• Explore unique, otherworldly landscapes at Waiʻānapanapa State Park in Hawaii, Tishomingo State Park in Mississippi, and Goblin Valley State Park in Utah.
• Spot bison in their natural habitat at Nebraska’s Smith Falls State Park, South Dakota’s Custer State Park, or Wyoming’s Hot Springs State Park.
• For pristine beaches and beautiful coastal scenery, head to Assateague State Park in Maryland, Oswald West State Park in Oregon, or Gulf State Park in Alabama.

National parks get all the attention, but some of the country’s most striking landscapes are found in lesser-known—and therefore less busy—state parks. From the caves of Ohio’s Hocking Hills State Park to the hoodoos of Utah’s Mars-like Goblin Valley State Park, endless places are waiting to be explored from coast to coast.

Whether you’re looking for outdoor recreation in your home state or planning an epic road trip to some of the best state parks in the U.S., get ready to immerse yourself in beautiful and unusual terrain.

Gulf State Park, Alabama

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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 do absolutely nothing—no judgment. You’ll also find plenty of opportunities for hiking, camping, and playing in the fresh waters of Lake Shelby.

Chugach State Park, Alaska

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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. Head here 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

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Take in incredible views of Arizona’s Superstition Mountains from Lost Dutchman State Park, located at their base just an hour’s drive east of Phoenix. Hike amid fields of cacti and marvel at towering red rock formations. If you’re lucky, you might even see the local peccaries, wild pig-like creatures that roam the Southwest.

Devil’s Den State Park, Arkansas

Wood and stone structures erected by the 1930s-era Civilian Conservation Corps speckle the rugged landscape of Devil’s Den State Park. Here, you can hike or mountain bike through the forest, hire a boat and fish on Lake Devil, go horseback riding, camp, or rent a cabin for a rustic escape. There’s even a seasonal cafe where you can rest your legs between activities, plus a swimming pool to enjoy during the hot summer months.

Redwood National and State Parks, California

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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 one you choose to explore, you’re bound to see some of the tallest trees in the world. The parks also cover a large swath of California coastline, along which you might be able to spot whales and harbor porpoises.

Eldorado Canyon State Park, Colorado

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Eldorado Canyon State Park is home to one of Colorado’s most scenic canyons. Hike beneath towering sandstone cliffs, take on one of the park’s iconic climbing routes, or fly-fish for rainbow trout. It’s just a 20-minute drive from Boulder, and on weekends and holidays from late May to mid-September, you can hop on a free shuttle from downtown.

Silver Sands State Park, Connecticut

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Just 15 miles from New Haven, Silver Sands State Park comprises nearly 300 acres of dunes, shorelines, and woodlands. Strolling along the boardwalk is a breezy way to explore the marshland and beachfront areas. And when it isn’t closed off to protect nesting birds (typically from May to September), you can walk across a sandbar to reach 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 you can go to swim, boat, fish, kayak, paddleboard, and surf. Leave time to 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 borrow a free bike and cycle the Bike Loop trail that circumnavigates the park.

Ichetucknee Springs State Park, Florida

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You’ll see a whole different side of the Sunshine State when you visit the swamps and springs of its interior. At 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. One of the best state parks in Florida, it’s located about 45 minutes from Gainesville and within a two-hour drive of Jacksonville and Tallahassee, making it a popular day trip for area college students.

Tallulah Gorge State Park, Georgia

The centerpiece of this popular state park is a gorge that’s two miles long and almost 1,000 feet deep. The mighty Tallulah River formed the feature roughly 245 to 500 million years ago. You can peer inside it from the hikeable rim, or with a permit, make the memorable descent to the gorge floor. Either way, don’t miss the park’s iconic suspension bridge.

Waiʻānapanapa State Park, Hawaii

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This beautiful state park on the scenic east coast of Maui has a little bit of everything—the famous black-sand Paʻiloa Beach, coastal hiking trails, and a traditional Hawaiian heiau (temple). Breathtaking natural features include freshwater caves, lava tubes, sea arches, a blowhole, and a lush tropical forest. You’ll find it about a 10-minute drive north of Hana.

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. Or, if you want to try your hand at disc golf, pick up some supplies for the game at the Farragut gift shop and challenge yourself to any of the five 18-hole courses. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, the Museum at the Brig is also worth a visit for anyone interested in the area’s World War II history.

Starved Rock State Park, Illinois

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The sandstone canyons, waterfalls, and wooded trails of Starved Rock State Park will make you feel like you’re in another world. And if you happen upon a white-tailed deer or a bald eagle, the effect is only magnified. In the summer, use a kayak to 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 forests. Autumn in Indiana’s largest state park is bursting with color, making it a great time for a leaf-peeping drive to stop off at all the scenic overlooks.

Backbone State Park, Iowa

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Spend your time in Backbone State Park kayaking, trout fishing, rock climbing, or exploring the 21-mile trail system by bike or on foot. A one-mile loop trail 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 is home to beautiful sandstone bluffs and its own reservoir, which offers excellent fishing (for bass and walleye), kayaking, swimming, and paddleboarding. As for hiking opportunities, the park has something to satisfy every fitness and energy level—even with only three trails. Choose from a one-mile accessible loop (the Cedar Trail), the two-mile Dakota Trail, or the 24.5-mile Switchgrass hiking and biking route.

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Kentucky

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This lovely state park is best known for its namesake, Cumberland Falls, which is among just a few spots in the world that regularly produce moonbows. Also called white rainbows or lunar rainbows, these rare effects can appear in the mists coming off the falls after dark when the moon is full or almost full. Little wonder, then, that it’s considered one of the most romantic places in the U.S. Before settling in to watch this phenomenon, hike through the forest or book a rafting trip down the Cumberland River.

Chicot State Park, Louisiana

A visit to Chicot State Park will set you deep in the bayou surroundings of Chicot Lake, which is stocked with bass, crappie, red-ear sunfish, and bluegill. If you’re feeling up for it, take on the 20-mile hike around the circumference of the park or check out the eight-mile-long canoe trail.

Baxter State Park, Maine

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At more than 200,000 acres, this popular Maine state park is huge, and recreation opportunities are nearly endless. Here, you’ll find 215 miles of biking and hiking trails—including a segment of the Appalachian Trail—as well as lakes, streams, and, of course, excellent camping.

Assateague State Park, Maryland

This incredible state park, home to some of the best beaches in Maryland, sits on a barrier island just off the coast. Assateague Island is best known for its wild horses, which can often be spotted running along the shore. In addition to the standard seaside activities, parkgoers can kayak to secluded coves, clam for their dinner, fish, and surf.

Mount Greylock State Reservation, Massachusetts

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In the northwestern corner of Massachusetts, Mount Greylock State Reservation surrounds the highest point in the state. Hike to the top to enjoy beautiful wilderness views, up to 90 miles out. Long trails outfitted with shelters accommodate hikers and backpackers. For a more laid-back visit, drive just about any road in the park during the fall and admire the vibrant foliage.

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Michigan

Spread across almost 60,000 acres, "The Porkies" follow the curving shoreline of Lake Superior, providing ample opportunities to fish, boat, and bird-watch. Further inland, there are more than 90 miles of hiking trails leading to waterfalls and scenic viewpoints. In the winter, powderhounds flock to the Porcupine Mountains for skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing, among other cold-weather activities.

Itasca State Park, Minnesota

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As you might expect from a Minnesota state park, Itasca has over 100 lakes within its boundaries, including Lake Itasca, which offers a range of recreational activities. But what really makes this park special is the fact that it contains the headwaters of the Mississippi River—you can even walk on rocks across a shallow part of it.

Tishomingo State Park, Mississippi

In Mississippi’s Appalachian foothills, Tishomingo State Park is home to otherworldly sandstone outcroppings and a rich history. Archeological digs in the park indicate it was inhabited by Indigenous communities 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

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The terrain in Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park is both stunning and surprising. Here, you’ll find a slew of rocky wells known as "shut-ins," which form shallow pools where you can swim. While the pools are the main attractions, there are also 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 is home to beautiful badlands and bizarrely shaped rock outcroppings in addition to plenty of dinosaur fossils, including those of an ancient Tyrannosaurus rex.

Smith Falls State Park, Nebraska

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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 the area’s bison and elk.

Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada

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About a 45-minute drive from Las Vegas, you’ll find a dramatic landscape of blazing red rock formations at Valley of Fire State Park. The sea of sandstone is speckled with 2,000-year-old petroglyphs, and where the ground isn’t covered by rock, you might see petrified trees. A scenic byway connects the east and west entrances. Along it, there are places to pull over and see the rock formations up close or go for 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-tall, moss-covered granite canyon. You can descend into the gorge on a two-mile boardwalk loop trail. Visitors can also swim at Echo Lake Beach, ride the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway, or rent a bike in Lincoln and ride around the park.

Island Beach State Park, New Jersey

New Jersey’s best state park is a beach—or, rather, a barrier island. The aptly named Island Beach State Park is a 10-mile piece of land separating Barnegat Bay and the Atlantic. Find your favorite water-based activity here, be it fishing, swimming, windsurfing, or kayaking. On land, there are a handful of hiking trails and the Forked River Interpretive and Nature Center, which teaches about the area’s native flora and fauna.

City of Rocks State Park, New Mexico

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Pinnacles and oddly shaped boulders appear to pop out of the earth at City of Rocks State Park. A volcano erupted millions of years ago, spewing rocks and boulders across the landscape. Though the park covers only one square mile, you can get lost among the rocks on five and a half miles of hiking and mountain biking 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. Its major attractions are American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls, which can all be admired from various lookout points or the famous Maid of the Mist boat tour.

Chimney Rock State Park, North Carolina

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A 315-foot monolith of granite serves as the centerpiece of this state park near Asheville. But while Chimney Rock may be the park’s namesake, the real draws here are the 404-foot-tall Hickory Nut Falls and views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Little Missouri State Park, North Dakota

Prepare to do a lot of walking, as a decent amount of the badlands you’ll find in Little Missouri State Park is accessible only via hiking trails. Getting far out into nature is the main appeal of this quiet, often-overlooked state park, which offers a backcountry experience and the chance to unplug.

Hocking Hills State Park, Ohio

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Hocking Hills State Park almost feels like several parks in one, thanks to its seven different hiking areas. Miles of trails lead to awe-inspiring rock formations, waterfalls, and plenty of popular caves, including Old Man’s Cave, Whispering Cave, and Ash Cave.

Lake Murray State Park, Oklahoma

While the lake is, of course, the highlight of Lake Murray State Park, there are also campgrounds, beaches, ATV and hiking trails, tennis courts, baseball fields, and an 18-hole golf course to keep visitors entertained.

Oswald West State Park, Oregon

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Oswald West State Park sits on the cape, showcasing the wild, rugged coastline Oregon is known for. In addition to four miles of shore, you’ll find temperate rain forests and a great surf break at Short Sand Beach, known among the locals as "Shorty’s."

Ohiopyle State Park, Pennsylvania

In this beautiful Pennsylvania state park, you can whoosh down natural water slides, search for fossils, go backpacking on the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail, and explore 27 miles of mountain bike trails.

Colt State Park, Rhode Island

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Colt State Park offers some of the best ocean views in Rhode Island. From here, you can kick back and watch sailboats cruise by or hop on the East Bay Bike Path and pedal your way around the area. In the winter, you can cross-country ski and snowshoe right next to the sea.

Jones Gap State Park, South Carolina

Jones Gap State Park contains two towering waterfalls and a stretch of the Middle Saluda River, along which anglers go to fish for trout. Some of the hiking trails here also link to Caesars Head, so you can knock off two state parks with just one trip.

Custer State Park, South Dakota

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Situated in the Black Hills, beautiful Custer State Park has miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking as well as great camping sites. It’s also home to scenic Sylvan Lake, which sits beneath granite crags. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some bison.

Justin P. Wilson Cumberland Trail State Park, Tennessee

Snaking across Tennessee, this popular state park surrounds the Cumberland Trail, which stretches almost 300 miles when you combine its many segments. Along the trail are stunning waterfalls, gorgeous gorges, incredible viewpoints looking out over tree-cloaked hills, and multiple rock climbing areas.

Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Texas

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The second-largest canyon in the U.S. can be found in beautiful Palo Duro Canyon State Park, one of the best state parks in Texas. While it may be located on the Texas Panhandle, hundreds of miles from the much-busier Grand Canyon, you can expect to see similar scenery, but with far quieter trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

Goblin Valley State Park, Utah

See the otherworldly, mushroom-shaped rock pinnacles that give Goblin Valley its name. There are no marked trails within the three-square-mile area, so you can roam among the gnomes freely. The park is one of Utah’s best spots for stargazing thanks to the lack of light pollution, so it’s worth planning a trip after dark.

Smugglers’ Notch State Park, Vermont

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Named for the thin, 1,000-foot-tall rift through the Green Mountains, Smugglers’ Notch State Park is the sort of place worth visiting just for a photo. Of course, we recommend sticking around after you get the shot, as the park provides easy access to hiking trails and great 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 bigger because it’s adjoined by both the Mt. Rogers National Recreation Area and Washington and Jefferson National Forests. Trails range from less than a mile to just over three miles. For a memorable jaunt, walk along the Grayson Highlands stretch of the Appalachian Trail.

Deception Pass State Park, Washington

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Located along the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail between Whidbey and Fidalgo islands is Deception Pass State Park, a beautiful seaside gem with coves, cliffs, and a towering bridge.

Blackwater Falls State Park, West Virginia

The water flowing down the Blackwater River really does look black. This state park, home to a picturesque gorge and waterfall, is not to be missed, especially if you happen to be good with a camera. In addition to the scenery, the park offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, and fishing.

Devil’s Lake State Park, Wisconsin

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The largest state park in Wisconsin is also one of the most stunning. 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 hitting the trails before jumping in the water to cool off.

Hot Springs State Park, Wyoming

The riverside hot springs, flowing at a constant temperature of 128 degrees Fahrenheit, make this state park particularly special. Enjoy a soothing soak at the free public bathhouse or hike along the park’s trails—keep an eye out for bison.