Here Are The Most Enchanting State Parks In All 50 States

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. From lovely, sandy coastal parks to striking, mountainous landscapes, America is full of parks that represent the unique beauty that each state has to offer. Check out the best of the best state parks in the U.S. to visit.

Cathedral Caverns State Park, 637 Cave Rd, Woodville, AL 35776, USA

Cathedral Caverns State Park-Alabama/Facebook

One of the best state parks to visit in Alabama is located in Woodville, and visiting this 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.

Wood-Tikchik State Park, Dillingham, AK 99576, USA

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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 USA state parks.

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2980 AZ-90, Benson, AZ 85602, USA

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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 star-gazing. Learn about touring Kartchner Caverns State Park.

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Devil's Den State Park, 11333 West Arkansas Hwy. 74, Winslow, AR 72774, USA

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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.

Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, Crescent City, CA 95531, USA

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California is filled with natural wonders, but its redwood forests definitely rank amongst 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.

Mueller State Park Visitors Center, Unnamed Road, Divide, CO 80814, USA

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Featuring more than 5,000 acres of diverse ecosystems, this state park offers a little bit of everything. With over 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. Visit the Mueller State Park web page for more information.

Rocky Neck State Park Bathing Beach, Old Lyme, CT 06371, USA

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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, this place will keep you busy for multiple visits. It's one of the best parks in Connecticut.

Cape Henlopen State Park, 15099 Cape Henlopen Dr, Lewes, DE 19958, USA

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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. Find out more about Cape Henlopen State Park in Delaware on the Delaware State Parks website. This has to be one of the most beautiful American state parks.

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Florida Caverns State Park, 3345 Caverns Rd, Marianna, FL 32446, USA

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Located near Marianna, this 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.

Tallulah Gorge State Park, 338 Jane Hurt Yarn Rd, Tallulah Falls, GA 30573, USA

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This 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 USA.

Take a look at this video of Tallulah Gorge State Park from @OnlyInYourState:

Waimea Canyon State Park, Waimea, HI 96796, USA

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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.

Harriman State Park, 3489 Green Canyon Rd, Island Park, ID 83429, USA

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Head on over to the Island Park caldera in 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, not to mention lots of spots from which to watch the sun rise over the misty caldera.

Starved Rock State Park, Oglesby, IL 61348, USA

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In addition to a colorful name, this state park offers over 2,630 acres of canyons, waterfalls, and gorgeous hiking trails. This is an especially lovely place to visit during the autumn in order to catch the turning leaves at their best.

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Brown County State Park Road, Brown County State Park Rd, Nashville, IN 47448, USA

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This state park is actually a popular wedding destination, no doubt due to the marvelous scenery. In addition to 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.

Pikes Peak State Park, 32264 Pikes Peak Rd, McGregor, IA 52157, USA

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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. Visitors can also head to the 500-foot tall bluff overlooking the Upper Mississippi River for a gorgeous aerial view of the park.

Lake Scott State Park, 101 W Scott Lake Dr, Scott City, KS 67871, USA

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Located just a hair north of Scott City, 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. Scott State Park is one of the best state parks in Kansas.

Daniel Boone National Forest, Kentucky 40447, USA

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While technically a National Forest and not a state park, this area of Kentucky deserves a spot on this list. Situated in both Slade and Stanton, it is all about the trees. Check out the Swift Camp Creek Overlook (pictured) 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. Biking and canoeing opportunities abound, and the wildlife is known to be particularly friendly and curious. Learn about Daniel Boone National Forest on the U.S. Forest Service website.

Chicot State Park, 3469 Chicot Park Rd, Ville Platte, LA 70586, USA

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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 Louisiana State Arboretum is situated right next door to this park, which makes learning about the local flora and fauna easy and fun.

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Mt Blue State Park Campground, 187 Webb Beach Rd, Weld, ME 04285, USA

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Acadia National Park gets a lot of attention in Maine, but Mt. Blue State Park is equally beautiful. At 8,000 acres, it's the actually the largest state park in Maine. The park is named from the blue spruce trees that cover the slopes of Mount Blue, and 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.

Elk Neck State Park, 4395 Turkey Point Rd, North East, MD 21901, USA

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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.

Mount Greylock State Reservation Visitor Center, 30 Rockwell Rd, Lanesborough, MA 01237, USA

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This gorgeous park is centered around majestic Mount Greylock, whose striking 3,489-foot high peak towers over the rest of the park. With over 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.

Belle Isle, Detroit, MI, USA

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Located in Detroit, this 982-acre island is an unexpected green refuge in an otherwise stark urban landscape. First opened in 1904, the park offers 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.

George Crosby Manitou State Park, 7616 Co Hwy 7, Finland, MN 55603, USA

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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 that guests will have even more of the area's natural beauty to themselves.

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Tishomingo State Park, 105 Co Rd 90, Tishomingo, MS 38873, USA

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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.

873 SE 10 Rd, Knob Noster, MO 65336, USA

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In addition to offering prime fishing and boating on Buteo and Clearfork lakes, this beautiful park is full of easy to moderate difficulty 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 specially for horseback riding. Learn about Knob Knoster State Park on the Missouri State Parks website.

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Makoshika State Park Road, Makoshika State Park Rd, Glendive, MT 59330, USA

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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 10-12 dinosaur species have been discovered. Beautiful rock formations and red rock badlands make this place a striking departure from the everyday. It is one of the best parks in Montana. The park also has some great hours: it is open for exploration 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, 28500 W Park Hwy, Ashland, NE 68003, USA

flickr/Bryon Lippincott

Located near Ashland, this park was voted the best park in the state by Reserve America. With over 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.

Valley of Fire State Park, Moapa Valley, NV 89040, USA

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Located in Overton, 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. Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada is one of the most stunning American state parks.

You'll certainly want to take a scenic drive through Valley of Fire when you visit. Take a look at this video by @OnlyInYourState:

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Crawford Notch State Park, 1464 US-302, Hart's Location, NH 03812, USA

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Head to this state park 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.

Palisades Interstate Parkway, Palisades Interstate Pkwy, Alpine, NJ 07620, USA

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This place deserves much more attention than it gets. Though technically partially in New York, the New Jersey side of 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.

Bottomless Lakes State Park, 545A Bottomless Lakes Rd, Roswell, NM 88201, USA

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

Keene Valley, NY, USA

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If you visit just one state park in New York, make it this one. Visitors can explore the park's six million acres (you read that correctly) completely free of charge. 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.

1790 Hanging Rock Park Rd, Danbury, NC 27016, USA

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Conveniently located near Danbury, this state park gives visitors over 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.

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Little Missouri State Park, 910 103rd Ave NW, Killdeer, ND 58640, USA

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Head here 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. Little Missouri State Park is one of the most beautiful state parks North Dakota.

Hocking Hills State Park Cabins, Benton Township, OH 43138, USA

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This may be Ohio's most popular state park, and the reasons are numerous. Hocking Hills offers plenty of waterfalls, caverns, and incredible hiking trails to explore. Old Man's Cave and Cedar Falls (pictured) are two of the park's most beloved attractions, but the entirety of the park is worthy of a full survey.

Take a look at this video of Hocking Hills State Park from @OnlyInYourState:

4350 OK-259A, Broken Bow, OK 74728, USA

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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.

Smith Rock State Park, Oregon 97760, USA

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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. Visit the Smith Rock State Park on the Oregon State Parks website for more information.

Cook Forest State Park Office, 100 PA-36, Cooksburg, PA 16217, USA

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This stunning park 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.

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Beavertail Road, Beavertail Rd, Jamestown, RI 02835, USA

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Head to Jamestown for some stunning ocean views and plenty of coastal picnic spots. This 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 Beavertail State Park on the Rhode Island State Parks website.

Hunting Island, South Carolina 29920, USA

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This is the most visited state park in the state, 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.

Custer, SD 57730, USA

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Custer State Park is one of the biggest state parks in the country, so 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, and even cliff jumping from the park's beautiful rock formations, there's something here for everyone. If you're looking for things to do outside in South Dakota, you have to come here. The park has also been named one of the world's Top Ten Wildlife Destinations. It's one of the best state parks in the U.S.

Roan Mountain State Park, 527 TN-143, Roan Mountain, TN 37687, USA

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One of the best times to visit this park 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.

11450 State Hwy Park Rd 5, Canyon, TX 79015, USA

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Drive on over to this Canyon 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.

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Jordanelle Reservoir, Utah, USA

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This park is spread over 3,064 acres of wilderness, and contains the beautiful 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.

6443 Mountain Rd, Stowe, VT 05672, USA

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With a whimsical name and a convenient location between Stowe and Jeffersonville, this state park 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.

350 Daughter of Stars Dr, Bentonville, VA 22610, USA

Shenandoah River State Park/Google Reviews

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.

12363 Cass Rd, Cass, WV 24927, USA

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When it comes to this 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 about Cass Scenic Railroad State Park on the West Virginia State Parks website.

14503 Wallace Lake Rd, Gold Bar, WA 98251, USA

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This state park is pretty huge, and full of things to do. Springtime brings hiking, camping, and fishing opportunities galore. This is also the best time of year 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 Wallace Falls State Park page on the Washington Parks website for more information.

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9462 Shore Rd, Fish Creek, WI 54212, USA

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This park 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 Peninsula State Park on the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources webiste.

220 Park St, Thermopolis, WY 82443, USA

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When you feel like combining a natural outing with a spa trip, this 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.

Are you as enchanted by the best state parks in the U.S. as we are? What do you think of this list of state parks to visit in America? Which state parks in America are closest to your heart and why? Let us know in the comments!

While visiting a state park anywhere in our beautiful country, you’ll most likely go for a hike. If that’s the case, take a look at our Ultimate Hiking Packing List for everything you need, and make sure you download the AllTrails+ app to guide you on the trails. If you decide to go camping at any of the state parks across America and need new gear, take a look at the selection of tents, sleeping bags, and more from our friends at REI.