead to amazing hikes, views, and adventures…but, they are also met with HUGE crowds and tourists EVERYWHERE. With over 6,000 STATE PARKS in the United States, there is ample room to spread out and enjoy the outdoors away from the masses.
State parks are oftentimes cheaper, closer, and less crowded, but STILL lead to the same BEAUTIFUL VIEWS (and you can usually bring your dog…). If you know me at all, you know that is a huge plus 🙂
My United States road trips and travel plans are oftentimes planned around state parks and hiking trails, so I thought this was the perfect time to ask expert travel bloggers about their favorite state park.
Get ready for the ULTIMATE LIST of the MOST EPIC state parks to visit in the United States. Start planning your next road trip now!
***Make sure to grab your United States State Park bucket list planner OR get it for F R E E at the end of this post! 🙂
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Drum roll, please… Introducing the MOST EPIC LIST of the BEST State Parks to visit in the United States!
Table of Contents
California
Point Lobos State Reserve
Picture and Post by Dhara at Road Tripping California
Point Lobos State Reserve is one of California’s most beautiful state parks. Located along the scenic California State Route 1 a few miles south of Carmel-by-the-Sea, Point Lobos is a must-visit for nature lovers.
The most stunning feature of Point Lobos is its location right on the Pacific Ocean. A series of trails runs through the reserve, allowing you to take in the beauty of your surroundings. Many of the trails are easy and flat, and a few are accessible. In season, you will see lots of wildflowers in the park.
Keep an eye on the water and the rocks on the shore as you walk, because you may see otters, seals, or sea lions. Further out, you may see whales spouting in the water as they migrate north or south.
Other than hiking, visitors enjoy photographing and painting the landscapes. There is a small museum, which documents the whaling history of the region. Beach lovers will want to dip their toes in the water at Gibson Beach: the water is often too cold for swimming without a wetsuit.
Pro tip: Point Lobos is super popular, especially on weekends, so arrive early to get a parking spot inside the park. There is a parking fee.
Whatever you choose to do in Point Lobos State Reserve, you will love visiting this beautiful coastal jewel.
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Colorado
Roxborough State Park
Picture and Post by Gabby at Office Escape Artist
My favorite state park is relatively unknown but is just a quick 1-hour drive from Denver. Roxborough State Park, located between Denver and Colorado Springs, has all the beauty of the Flatirons & Garden of the Gods but fewer crowds (and, let’s be honest, a lot less traffic).
With 8 trails spanning roughly 14 miles, there’s something for everyone. Those wanting a casual hike can enjoy the Fountain Valley Trail while those seeking something more strenuous may enjoy the Carpenter Peak Trail.
Although the park isn’t usually too crowded, the small parking lot fills up quickly. I would recommend you get there as close to park opening as possible. Additionally, the high altitude and dry air will get to you, so definitely pack more water than you think you need! Finally, rattlesnakes are native to the area, so watch where you step and give snakes plenty of space if you encounter them.
When you’re done enjoying Roxborough State Park, meander about a mile up the road to Arrowhead Golf Club. The on-site restaurant, On the Rocks Bar & Grill, is fantastic and provides stunning views of the red rocks.
If you’re not a hiker but want to enjoy the views, you can always choose to play a round at Arrowhead, too! Fair warning, Arrowhead is an expensive course – the Denver Broncos are said to frequent this course – but it’s definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
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Connecticut
Airline Trail
Picture and post by Kelly at Fit Fashion Traveler
In the late 1800s, a train line was constructed between New York and Boston following the “airline” between the two cities. This railroad traversed Connecticut’s beautiful countryside. In the mid-1960s the railroad became obsolete. The path it followed is now a trail known as the Airline Trail State Park.
Because the trail spans twelve towns, it has many access points. One of the best places to access the trail is in East Hampton, CT, next to Cranberry Bog. Here you will find a large parking lot and the trail extending in both directions. To the Northeast, you can explore for three miles through the woods and across two viaducts before continuing into the town of Colchester. To the Southwest, a shorter portion of the trail brings you to the center of East Hampton, a quintessential New England town founded in the 1600s.
If you visit in the spring, summer, or fall, the trail is perfect for walking, running, and bicycling. In the winter you can explore with your snowshoes or cross-country skis. You can also bring your ice skates in the winter and join the locals skating on Cranberry Bog at the trail’s entrance.
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Flordia
John Pennecamp Coral Reef
Picture and Post by Vicky of Buddy The Traveling Monkey
One of the best state parks in the United States is John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo, Florida. It’s a perfect pit stop on a road trip to Key West! It’s considered to be the country’s first undersea park, known for its colorful coral reefs and diverse marine life. The park itself is made up of 70 nautical square miles.
The best way to get up close to the reefs and marine life is to either scuba dive or snorkel. If you’d like to stay dry, though, you can take a glass-bottom boat tour. At the park you can also go canoeing, kayaking, and fishing (in designated areas). There are also short walking trails and crystal clear beaches that are perfect for swimming and relaxing.
The park is open every day of the year, from 8 a.m. until sunset. It’s right off of the Overseas Highway (US 1) so it’s easy to get to. Entrance into the park costs $8 per vehicle plus $.50 cents per person.
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Georgia
Tallulah State Park
Picture and post by Margie at DQ Family Travel
Tallulah Gorge State Park is located in northeastern Georgia near the South Carolina border. This state park contains one of the most beautiful canyons in the country and is about two miles long and almost 1,000 feet deep.
Hiking Tallulah Gorge is the main draw at this state park. Visitors can hike rim trails to various overlooks or hike down to the gorge floor via the Hurricane Falls or Sliding Rock Trail with a free permit (available daily). Be sure to arrive early if you are interested in exploring the gorge floor, as only 100 permits are given out daily.
One of the highlights is a suspension bridge that sways 80 feet above the rocky bottom and provides spectacular views of the river and waterfalls. Another notable trail for those wanting a gentle stroll or a bike ride is the paved Shortline Rail Trail.
Besides hiking, the Interpretive Center is a great place to learn about the geology and wildlife in the area. It is also the place to speak with rangers about any potential hikes you’d like to do.
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Hawaii
Waiʻānapanapa State Park
Located on the Road to Hana, Waiʻānapanapa State Park is the stuff dreams are made of. The contrast between the black sand, green grass and trees, and bright blue ocean was unbelievable!
I would truly be doing you a disservice if I didn’t include this as one of the MOST AMAZING state parks in the United States.
Here you can body surf the waves, hike the trails, watch the waves crash into the cliff sides, and discover the lava tube caves. Pack your swimsuit, a picnic, and enjoy the magnificent scenery!
Indiana
Turkey Run
Picture and Post by Lyndsay at The Purposely Lost
From hiking to fishing, and canoeing to camping, Turkey Run State Park in Marshall, Indiana, is a perfect state park to explore in the United States. Just an hour from the Illinois border, Turkey Run got its name from when pioneers would hunt for turkeys that ran into valleys where it was warmer.
Today, you can find an eclectic mix of things to do at Turkey Run State Park. Today, you can hike those hills and valleys and check out both the waterfalls, called the Punch Bowl and the Ladders.
Sugar Creek runs through the park, which is an excellent place for fishing, canoeing, or kayaking. You can’t swim in the Creek, but Turkey Run has an Olympic-sized swimming pool open almost every day in the summer.
If you’d rather not be by the water, head to the park’s Nature Center. Here you can learn about the area’s wildlife, or even head to their Saddle Barn to join a trail ride. You can even spend the night at the state park’s Turkey Run Inn, or rent one of their camping sites.
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Minnesota
Tettegouche
Nestled along the AMAZING Minnesota North Shore, you will find Tettegouche State Park. Here you will find over 23 miles of trails to hike on, waterfalls, and swimming holes.
This would not be the “best state parks in the United States” list without mentioning Tettegouche and the Minnesota North Shore!
Minnesota offers four distinct seasons, so plan your trip carefully depending on the month. Winter offers cross-country skiing or snow shoeing to admire the snow-covered land, but be prepared with layers (and layers and layers). Fall (although short) offers colorful leaves and mild (to cold) temperatures. Summer brings hot days to jump in the waterfalls, and spring will bring lupines and other wildflowers.
My recommendation is to hike to High Falls and Two Step Falls. Be sure to bring your swim suit to jump in the pool at the bottom of Two Step Falls!
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Itasca
Picture and post by Lindsay at Siouxland Families
Itasca State Park near Park Rapids, Minnesota is home to the headwaters of the Mississippi River—and a beautiful place to spend some time. The park is Minnesota’s oldest state park, and spans more than 32,000 acres including many acres old growth pine forest.
There are more than 100 lakes in the park, but the most notable is Lake Itasca. The park includes hiking trails, campgrounds & cabins, boat rentals from kayaks to pontoons, a swim beach and even a tour boat! A must-see is the Mary Gibbs Headwaters Center.
Besides educational exhibits, a café, and gift shop indoors, there is also an extensive collection of information and artwork displayed outside at the center. The trail from the center to the headwaters is wheelchair accessible, so everyone can come see it. Make sure to wear water shoes and some shorts—you can actually cross the Mississippi on foot at the Headwaters!
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Missouri
Washington State Park
by Jessica at Unearth the Voyage
There are so many amazing state parks in Missouri, but one of the absolute best has to be Washington State park. First off it’s only about an hour south of St. Louis, making it absolutely perfect for a weekend getaway! It’s also clean, quiet, and has plenty of space and trails in the area for hiking.
The summer heat in Missouri can be pretty brutal. But, when the sun starts shining and the humidity hits there’s no better way to cool off than by hitting the river for one of the best float trips in Missouri!
Washington State Park is right on the Big River making it the perfect place to set up camp. Washington State Park and Cherokee Landing are also the only two outfitters that rent equipment for floating down the river. This makes the Big River a lot quieter than most rivers in Missouri.
Its proximity to the city, the abundance of hiking trails, and a much quieter river make Washington State park one of the best state parks to visit in the United States!
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Nevada
Cathedral Gorge
by Sarah at The Wandering Road Blog
If you love the otherworldly hoodoos of Bryce Canyon National Park, add Cathedral Gorge State Park in southeastern Nevada to your travel bucket list. This small-but-mighty state park is filled with fascinating silt, clay and volcanic ash spire formations.
Cathedral Gorge’s first-come-first-served campground (with wifi!) makes the perfect home base. From there, you can venture out on the four-mile Juniper Draw Trail, which is great for both trail running and wildlife watching. Miller Point is a must-do to experience the most dramatic views of the park. And you won’t want to miss the slot canyons in the Moon Caves area.
Looking for more adventure? There are four other state parks within a short drive of Cathedral Gorge. Great Basin National Park – one of the true hidden gems of the NPS system – is just two hours away. And good news, Nevada was made for road trips.
Fun fact: ghost towns outnumber inhabited cities in Nevada. To find one of the best-preserved living ghost towns, drive 20 minutes down US-93 to Pioche, a particularly infamous mining camp. Explore southeastern Nevada – and feel like you are in on a secret!
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New Hamshire
Franconia Notch State Park
Picture and Post by Jamie at Travel Addict
New Hampshire has a tremendous amount to see around the White Mountains region. From lakes to mountains and many charming sites in between. There’s so much beauty in the state that there are a total of 93 state parks. One of the most beautiful and accessible is Franconia Notch State Park, located within the White Mountains and directly off of I-93; a section of I-93 cuts through for a gorgeous drive.
Franconia Notch offers quite a lot of scenic sites for visitors that are easy to access and provides a wide variety of excursions. A trip to Franconia Notch is incomplete without stopping at The Flume, a gorge carved in the natural granite of the state, or The Basin, a waterfall pothole formation.
For stunning views take the gondola at Cannon Mountain to the top and enjoy a light hike for views of the physical notch – the valley between the mountains.
This United States State Park has countless hiking trails for all types of skill levels – easy to difficult, long to short, and has them well detailed online. And a wide variety of activities within the park – from camping to hiking, to lakes, and skiing, and fantastic walking trails.
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New York
Adirondack State Park
Picture and post by Nicole at Affordable Family Travel
The Adirondack State Park in New York State is the largest park In the country covering over 6 million acres and is 3 times larger than Yellowstone National Park. Lake Champlain is the eastern border of the park and stretches as far north as Clinton County, and south to the Lake George area. The western part of the park reaches Herkimer, NY.
There are 46 high peaks in the High Peaks region of the Adirondack State Park that you can hike to and 2800 lakes providing endless opportunities for outdoor adventures. From camping to luxury resorts such as the Great Sagamore Camp, The Adirondacks has it all. Popular towns in the Adirondacks include Lake George and Lake Placid. They both provide wonderful lake activities as well as hiking and great scenic views.
For the adventure seeker, there’s white water rafting, high ropes courses, and rock climbing. The Adirondack State Park is so expansive you can stay within a village setting with access to restaurants and entertainment or opt for a more secluded setting such as a cabin in the woods. There are also many affordable accommodation options. All of this combined with hiking, fishing, and other outdoor adventures make for a very affordable destination.
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Oklahoma
Beaver’s Bend State Park
A true hidden gem in Southeastern Oklahoma! Rent a cozy cabin and spend your time swimming, hiking, and exploring with your pup!
With many short and easy trails, it is the perfect place for beginner hikers or those looking for a leisurely stroll to great views. My favorite trails are Friends Trail Loop (1.5 miles) and Lookout Mountain (2.9 miles).
If hiking is not your thing, you can picnic, relax by the fire, or grab your hammock and find the perfect relaxing spot surrounded by nature.
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Pennsylvania
Ricketts Glen
Picture and post by Derek and Mike at Robe-Trotting
Ricketts Glen State Park is a gem in Pennsylvania for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The lush forest touches three counties in the state and is one of the best places to see fall foliage in the Poconos.
Inside the state park, you’ll discover 13,000 acres of preserved land and ribbons of hiking trails including the most popular, Falls Trail. It’s a seven-mile loop and the best trail from which to catch a glimpse of the 21 named waterfalls in Ricketts Glen State Park. The tallest waterfall is Ganoga Falls at 94 feet, which is also where the trail descends sharply and can be more challenging.
Overall the hiking in Ricketts Glen is moderate, but you will be happy for the frequent photo opportunities to stop and rest.
Visitors should know that swimming is restricted in the water features of Ricketts Glen State Park. There are many camping and rustic hotel options for those who wish to create an overnight visit to the area.
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South Dakota
Custer State Park
Picture and post by Sam at My Flying Leap
Custer State Park is a 70k-acre park in the Black Hills area in western South Dakota. It features incredible diversity with grassy plains, granite peaks and spires, stunning lakes, and bold, inquisitive wildlife.
There are a number of scenic drives passing through different areas of the park. Drive through the spindly rock towers in the Needles and go for hikes through the granite spires and the glorious pine forest. Drive through the grasslands areas for a do-it-yourself safari. You may see bison, coyotes, bighorn sheep, elk, antelope, whitetail deer, burros, and more.
My favorite activity at Custer State Park was visiting the picturesque lakes and touring the stately old lodges. I especially loved Sylvan Lake, large enough to have quiet areas away from the tourists. There are five lodges, and the grand and impressive State Game Lodge, built 100 years ago, was my favorite.
If you go in late September, you can see the Buffalo Roundup Festival. Every year, they herd the 1,300 buffalo that live in the park to provide vetting and to get an official count. It’s a scene that appears straight out of the Old West and worth seeing if you can.
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Texas
Big Bend Ranch
Picture and post by Umiko at Two Worlds Treasure
With its location in far west Texas, Big Bend Ranch State Park doesn’t see too many visitors. This remote park features rugged mountains, steep canyons, amazing views, and has been designated an International Dark Sky Park. It has 238 miles of multi-use trails (hiking, biking, and riding horses), ranging from easy to strenuous.
There are several trails that can be easily accessed from the parking. When you have a short time in the park, these two trails are a must-do: Closed Canyon and Hoodoos Trails. Moreover, these two trails are dog friendly and your fur babies will love exploring here.
Other things to do here are 4×4 touring on the unmaintained dirt roads, nature viewing, and birding. Since the park stretches along the Rio Grande in the U.S.-Mexico border, rafting or canoeing is another favorite activity in the park.
Big Bend Ranch State Park is extremely hot in the summer but mild in the winter. We visited during Spring Break and the roadsides were blanketed with the Bluebonnets. It was really pretty! You can enter the park from the city of Presidio in the west or Lajitas in the east. The park is also located about 1.5 hours drive from Big Bend National Park.
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Colorado Bend
Colorado Bend State Park features one of Texas’ only waterfall: Gorman Falls. It is a must on your trek to visit the best state parks in the United States!
You can reach this beauty of a waterfall by hiking 2.6 short miles. You will pass fields of cacti, overlooks, and a river. Although you cannot swim in Gorman fall, your dog will love playing (and cooling off) in the river at the end of the hike!
When you aren’t hiking, be sure to explore your campsite to find the crystal clear swimming holes and other small waterfalls. If hiking is not your thing, you can also paddle the river, stargaze, picnic, and bird -watch.
Insider tip:::If you have extra time, be sure to make a pit stop in the MOST CHARMING town of Fredericksburg (1.5 hours away). It’s a true haven for all wine and adventure lovers.
Utah
Goblin Valley
Picture and Post by Megan at Red Around the World
Goblin Valley is arguably the best state park in Utah, it’s at least the most fun. Goblin Valley is in the middle of nowhere Utah. It’s between Green River and Hanksville in the San Rafael Swell and made up of a valley full of mushroom-like rock formations that look a bit like goblins, hence the name.
While the formations can be seen sparingly around southern Utah, this is the best place to see so many in such high concentration in such a small area.
The only real hiking trail in the park is to the Goblins Lair, a big cave in the park. Otherwise, it’s pretty much a free-for-all in the Valley of the Goblins. There are formations all over the valley and a wall on the far side of the park made up of these strange formations, too, with hidden caves and crawl spaces making it extremely fun to explore.
My personal favorite thing to do at Goblin Valley is to explore the far wall formations and caves. It’s such a fun park for people of all ages.
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Virginia
Natural Bridge
Picture and Post by Erin of Go Hike Virginia
One of Virginia’s newest state parks is also among it’s most beautiful. Natural Bridge State Park became Virginia’s 37th state park four years ago and continues to wow visitors with its spectacular and exceedingly gram-worthy 215-foot-tall natural limestone arch.
Once owned by Thomas Jefferson, Natural Bridge has held a coveted spot on the National Register of Historic Places since 1997. To see Natural Bridge in all its glory, visitors descend 137 steps to reach the one-mile Cedar Creek Trail (one-way). From here, the awe-inspiring arch comes into view within one-quarter mile.
A quick stroll under the bridge reveals a surprise, George Washington’s initials. Yet, these presidential initials are only one notable feature of this exceptional state park in the Shenandoah Valley. Continue on to see a re-created Monacan Indian Village, a 30-foot cascading waterfall and a curious body of flowing water with no known origination point.
There are several other Shenandoah Valley hikes within Natural Bridge State Park, including the Buck Hill Trail and Blue Ridge Trail. These trails are a short drive from the park’s visitor center. Stay the night at the elegant Natural Bridge Historic Hotel, which is across the street from the state park.
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Washington
Deception Pass
by Geena from Beyond the Bucketlist
Often overshadowed by the much larger Olympic National Park & North Cascades National Park the rugged Washington Coastline demarcated as Deception Pass State Park is one of the great hidden gems of the Pacific Northwest.
Although you won’t find the long-winded hikes that are a trademark of Washington State you will be rewarded with stunning panoramic ocean views with little to no effort whatsoever.
My favorite hikes are Goose Rock Summit- a short walk across the pale green Pass Island bridge that allows you to see the emerald landscape meet the blue mountains in the distance, & Lighthouse Point Loop. The loop is longer, a meandering wilderness trail that kisses the coastline giving you dramatic shots of the rugged cliffside & the turquoise oceans tossing bobbing harbor seals around in the waves.
To make a full day of your visit, I also highly recommend taking a walk along the tide pools at Rosario Beach. Deception Pass State Park is a local favorite because you’re basically guaranteed to see seals & hike the trails year-round.
United States State Park Packing List:
- Waterpack for all the hikes
- Hammock for relaxing
- Waterproof hiking shoes for comfort and usability
- Doggy boots to save your dogs feet
- Packable dog dishes for the long hikes with your dog
- First-aid kit in case of emergencies
Grab your FREE United States State Park Bucket List Planner Below!
Do you have any state parks that you would add to the ‘MOST AMAZING State Parks in the United States” List?
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