With a vast landmass, 50 states and almost 7,000 state parks – not to mention national parks and protected reserves – it’s difficult to narrow down a ‘best of’ for the USA. Instead, we’ve tried to highlight the variety of experiences, activities, terrains, wildlife and wonders to witness in state parks across the country; every one of them suited to different ages, abilities and interests, but each, equally unique and unforgettable.
Read on to discover our pick of the top 30 state parks in America and find out which park made our No1 spot...
There’s no doubt that Utah has some of the most otherworldly geological formations on the planet, but it’s also the spiritual home of the Mormons and history buffs will find the insights into the faith here fascinating. Spanning 450 acres, this state park is a living history site with plenty for both adults and children to enjoy, including pioneer activities, craft demonstrations and pony rides. It's also within easy reach of Salt Lake City, making it a comfortable single-day excursion.
Just a few miles south of downtown Nashville, acidic soil – unique to this Central Basin area – allows flora such as oak, hickory and beech to flourish around the park’s eponymous, man-made lake. Carpeted by wildflowers in the spring, there are more than six miles (10km) of trails to be explored and an all-terrain wheelchair has recently become available for use. Sadly, swimming, camping and picnicking are not permitted, but curb your disappointment with the knowledge that urban proximity already makes this glorious setting a fragile one.
One of eight state parks in Nebraska, Ponca occupies 2,100 acres on the banks of the Missouri River and has long been celebrated for its biodiversity. With its range of accommodation options, including basic campsites, glamping and mini-lodges, there’s no need to rush your visit or miss out on any of the activities on offer, such as kayaking and horse riding. Plan your visit for the New Year period and you’ll get to experience the nationally famous Fruitcake Fling, with competitors throwing wildlife-friendly fruitcakes for maximum distance.
Located in the Black Hills, this sprawling, 71,000 acre state park is home to roaming wildlife: expect buffalo to stroll past your car, especially if you drive the 19-mile (30.5km) Wildlife Loop Road in the southeastern section of the park. If you plan your visit for the end of September, you may witness the annual Buffalo Roundup, featuring rangers and wranglers herding more than 1,000 bison. For an even more immersive off-road experience, sign up for a Buffalo Safari Jeep Tour, with a guide’s knowledge enhancing your enjoyment of the park.
Did someone say beach? Popham’s is a stunner – not only vast, but also fully equipped with all the amenities that a visitor with a yen for creature comforts could desire, including showers, bathrooms and barbecue areas. Fox Island can be accessed on foot when the tide is low and starfish are visible; on the route back, the sloshing of the rising water adds to a sense of adventure. Beyond the beach, delve into the history of the area, via the Civil War fortification of Fort Popham and the lighthouse at Squirrel Point.
Love this? Follow our Facebook page for more travel inspiration
The name itself is a vibe – doesn’t it smack of the DreamWorks character Shrek? Yet this 14,432 acre protected site is no fairy tale; it’s the largest existing swamp in the Eastern States and is, perhaps inevitably, a popular destination for paddlers with its 22 mile (35km) canal. The wetlands environment is host to a large variety of wildlife, which can be spotted via various hiking and biking trails. Bear in mind that some of the fauna may include bears and poisonous snakes, and keep an eye on the programme of events occurring here throughout the year.
It’s not the most beautiful of state parks but, since 1972, it’s yielded around 35,000 diamonds to visitors. Best of all, it’s one of the only diamond-rich sites in the world operating a ‘finders, keepers’ policy – so if you get lucky, you take your treasure home with you. Although it’s reported that one or two diamonds are found each day, the best time to visit is in the shoulder seasons: that way, even if you don’t find a gem, you’ll have pleasant fossicking conditions and prettier scenery to compensate.
The New England states have long been celebrated for their fall foliage, with leaf-peeping a tourist attraction in itself. Vermont is one of the most popular of these destinations, combining proximity to New York State and a relaxed pace of life. As well as magnificent autumnal displays, Woodford State Park has the highest campground in Vermont, plus a beach, swimming spots and picnic areas. There’s also a 2.7-mile (4.3km) trail that circles the 21-acre lake, called Adams Reservoir, which is popular with kayakers and anglers.
Ready for a challenge? Mount Pilchuck State Park is located 3,100 feet (945m) above sea level, and hikers gain 2,300 feet (701m) over a relatively short 2.7 miles (4.3km). The steep climb to the mountain’s summit takes in a variety of terrain, including loose shale and uneven boulders, as well as sheltered forests and exposed inclines. At the top, a historic fire lookout constructed in 1921 has a wraparound balcony, from which views of the surrounding mountains – the Olympics, Baker, Shuksan and Rainier – can be seen. In winter, the trail can be tackled on snowshoes.
It's back to Vermont, and with no entrance fee and completely undeveloped terrain, this park encapsulates the state’s natural beauty. A number of trails take hikers to the top of the mountain – from which the views, at an elevation of 4,083 feet (1,244m), are impressive. Different levels of ability are catered to: choose the Monroe Trail for a challenge, or opt for its accessible loop if you're less able. The Burrows Trail, shorter and less challenging, is a popular choice with visitors. Limited camping is available in the lower sections of the park.
This park is truly one for all seasons – blazing autumn leaves, year-round trout fishing, watersports such as waterskiing and kayaking, a 26-mile (42km) hiking trail (which can be broken down into seven smaller trails, according to your time and ability) are just the start of it. There’s also an 18-hole golf course and a wealth of lodging options, whether you’re travelling in your RV, rough camping or looking for a place where seclusion meets luxury: Beavers’ Bend Cabins has lodgings that include firepits and hot tubs for a wilderness home-from-home.
Conveniently located 30 miles (48km) from Denver, this state park makes for a convenient twin-stay holiday. Yet there’s much more than ease of access to make this a worthwhile destination: the park offers exceptional hiking and camping, with campsites, yurts and cabins available, as well as hikes for all levels of ability and fitness. There are 35 miles (56km) of trails to tackle throughout the year, whether you take to them on two wheels, four hooves or in sturdily soled boots. Dogs on leads are also welcome to join your adventures through the ever-changing, seasonal landscape.
There are numerous state parks in The Golden State, but majestic redwoods are so integral to California's iconography that not losing yourself in these towering conifers would seem a travesty. A sole campsite in Jedediah Redwoods State Park means you’re unlikely to feel crowded by people – so you can fully immerse yourself in the trees even more. Trees are prioritised over trails, of which there are only 20 miles (32km) – a micro-area in the context of 10,000 acres. Proximity to Oregon, just a few miles away, makes the location even more enticing.
With more caves than any other state park, Maquoketa Caves have been formed by non-glacial erosion over millennia. Wrap up warm: inside, the temperature is a chilly 11°C (52°F) and with over 13 caves to explore on your own, you won’t want to miss any of them. Follow the six-mile (10km) trail system, meandering through glorious landscape featuring scenic vistas and limestone formations: highlights include the towering bridge over Raccoon Creek. The 1,100-foot-long (335m) Dancehall Cave is so called because locals once used it for carousing, while serious spelunkers will find many more challenging caves to tackle too.
With 60,000 acres, of which 15 miles (24km) are hiking trails, The Porkies' 11 campgrounds allow multi-day exploration. Open year-round, snowmobiles take over when winter closes the roads; in autumn, the trees blaze with colour. Fish (catch and release) at the Lake of the Clouds, or enjoy its splendour from an accessible vantage point. Copper Peak, the only ski-flying hill outside of Europe, is also here: even without aerial skis, the views are stupendous, while snowmelt in spring makes the park’s 90-odd falls crashingly majestic.
Some of Montana’s first archaeological investigations took place here back in 1937, and the wonderment of witnessing evidence of the state’s first inhabitants is no less compelling today. In three caves, pictographs dating back over 2,000 years make this 23-acre park a site of archaeological and historic significance. Top tip? Although the interpretive trail is less than a mile long, binoculars will make your experience richer and more fulfilling, not only in terms of rock art and scenery, but also wildlife.
Spanning 380 acres, Rickwood Caverns State Park is one of Alabama’s smallest, but delivers in subterranean spades. Exploration of the network of underground caves is only possible on a guided tour, during which you’ll see 260-million-year-old limestone formations, as well as fossilised remnants of ancient ocean life. There’s also an underground lake, in which you might spy translucent fish, peculiar to this environment. Above ground, the park features a swimming pool fed by spring water, as well as campsites, a playground and hiking trails replete with wildlife and fossil imprints.
Covering 2,500 acres, there are over 25 miles (40km) of well-maintained trails here, weaving through woods resplendent with ferns and moss. Birdwatching opportunities are mesmerising – the park is home to more than 150 species, including birds such as Pine Siskin and Blue-Headed Vireo. The horseshoe-shaped Ash Cave is a real highlight: reached via a gorge lined by towering hemlocks, it has a waterfall crashing over its rim. The aptly named Devil’s Bathtub, a streambed depression formed by water erosion, is said to reach all the way to the underworld but is really only a few feet deep, unlike the park’s Rose Lake, which is 17 feet (5m) at its deepest point.
We all know the Grand Canyon, so instead, let’s talk about Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, home to the world’s largest natural travertine bridge. Standing 183 feet high (56m) over a 400-foot (122m) tunnel, a tough scramble accesses the best views via one of the trails. Due to the millions of years of geological activity, your body can span millennia by placing your feet and hands on different surfaces. Sadly, swimming is prohibited near the bridge, but you can splash about (no lifeguard) at Pine Creek downstream.
Named Wyoming’s first state park in 1897, its mineral-rich, health promoting hot springs have been a draw for the curious, the ill and the weary ever since. Importantly, an agreement with the land’s first owners, the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes, has been honoured with free access. Vivid colours, striking rock formations and wild bison form fascinating views, even for those not entering the waters, while a walking bridge offers a different perspective of the river. Note that camping is not permitted.
While some of the United States’ marvels were created by natural forces, this one was, rather less gloriously, formed via poor farming practices. Regardless, the rose-to-plum colours of the rocks and gullies are swoon-worthy, even without the sight of rare flora, and there's the opportunity to extend a visit by staying at one of the park’s pioneer or backcountry campsites. Night skies are inkily dark here, so enjoy the blaze of stars on an overnight stay and learn more about the area’s unusual history in its museum and visitors’ centre.
In a place as wild as Alaska – its licence plates proudly proclaim it to be ‘The Last Frontier’ – being named the state’s first park is not to be taken lightly. With miles of trails winding through its 400,000 acres, the diversity of landscape in Kachemak is awe-inspiring, with everything from glaciers to forests, from ocean to forest flora and fauna. Opportunities for outdoor activities abound, with permits required for fishing and hunting. Hikes range from moderate (for example, the Glacier Lake trail) to difficult (Grace Ridge Summit or Alpine Ridge).
Utah’s lunar landscapes are the stuff of legend and it’s fair to say that you can scarcely go wrong, regardless of which park you choose. Nevertheless, Goblin Valley takes ‘otherworldly’ to the next level, and its Edvard Munch-like ‘Scream’ sandstone formations have been deemed so similar to the landscape on Mars that NASA bases one of its few training facilities there. Guided and independent explorations are available, with canyoning, hiking and rappelling all part of the available experiences.
Nicknamed ‘The Grand Canyon of Texas,’ Palo Duro is located in the state’s north. The landscape is full of drama – from striated canyon walls in earthy shades of red, purple and brown, to flora that entices with colour, while simultaneously issuing spiky warnings to curious fingers. Activities include horseback riding, zip lining, camping and biking – plus, of course, keeping your eyes peeled for roadrunners and rattlesnakes. A six-mile (9.6km) trail takes you to Lighthouse Rock, an impressive red rock monolith standing at 310 feet (94m).
Somewhere, over the moonbow… this rare phenomenon occurs relatively frequently at Cumberland State Falls, an almost phantasmic arc most often seen within a few days either side of a full moon. Plan your visit within an hour or two of sunset to maximise your chances of spotting what's also known as a lunar rainbow. Views of the falls – thundering down 68 feet (21m) of sandstone, and after which the park is named – are best seen from Eagle Falls Trail, a 1.5 mile (2.4km) loop.
The striking geological formations at this park are billions of years old but, even if you weren’t wowed by their age, their sheer size and gravity-defying nature would stop you in your tracks – and there are 30 miles (48km) of it to explore. With a permit, you can climb some of the rocky structures found in the park; otherwise, set up camp at one of three campsites or drift about on Devil’s Lake, where you can boat, swim, kayak, scuba dive or fish.
With its coastal setting, Ecola State Park has the best of both worlds when it comes to surfing and hiking. There’s plenty of tranquillity to be enjoyed too, with tide pooling a popular, family-friendly activity and, occasionally, whales to be spotted. With several trails throughout the park varying in length and difficulty, visitors can experience a variety of scenic vantage points, including views of Tillamook Rock Lighthouse. Constructed in the late 19th century, it stands on a basalt rock and is steeped in legend.
Located in the southwest of the state, City of Rocks takes its name from its towering formations, sculpted by the elements from ancient volcanic ash. With two different trails to explore, visitors can expect to see desert flora, such as bunny ear cacti and Yucca, and fauna such as javelinas (wild boars) and jackrabbits. Bird species also abound – watch for the majestic golden eagle. A dark sky area, stargazing is quite literally a dazzling experience on a camping stay, while hot springs in nearby Faywood ease the post-hike aches.
The name (almost) says it all – the colour of the water alone makes this park worth your while. Known as the winter haven of the Florida manatee, visitors can see hundreds of these enormous mammals in one place. Of course, the park’s watery environs make for excellent aquatic activities, with snorkelling, diving, canoeing, fishing and swimming all popular. Bear in mind that such pastimes are limited according to the season to protect the manatees, but walking and wildlife watching provide excellent alternatives.
It’s astonishing that a site so magnificent can be covered in just a few hours: spanning only 10 miles (16km) across, it can be managed on a drive, with or without stops. The colours and formations are the showstoppers, with ice-cream swirls of candy-coloured rock interspersed with the ancient significance of ancestral petroglyphs. Time permitting, utilise the camping facilities to experience the sunsets from which the park takes its name, and set off on an early morning hike for a more immersive experience than four wheels can offer.
Now discover 34 of the world's most breathtaking rock formations