Top State Parks Across All 50 U.S. States

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 relax—no judgment. The park also provides opportunities for hiking, camping, and enjoying 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 local peccaries, wild pig-like creatures that roam the Southwest.

Devil’s Den State Park — Arkansas

Wood and stone structures erected by the Civilian 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 Redwood 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, and Prairie Creek. 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 climb one of the park’s iconic 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 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. 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, providing excellent fishing (for bass and walleye), kayaking, swimming, and paddleboarding. As for hiking opportunities, the park accommodates every fitness 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 referred to as lunar rainbows, in the mists coming off the falls. Hike through the forest or embark on a rafting trip down the Cumberland River before settling in to watch this phenomenon.

Chicot State Park — Louisiana

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

Baxter State Park — Maine

This Maine state park is expansive, covering more than 200,000 acres, with nearly endless recreation opportunities. Enjoy 200-plus miles of biking and hiking trails (including a section of the Appalachian Trail), lakes, streams, and excellent camping.

Assateague State Park — Maryland

This park sits on Assateague Island, a barrier island off the Maryland coast. This unique destination is best known for its wild horses, often spotted running along the beach. In addition to standard seaside activities, parkgoers can kayak to secluded coves, clam for dinner, surf-fish, or participate in group yoga 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 enjoy 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 to 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 for fishing, boating, and bird-watching. Further inland, more than 90 miles of hiking trails lead to waterfalls and scenic viewpoints. In winter, powderhounds flock to the Porcupine Mountains for skiing and snowmobiling.

Itasca State Park — Minnesota

As you might expect from a Minnesota state park, Itasca features more than 100 lakes within its boundaries, including Lake Itasca, which offers a variety of recreational activities. What truly sets this park apart is that it contains the headwaters of the Mississippi River. You can even walk on rocks across a shallow section of the water.

Tishomingo State Park — Mississippi

In Mississippi’s Appalachian foothills, Tishomingo State Park features unique sandstone outcroppings and a rich history. Archeological digs in the park reveal that it was inhabited by Indigenous peoples as far back as 7000 B.C.E. Today, visitors 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 numerous rocky wells—aka “shut-ins”—that form shallow pools perfect for swimming. These pools are the park’s main attraction, complemented by trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

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 rock formations, along with numerous 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 local bison and elk populations.

Valley of Fire State Park — Nevada

Just 50 miles from the Las Vegas Strip, you’ll find a stunning landscape of blazing red rock formations at the Valley of Fire. The sea of sandstone features 2,000-year-old petroglyphs. Where the ground isn’t covered by rock, you might spot petrified trees. A scenic byway connects the east and west entrances, with places to stop for cool rock formations and 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 granite canyon covered in moss. You can descend into the gorge on a two-mile boardwalk loop. Enjoy swimming at Echo Lake Beach, riding the aerial tramway, or renting a bike in Lincoln to explore the park.

Island Beach State Park — New Jersey

New Jersey’s top state park is a beach—or rather, a barrier island. The aptly named Island Beach State Park is a 10-mile stretch separating Barnegat Bay from the Atlantic Ocean. Here, you can enjoy your favorite beach-related activities, be it fishing, swimming, windsurfing, or kayaking. On land, a few hiking trails and an educational center teach about 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 volcanic eruption millions of years ago spewed an array of rocks and boulders across the landscape. Though the park encompasses 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 include American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls, all of which can 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 granite monolith serves as the centerpiece of this state park. While Chimney Rock may be the park’s namesake, the true attractions here are the 404-foot waterfall and views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Little Missouri State Park — North Dakota

Prepare for plenty of walking because much of Little Missouri State Park‘s badlands can only be accessed via trail. Getting far out into nature is the park’s main appeal, offering a backcountry experience and many other reasons to unplug.

Hocking Hills State Park — Ohio

Hocking Hills State Park offers the feeling of multiple parks in one due 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 showcases the wild, rugged coastline Oregon is famous for. In addition to four miles of shore, you’ll find temperate rain forests and a great surf break at Short Sand Beach, known locally as “Shorty’s.”

Ohiopyle State Park — Pennsylvania

This beautiful Pennsylvania state park invites you to whoosh down natural water slides, search for fossils, backpack on the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail, and explore 27 miles of mountain bike trails.

Colt State Park — Rhode Island

Colt State Park offers breathtaking ocean views. From here, you can relax and watch sailboats cruise by or hop on the East Bay Bike Path and pedal your way around the area. In winter, enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing right next to the sea.

Jones Gap State Park — South Carolina

Jones Gap features two towering waterfalls and a stretch of the Middle Saluda River where anglers fish for trout. Some of the hiking trails connect with Caesars Head, allowing you to visit two state parks in a single trip.

Custer State Park — South Dakota

Situated in the Black Hills of South Dakota, Custer State Park offers miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, great camping sites, and the beautiful Sylvan Lake nestled 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, which stretches almost 200 miles. Along this trail, you’ll encounter stunning waterfalls, incredible viewpoints overlooking 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. Located on the Texas Panhandle, hundreds of miles from the much busier Grand Canyon, this state park offers similar scenery but with much quieter trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

Goblin Valley State Park — Utah

Marvel at the otherworldly, mushroom-shaped rock pinnacles that give Goblin Valley its name. Within the three-square-mile area, no marked trails exist, allowing you to wander freely among the formations. Visit after dark for incredible stargazing due to limited 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 worth visiting just for a photo—but we recommend sticking around after capturing the shot. The park provides easy access to hiking and exceptional 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 feels even larger because it’s connected to 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 picturesque seaside destination featuring coves, cliffs, and a towering bridge.

Blackwater Falls State Park — West Virginia

The flowing water of the Blackwater River truly appears black. This gorge and waterfall are must-see destinations, especially for photography enthusiasts. In addition to stunning scenery, the park offers ample hiking, biking, and fishing opportunities.

Devil’s Lake State Park — Wisconsin

The largest state park in Wisconsin is also one of the most breathtaking. The glacier-formed Devil’s Lake is surrounded by impressive bluffs and woodlands. Spend a summer day on the saddle of a mountain bike or horse before jumping into 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 along the park’s trails while searching for bison.