Best U.S. National Parks to Visit in Every State 2025

From golden sand dunes to hardwood forests, from historic sites and iconic monuments to the winding trails that crisscross the United States, our National Park Service has ensured that every state in the nation protects at least a sliver (or a generous wedge) of its most cherished places. Those in search of solitude will find it while wandering deep into the glaciated peaks and rainforests of Olympic National Park, while rock climbers from around the world will challenge themselves on one of many world-class routes up the 3,000 feet of vertical on El Capitan in Yosemite. History buffs and those curious about the country’s past walk the battlefields of Gettysburg, which shaped the United States into the nation as we know it. You don’t even have to step outside of your home state to experience something the Service has worked to recognize and protect. You can spend a night under an expansive sky of stars in Wyoming, or between mountains as old as the earth itself rising from Montana like the country’s great, curved spine.

2. Selma to Montgomery, Alabama

Alabama may not be known for its outdoor recreation, but that doesn’t mean the National Park Service has nothing to offer here. On March 7, 1965, 600 civil rights activists marched along Route 80 from Selma toward Montgomery. Only six blocks later local officials attacked the activists as they reached the Edmund Pettus Bridge. Martin Luther King Jr. led two more attempts at the march over the coming days, and by the time the walk finally reached Montgomery on Thursday, March 25, there were more than 25,000 in attendance. Visitors can retrace their steps on this National Historic Trail and pay respects to the fallen.

3. Denali, Alaska

Home to North America’s tallest mountain, Denali’s six million acres of wilderness is disturbed by only one road. Visitors can frequently see wildlife such as caribou, brown bears, moose, Dall sheep, bison, and wolves roaming the forests. Many peaks remain snow-covered year-round, and access to the park becomes limited once the snow begins to fall in September or October. The park is most accessible during the summer months, but the more experienced outdoorsman may want to visit in the spring or fall to beat the crowds.

4. Grand Canyon, Arizona

Cut to a depth of over a mile by the Colorado River, the Grand Canyon stretches 277 miles long and 18 miles wide, making it the largest canyon in the country. Well over four million people visit each year, so those looking to avoid the masses may want to consider heading to the less-popular North Rim of the canyon. There’s also a cooler climate here due to its higher elevation, making it a great starting point for hikers seeking more remote sections. The North Kaibab Trail is an excellent, albeit strenuous, hike that delivers visitors into the heart of the canyon. Experts recommend completing it in no less than two days.

5. Buffalo, Arkansas

All 135 miles of the Buffalo National River run without dams, making the waterway one of the few undammed rivers in the lower 48 states. As you canoe, kayak, or raft down the river, you’ll quickly find yourself meandering through the incredible cliffs and mountainous terrain of the Ozarks. Fishermen can enjoy the smallmouth bass population in the upper reaches of the river or targeting largemouth bass and catfish in the lower reaches. As you explore the area, look out for a chance to see a Rocky Mountain Elk.

6. Yosemite, California

Yosemite, one of the most well-known rock climbing destinations in the country thanks to its iconic wall, El Capitan, offers enough outdoor recreation opportunities and breathtaking scenery for everyone to enjoy. Both Yosemite Falls and Half-Dome are extremely picturesque, attracting landscape photographers from around the globe. Consider exploring the Tuolumne Meadows area on the east side of the park for a more private experience.

7. Great Sand Dunes, Colorado

Snowcapped mountains, incredible backcountry skiing, and lush vegetation are some of the biggest attractions that draw tourists to Colorado. Consequently, many unknowingly miss out on these golden-orange dunes that come aglow in the afternoon sun. Camp under the stars in this Sahara-like setting, or explore the surrounding meadows and view the dunes from afar. It can get windy in the dunes, so plan accordingly when setting up a campsite.

8. New England Trail, Connecticut

The 215-mile New England National Scenic Trail runs from Guilford, CT, up to the Massachusetts and New Hampshire border. This cross-country trail traverses mountain ridges and winds past scenic vistas, offering hikers a blend of outdoor adventure and a taste of New England culture as it passes through farms and historic colonial villages. The audacious may choose to through-hike the entire trail, while the more novice hiker may plan to hike a smaller section in just a day.

9. First State, Delaware

Even though those searching for backcountry adventure often overlook this small state, the National Park Service does have some spectacular offerings here. As the first state to ratify the constitution in 1787, visitors can see an important piece of U.S. history in the First State National Historical Park. Walk through the forested trails of Woodlawn, or visit the 1732 Court House, where abolitionists stood trial for their beliefs. If visiting in the spring, be sure to go to New Castle to experience an annual celebration of Delaware’s independence from Pennsylvania and Great Britain.

10. Everglades, Florida

We know you’ll never tire of the powdery beaches that Florida is known for, but it’s worth it to pull yourself away from the ocean to spend time exploring the mangrove waterways and wilderness of the Everglades National Park. Keep your eyes open for manatees, crocodiles, or even a Florida panther. Fishermen will enjoy the opportunity to catch everything from acrobatic tarpon to snapper or snook.

11. Cumberland Island, Georgia

Cumberland Island National Seashore, Georgia’s largest barrier island, is full of untouched maritime forests, beaches, and marshes. Visitors can find solitude while camping under the stars in the 9,800 acres of designated wilderness area or can see one of the many historic sites and structures, such as Dungeness, an abandoned mansion originally built as a hunting lodge in 1736. Access to the island is by ferry out of St. Marys, Georgia—reservations are recommended, as the ferries do fill up.

12. Haleakala, Hawaii

While it’s tempting to spend your Hawaiian getaway in a cabana on a beach, those who do only that during their visit to Maui will be cheating themselves of a beautiful, otherworldly escape. Located in the heart of the island, visitors to this National Park will remain busy for days on end. A drive to the 10,000-foot summit of the Haleakala Volcano to watch the sunrise or sunset is a Maui tradition—as is a loop around the coastal reaches of the park for spectacular views of deep blue waves and black sand beaches below. Many of the park’s most prominent attractions can also be reached by foot or by bike.

13. Craters of the Moon, Idaho

You may think you’ve been launched into space, but you’re only in central Idaho. Between 2,000 and 15,000 years ago, eight major volcanic eruptive periods occurred, forming the deep cracks, craters, and lava fields currently found in the Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve. The area’s sub-surface still has high levels of volcanic and tectonic activity, so the landscape is ever-changing. Start at the visitor center, where experts share knowledge about the area’s geology and lithology. From there, explore Indian Tunnel and take a hike around Broken Top Loop trail.

14. Lincoln Home, Illinois

Claimed as their own by both Democrats and Republicans, Abraham Lincoln saved the Union and reshaped our republic. Under Lincoln, slavery was abolished, and the United States of America took a huge step toward equality for all. The National Park Service maintains and preserves Lincoln’s home so that visitors can see where the 16th (and arguably one of the most important) presidents lived. Located in downtown Springfield, the home has been open to the public since 1887 and continues to allow visitors to take tours through the 12-room house.

15. Indiana Dunes, Indiana

This National Park encompasses 15 miles of the Lake Michigan shoreline in northern Indiana. With over 50 miles of hiking trails located on 15,000 acres of federally funded land, visitors will find no shortage of prime kite-flying real estate, wildlife, wetlands, and dunes. Visitors will also discover quaint towns and vibrant nightlife surrounding the lakeshore area. When you’re finished with the lakeshore, explore the lakeside city of Portage or artsy Chesterton.

16. Effigy Mounds, Iowa

Over 1,000 years ago, thousands of mounds of earth were constructed across parts of Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Illinois by more than 20 different Native American tribes. At least 200 of these have been preserved and can be found at the Effigy Mounds National Monument in Iowa. Wander through one of the most beautiful places in the Upper Mississippi River Valley while trying to find and recognize the animals that inspired the non-uniform mounds (think: lynx, bison, birds, and bears). Out of respect for the culture and history of this sacred site, the mounds are accessible only by foot.

17. Tallgrass Prairie, Kansas

When we sing about America’s “amber waves of grain” and “beautiful for spacious skies,” we’re probably conjuring images of this swath of Kansas. Founded in 1996, the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve covers around 10,000 acres—a tiny fraction of the 170 million acres of prairie that once graced North America. The park’s 40+ miles of hiking trails allow visitors to explore the ancient landscape and the animals that inhabit it, including a herd of bison. From the center of this impossibly quiet, wide-open space, you’ll have a sense of the original America.

18. Mammoth Cave, Kentucky

Mammoth Cave National Park is located in the hilly countryside of south-central Kentucky and is part of the Green River Valley. With over 400 miles of explored cave systems, Mammoth is the longest known cave in the world. Visitors can enjoy surface and subsurface exploration, canoeing the Green River, hiking, camping, and horseback riding.

19. Atchafalaya, Louisiana

Upon entering the state of Louisiana, you may feel like you’re stepping into a different country. The smells, sights, and culture are distinctly Louisianan. Covering 14 different parishes in south-central Louisiana, the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area promotes and preserves the state’s unique Cajun heritage. Of course, there’s an aesthetic component to the National Park Service’s selection of land, as the landscapes range from wetlands to wildlife refuges and marshes. While here, be sure to take a boat tour through the swamps of the bayou.

20. Acadia, Maine

Granite cliffs piercing the sea and the sky are Acadia National Park’s most recognizable feature. Located right next to the bustling New England town of Bar Harbor, Acadia features a rugged seashore, great rock climbing opportunities, and an abundance of hiking, camping, and paddling activities. The adventurous may want to tackle the metal rungs and wooden bridges on the exposed Precipice Trail hike, while others may prefer to drive through the park and up to the summit of Cadillac Mountain. From here, you can be the first in the country to watch the sunrise.

21. Assateague Island, Maryland

Too many people driving across Maryland pass right by this National Seashore, which is inhabited by wild horses, without even knowing to stop. Walking along the remote, wind-swept barrier island and spending the night on the waterfront alongside the horses is a very unique and memorable experience. Visit in the fall or in spring before temperatures rise and the bugs are out in full force.

22. Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Impossibly white beaches, marshes, and the lighthouses that decorate New England’s coast appear abundantly at Cape Cod National Seashore. Tourists on the Cape can catch striped bass in the surf or from a charter boat, swim in the ocean on balmy summer days, or hike and bike along the region’s many miles of trails. Provincetown, commonly known by locals as P-town, is a colorful community where you can find nightlife, art, and great food. If you’re visiting during the summer, be prepared for traffic congestion.

23. Sleeping Bear Dunes, Michigan

Dunes rising 450 feet above the edges of Lake Michigan, countless miles of beaches, clear water, and spectacular views can be found at this National Lakeshore in Michigan. This park also includes many inland lakes, meadows, wetlands, and northern hardwood and conifer forests. Visitors can access most areas by car, but there is also no shortage of hiking trails.

24. Voyageurs, Minnesota

Named after the first Europeans to travel in this part of the country—the French fur traders known as Voyageurs—this park is famous for its water sports. Canoers, kayakers, and fishermen will find themselves in paradise within this National Park, as a third of its 218,055 acres is made up of water. Primary access to the park is by water, so be sure to arrange a boat rental upon arrival. In the wintertime, the park offers exceptional cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling opportunities.

25. Gulf Islands, Mississippi

Spanning the southeastern coast of Mississippi and into the panhandle of Florida, the Gulf Islands National Seashore encompasses parts of the mainland as well as the islands. The blue-green waters of the gulf and 4,080 acres of designated wilderness area draw millions of visitors each year. Exploring the area by kayak is a fairly inexpensive yet effective way to spend your time on the coast. Less experienced kayakers may want to consider hiring a guide to take them out to Horn Island or one of the other surrounding islands, as tidal waters can be risky for first-timers.

26. Pony Express, Missouri

In the era of email and social media, it is difficult to imagine a country in which the main source of delivering mail was by horseback. Between April 1860 and October 1861, mail was carried by horseback on an 1800-mile trail from St. Joseph, Missouri, to Sacramento, California, in only 10 days. Today, visitors can follow the footsteps of these postal pioneers on an auto road route. The western reaches of the Pony Express National Historic Trail are among the best preserved, with opportunities to see traces of the original track, landmarks, graves, preserved structures, and markets, but exploring the Missouri segment allows you to see the trail’s origins, particularly at the Pony Express National Museum.

27. Glacier, Montana

As its name suggests, Glacier National Park’s rugged mountains and sheer cliffs are crowned by glaciers that are rapidly waning due to global warming. Going-to-the-Sun Road, which connects the eastern and western halves of the park, makes the area accessible for those unwilling or unable to explore the backcountry by foot. Although the entire park deserves its fair share of exploration time, the east side is a bit more scenic and contains more glaciers. Consider spending a night at Two Medicine Campground, a car-camping site with RV hookups that makes a great base camp.

28. Scotts Bluff, Nebraska

Nebraska is generally thought of as flat and barren. While this is true for much of the state, some magnificent and noteworthy places such as Scotts Bluff National Monument do exist. Reaching over 800 feet above the North Platte River at its highest point, the Bluff is an important monument along the 19th-century Oregon and Mormon trails. Today, visitors hike both paved and unpaved trails, such as the North and South Overlook, for beautiful vistas. You can also see replica-covered wagons while walking the historic Oregon Trail Pathway.

29. Great Basin, Nevada

If you think Las Vegas is the only worthwhile stop in Nevada, a visit to the Great Basin National Park should change your mind. Mountains towering over 13,000 feet above sea level, 4,000-year-old pine trees, the smell of sagebrush in the desert, and some of the darkest night skies in the country await travelers here. Stargazing, hiking, and fishing are common activities in spring, summer, and fall, while skiers and snowshoers will enjoy plenty of quiet terrain in winter.

30. Appalachian Trail, New Hampshire

While this National Scenic Trail traverses over 2,190 miles of terrain between Georgia and Maine, some of the most beautiful stretches can be found in New Hampshire’s White Mountains. The 161 miles of trail that pass through here feature more exposed, above-tree-line terrain than any state, affording hikers uninterrupted views of the surrounding mountain ranges. You can’t miss Mt. Washington, the tallest mountain in the northeast. Hikers should be aware that weather changes quickly on high peaks, and while it can be sunny and 65 degrees in the valleys, it is not uncommon for it to be snowing simultaneously at higher elevations.

31. Delaware Gap, New Jersey

Many people associate New Jersey with the Jersey Shore, but the Garden State is also home to the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, which contains 70,000 acres of streams, waterfalls, forests, and a stretch of the Delaware River. A day hike up Mt. Minsi, on the Pennsylvania side of the river, is moderate and yields panoramic views into the 1,000-foot deep water gap and across the river toward New Jersey’s Mt. Tammany. If you’re visiting during the summer months, you’ll be rewarded with the sweet wild berries that grow throughout the park. Don’t forget to keep your eyes open for the black bears that may be looking to enjoy the same fruits as you.

32. Gila Cliff Dwellings, New Mexico

The Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument contains caves that have been used as shelters by nomadic peoples for thousands of years. Rooms have been built, pottery has been made, and families have been raised in these cliffs as different cultures came and went. The park service offers educational tours of the dwellings as well as bird watching, nature walks, and wildlife viewing tours. Backpackers (and horseback riders) will not be disappointed, as the monument lies within the Gila Wilderness, an 870-square-mile designated wilderness area that was the first in the U.S.

33. Hudson River Valley, New York

This National Heritage Area spans from New York City to Albany and is full of scenic parks, outdoor recreation, and plenty of history. Historians may want to visit some of the many historic sites or museums such as the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum, while outdoor enthusiasts may prefer rock climbing in the Shawangunks or hiking in the Catskills. The Hudson River Valley also boasts farmers markets, upscale restaurants, and impressive art and sculpture exhibitions.

34. Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina

This 469-mile parkway lazily meanders through the Appalachian Highlands in Virginia and the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Some of the parkway’s most spectacular stretches can be found in the Tar Heel State, especially just south of Asheville. Adventure-seekers may want to take a few days to explore the Shining Rock wilderness area in the Pisgah National Forest, which can be accessed via the Graveyard Fields trailhead. The Art Loeb Trail traverses several significant peaks and balds over the 6,000-foot mark, and should not be overlooked.

35. Lewis and Clark, North Dakota

Many know the story of Lewis and Clark but are unaware that the tale involved significantly more than just two pioneers. The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, which stretches across the north-central and northwestern part of the country toward the Pacific Ocean, beckons visitors to walk the path of many women and men alike, including servicemen, scientists, and Native Americans. The trail can be followed by car, bicycle, or boat, as many roads parallel the route and are marked accordingly.

36. Cuyahoga Valley, Ohio

Located near Cleveland and Akron, Cuyahoga Valley National Park allows visitors to escape the daily grind of urban life and immerse themselves in nature. Thriving with diverse plants and wildlife, this park boasts beautiful forests, meandering rivers, rolling hills, and farmland. Take the kids on a vintage train ride on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, or hike through one of the flowering meadows on a stretch of the 125 miles of trails found within the park boundaries.

37. Chickasaw, Oklahoma

Fishermen, boaters, and swimmers alike will find what they are looking for at Chickasaw National Recreation Area in Oklahoma. Located in the foothills of the Arbuckle Mountains, a quarter of Chickasaw’s almost 10,000 acres are covered by water. Visitors find ample opportunities to cool off in natural springs, streams, and lakes of the park. Although popular and often crowded, the Little Niagara swimming hole is a great place to spend an afternoon.

38. Crater Lake, Oregon

Deep, impossibly dark blue waters have collected in this crater of an active volcano from rainfall and snowmelt over thousands of years. Today, Crater Lake National Park boasts, at 1,943 feet, the deepest lake in the country, and one of the cleanest as well since it has no inlets or outlets to allow for contamination. The best views of the lake can be accessed from vistas along East and West Rim Drive, as well as through many day hikes. The solitude of this park in wintertime is like no other; cross-country skiers and snowshoers should not miss the chance to experience it.

39. Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

Gettysburg National Military Park, located in south-central Pennsylvania, is the site of arguably the most consequential battle of the Civil War. After a significant success in the Shenandoah Valley, General Lee of the Confederate Army pushed north only to be stopped dead in his tracks at Gettysburg. Today, visitors can almost hear the haunting cries of soldiers fighting on the preserved battlefields. Join an educational tour at this park or watch a reenactment of the battle. This is a great destination to help introduce kids to the nation’s history.

40. Blackstone River Valley, Rhode Island

The Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor can be considered the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, as the Blackstone River in Pawtucket powered America’s first successful cotton mill, initiating the nation’s push toward industrialization. Visitors are welcome to explore the small towns and villages of the valley, which offer farmers markets, hiking trails, history, and outdoor recreation. Consider taking a tour of the Blackstone Canal, responsible for many mills and subsequent mill villages along the river.

41. Congaree, South Carolina

Congaree National Park, covering 26,500 acres in South Carolina, is home to the largest old-growth forest in the southeastern United States. The Congaree and Wateree Rivers flow through the park, helping to sustain one of the highest deciduous tree canopies in the world. Over half of the park is designated wilderness area, so backpackers and hikers will have no trouble finding untouched backcountry. The park also offers ample camping, hiking, canoeing, and bird watching opportunities.

42. Badlands, South Dakota

Mt. Rushmore is by no means the only worthwhile destination in the frequently overlooked state of South Dakota. Punctuating the seemingly flat state, the Badlands contain rock formations that have resulted from millions of years of deposition and erosion. The Badlands Loop Road is beloved by photographers and serves as a perfect entry point for day hikes. Visitors to this park may be lucky enough to spot bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, bison, and black-footed ferrets. The Sage Creek Wilderness Area is well separated from the crowds.

43. Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is America’s most visited park, and for good reason. Known for the plumes of fog that build up in the valleys between the mountains—settling like smoke over the peaks—the Smokies are teeming with plant and animal life, as well as southern culture. Car-bound families will find 384 miles of paved and unpaved roads to explore, while those willing to stray a bit further from the beaten path will find beautiful wilderness. There are numerous bare summits here that offer panoramic views of the area, including Gregory Bald, Rocky Top, and Andrews Bald.

44. Big Bend, Texas

A powerful river cutting deep into the limestone, breaking up the monotonous desert landscape, draws travelers from around the world to this part of Texas. Encompassing an impressive 801,163 acres, Big Bend National Park features everything from mountains to arid desert.