Seeking a slice of tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life? Look no further than America’s state parks.
These hidden gems offer all the natural beauty of their more famous national park cousins but with a fraction of the crowds. From misty mountain retreats to serene lakeside havens, these 20 state parks promise a peaceful escape into nature’s embrace.
Hocking Hills State Park, Ohio
Nestled in the Appalachian foothills, Hocking Hills is a wonderland of waterfalls, hemlock-shaded gorges, and sandstone caves. Hike to Old Man’s Cave for a glimpse of the park’s iconic rock formations, or take a peaceful paddle on Rose Lake.
As night falls, prepare for a stellar show – the park is a designated dark sky preserve.
Custer State Park, South Dakota
Where the buffalo roam and the deer and the antelope play – that’s Custer State Park for you. Drive the Wildlife Loop Road for a chance to spot bison, pronghorns, and the park’s famous begging burros.
Feeling adventurous? Hike to the summit of Black Elk Peak, the highest point east of the Rockies in the U.S.
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Baxter State Park, Maine
Home to Mount Katahdin, the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, Baxter State Park is a wilderness lover’s paradise. Paddle a canoe on the pristine Kidney Pond or hike through old-growth forests. Keep your eyes open for moose – they outnumber people here!
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California
Experience the magic of California’s largest state park, where wildflower superblooms paint the desert in vibrant hues each spring. Hike through slot canyons, soak in natural hot springs, or stargaze in one of the darkest skies in the country.
Can you spot the park’s famous metal sculptures scattered across the landscape?
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Michigan
Locals call it ‘the Porkies,’ and this Upper Peninsula gem is a haven of old-growth forests, secluded lakes, and stunning Lake Superior vistas. Hike to Lake of the Clouds for a postcard-perfect view, or backpack the Escarpment Trail for a true wilderness experience.
In fall, the forest erupts in a spectacular color show.
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Watkins Glen State Park, New York
Prepare to be mesmerized by the ‘Grand Canyon of the East.’ Watkins Glen’s Gorge Trail takes you past 19 waterfalls in just two miles, with stone staircases and bridges that seem straight out of a fairy tale.
Visit early in the morning to have this magical place almost to yourself.
Fall Creek Falls State Park, Tennessee
Boasting the highest waterfall east of the Mississippi, Fall Creek Falls is a nature lover’s playground. Hike to Cane Creek Falls, brave the swinging bridge, or take a peaceful paddle on Fall Creek Lake.
For a unique perspective, try the park’s canopy challenge course high in the treetops.
Franconia Notch State Park, New Hampshire
Nestled in the heart of the White Mountains, Franconia Notch is a year-round wonderland. Ride the aerial tramway to Cannon Mountain’s summit for breathtaking views, or hike to the serene waters of Lonesome Lake.
Don’t miss the Flume Gorge, where boardwalks take you through a natural chasm lined with moss-covered walls.
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Tettegouche State Park, Minnesota
Perched on Lake Superior’s North Shore, Tettegouche offers a perfect blend of woodland trails and rugged lakeside cliffs. Hike to Shovel Point for panoramic lake views or explore the cascading falls of the Baptism River.
In winter, the park transforms into a frozen wonderland, perfect for snowshoeing and ice climbing.
Ledges State Park, Iowa
Don’t let Iowa’s reputation for flat farmland fool you – Ledges State Park is full of surprises. Sandstone cliffs tower 100 feet above the Des Moines River, offering scenic overlooks and challenging hiking trails.
Wade through Canyon Road (when it’s not flooded) for a unique ‘creek walk’ experience.
Ecola State Park, Oregon
Prepare for jaw-dropping views of the Pacific Coast at Ecola State Park. Hike through old-growth Sitka spruce forests to the secluded Indian Beach or spot migrating gray whales from the Ecola Point overlook.
On a clear day, you can see the famous Tillamook Rock Lighthouse, perched on its lonely offshore rock.
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Letchworth State Park, New York
Known as the ‘Grand Canyon of the East,’ Letchworth offers spectacular views of the Genesee River as it thunders through a deep gorge. Hike to Inspiration Point for a view of three major waterfalls, or take a hot air balloon ride for a bird’s-eye view of the park’s autumn colors.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Texas
Everything’s bigger in Texas, including the canyons! Second in size only to the Grand Canyon, Palo Duro offers miles of colorful rock formations and challenging hiking trails. Mountain bike the Lighthouse Trail to the park’s iconic rock formation, or take a scenic drive to spot roadrunners and wild turkeys.
Starved Rock State Park, Illinois
Just 90 minutes from Chicago, Starved Rock feels worlds away from the big city. Hike to St. Louis Canyon to see its stunning waterfall or explore the park’s 18 canyons formed by glacial meltwater.
In winter, the frozen waterfalls transform into magical ice sculptures.
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Lime Kiln Point State Park, Washington
Known as one of the best places in the world to watch whales from land, this small park on San Juan Island is a peaceful retreat. Scan the Haro Strait for orcas from the historic lighthouse, or explore the rugged shoreline’s tidepools.
As the sun sets, the lighthouse makes for a picture-perfect silhouette.
Dead Horse Point State Park, Utah
Perched 2,000 feet above a gooseneck in the Colorado River, Dead Horse Point offers some of the most stunning views in the Southwest. Hike the rim trail for ever-changing perspectives of the sculpted landscape, or marvel at the starry night sky in this International Dark Sky Park.
Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada
Just an hour from Las Vegas, Valley of Fire feels like stepping onto another planet. Vibrant red sandstone formations create an otherworldly landscape perfect for hiking and photography.
Look for petroglyphs left by ancient Puebloans, or time your visit for a spectacular sunset among the red rocks.
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Cloudland Canyon State Park, Georgia
Perched on the western edge of Lookout Mountain, Cloudland Canyon offers stunning views of one of Georgia’s deepest canyons. Hike to the bottom of the canyon to see two cascading waterfalls, or enjoy the rim trail for panoramic views.
In autumn, the mixed hardwood forest puts on a dazzling color display.
Peninsula State Park, Wisconsin
Hugging the shores of Lake Michigan’s Green Bay Peninsula is a Midwest outdoor playground. Bike the Sunset Trail for stunning water views, climb to the top of Eagle Tower for a bird’s-eye perspective, or kayak along the rugged shoreline.
Don’t miss the chance to catch a show at the historic Northern Sky Theater.
Makoshika State Park, Montana
Step back in time at Montana’s largest state park, where dinosaur fossils and otherworldly badlands await. Hike among rock formations and pine-studded buttes, keeping an eye out for mule deer and bighorn sheep.
The name ‘Makoshika’ comes from the Lakota phrase for ‘bad land’ – but we think you’ll find it anything but bad!
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Which Natural Wonder Will You Explore?
From the red rocks of the Southwest to the misty mountains of the Northeast, America’s state parks offer a diverse array of peaceful retreats. Whether you’re seeking a challenging hike, a serene paddle, or simply a quiet spot to watch the sunset, these parks provide a perfect escape from the daily grind.
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