America's national parks are famous, but their natural beauty is often matched by the country's underrated state parks. From mountain preserves to coastal oases, we reveal the 50 most beautiful state parks in the USA. 

Read on to see the prettiest state parks in America...

Protecting a swath of Alabama's Gulf Coast, this is a park with sun, sea, and oodles of sand. You'll find more than three miles (5km) of champagne-colored beaches here, plus paved trails for hiking and biking. If you're looking to overnight in the park, choose between pretty beachside cottages, rustic woodland cabins or a modern campground. There's a dog park too, so you've no need to leave your four-legged family member at home.

Chugach State Park, located close to the city of Anchorage, rivals big-hitters like Denali National Park when it comes to natural beauty. It's a huge site, sprawling across some 495,000 acres, and within its limits you'll find vast glaciers, ice fields, lakes, and mountains. Keep your eyes peeled for species such as moose, brown and black bears, and wolves.

The rust-red rocks of this state park rise up a stone's throw from the city of Sedona. Beyond the bluffs, trails lace through the 286-acre preserve, along the wildlife-rich waters of Oak Creek and past native plants and wildflowers. Daily guided nature walks bring the park's geology and history to life, or you can simply explore this spectacular landscape for yourself.

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Mount Magazine State Park is home to the highest point in Arkansas – the namesake Mount Magazine, which soars to 2,753 feet (839m). From such lofty heights, the views are breathtaking, looking out across dense thickets and weathered rock. Unsurprisingly, hang gliding is a popular activity here or, if you'd prefer to keep your feet on the ground, more than 14 miles (23km) of trails criss-cross the park. The Lodge at Mount Magazine will add a little touch of luxury to your state park adventure. 

The Golden State has beautiful parks aplenty, from stark stretches of desert to windswept coastal bolt-holes – but there's something special about Emerald Bay. The eye-popping blue waters, fringed by forest, are interrupted only by Fannette Island, a little islet that houses the ruins of a historic tea house. For the best views, rent a kayak and drink in Fannette Island and the bay's forest-fringed shores (rentals available in peak season).

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An adventurer's paradise year-round, this state park is named for the Eleven Mile Reservoir, a calm body of water popular with boaters and fishermen. Elk, bears, and diverse birdlife all make their home in the park, whose dark skies also draw in budding astronomers. In winter, the mountains lining the reservoir wear a crown of snow and the water becomes a scenic ice rink. There are more than 300 campsites here too, so you'll have no trouble pitching up under the stars. 

Chapman Falls, a cascade that plunges more than 60 feet (18m), is the principal draw of this New England park. Its name is thought to stem from the potholes around the falls. While they were formed by the movement of water, early settlers thought they could be the work of the devil. The trails reveal quaint covered bridges, strange rock formations, abundant birdlife and, of course, the dramatic falls themselves.

If it's a coastal adventure you're after, this Delaware park delivers. The pristine beaches are backed by dunes and lapped by the Atlantic Ocean, drawing sunbathers and water-sports enthusiasts, as well as wildlife lovers searching for horseshoe crabs and shorebirds. The park is also home to Fort Miles, a coastal defense built in the 1940s, and the Walking Dunes Trail is a favorite route through the park. 

This idyllic state park is the Florida Keys at its very best. With crescents of palm tree-peppered sand and ample opportunity for snorkeling, kayaking, swimming, and more, this site is every bit the beach-lover's paradise. The historic Bahia Honda State Bridge, jutting into an ocean of blue, loves the camera too.

Tallulah Gorge State Park is one of the USA's finest fall destinations beyond New England. Come the golden season, the 1,000-foot (305m) gorge is ablaze with ocher, russet, and crimson. The park has plenty to offer the rest of the year too, with its suspension bridge granting views of the rushing river from a height of 80 feet (24m). One hundred permits to hike the gorge floor are released each day. 

An otherworldly stretch of Hawaiian shoreline, Na Pali Coast State Park is known for its ridged, color-striped cliffs, lapped by wind and waves. It's cut through by the challenging Kalalau Trail, which stretches out for 11 miles (18km) and sweeps across five valleys.

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A beautiful lake and a rich history make Farragut State Park one of Idaho's greatest wonders. It spans around 4,000 acres and its scenery is almost alpine, with the Coeur d'Alene Mountains and Lake Pend Oreille its greatest assets. This site was also a Second World War naval training center and the Museum At The Brig chronicles the park's history. 

Starved Rock State Park is an area of incredible natural beauty, worlds away from the skyscrapers of the Windy City which lie less than two hours to the site's northeast. Eighteen dramatic canyons fill this park, with waterfalls rushing over the rocks and thoughtfully placed viewing platforms dotted throughout.

Chain O'Lakes State Park is exactly what it sounds like: this preserve in northeastern Indiana is home to nine interconnecting lakes (plus four additional bodies of water). It's a haven for kayakers and boaters, and the large volume of waterways means you'll have plenty of peace and quiet. If you'd prefer not to hit the water, more than 10 miles (16km) of trails wind their way through the park's woodland too.

Iowa's oldest and best-known state park, leafy Backbone is pretty easy on the eye. It's dominated by Backbone Lake and the Maquoketa River, while its vast forested areas, at their best in fall, make for a relaxing hike. The park is also home to one of the highest points in this part of the state: the Devil's Backbone, accessible via a rocky set of stairs.

You'll find canyons, natural springs, and a bounty of birdlife tucked away in this state park in western Kansas. It's also an area rich in indigenous history, with archeological sites including the remains of a pueblo, which is protected as a National Historic Landmark. Beyond the history, the park is a great spot for birding and horseback riding, with lots of trails and even a horse camp area.

Nicknamed "Kentucky’s Land of the Arches," this park in the state's northeast is known for its stunning rock formations. Its centerpiece is the aptly named "Natural Bridge," a striking sandstone arch rising some 65 feet (20m) out of the lush woodland. Ten hiking trails also loop through the preserve, which is a haven for birdlife from woodland warblers to the belted kingfisher.

Named for Lake Chicot, Louisiana's largest state park is also its most breathtaking, with green waters dotted with cypress trees and boardwalk trails slicing through the landscape. The park's 6,400 acres spread out in south-central Louisiana and include the Louisiana State Arboretum, home to native plants and beech-magnolia trees.

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Considered one of the finest spots for wildlife viewing in New England, this park is located towards the north of Maine, in Piscataquis County, and its leafy expanse is home to species including black bears and bull moose. During fall, the park truly comes to life. Breeding season means it's a great time to spot moose and all the wildlife exists against a backdrop of fiery orange and yellow. Be sure to spend a little time by Sandy Stream Pond for some of the park's best views.

Protecting a portion of Assateague Island, this oceanfront state park is home to the feral horses that have made the isle famous. The powdery white beaches are beautiful in their own right, but the presence of these elegant creatures makes them all the more breathtaking. Take a hike through the marsh areas, keeping your eyes peeled for the resident wildlife.

A tranquil spot on Massachusetts' Cape Cod, Nickerson State Park protects 1,900 photogenic acres. The expanse is dominated by oak and pine forests, and covered with a sizeable network of trails that reveal the park's prettiest pockets. In winter, you can also pull on some cross-country skis and discover a snowy wonderland.

This park on the shores of Lake Superior encompasses some 60,000 acres of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Waterfalls and woodland characterize the wilderness, which protects species such as wolves, bears, and the peregrine falcon. Arguably the most beautiful spot in the whole park is the Lake of the Clouds. This blue body of water is framed by thick forest and can be viewed along the Big Carp River Trail.

Established in 1891, Itasca is Minnesota's oldest state park and the 32,000-acre expanse has natural beauty in spades. The park is home to the headwaters of the great Mississippi River (known as the "Father of Waters") and scrambling across the rocks at the river's beginning is a popular pastime here. Beyond this, there are more than 100 lakes, plus peaceful red and white pine forests. Explore by canoe or bike in summer, or rent a snowmobile or some snowshoes come winter.

Not to be confused with Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota, Roosevelt is a wildlife-filled preserve in central Mississippi, not far from Jackson. The park is centered on forest-fringed Shadow Lake, where visitors can try out activities such as water-skiing and fishing. Take on one of the park's nature trails, keeping an eye out for coy deer and birdlife, and visit the park's lookout spot, which grants extensive views over the Bienville National Forest.

This park gets its name from the mammoth granite boulders that exist within its limits. Thought to have been formed billions of years ago, the massive hunks of rock dwarf human visitors and look their most dramatic when framed against a setting sun. A trail threads its way through the rocky landmarks and visitors can also spot carvings left behind by miners who once had an operation in the area.

Medicine Rocks State Park is characterized by bizarrely weathered sandstone bluffs. The rock formations, often likened to Swiss cheese, are peppered with holes, and a young Theodore Roosevelt was so impressed with the natural landmarks that he said this was "as fantastically beautiful a place" as he had ever seen. The site was also important for indigenous tribes, who considered the rocks sacred and sought medicinal plants in their wake. Today the park is most popular with hikers and photographers.

History and nature combine at this state park in northwestern Nebraska. Made up of 22,000 acres of grasslands, the wilderness is rimmed by craggy peaks, laced with trails, and inhabited by longhorn sheep and buffalo. It's also home to Fort Robinson, a former US army base used during the Sioux Wars of the 19th century. The site is known as the place where famed Sioux warrior Crazy Horse was killed too.

The whirling red rocks of this state park could almost be mistaken for Mars. A top way to take in the fiery landscape is with the Rainbow Vista hike, a route of less than one mile that soaks in some of the park's most striking vistas. The incredible Fire Wave, a jaw-dropping striped rock (pictured), is also reached by a 1.5-mile (2.4km) round-trip hike.

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This wooded paradise is located in the depths of the White Mountain National Forest and is named for Franconia Notch, a mountain pass that exists high in the Kinsman and Franconia mountain ranges. The 4,080-foot (1,244m) peak of Cannon Mountain watches over the park, which is also home to Flume Gorge, a stunning natural ravine whose walls reach up to 90 feet (27m). 

Spectacular views are the major drawcard of this state park in the north of New Jersey. It takes its name from High Point Monument, an imposing structure standing 1,803 feet (550m) above sea level that looks over bucolic areas of New Jersey, Delaware, and Pennsylvania. The park also boasts plenty of serene hiking trails and the beautiful spring-fed Lake Marcia.

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As its name suggests, this park in the southwest of New Mexico is best-known for its head-turning rock formations. It's a relatively small park at only one square mile, but it still packs a punch when it comes to natural beauty. The park's striking rocky pinnacles are thought to have been formed by volcanic activity around 34.9 million years ago. There's also a desert botanical garden protecting cacti and yucca here.

This beautiful New York state park is often tipped as the "Grand Canyon of the East." Letchworth's tree-topped gorge is as high as 600 feet (183m) in certain spots, with the Genesee River rushing through it. The river itself is punctured by waterfalls, the most impressive of which is Middle Falls, with its 107-foot (33m) drop. The park's 66 miles (106km) of hiking trails reveal epic views too. 

It's not hard to see how Hanging Rock State Park got its name. The park, in the state's northern reaches, is home to plenty of rocky outcrops. These include the namesake Hanging Rock, a precarious-looking precipice reached via the 1.3 mile (2km) Hanging Rock Trail. Unsurprisingly, the park's landscape makes it popular with rock climbers. Beyond the dramatic rock formations and epic views, there are also a handful of pretty waterfalls and a 12-acre lake.

In northern North Dakota, right on the border with Canada, lies Lake Metigoshe State Park, a little-known natural preserve in the Turtle Mountains. The park is situated on Lake Metigoshe and its picture-perfect location makes it a year-round destination. In summer, adventurous visitors may take to the water on canoes or kayaks, while in winter the park is the domain of cross-country skiers weaving between snow-dusted trees.

Waterfalls and wildflowers are the main draw of Hocking Hills State Park in southeastern Ohio. The park is a hiker's paradise with surprises including Whispering Cave, a vast cavern with a 105-foot-high (32m) waterfall, and the 40-foot (12m) drop of Cedar Falls. Beyond lapping up the natural beauty, visitors to this park can get involved in activities from archery to mini-golf. 

Everything revolves around the water at Lake Thunderbird State Park, which is located around 30 miles (48km) southeast of Oklahoma City. The park takes its name from Lake Thunderbird, with its pair of marinas and popular swimming beaches. Hiking, biking, and horse-riding trails meander along the wooded water's edge too.

Appearing almost like an oil painting, this is the view from one of Ecola State Park's many scenic overlooks, taking in Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock. The park takes up nine miles (14km) of the Oregon coast and there are plenty more stunning vistas like this one. Aside from the beaches themselves, there's also the Sitka spruce forest and the brooding Tillamook Rock Lighthouse, perched on a weather-beaten islet out at sea.

This park in northeastern Pennsylvania is home to one of the most scenic hiking trails in the state. The Falls Trail passes a whopping 21 waterfalls – the highest of all is Ganoga Falls, which crashes down for 94 feet (29m) – while routes also loop through centuries-old forestland and wildlife-rich wetlands. There are plenty of picnic stops and even the chance to sunbathe on a lakeside beach in the summer. 

Encompassing a beautiful area of New England's shoreline, Beavertail State Park is situated at the southern tip of Jamestown. It's best-known for its landmark lighthouse and fascinating geology. You can take to one of the windswept coastal trails for a quiet stroll or dip into the museum to find out more about the shipping industry that helped shape Rhode Island. 

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The unspoiled beauty of this barrier island state park means it's the most popular in the state of South Carolina. The park's 130-foot (40m) lighthouse – offering views out to the Atlantic Ocean – is closed for now, but there's plenty else to keep you occupied. Visitors come to explore miles of forest-backed beaches, to wander along nature trails, and to pass afternoons boating or birding. 

A 1,000-plus-strong herd of buffalo roams this rugged state park in South Dakota's Black Hills. The preserve stretches for some 71,000 acres encompassing sprawling plains, twisting rock formations, vast lakes, and bounteous wildlife. To see the park in all its glory, follow one of the scenic driving routes: the 18-mile (29km) Wildlife Loop Road is a must for animal lovers, while the 14-mile (23km) Needles Highway route is best for jaw-dropping mountain views.

One of the USA's most impressive waterfalls exists within the limits of this state park. The park, in the Cumberland Plateau close to the town of Spencer, is named after Fall Creek Falls, a 256-foot (78m) cascade and the highest in eastern USA. The rest of the 26,000-acre park is made up of more roaring falls, gorges, and forestland. You can rent a cabin or pitch a tent to overnight in the wilderness.

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Palo Duro Canyon State Park, located in the Texas Panhandle, is home to the second-largest canyon in the United States (trumped only by the famed Grand Canyon in Arizona). Its rugged red scarps are dotted with shrubs and, when it comes to sunsets, Palo Duro rivals its better-known western counterpart. You can horse ride, bike, or hike the park's 30 miles (48km) of trails.

Rivaling Utah's "Mighty 5" national parks, Snow Canyon State Park is situated in the southwest of the state and wows visitors with its burnt-orange sandstone bluffs. Hiking amid the red rocks is the best way to discover the park and top trails include the Johnson Canyon Trail, a seasonal route that culminates with an impressive natural arch. The park's sand dunes are also popular with big and little kids alike.

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Ricker Pond, a 92-acre man-made lake popular with boaters and fishermen, is the focal point of this park in the Groton State Forest. The site is picturesque year-round, with the glassy lake reflecting lush greenery throughout the summer and a forest of gold in the fall. Wander under the shady tree canopy or take to the water on a paddle board or canoe.

The scenery of this mountainous park is often compared to that of the Alps. The park is situated close to Virginia's loftiest peaks: Mount Rogers and Whitetop Mountain. It's a paradise filled with mountain-fringed meadows, woodland, and waterways and, best of all, it's home to wild ponies who graze on the park's grasses. Grayson Highlands is also well-primed for outdoor adventurers with 13 hiking trails and opportunities for bouldering, biking, and canoeing.

Don't let the name of this Washington park on the Long Beach Peninsula put you off. The park was given its name in reference to navigator and fur trader John Meares' failure to discover the Columbia River during his 18th-century voyage. Modern visitors are not likely to be disappointed. Cape Disappointment impresses with its dramatic cliffs, lakes, age-old forests, and beaches. The Cape Disappointment Lighthouse is a grand sight too. The park is open for day use. 

Despite its name, Blackwater Falls, a five-story cascade within this park, is known for its peculiar orange hue, created by the needles of hemlock and red spruce trees. The unique waterfall is the park's most popular feature, but Elakala Falls, with its photogenic swirling pool, is equally as beautiful. Hiking is the park's top activity, with the Pendleton Point Overlook rewarding walkers with stomach-flipping views over the Blackwater Canyon.

The brilliantly blue Devil's Lake is the main attraction of this park in southern Wisconsin. If you've got a head for heights, you can look down on the lake from imposing quartzite crags that rise up to 500 feet (152m) – or, if you're after a more laid-back adventure, wander on one of the park's sandy crescents instead. The 1,000-mile-plus (1,600km) Ice Age Trail, a route known for its fascinating natural history, also beats its way through the park.

This pleasingly rugged state park sits around 24 miles (39km) west of the city of Cheyenne, in southeastern Wyoming. The site is particularly celebrated for its excellent biking trails, which range from relaxed routes perfect for beginners to heart-pumping paths with plenty of twists and climbs. For hikers, there's the promise of hidden waterfalls and a trio of picturesque reservoirs along 35 miles' (56km) worth of trails. 

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