Looking to explore the great outdoors? Dive into our ultimate guide to the top state and national parks across the country, complete with the must-try activities at each destination. Discover if your favorite park made the cut and get inspired for your next adventure!
1. Thinking of visiting Alabama? Head to Gulf State Park to spend the day on an amazing Beach while also getting some fishing time in.
2. Head to the beautiful state of Alaska where you can visit Denali National Park & Preserve and view wildlife in their natural habitat. There’s also excellent hiking and scenery here.
3. Stop by the Grand Canyon National Park during a trip to Arizona (or Las Vegas) for the most amazing scenic hike. Be sure to stay for sunset and try to catch a glimpse of the local elk. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the Rim-to-Rim hike!
4. Get off the beaten path and visit Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas where you can bathe in therapeutic ancient thermal springs.
5. California is such a big state with so much to see but Yosemite National Park really stands out with the amount of scenic hiking and amazing rock climbing. For advanced hikers, check out El Capitan.
6. Visit Rocky Mountain National Park when you’re in Colorado for 300 miles of amazing hiking trails. Keep an eye out for a chance to see the unique big horned sheep that live there.
7. If you’re in Connecticut, be sure to visit Hammonasset Beach State Park for surfing swimming and sunbathing in a nature preserve.
8. Enjoy beautiful scenery and history in Delaware at Cape Henlopen State Park. Here, you can do everything from beach activities to camping and fishing.
9. Florida offers a unique opportunity to see alligators and other swamp life at Everglades National Park. Take an airboat tours to get up close and personal with some of the most unique species in the country.
10. Just a short drive outside of Atlanta, Georgia is Stone Mountain Park. Hike to the summit for beautiful views and spend some time enjoying other activities the park has to offer.
11. Take in an amazing sunrise at Haleakalā National Park in Hawaii. Located in Maui, this popular destination requires a reservation to view the sunrise since it’s so popular.
12. Sawtooth National Recreation Area in Idaho is popular with both hikers and bikers with views of rugged mountain peaks, pristine alpine lakes, and diverse wildlife.
13. Illinois offers waterfall enthusiasts a chance to view beautiful falls in Starved Rock State Park which is renowned for its stunning waterfalls, which cascade down sandstone canyons, especially during the spring and after heavy rains.
14. Visit the towering dunes at Indiana Dunes National Park where you can enjoy a hike along the beautiful shoreline of Lake Michigan.
15. Have an exciting adventure in Iowa at Maquoketa Caves State Park where you can go caving and hiking, it’s perfect for exploring unique geological formations and enjoying a picnic amidst nature.
16. Get a chance to see live Bison in their natural habitat at Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve in Kansas where you can hike and learn about ranching in the 19th century.
17. Covering over 52,000 acres, Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky is a UNESCO world heritage site and home of the longest cave system in the world. Take a cave tour and learn about the rich history this site has to offer.
18. Kisatchie National Forest in Louisiana is known for it’s recreational activities like ATV riding, hiking, camping, and bird-watching, through bayous, pine forests, and sandstone bluffs.
19. Acadia National Park in Maine offers views from the tallest mountain on the East Coast, Cadillac Mountain. It’s renowned for its stunning views, extensive hiking trails, and opportunities for wildlife observation.
20. Maryland is home to wild horses at Assateague State Park. It’s famous for its pristine beaches and wild horses on the island. The park offers a range of activities, including kayaking, fishing, and bird-watching, making it a beloved spot for nature enthusiasts and beachgoers alike.
21. Cape Cod National Seashore in Massachusetts welcomes 4 million visitors every year one of the most popular national seashore in the country.
22. If you are in Michigan, be sure to visit Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore featuring stunning sand dunes that rise up to 450 feet above Lake Michigan. Visitors flock to this natural wonder for activities such as hiking, dune climbing, and enjoying the breathtaking views.
23. Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota, has interconnected waterways and lush forests, perfect for canoeing and boating enthusiasts. The quiet environment provides excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and stargazing under some of the darkest skies in the region.
24. At the footbed of the Appalachian Mountains in Mississippi is Tishomingo State Park. It’s unique rock formations are perfect for hiking and rock climbing and a favorite park for nature enthusiasts.
25. Head to Missouri to see Lake of the Ozarks State Park. Boating and fishing are popular activities in this sprawling and scenic park. Visitors can also enjoy hiking and camping overlooking beautiful landscapes.
26. Covering over 1 million acres of land in Montana, Glacier National Park is known for its spectacular hiking trails and the scenic Going-to-the-Sun Road. This park offers stunning views of glaciers, mountains, and unique wildlife such as mountain goats and wolverines.
27. Scotts Bluff National Monument in Nebraska provides excellent hiking opportunities and historical tours that explore its significance on the Oregon Trail. The towering bluffs offer panoramic views of the surrounding plains.
28. Valley of Fire State Park is just a short trip away from the hustle and bustle of Las Vegas, Nevada and known for its vibrant red rock formations, the park is perfect for hiking and photography. Its unique landscapes are a favorite for outdoor enthusiasts and nature photographers.
29. Some of the best hiking trails in the Northeast are in New Hampshire at White Mountain National Forest and scenic drives along the Kancamagus Highway. The forest is also known for its beautiful fall foliage.
30. New Jersey is known for its many sandy shores but Island Beach State Park is a prime spot for beach activities and fishing along the Atlantic coast. The park also features dunes, marshes, and a variety of wildlife.
31. Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico are famous for their extensive cave tours and opportunities for spelunking. Visitors can explore the underground wonders and watch the evening bat flight.
32. Adirondack Park in New York is avast park is ideal for hiking and canoeing among stunning mountains and lakes. It offers a variety of outdoor activities year-round, from skiing to camping.
33. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located in North Carolina is known for its diverse hiking trails and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. The park’s mist-covered mountains are perfect for a beautiful photo opportunity.
34. North Dakota offers Theodore Roosevelt National Park where visitors can explore its rugged landscape through hiking and enjoy views of bison and prairie dogs. The park also has historical sites related to Theodore Roosevelt, who expanded the National Park system.
35. Passing by Ohio? Cuyahoga Valley National Park has over 125 miles of hiking trails and offers scenic train rides through beautiful landscapes. The park is known for its waterfalls, rolling hills, and rich history.
36. Oklahoma: Beavers Bend State Park in the southeast of Oklahoma is great destination for fishing and boating in its clear waters and lush surroundings. The park also offers hiking trails and cabin or campsite rentals.
37. Make a trip to Oregon to visit Crater Lake National Park. Its famous for its stunning scenic drives around the deep blue caldera lake and numerous hiking trails. The park provides breathtaking views and opportunities for snowshoeing in winter.
38. Ricketts Glen State Park in Northeast Pennsylvania is known for its beautiful hiking trails and spectacular waterfall viewing. The park’s diverse ecosystems make it a favorite among all nature lovers.
39. Spend a day out with the family in Rhode Island at Colt State Park. Have lunch in the lovely picnic areas and ride the scenic biking paths along the waterfront. The park provides stunning views of Narragansett Bay.
40. Huntington Beach State Park in South Carolina is a hotspot for bird watching and beach activities along its pristine shores. The park is also home to the historic Atalaya Castle.
41. South Dakota: Badlands National Park – Features dramatic landscapes ideal for hiking and scenic drives. The park’s unique geological formations and rich fossil beds attract many visitors.
42. Tennessee: Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Boasts diverse hiking options and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. The misty mountains and lush forests are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
43. The great state of Texas offers Big Bend National Park is known for its remarkable stargazing and extensive hiking trails through desert and mountain terrain. The park offers diverse ecosystems and stunning views along the Rio Grande.
44. In Utah, Zion National Park is known for its towering red rock cliffs and narrow canyons and offers some of the best hiking in the country. The park’s unique landscapes and stunning vistas attract millions of visitors each year.
45. Green Mountain National Forest in Vermont features extensive hiking trails, including a section of the Appalachian Trail, and beautiful autumn foliage. It’s a haven for outdoor activities like camping, fishing, and skiing in winter.
46. If you spend any time in Virginia, visit Shenandoah National Park. It offers breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and numerous hiking trails, including a section of the Appalachian Trail. Visitors enjoy the park’s waterfalls, wildlife, and serene landscapes.
47. The beautiful state of Washington has Olympic National Park which boasts diverse ecosystems ranging from temperate rainforests to rugged coastlines and alpine peaks. It’s known for its stunning scenery and outdoor activities like hiking and camping.
48. New River Gorge National Park and Preserve located in West Virginia was recently designated as a national park. It’s famous for its deep canyons, whitewater rafting, and rock climbing. The park also offers hiking trails with scenic views of the New River Gorge Bridge.
49. Devil’s Lake State Park brings adventure seekers to Wisconsin. The park is known for its dramatic quartzite bluffs and clear blue lake, it’s a popular destination for hiking, rock climbing, and swimming. The park’s picturesque landscapes make it a favorite for outdoor enthusiasts.
50. Wyoming may have the most well known national park which is Yellowstone National Park. It’s the first national park in the world, and renowned for its geothermal features like Old Faithful geyser and colorful hot springs. The park also offers diverse wildlife, including bison, bears, and wolves, and stunning natural landscapes.
When visiting any state or national park, it’s essential to bring a few key items to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. A backpack stocked with water and snacks is crucial for staying hydrated and energized. Additionally, carrying a map and compass or GPS device ensures you can navigate the park’s trails confidently. Sun protection, including sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, is important to guard against harmful UV rays, while a camera allows you to capture the breathtaking scenery and wildlife.
