Here Are the Best State Parks in All 50 States. How Many Have You Visited?

While national parks get most of the press, each state offers at least a few state parks that rival their big-league cousins in beauty, diversity, and scale. In fact, state parks are sometimes better because they feel like they're right outside your door, on your home turf. And this is true in a literal sense—often, state parks are located closer to population centers and don't require as long a drive. From lovely, sandy coastal parks to striking, mountainous landscapes, this country is full of parks that represent the unique beauty that each state has to offer. Ready to add some natural wonders to your travel bucket list? Check out the best state parks in each of the 50 states that are absolutely worth visiting.

1. Alabama: Cathedral Caverns State Park

Located in Woodville, Alabama, visiting Cathedral Caverns State Park feels like stepping into another world. Wander through stalagmite forests and past a "frozen" waterfall of stone. The park is also home to "Goliath," a 45-foot-tall and 243-foot-wide stalagmite. It is one of the largest in the world. Tours last about 90 minutes and will take you through approximately a mile and a half of the spectacular caverns.

2. Alaska: Wood-Tikchik State Park

Located in the Togiak National Wildlife Refuge in southwest Alaska, this park has the distinction of being the most remote in the country. Needless to say, it's a great place to go if you need to get away from it all. Visitors can take advantage of the great fishing, hunting, and hiking opportunities the park has to offer, as well as explore the beautiful and vast tundra of the Nushagak lowlands. This is one of the most beautiful U.S. state parks.

3. Arizona: Kartchner Caverns State Park

Head to the eastern side of the Whetstone Mountains and experience some of the largest cave formations in the country. The caverns are home to colonies of bats, and the caves are considered to be "live" and still undergoing formation processes. Above ground, this park is a great location for fishing, hiking, camping, birding, and stargazing. The signature trail here is the Foothills Loop Trail, a 3-mile moderate loop that includes a quick detour to Mountain Viewpoint. Learn about touring Kartchner Caverns State Park.

4. Arkansas: Devil's Den State Park

Situated in the beautiful Ozarks, this state park is awash in beautiful flora and enchanting waterfalls. If you're looking for spectacular hiking trails in Arkansas, you will love the scenic Yellow Rock Trail, which offers some of the best views of the park. The park also offers 17 cabins and many different campsites for overnight visitors.

5. California: Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park

California is filled with natural wonders, but its redwood forests definitely rank among the most enchanting. If you're looking for "state parks near me" in Northern California, this one won't disappoint. Head to Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park and check out the world's largest coast redwood, which stands 340 feet tall and is 20 feet in diameter. Another not-to-be-missed area of the park is Stout Memorial Grove, a pocket of redwoods that were, luckily, not logged in the 20th century. The result is an astounding collection of 300-foot trees.

6. Colorado: Mueller State Park

Featuring more than 5,000 acres of diverse ecosystems, Mueller State Park offers a little bit of everything. You'll find it in central Colorado, about 33 miles west of Colorado Springs. With more than 55 miles of hiking trails, great biking areas, plenty of campsites, and even geocaching opportunities, Mueller may be the most full-featured park in Colorado. If you're a bit short on time, hike the Outlook Ridge Trail, a lovely 1.5-mile hike that leads to stunning views of the Sawatch and Sangre de Cristo ranges. Visit the park's web page for more information.

7. Connecticut: Rocky Neck State Park

Located in East Lyme, this state park is a great summertime destination. With plenty of rocky coastline to explore and lots of sandy spots to spread your towel, there's an endless amount of seaside fun to be had here. And with 710 acres of land, including marshes and forests, Rocky Neck State Park will keep you busy for multiple visits. It's one of the best parks in Connecticut.

8. Delaware: Cape Henlopen State Park

Head to Lewes to check out one of the oldest state parks in the country. Cape Henlopen State Park was set aside for public use during colonial times and contributed to the war effort during World War II. Today, this is a great place for beach days, fishing, and ecological tours. Traveling with the kids? Check out the Seaside Nature Center, home to a 495-gallon touch tank with horseshoe crabs and stingrays. Find out more about the park on the Delaware State Parks website.

9. Florida: Florida Caverns State Park

Located near Marianna, the Florida Caverns State Park offers plenty of above-ground and subterranean activities that are sure to please. Book one of their cave tours to learn about the park's spectacular caverns, or check out some of the beautiful kayaking and biking areas. And don't forget to play a few rounds on the park's scenic nine-hole golf course. It's the perfect place to go if you're looking for things to do outside in Florida.

10. Georgia: Tallulah Gorge State Park

Tallulah Gorge State Park is full of gorgeous waterways and cascades. Lovers of beautiful waterfalls and complicated capitalization shouldn't miss L’Eau d’Or Falls. The park also offers a few waterfalls that are perfect for sliding down and swimming. The surrounding mountainside is also a great place for some woodland hiking. One thing's for sure—Tallulah Gorge State Park in Georgia is one of the best state parks in the country.

11. Hawaii: Waimea Canyon State Park, Kauai

Imagine if the Grand Canyon were carpeted in lush, green foliage and the sound of tropical wildlife echoed between its ridges? That's what you get with Waimea Canyon State Park. Featuring some pretty incredible hiking and even more stunning views, this Kauai treasure is not to be missed.

12. Idaho: Harriman State Park

Head on over to the Island Park caldera near Yellowstone to experience one of the best state parks in Idaho. Harriman's 11,000 acres are filled with majestic cranes, swans, and moose. There are plenty of fly-fishing and horseback trail opportunities, plus lots of spots to watch the sun rise over the misty caldera—aka a group of collapsed volcanoes.

13. Illinois: Starved Rock State Park

Along with its colorful and quirky name, Starved Rock State Park also offers more than 2,630 acres of canyons, waterfalls, and gorgeous hiking trails to explore. This is an especially lovely place to visit during the autumn, when the leaves are in peak fall foliage colors. You'll want to stop every few steps for a photo-op.

14. Indiana: Brown County State Park

Brown County State Park in Nashville, Indiana, is actually a popular wedding destination, no doubt due to the marvelous scenery. Along with its gorgeous sites, visitors can check out the park's many awesome fishing and swimming holes, or rent a quaint camper for a peaceful woodland overnight stay.

15. Iowa: Pikes Peak State Park

Situated in McGregor, Pikes Peak State Park is perhaps the most scenic of Iowa's 85 state parks. Including thousands of acres of pristine wilderness and sparkling waterways, the jewel of this park is Bridal Veil Falls and its scenic boardwalk. Visitors can also head to the 500-foot-tall bluff overlooking the Upper Mississippi River for a gorgeous aerial view of the park.

16. Kansas: Lake Scott State Park

Located just a hair north of Scott City, Kansas, this park offers stark canyon landscapes, beautiful grassy prairie land, and sparkling natural springs. Visitors can also check out the El Quartelejo Ruins, which were abandoned by a group of Pueblo native people in 1706. For even more historical immersion, guests should head over to the Steele Home, a late 19th-century homestead that has been preserved inside and out. Lake Scott State Park is one of the best state parks in Kansas.

17. Kentucky: Daniel Boone National Forest

While technically a National Forest and not a state park, the Daniel Boone National Forest in Kentucky still deserves a spot on this list. Situated in both Slade and Stanton, it's all about the trees. Check out the Swift Camp Creek Overlook for a stunning view of the park and its beautiful foliage. Rock climbing at the Roadside Crag is also a great option for those looking for a bit of a challenge. Learn about Daniel Boone National Forest on the U.S. Forest Service website. Of course, if we were to recommend one of the best state parks in Kentucky, it would have to be the famous Cumberland Falls State Resort Park.

18. Louisiana: Chicot State Park

Named for Lake Chicot, this beautiful park is as diverse as it is enchanting. A stroll through the cypress swamps and a stay at the lovely lakeside cabins are not to be missed. The Delta Woodlands Trail is an easy 1-mile hike through the park. The Louisiana State Arboretum is situated right next door to this park, which makes learning about the local flora and fauna easy and fun.

19. Maine: Mt. Blue State Park

Acadia National Park gets a lot of attention in Maine, but Mt. Blue State Park is equally beautiful. At 8,000 acres, it's actually the largest state park in Maine, and is named for the blue spruce trees that cover the slopes of Mount Blue. Plus, it has some of the best hiking trails around. Visitors can also take advantage of the park's sandy beaches, camping sites, and many scenic picnic areas. Mt. Blue State Park is one of the best state parks in Maine.

20. Maryland: Elk Neck State Park

There are over 2,188 acres of rugged and beautiful wilderness to explore at Elk Neck State Park. You can also find some of the best hiking trails in Maryland here. Hiking trails vary in difficulty and length, but even casual explorers will find a path they can tackle here. There are 250 campsites and 15 cabins on offer for those wishing to stay overnight. Visitors should be sure to visit the Turkey Point Lighthouse, which is especially picturesque at sunset. Read more about Elk Neck State Park on the Maryland Park Service website.

21. Massachusetts: Mount Greylock State Reservation

This gorgeous park is centered around majestic Mount Greylock, whose striking 3,489-foot high peak towers over the rest of the park. With more than 70 miles of hiking trails in Massachusetts that are perfect for hiking, mountain biking, skiing, snowshoeing, and even snowmobiling, this park is a treasure in all seasons. Visitors should also be sure to stop by Bash Bish Falls, the tallest waterfall in the state.

22. Michigan: Belle Isle

Located in Detroit, this 982-acre island is an unexpected green refuge in an otherwise stark urban landscape. First opened in 1904, Belle Isle has a greenhouse filled with fascinating plants, a lush botanical garden, and an enchanting lily pond. If you're lucky enough to swing an invitation, be sure to check out the Belle Isle Yacht Club, which is the largest of its kind in the country. The club's Mediterranean-style villa is equally lovely viewed from afar. Learn more about Belle Isle in Michigan on the Belle Isle Conservancy website.

23. Minnesota: George H. Crosby Manitou State Park

The George H. Crosby Manitou State Park is special for many reasons. This was the first park in the state to be designated especially for backpackers, and the park remains a backpack-only area. The Manitou River runs through a 1.1 billion-year-old volcanic gorge, and waterfalls tumble along the entire length of this valley. It is one of Minnesota's least-visited parks, which means guests will have even more of the area's natural beauty to themselves.

24. Mississippi: Tishomingo State Park

Tishomingo State Park ranked among the top 100 family campgrounds according to Reserve America and has earned many other honors and awards. The staggering rock formations and ferny valleys of this park make it feel like something out of a prehistoric age. It's a great place for fishing, hiking, climbing, and learning about life in the 19th century. This park has also been named one of the "Top 25 Romantic Spots" by Reserve America, so you know there's some real magic in the air here.

25. Missouri: Knob Knoster State Park

Along with offering prime fishing and boating on Buteo and Clearfork lakes, this beautiful park is full of easy-to-moderate hiking trails. To get the best view of the park without too much trouble, try the 0.9-mile Discovery Trail. Equestrians will also be delighted to know that the park offers an expansive McAdoo Trail System designed especially for horseback riding. Learn about Knob Knoster State Park on the Missouri State Parks website.

26. Montana: Makoshika State Park

Glacier and Yellowstone may get all the press, but Makoshika is actually Montana's largest state park. Makoshika State Park is situated on Montana’s Dinosaur Trail, where the fossil remains of 10 to 12 dinosaur species have been discovered. Beautiful rock formations and red rock badlands make this place a striking departure from the everyday. It's one of the best parks in Montana, and has some great hours: it is open for exploration 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

27. Nebraska: Eugene T. Mahoney State Park

Located near Ashland, Nebraska, the Eugene T. Mahoney State Park was voted the best park in the state by Reserve America. With nearly 700 miles to explore and year-round natural beauty, that's an honor it definitely deserves. Visitors can take advantage of the park's trail rides and get a taste of equestrian fun by riding horses for the day.

28. Nevada: Valley of Fire State Park

Located in Overton, Nevada, the red sandstone formations of Valley of Fire State Park were formed over 150 million years ago by the eroding forces of wind and water. Petrified wood and Anasazi native petroglyphs can be found throughout the park, with some of these being as old as 3,000 years old. This place is also home to some of the most spectacular hiking trails in Nevada. Perhaps the most famous of these hikes is the Fire Wave Trail, with its magnificent, colorful sandstone. (Please note that the trail is closed seasonally between May and October due to extreme heat.)

29. New Hampshire: Crawford Notch State Park

Head to Crawford Notch State Park in New Hampshire and lose yourself (metaphorically) in over 6,000 acres of pristine wilderness. With plenty of thunderous waterfalls, streams, and mountains, this park is a great place to get in touch with nature. You may just happen to come up to this rusted metal bridge that you can cross to get over a rocky babbling brook.

30. New Jersey: Palisades Interstate Park

This place deserves much more attention than it gets. Though technically partially in New York, the New Jersey side of the Palisades is about 12 miles long and offers more than 30 miles of trails. The Palisades Cliffs are a National Historic Landmark, and the historic Women's Federation Monument is also located on the park grounds. Learn more about Palisades Interstate Park on the New Jersey Palisades website.

31. New Mexico: Bottomless Lakes State Park

Located near Roswell, New Mexico, this lake is famous for its bafflingly beautiful scenery. Aquatic plants lend the waters a mystical blue-green tint, which makes them appear to be bottomless. In reality, most are a mere 19 to 40 feet deep. Visitors are welcome to swim and scuba dive in the lakes. Learn more about Bottomless Lakes State Park in New Mexico on the EMNRD website.

32. New York: Adirondack Park

If you visit just one state park in New York, make it Adirondack. Visitors can explore the park's six million acres (you read that correctly) completely free of charge. In fact, it's the largest publicly protected area in the contiguous United States! Hitch a ride on the Adirondack Scenic Railroad, climb the 46 peaks of the park's mountains, or attend one of the park's many yearly maple syrup festivals. It's the ideal park to visit when you're looking for things to do outside in New York. Learn more about Adirondack Park on the Visit Adirondacks website.

33. North Carolina: Hanging Rock State Park

Conveniently located near Danbury, North Carolina, Hanging Rock State Park gives visitors more than 20 miles of hiking trails to explore and plenty of rock climbing opportunities. You can also take a dip in many of its beautiful waterfall pools. Learn more about Hanging Rock State Park in North Carolina on the NC Department of Parks and Recreation website.

34. North Dakota: Little Missouri State Park

Head to Little Missouri State Park for miles upon miles of terrific hiking, excellent backpacking areas, and great equestrian trails. This park's badlands are also some of the most impressive in the region—you might even see free-roaming deer, bison, and other stunning wildlife during your excursion. It's arguably one of the most beautiful state parks in North Dakota.

35. Ohio: Hocking Hills State Park

Hocking Hills may be Ohio's most popular state park, and the reasons are numerous. The natural wonderland offers plenty of waterfalls, caverns, and incredible hiking trails to explore. Old Man's Cave and Cedar Falls are two of the park's most beloved attractions, but the entirety of the park is worthy of a full survey. For the fullest waterfall experience, plan your visit between March and May, especially 24 hours after a heavy rainfall.

36. Oklahoma: Beavers Bend State Park

With 1,300 acres of picture-perfect forest and riverways, this state park is a year-round delight. Beavers Bend is a great place to try your hand at fly-fishing and learn about the local wildlife. The park's nature center operates various campfire programs along the banks of the Mountain Fork River that are perfect for families looking to get to know the native landscape. Learn more about Beavers Bend State Park in Oklahoma on the Travel OK website.

37. Oregon: Smith Rock State Park

The sheer cliffs and warmly colored stones of this park make for an epic backdrop to any nature outing. Experienced hikers should check out Misery Ridge Trail, which takes visitors past some of the most stunning scenery in the preserve. This park is also known for its excellent stargazing, so camping is a great option. Another recreational activity that's popular here? Rock climbing. In fact, the park is known as the birthplace of U.S. sport climbing. Visit the Smith Rock State Park on the Oregon State Parks website for more information.

38. Pennsylvania: Cook Forest State Park

Cook Forest State Park in Pennsylvania covers over 8,500 acres and boasts sparkling streams, peaceful woodland glades, and plenty of tranquility. National Geographic Traveler magazine ranked Cook Forest State Park as one of the top 50 state parks in the country, and it's easy to see why—the peaceful forest trails will transport you to the most zen-like state.

39. Rhode Island: Beavertail State Park

Head to Jamestown, Rhode Island, for some stunning ocean views and plenty of coastal picnic spots. Beavertail State Park boasts a historic lighthouse, a fascinating aquarium, and absolutely killer seaside walking trails. Stroll along the shore long enough, and you might just discover one of Beavertail's hidden beaches. You'll also see why it's considered one of the best state parks in Rhode Island. Learn more about this stunning destination on the Rhode Island State Parks website.

40. South Carolina: Hunting Island State Park

This is the most visited state park in South Carolina, and you know more than a million visitors per year can't be wrong. Hunting Island offers more than 5,000 acres of pristine seaside and salt marsh environments. Fishing and boating are popular activities, but simply wandering the 10 miles of trails leading around the island is a more than rewarding way to spend a day in this park.

41. South Dakota: Custer State Park

Custer State Park in South Dakota is one of the biggest state parks in the country—you definitely won't run out of things to do and see here. Between wandering through rolling fields of bright sunflowers, catching some sun by the placid waters of Sylvan Lake, or admiring the park's beautiful rock formations, there's something here for everyone. It's an especially appealing park for wildlife enthusiasts, as it's possible to spot bison! This free-roaming herd is made up of approximately 1,400 bison, and they can typically be seen along the 18-mile Wildlife Loop Road.

42. Tennessee: Roan Mountain State Park

One of the best times to visit Roan Mountain State Park in Tennessee is during the spring when the preserve's many flowers are in full bloom. The park's purple rhododendrons are particularly stunning, but Roan Mountain's fall foliage almost rivals the flowers in vibrancy and beauty. It's an amazing Tennessee hiking destination. The signature hike here is Raven Rock Trail, a lovely 1.7-mile loop that leads through the hardwood forests to a craggy overlook.

43. Texas: Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Drive on over to Palo Duro Canyon in Texas and check out some of the most majestic red rock formations in the state. This place looks positively Martian, and many of the scarlet valleys are made even more striking by the lush greenery that blooms during the springtime. It's a state park that really shows off Texas' natural beauty, and you'll quickly understand how it earned the nickname of Grand Canyon of Texas.

44. Utah: Jordanelle Reservoir State Park

The Jordanelle Reservoir State Park in Utah is spread over 3,064 acres of wilderness and contains the beautiful waters of the Jordanelle Reservoir. It's a perfect place for kayaking, canoeing, large craft boating, and fishing. The area is also a good spot to spy some graceful mule deer.

45. Vermont: Smuggler’s Notch State Park

With a whimsical name and a convenient location between Stowe and Jeffersonville, Smuggler's Notch State Park in Vermont is filled with nooks and crannies to explore. Check out Bingham Falls (pictured) for an incredible photo and swimming opportunity, or investigate the caves and boulders scattered throughout the park.

46. Virginia: Shenandoah River State Park

There's no better way to get to know the natural beauty of Virginia than a trip through Shenandoah River State Park. With over 1,600 acres, 5.2 miles of river shore, and endless sporting opportunities, this park is just brimming with promise and adventure. As a bonus, Massanutten Mountain lies just to the west, and Shenandoah National Park is to the east.

47. West Virginia: Cass Scenic Railroad State Park

When it comes to the Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, the journey is everything. This park offers scenic railroad trips from Back Allegheny Mountain all the way to Bald Knob. At its highest point, the railroad climbs to over 4,700 feet. Visitors should dress warmly and plan to spend between two and five hours touring the park. Learn all about this wonderful place on the West Virginia State Parks website.

48. Washington: Wallace Falls State Park

Wallace Falls State Park in Washington is pretty huge and full of things to do. Springtime brings hiking, camping, and fishing opportunities galore, plus the opportunity to head to two of the park's stunning waterfalls: Lower Wallace Falls and Middle Wallace Falls. The park has two tent camping sites available and several cabins that can be rented. Visit the park's page on the Washington Parks website for more information.

49. Wisconsin: Peninsula State Park

Peninsula State Park in Wisconsin stretches across 4,000 acres and draws over a million visitors a year. Though with so much space to roam, you might not ever run into another guest during your explorations. This park is known for its fiery fall foliage, and bunking down at one of the park's 400 campsites provides the most immersive natural experience and best chance of catching a spectacular sunrise. Find out more about this state park on the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website.

50. Wyoming: Hot Springs State Park

When you feel like combining a natural outing with a spa trip, Hot Springs State Park in Wyoming is the perfect destination. Located in Thermopolis, this park offers a free bathing house that is maintained at 104 degrees as well as gorgeous Tavertine Terraces that are made of calcium carbonate. Herds of bison also roam the park's beautiful grounds.

What To Know Before Planning Your State Park Adventure

The best state parks in America are popular for a reason, but a little planning can go along way in making your adventure a memorable one. The best time to visit a state park is largely dependent on the time of year, and no two parks are exactly the same. Summer may be the ideal time to visit northern parks, whereas southern destinations can be quite hot and humid and are best experienced in the spring or fall. Once you've decided on a trip time, be sure to make your reservations; cabins, campgrounds, and some day-use areas may require a reservation. Lastly, be sure to bring the essentials: plenty of water, snacks, bug spray, and layers. Cell service can be spotty in some state park areas, so also download any maps you'll need in advance.

Are you as enchanted by these state parks as we are? If you're ready to go, share this article with your favorite travel companion and check one of these beauties off your travel bucket list.