The Best State Park in Every U.S. State (2024)

National parks get all the attention, but some of the country's most beautiful landscapes are found in lesser-known (and therefore less busy) state parks. From the caves of Hocking Hills State Park in Ohio to the hoodoos in Utah's Mars-like Goblin Valley State Park, there are endless places waiting to be explored across the U.S.

So whether you're looking to venture out in your home state or planning an epic road trip to the country's best state parks, buckle up (literally), and get ready to witness some of the most beautiful and unusual terrain in the country.

Gulf State Park — Alabama

White-sand beaches might not initially come to mind when you think of Alabama, but a visit to Gulf State Park will change your perspective. From the Gulf Coast's sugar-sand shores you can kayak, bike, or do absolutely nothing — no judgment. The park also provides opportunities for hiking, camping, and playing in the fresh water of Lake Shelby.

Chugach State Park — Alaska

Almost 500,000 acres of glacier- and lake-dotted wilderness, mountains, and coast draw nature lovers to Chugach State Park. Only a 20-minute drive from Anchorage, this vast green space is one of Alaska's most accessible. It's also one of the largest state parks in the country. Go to hike, bike on dirt paths, admire ancient ice fields, and watch from afar as grizzlies fish for their dinner.

Lost Dutchman State Park — Arizona

Take in an incredible view of Arizona's Superstition Mountains from Lost Dutchman State Park at their base. This park about 40 miles east of Phoenix provides opportunities to hike amid fields of cacti and marvel at towering red rock formations. If you're lucky, you might even see the local peccaries, wild pig-like creatures that roam the Southwest.

Devil's Den State Park — Arkansas

Wood and stone structures erected by theCivilian Conservation Corps almost a century ago speckle the rugged landscape of Devil's Den State Park. You can hike or mountain bike through the forest, rent a boat and fish Lake Devil, go horseback riding, camp, or rent a cabin in the park. There's even a seasonal cafe where you can rest your legs between activities.

Redwood National and State Parks — California

California's expansive Redwoods National and State Parks system is a federal-state partnership that includes one eponymous national park and three state parks: Del Norte Coast, Jedediah Smith, andPrairieCreek. Whichever park you choose to explore, you're bound to see some of the world's tallest trees. The parks cover a large swath of California coastline, along which you might be able to spot whales and harbor porpoises.

Eldorado Canyon State Park — Colorado

Eldorado Canyon State Park is home to one of Colorado's most scenic canyons. You can hike beneath towering sandstone cliffs, attempt to send one of the park's iconic climbing routes, or fly-fish for rainbow trout. The park is a short drive away from Boulder — and from Memorial Day to Labor Day, there's even a free shuttle.

Silver Sands State Park — Connecticut

This state park comprises acres upon acres of dunes, beach, and woodlands. Strolling along the boardwalk is a breezy way to explore the marshland and shoreline. And when it isn't closed off to protect nesting birds (May to November), you can walk across a sandbar to get to Charles Island, home to an impressive bird rookery.

Cape Henlopen State Park — Delaware

It's all about the water at Cape Henlopen State Park, where people go to swim, boat, fish, kayak, paddleboard, and surf. Walk out to the Point Overlook to see where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. Learn about the native flora and fauna at the Seaside Nature Center. Or rent a bike for free and cycle the Loop trail that circumnavigates the park.

Ichetucknee Springs State Park — Florida

You'll see a side of Florida that isn't all beach when you visit the swamps and springs of the state's interior. In Ichetucknee Springs State Park, you can kayak under lush green trees or spend the day tubing down the six-mile-long Ichetucknee River. Other activities include birding, hiking, picnicking, swimming, and scuba diving in Blue Hole Spring.

Tallulah Gorge State Park — Georgia

The centerpiece of this Georgia state park is a gorge that's two miles long and almost 1,000 feet deep. The feature was formed by the Tallulah River, and you can peer inside from the hikeable rim. With a permit, you can even make the memorable descent to the gorge floor. Either way, don't miss the park's iconic suspension bridge.

Waiʻānapanapa State Park — Hawaii

This Maui park has a little bit of everything — the famous black-sand Paʻiloa Beach, coastal hiking trails, and a traditional temple. Breathtaking natural features include freshwater caves, lava tubes, sea arches, a blowhole, and tropical forest.

Farragut State Park — Idaho

Nestled in the Coeur d'Alene Mountains of northern Idaho is the 4,000-acre Farragut State Park. With easy access to Lake Pend Oreille, you can set up camp before venturing deeper into the park for fishing, hiking, and biking. One of the park's more unusual offerings is disc golf. Pick up supplies for the game at the Farragut gift shop and challenge yourself to any of the five 18-hole courses.

Starved Rock State Park — Illinois

The sandstone canyons, waterfalls, and wooded trails of Starved Rock State Park will make you feel like you're in another world. And if you happen upon a white-tailed deer or a bald eagle, the effect is only magnified. In the summer, rent a kayak at the campground and see the park from the Illinois River.

Brown County State Park — Indiana

If you like to bike, head to the Hoosier State's Brown County State Park for miles of singletrack traversing rugged hills, ridges, and forest. Fall in Indiana's largest state park is bursting with color, making it a great time to drive its 20 miles of tree-lined roads and stop off at all the scenic overlooks.

Backbone State Park — Iowa

Spend your time in Backbone State Park kayaking, trout fishing, rock climbing, or exploring the 21-mile trail system by bike or foot. One 0.8-mile loop will lead you to the highest point in the park, the Devil's Backbone, which gave the park its name. When you need a break, cool off in the shade of Backbone Cave.

Wilson State Park — Kansas

Wilson State Park has beautiful sandstone bluffs and its own reservoir, which offers excellent fishing (for bass and walleye), kayaking, swimming, and paddleboarding. As for hiking opportunities, the park has something to satisfy every fitness and energy level — even with only three trails. Choose between a one-mile accessible loop, the two-mile Dakota Trail, or the 24.5-mile Switchgrass hiking and biking route.

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park — Kentucky

This park is best known for its namesake: Cumberland Falls is one of the few places in the world that regularly produces moonbows, also called white rainbows or lunar rainbows, in the mists coming off the falls. Before settling in to watch this phenomenon, hike through the forest or book a rafting trip down the Cumberland River.

Chicot State Park — Louisiana

A visit to Chicot State Park will put you deep in the bayou surroundings of Chicot Lake (which is stocked with bass, crappie, red-ear sunfish, and bluegill). If you're feeling up for it, take on the 20-mile hike around the circumference of the park.

Baxter State Park — Maine

This Maine state park is huge, at more than 200,000 acres, and recreation opportunities are near endless. There are 200-plus miles of biking and hiking trails (including a segment of the Appalachian Trail), lakes, streams, and, of course, excellent camping.

Assateague State Park — Maryland

This park sits on Assateague Island, a barrier island off the Maryland coast. The one-of-a-kind destination is best known for its wild horses, often spotted running along the beach. In addition to the standard seaside activities, parkgoers can kayak to secluded coves, clam for their dinner, surf-fish, or participate in a group yoga class right on the sand.

Mount Greylock State Reservation — Massachusetts

In the northwestern corner of Massachusetts, Mount Greylock State Reservation surrounds the highest point in the state. Hike to the top to get beautiful views of the wilderness, up to 90 miles out. Long trails outfitted with shelters accommodate backpackers. But for a more laid-back visit, drive just about any road in the park during fall and admire the vibrant foliage.

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park — Michigan

Spread across almost 60,000 acres, "the Porkies" follow the curving shoreline of Lake Michigan, providing ample opportunities to fish, boat, and bird-watch. Further inland, there are more than 90 miles of hiking trails leading to waterfalls and scenic viewpoints. In the winter, powderhounds flock to the Porcupine Mountains for skiing, snowmobiling, and more.

Itasca State Park — Minnesota

As you might expect from a Minnesota state park, Itasca has more than 100 lakes within its boundaries, including Lake Itasca, which offers a range of recreational activities. But what really makes this park special is the fact that it contains the headwaters of the Mississippi River. You can even walk on rocks across a shallow part of the water.

Tishomingo State Park — Mississippi

In Mississippi's Appalachian foothills, Tishomingo State Park is home to otherworldly sandstone outcroppings and a rich history. Archeological digs in the park indicate that it was inhabited by Indigenous peoples as long ago as 7000 B.C.E. Today, parkgoers come to hike, fish, camp, swim, picnic, and boat.

Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park — Missouri

The terrain in Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park is both stunning and surprising. Here you'll find a slew of rocky wells — aka "shut-ins" — that form shallow pools where you can swim. These pools are the main attractions, but there are also trails around the park for hiking, biking, and riding horses.

Makoshika State Park — Montana

Ever dreamed of traveling to Mars? You'll get a similar effect a lot closer to home at Makoshika State Park. This Montana gem has beautiful badlands and bizarre-shaped rock outcroppings in addition to plenty of dinosaur fossils (including those from a Tyrannosaurus rex).

Smith Falls State Park — Nebraska

At Smith Falls State Park, you can follow a boardwalk right up to the base of Nebraska's tallest waterfall. For more adventure, paddle from the park down the Niobrara River and through the Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge, which protects the area's bison and elk.

Valley of Fire State Park — Nevada

Just 50 miles from the Las Vegas Strip, you'll find a dramatic landscape of blazing red rock formations at the Valley of Fire. The sea of sandstone is speckled with 2,000-year-old petroglyphs. And where the ground isn't covered by rock, you might see petrified trees. A scenic byway connects the east and west entrances. Along it, there are places to pull over and see cool rock formations or go for hikes.

Franconia Notch State Park — New Hampshire

In Franconia Notch State Park, you'll find an old-growth forest and the famous Flume Gorge, a 90-foot-tall, moss-covered granite canyon. You can descend into the gorge on a two-mile boardwalk loop. Visitors can also swim at Echo Lake Beach, ride the aerial tramway, or rent a bike in Lincoln and ride around the park.

Island Beach State Park — New Jersey

New Jersey's best state park is a beach — or, rather, a barrier island. The aptly named Island Beach State Park is a 10-mile piece of land separating Barnegat Bay and the Atlantic. Find your favorite beach-related activity here, be it fishing, swimming, windsurfing, or kayaking. On land, there are a handful of hiking trails and an educational center that teaches about the native flora and fauna.

City of Rocks State Park — New Mexico

Pinnacles and oddly shaped boulders appear to pop out of the earth at City of Rocks State Park. A volcano erupted millions of years ago, spewing rocks and boulders across the landscape. Though the park covers only one square mile, you can get lost among the rocks on five and a half miles of hiking trails.

Niagara Falls State Park — New York

Niagara Falls State Park is one of the oldest and most iconic state parks in the U.S. The major attractions are American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls, which can all be admired from various lookout points and the Maid of the Mist boat tour.

Chimney Rock State Park — North Carolina

Near Asheville, a 315-foot monolith of granite serves as the centerpiece of this state park. But while Chimney Rock may be the park's namesake, the real draws here are the 404-foot waterfall and views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Little Missouri State Park — North Dakota

Prepare to do a lot of walking because a good chunk of Little Missouri State Park's badlands is accessible only by trail. Getting far out into nature is the main appeal of this quiet, often-overlooked state park, which offers a backcountry experience and many other reasons to unplug.

Hocking Hills State Park — Ohio

Hocking Hills State Park almost feels like several parks in one thanks to its seven different hiking areas. Miles of trails lead to awe-inspiring rock formations, waterfalls, and plenty of caves, including Old Man's Cave, Whispering Cave, and Ash Cave.

Lake Murray State Park — Oklahoma

The lake is, of course, the highlight of Lake Murray State Park, but there are also campgrounds, beaches, ATV and hiking trails, tennis courts, baseball fields, and even an 18-hole golf course to keep visitors entertained.

Oswald West State Park — Oregon

This park sits on the cape, showcasing the wild, rugged coastline Oregon is known for. In addition to four miles of shore, you'll find temperate rain forests and a great surf break at Short Sand Beach, known to the locals as "Shorty's."

Ohiopyle State Park — Pennsylvania

In this beautiful Pennsylvania state park, you can whoosh down natural water slides, search for fossils, go backpacking on the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail, and explore 27 miles of mountain bike trails.

Colt State Park — Rhode Island

Colt State Park offers some of the best ocean views in Rhode Island. From here, you can kick back and watch sailboats cruise by or hop on the East Bay Bike Path and pedal your way around the area. In the winter, you can cross-country ski and snowshoe right next to the sea.

Jones Gap State Park — South Carolina

Jones Gap contains two towering waterfalls and a stretch of the Middle Saluda River, along which anglers go to fish trout. Some of the hiking trails here link to Caesars Head, so you can knock off two state parks with just one trip.

Custer State Park — South Dakota

Situated in the Black Hills of South Dakota, Custer State Park has miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking, great camping sites, and the beautiful Sylvan Lake, which sits beneath granite crags. If you're lucky, you might even spot a bison.

Justin P. Wilson Cumberland Trail State Park — Tennessee

Encompassing deep gorges and the Cumberland Plateau, this state park snakes across Tennessee, surrounding the Cumberland Trail (stretching almost 200 miles, when you combine its many segments). Along the trail are stunning waterfalls, incredible viewpoints looking out over tree-cloaked hills, and multiple rock climbing areas.

Palo Duro Canyon State Park — Texas

The second-largest canyon in the U.S. can be found in beautiful Palo Duro Canyon State Park. It's located on the Texas Panhandle, hundreds of miles from the much-busier Grand Canyon. Here, you'll get similar scenery but far quieter trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

Goblin Valley State Park — Utah

See the otherworldly, mushroom-shaped rock pinnacles that give Goblin Valley its name. There are no marked trails within the three-square-mile area, so you can roam among the gnomes freely. Go after dark for next-level stargazing thanks to a lack of light pollution.

Smugglers' Notch State Park — Vermont

Named for the thin, 1,000-foot-tall rift through the Green Mountains, Smugglers' Notch State Park is the sort of place worth visiting just for a photo — but of course, we recommend sticking around after you get the shot. The park provides easy access to hiking and great picnicking spots. "The notch" also attracts cavers and climbers alike.

Grayson Highlands State Park — Virginia

Grayson Highlands State Park covers more than 4,500 acres, but it feels even bigger because it's adjoined by the Mt. Rogers Recreation Area and Jefferson National Forest. Trails range from less than a mile to just over three miles. For a memorable jaunt, walk the Grayson Highlands stretch of the Appalachian Trail.

Deception Pass State Park — Washington

Located along the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail between Whidbey and Fidalgo islands is Deception Pass State Park, a beautiful seaside gem with coves, cliffs, and a towering bridge.

Blackwater Falls State Park — West Virginia

The water flowing down the Blackwater River really does look black. This gorge and waterfall are not to be missed, especially if you happen to be good with a camera. In addition to stunning scenery, the park also has plenty of hiking, biking, and fishing.

Devil's Lake State Park — Wisconsin

The largest state park in Wisconsin is also one of the most stunning. The glacier-formed Devil's Lake is surrounded by impressive bluffs and woodland. Spend a summer day on the saddle of a mountain bike or a horse before jumping in the lake to cool off.

Hot Springs State Park — Wyoming

The riverside hot springs, flowing at a constant temperature of 128 degrees Fahrenheit, make this park particularly special. Enjoy a soothing soak at the free public bathhouse or hike through the park's trails looking for bison.