The United States is home to many national, state, and local parks that offer visitors the chance to connect with nature and experience a different side of the U.S. Some parks are nature reserves where you can see how animals native to America live in their natural habitat. Other parks are ideal for hiking, cycling, and fishing. Next time you plan a trip to another state, consider visiting one of these parks.
Alabama – Gulf State Park
Stretching along the Gulf Coast, Gulf State Park has over 2 miles of white sandy beaches, backcountry trails, and a fishing pier. With campgrounds and various lodging options, it’s perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. The Nature Center offers educational programs, making it ideal for families.
Alaska – Denali National Park
Denali National Park is North America’s highest peak, which sprawls across six million acres of wilderness. The park’s single, 92-mile dirt and gravel road winds through taiga forests to alpine tundra, offering glimpses of wildlife like grizzlies and moose. Access beyond Savage River is mainly by narrated bus tours.
Arizona – Grand Canyon National Park
One of the most popular natural wonders in the world is the Grand Canyon, which offers rim-to-rim hiking, mule rides, and exhilarating whitewater rafting. During his presidency, Theodore Roosevelt declared the Grand Canyon a National Monument. This UNESCO World Heritage Site spans river tributaries and scenic vistas.
Arkansas – Hot Springs National Park
Historic bathhouses and natural wonders make Hot Springs National Park a standout destination. Visitors can marvel at ancient thermal springs, hike through forested trails, and enjoy scenic mountain views—all within the town. What’s more, the Fordyce Bathhouse Museum and Visitor Center offers insights into its past.
California – Yosemite National Park
Famous for its granite cliffs and cascading waterfalls, this park is a must-see. Yosemite has views from Glacier Point, challenging hikes like Half Dome, and serene spots such as the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. With nearly four million visitors annually, it provides opportunities for camping, wildlife observation, and photography.
Colorado – Rocky Mountain National Park
High mountain peaks, glistening alpine lakes, and green meadows define Rocky Mountain National Park’s 415 square miles. You can walk over 300 miles of hiking trails that offer wildlife viewing opportunities. Scenic drives provide breathtaking views, while shuttle services and public transit options make navigating the park convenient and eco-friendly.
Connecticut – Hammonasset Beach State Park
Located on the shore of Long Island Sound in Madison, the park has over two miles of sandy beaches, wetlands, and woodlands. Ideal for walking, biking, kayaking, and birdwatching, it has ample outdoor activities. Over 550 campsites and several rustic cabins are available for visitors looking to stay overnight.
Delaware – Cape Henlopen State Park
Visitors to Cape Henlopen State Park can travel over six miles of pristine coastline where Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. Rich in history, the park features Fort Miles, iconic WWII fire control towers, diverse habitats, and the Seaside Nature Center with engaging exhibits and activities.
Florida – Everglades National Park
In southern Florida, the Everglades National Park spans 1.5 million acres across diverse ecosystems like freshwater sloughs, pinelands, and mangroves. The park experiences dry and wet seasons, with a dry season from December to April. Summer’s wet season brings rain and mosquitoes, so you should visit in the spring.
Georgia – Stone Mountain Park
Centered around a massive quartz monzonite dome, Stone Mountain Park has hiking trails, a scenic railroad, and a historic plantation. There’s also a Skyride cable car that shows you stunning views from the summit. The park also organizes festivals throughout the year. You can make a booking through the park’s website.
Hawaii – Haleakalā National Park
Imagine standing on the rim of a colossal crater, where every view feels otherworldly. Haleakalā National Park, located on Maui, has a dormant volcano and multiple ecosystems, from volcanic landscapes to rainforests. Hike rugged trails, enjoy panoramic views from Leleiwi and Kalahaku overlooks, and explore the Pools of Ohe’o in Kīpahulu.
Idaho – Craters of the Moon National Monument
This unique park has volcanic landscapes like lava fields, cinder cones, and caves and the area sits at 5,900 feet elevation The scenic loop drive provides easy access to trails and viewpoints. Ranger-led programs and interpretive displays offer insights into the area’s geologic history. Craters of the Moon is open every day of the week.
Illinois – Starved Rock State Park
Famed for its sandstone canyons, Starved Rock State Park caters to people of all ages and interests. With 13 miles of trails, seasonal waterfalls, and stunning Illinois River views, it’s a haven for hikers, anglers, and nature enthusiasts. Open daily from 7 am to sunset, it offers educational programs and seasonal events.
Indiana – Indiana Dunes National Park
Feel the thrill of walking on towering sand dunes shaped by millennia of wind and waves. Stretching along 15 miles of Lake Michigan’s shoreline, this park offers 50 miles of trails through different types of landscapes, including dunes, wetlands, and prairies. It’s a prime spot for hiking, birdwatching, and camping.
Iowa – Maquoketa Caves State Park
Looming bluffs and a labyrinth of caves define this Iowa park, which has over a dozen subterranean wonders. A six-mile trail system weaves through diverse landscapes, leading to highlights like the Natural Bridge and Balanced Rock. Spelunkers and hikers alike will find adventure in the park’s rugged terrain and scenic overlooks.
Kansas – Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
This park preserves a rare expanse of tallgrass prairie where you can hike through wildflower-covered meadows. Moreover, you can explore 10,894 acres of rolling hills and rocky outcrops. The area has unique geological formations, including limestone layers and chert-capped hills, with abundant wildlife to observe.
Kentucky – Mammoth Cave National Park
Home to the world’s longest-known cave system, Mammoth Cave National Park has a variety of tours through its impressive underground passages. Above ground, visitors can enjoy hiking, horseback riding, and canoeing on the Green River. The visitor center provides educational exhibits and tour information.
Louisiana – Jean Lafitte National Park and Preserve
Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve shows the region’s rich cultural history and diverse ecosystems. Swamp tours offer a chance to see alligators and other wildlife. The Barataria Preserve features boardwalks and trails through bayous, swamps, and marshes, providing an immersive natural experience.
Maine – Acadia National Park
Breathtaking coastal scenery awaits in Acadia National Park, where dense woods meet the rugged Atlantic coastline. As the first national park east of the Mississippi River, it covers half of Mount Desert Island, with views from Cadillac Mountain and miles of scenic carriage roads. Bar Harbor is a gateway to the park’s diverse attractions, including whale-watching tours.
Maryland – Assateague Island National Seashore
Wander through a 37-mile barrier island with pristine beaches, wild horses, and rich birdlife. Primitive camping is available on both the ocean and bay sides, as well as nature trails with seasonal programs. Managed collaboratively by federal and state agencies, the island offers outdoor adventures like kayaking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
Massachusetts – Cape Cod National Seashore
The Outer Cape offers a serene escape with 40 miles of unspoiled beaches, marshes, and ponds. Visitors can explore Henry David Thoreau’s historic route along the Atlantic coast, enjoy activities like swimming and biking, and discover diverse ecosystems. The park also features lighthouses and cranberry bogs, reflecting its heritage.
Michigan – Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Dubbed “The Most Beautiful Place in America” by ABC’s Good Morning America, this lakeshore is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy sweeping views from the towering dunes and explore scenic trails. Local roads offer delightful drives through Leelanau County, where the flora and fauna provide a rich backdrop to your journey.
Minnesota – Voyageurs National Park
Stretching over 218,000 acres, Voyageurs National Park offers a mosaic of lakes, forests, and streams. Visitors can explore the expansive Rainy, Kabetogama, and Namakan lakes, perfect for canoeing and fishing. The Ellsworth Rock Gardens present unique sculptures, while Kettle Falls features historic structures from the early 20th century.
Mississippi – Tishomingo State Park
Experience the rocky attraction of the Appalachian foothills at this historic park. Tishomingo State Park features impressive rock formations, moss-covered boulders, and ferns in its crevices. For just $2 per person, you can cross the 1938 Swinging Bridge and explore trails bordered by colorful wildflowers.
Missouri – Ha Ha Tonka State Park
An imposing stone castle, dating from around 1905, adds intrigue to the Ha Ha Tonka State Park atop rugged bluffs. Over 15 miles of trails wind past caves, springs, and a natural bridge leading to the Lake of the Ozarks. There are also many activities to take part in, like hiking, fishing, kayaking, and picnicking.
Montana – Glacier National Park
Carved by ice and time, this park has glaciers, alpine meadows, and deep valleys. With over 700 miles of trails, it’s ideal for hikers seeking steep hiking trails and challenging landscapes. The historic Going-to-the-Sun Road offers picture-worthy views. Be prepared for busy summer crowds and be flexible with camping and shuttle arrangements.
Nebraska – Scotts Bluff National Monument
For those seeking a glimpse into the past, The Scotts Bluff National Monument in western Nebraska presents a striking natural landmark that guided westward travelers. It has rugged badlands and towering bluffs, with scenic views of the North Platte River. The area includes trails, geological formations like Dome Rock, and insights into pioneer history.
Nevada – Great Basin National Park
Rocky peaks and underground caverns define Great Basin National Park’s stark contrast. You can marvel at ancient Great Basin bristlecone pines, some over 4,000 years old. The park’s dramatic elevation changes span from Wheeler Peak at 13,060 feet to lower trails. Explore Lehman Caves and a variety of ecosystems along Scenic Drive.
New Hampshire – Franconia Notch State Park
The winding I-93 offers breathtaking views as it passes through this striking mountain pass, flanked by the Kinsman and Franconia ranges. At Franconia Notch State Park, you can check out the Flume Gorge, ride the Cannon Mountain tramway, or relax at Echo Lake. Or go hiking, fishing, and biking on scenic trails throughout the park.
New Jersey – Liberty State Park
With its views of the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty, the park provides a serene retreat in northern New Jersey. The two-mile Liberty Walk connects picnic areas, playgrounds, and the historic Central Railroad Terminal. Visitors also benefit from ferry service to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.
New Mexico – White Sands National Park
Stretching across 145,762 acres in New Mexico’s Tularosa Basin, White Sands National Park has the world’s largest gypsum dune field. With dunes reaching 60 feet high and covering a depth of 30 feet, the stark white sand contrasts vividly with the surrounding landscape. When visiting the park you can take scenic drives or sledding on the dunes.
New York – Adirondack Park
Adirondack Park covers six million acres in eastern New York, making it the largest publicly protected area in the contiguous U.S. It has pristine waterways, towering mountains, and boreal forests. The park’s mix of state-owned and private lands supports both conservation efforts and local communities.
North Carolina – Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Spanning 520,000 acres across North Carolina and Tennessee, the park has a variety of activities, from scenic drives and waterfalls to hiking trails. Nearby Asheville provides easy access to key park entrances and attractions, including elk viewing in Cataloochee Valley and waterfall hikes in Deep Creek.
North Dakota – Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Theodore Roosevelt National Park is a park where the Great Plains meet the Badlands. It’s divided into three sections connected by the Little Missouri River and has a variety of wildlife including bison, elk, and prairie dogs. When you visit the park you get to see Painted Canyon, Scenic Loop Drive, and the historic Maltese Cross Cabin.
Ohio – Cuyahoga Valley National Park
The winding Cuyahoga River carves through a landscape of dense forests, hills, and open farmlands for both wildlife and visitors. This 33,000-acre park, near Cleveland and Akron, has activities ranging from hiking and kayaking to historical train rides and cross-country skiing. The Ohio & Erie Canal will also keep you entertained.
Oklahoma – Turner Falls Park
Water cascades over the 77-foot Turner Falls, creating a natural pool that’s ideal for a refreshing swim. The park, with its caves and striking geological formations, offers a glimpse into Oklahoma’s ancient Arbuckle Mountains. Established as a recreational site in 1868, it features picnic areas, trails, and diverse wildlife.
Oregon – Crater Lake National Park
Standing on the rim of this volcanic caldera reveals a lake, the deepest in the United States at 1,943 feet. It was created by the collapse of Mount Mazama, and the lake’s pristine waters is fed almost entirely by snow. You get a view into volcanic history and ecological diversity and The Rim Drive encircles the lake, providing access to numerous viewpoints.
Pennsylvania – Ricketts Glen State Park
Waterfalls and ancient woodlands characterize this 13,193-acre park. The Falls Trail System allows views of 20 accessible waterfalls, though part of the Glen Leigh section is closed for repairs, requiring hikers to backtrack. You should watch for spotted lanternflies, which pose a threat to local ecosystems.
Rhode Island – Colt State Park
With 464 acres of open fields and scenic pathways, Colt State Park has coastal views and a multitude of recreational activities like hiking or bird watching. Paved trails connect with the East Bay Bike Path, extending from Bristol to Providence. You can sit on the shoreline along Narragansett Bay that’s ideal for photography, boating, and outdoor games.
South Carolina – Huntington Beach State Park
A coastal region stretching over 2,500 acres, Huntington Beach State Park in Murrells Inlet offers a range of activities for nature lovers. It has a serene beach, the historic Atalaya Castle, and extensive birding opportunities with over 300 species. There are also campgrounds, hiking trails, and picnic shelters.
South Dakota – Custer State Park
Herds of bison roam freely across vast prairies and rugged terrain in this expansive park. The nearly 71,000 acres also host elk, pronghorn antelope, and mountain goats. When visiting the park you can take scenic drives or wildlife tours. The annual Buffalo Roundup is a notable event, that shows traditional ranching skills.
Tennessee – Burgess Falls State Park
Bluffs and narrow ridges define this park, where the Falling Water River plunges nearly 250 feet over three waterfalls, with the final 130-foot drop creating mist at the bottom. Located 13 miles southwest of Cookeville, there are steep trails, stairways, and diverse forest communities along the rugged Eastern Highland Rim.
Texas – Big Bend National Park
Rugged terrain and vistas define Big Bend, which encompasses the Chisos mountain range and a vast portion of the Chihuahuan Desert. The Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive unveils desert wildlife at the historic Sam Nail Ranch. What’s more, the Rio Grande carves through the towering limestone cliffs of Santa Elena Canyon.
Utah – Zion National Park
Red-rock formations and water-carved canyons make Zion National Park a standout in the U.S. National Park System. Zion Canyon, stretching 15 miles and plunging nearly 3,000 feet deep, is a must-see. There are desert floors and high-altitude forests that have numerous hiking trails and picture-worthy views.
Vermont – Green Mountain National Forest
Located within Vermont’s Green Mountains, this forest features a multitude of ecosystems supporting wildlife like beaver, moose, and black bear. The park was established in 1932 to combat environmental damage and now spans over 800,000 acres. You can walk along the Appalachian or take part in Nordic and alpine skiing.
Virginia – Shenandoah National Park
Visitors to Shenandoah National Park will find themselves surrounded by more than a hundred miles of wilderness and pastoral landscapes along the Blue Ridge Mountains. With over 500 miles of hiking trails and nearly 80,000 acres of wilderness, the park is perfect for exploring scenic overlooks, waterfalls, and mountain streams.
Washington – Olympic National Park
Spanning Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, Olympic National Park has a variety of ecosystems, from glacier-capped peaks to lush rainforests and rugged coastlines. Mt. Olympus attracts climbers, while hiking trails lead through ancient forests and serene hot springs. There’s also the park’s lodges so you can stay overnight.
West Virginia – Blackwater Falls State Park
Tumbling 57 feet, Blackwater Falls’ amber waters draw visitors to one of West Virginia’s most photographed spots. This park, located in the Allegheny Mountains, offers year-round scenic views from various platforms. There are 20 miles of trails for hikers, and winter visitors enjoy the longest sledding magic carpet on the East Coast.
Wisconsin – Devil’s Lake State Park
A trip to Devil’s Lake State Park gives you scenic quartzite bluffs, clear blue waters, and ancient effigy mounds reflecting the Ho-Chunk cultural heritage. Located in Baraboo, Wisconsin, this park spans over 10,000 acres and welcomes nearly 3 million visitors annually. Weekends can be busy, so plan ahead for camping and day visits.
Wyoming – Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone is one of the world’s first national parks, established in 1872, and has interesting wonders like Old Faithful and the Grand Prismatic Spring. Early explorers, like John Colter, were astounded by its boiling rivers and steaming grounds. Today, you get to see wildlife such as bison and elk as well as historical landscapes.
