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National parks often steal the spotlight, but don’t overlook the stunning experiences waiting in U.S. state parks. These nine picks rival any national park with their breathtaking landscapes, thrilling trails, and unforgettable wildlife encounters. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, wandering red rock canyons, or soaking in alpine views, these gems prove adventure doesn’t need a national park label.
Adirondack Park, New York
Spanning over six million acres, Adirondack Park is larger than Yellowstone, Yosemite, Glacier, and Grand Canyon combined. It’s a paradise of mirror-like lakes, rugged peaks, and endless trails. With more than 3,000 lakes and 2,000 miles of hiking paths, the park invites year-round exploration. Paddle a kayak at sunrise, hike to panoramic summits, or camp under the stars it’s a true escape into wilderness.
Custer State Park, South Dakota
Custer State Park is a wildlife wonderland where you can drive through scenic byways as herds of bison roam just feet from your vehicle. Nestled in the Black Hills, this park offers granite spires, shimmering lakes, and iconic trails like Black Elk Peak. It’s also home to the annual buffalo roundup, a must-see event where wranglers corral nearly 1,300 bison through open plains.
Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada
Just an hour from Las Vegas, Valley of Fire is a sandstone dreamscape. Its fiery red rocks seem to glow at sunrise and sunset, while petroglyphs carved over 2,000 years ago whisper stories from the past. Visitors can hike through narrow canyons, photograph wind-sculpted arches, or simply admire the swirling colors in the rock formations. It’s like stepping onto another planet.
Goblin Valley State Park, Utah
Goblin Valley is unlike anywhere else on Earth. Its bizarre, mushroom-shaped rock formations—nicknamed “goblins”—create a surreal playground for hikers and explorers. Kids and adults alike can scramble through the sandstone maze without marked trails, making every visit feel like a new discovery. As the light shifts, the goblins change color, adding magic to this desert wonderland.
Palouse Falls State Park, Washington
Palouse Falls is the official state waterfall of Washington and a dramatic example of Ice Age flood geology. The 200-foot cascade plunges into a chasm carved by ancient waters, framed by dramatic basalt cliffs. Visitors can view the falls from multiple angles or hike the rim for sweeping views of the Palouse River Canyon. It’s a geological marvel with photo-worthy scenery in every direction.
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California
California’s largest state park, Anza-Borrego spans desert badlands, slot canyons, and hidden palm oases. During spring, it erupts in vibrant wildflowers, transforming the arid terrain into a sea of color. Stargazers flock here for its dark skies, while hikers explore sculpted canyons and dry washes. This desert park captures both the harshness and beauty of nature in one unforgettable landscape.
Fall Creek Falls State Park, Tennessee
Known for one of the highest waterfalls in the eastern United States, Fall Creek Falls State Park is a showcase of Tennessee’s natural beauty. The lush forested terrain is dotted with cascades, gorges, and swinging suspension bridges. Miles of trails wind through the Cumberland Plateau, offering lake views, deep ravines, and peaceful woodland paths for hikers of all skill levels.
Letchworth State Park, New York
Nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of the East,” Letchworth State Park features a 17-mile gorge carved by the Genesee River and bordered by cliffs rising up to 600 feet. It boasts three major waterfalls, each tumbling dramatically over layers of ancient shale. The park’s scenic roadways and trails offer countless viewpoints and photo ops, making it one of the most beautiful state parks in the country.
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Michigan
Tucked along Lake Superior’s southern shore, “The Porkies” are a rugged wilderness of old-growth forest, cascading rivers, and sweeping lake vistas. It’s Michigan’s largest state park and one of the Midwest’s last wild places. Visitors can hike to Lake of the Clouds, paddle inland lakes, or camp beneath towering hemlocks. In autumn, the foliage turns the landscape into a painter’s palette.