The 7 Best State Parks in the United States

There are thousands of state parks in the United States spread throughout its different towns and cities. While each present tourists with a distinct reason to visit, some rise above the rest thanks to their breathtaking scenery, impressive facilities, and historical importance. Our guide showcases some of the most outstanding state parks in the United States. From North Carolina's Chimney Rock to Anza-Borrego in California, these designated green spaces preserve and provide access to ecosystems, natural formations, and cultural landmarks. 

Nestled between serene forests, sandstone cliffs, and picturesque coastlines, they invite exploration through hiking trails, stunning beaches, and educational centers. As havens for reconnecting with nature, they serve as must-sees for appreciating the country's diverse natural beauty and understanding its past.

Chimney Rock State Park, North Carolina

Spanning over 8,000 acres on the outskirts of Asheville, Chimney Rock State Park is a must-visit destination in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It's famous for its dramatic rock formations, stunning vistas, thriving wildlife, and gorgeous waterfalls. Chimney Rock is the highlight of the park, a 315-foot granite outcrop that can be seen from miles away. Climbing about 500 steps to the summit of the platform rewards visitors with unmatched panoramas of Lake Lure, Hickory Nut Gorge, and the Carolina Piedmont. Countless trails traverse the expansive preserve, promising tourists remarkable hiking adventures and world-class discoveries. 

The Hickory Nut Falls Trail is among the more prominent routes in the park. It stretches 1.4 miles along rocky terrain and culminates in a stunning waterfall. The park also hosts the Great Woodland Adventure Trail, a more kid-friendly option with interpretive exhibits tailored. At the start of the trail, you will find the Animal Discovery Den, where children can learn about the area's wildlife species found along the trail, including chipmunks, owls, and frogs. 

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Michigan

Michigan's largest state park is a 60,000-acre wilderness area along the shores of Lake Superior, riddled with old-growth woods, majestic waterfalls, and endless trails. It is the ultimate playground for ardent outdoorsmen, known for its spellbinding vistas, immense wildlife, fishing, and biking opportunities. With so much to see and do, first-timers might want to stop by the Porcupine Mountains Visitor Center for a preview of the top sites to check out. These will include Lake of the Clouds, a scenic valley lake providing recreational activities like fishing, swimming, camping, and hiking. The park harbors numerous scenic points, and scaling the 2,000-foot Summit Peak Observation Tower spoils you with 360-degree views of Lake Superior and Isle Royal. 

In addition to hiking and exploring, one of the best times to visit the preserve is during the Porcupine Mountains Music Festival. This cultural spectacle is the only music festival in Michigan held inside a park. Surrounded by gorgeous scenery, the event sees regional bands uniting to treat festival goers to rock, country, folk, and bluegrass music. 

Makoshika State Park, Montana

Makoshika State Park invites explorers and historians to an intriguing journey into prehistoric periods in an 11,000-acre wilderness made up of badland formations. The region harbors curious fossils of Triceratops, Tyrannosaurus Rex, and other forms of ancient life. If you are visiting for the first time, you will want to first pass by the Visitor Center and admire the stunning dinosaur fossils and other interactive exhibits. The are countless trails across the park, promising travelers an immersive outdoor experience with awesome discoveries in wait. About half a mile south of the Visitor Center, Gunners Ridge Trailhead presents the park's longest hike at 1.4 miles, leading to the Hungry Joe Trail. 

The park hosts several family-friendly events and festivals that bring locals and tourists together. If you visit in June, you do not want to miss out on the signature Buzzard Day Festival, which pays tribute to the return of the turkey vultures. Activities range from 5k and 10k runs to a disc golf tournament and Native American performances. 

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California

California's largest state park welcomes adventures for a rare opportunity to explore the wonders of the desert. Across its almost 600,000-acre expanse lie miles of desert trails, wilderness areas, and dirt roads, promising a fascinating experience in the great outdoors. With enough attractions to warrant a multiple-day itinerary, you can prioritize visiting Font's Point, a geological wonder at the core of the park, to soak up unprecedented vistas of the Borrego Badlands. Meanwhile, Galleta Meadows offers a taste of unique desert art with larger-than-life sculptures of creatures. 

Hiking is a popular activity in Anza-Borrego, given the endless network of desert trails crisscrossing the park. The Borrego Palm Canyon Trailhead is an excellent option if you fancy a moderate challenge. It passes through stunning desert scenery with canyon views and beautiful desert palms. 

Starved Rock State Park, Illinois

Welcoming over 2 million annual visitors, Starved Rock State Park is among the most beloved state parks in the United States. It is a world apart from any other natural scenery you will find in Illinois, famous for its steep sandstone canyons, jaw-dropping waterfalls, and miles of wilderness trails. It could take the entire vacation period to hike the 18 canyons across the park, but you can start at Wildcat Canyon, about a mile from the Visitor Center. Besides being the deepest canyon, it also boasts the park's tallest waterfall. You can get on the water for adrenaline-filled rafting, boating, and kayaking excursions courtesy of nearby local outfitters like Starved Rock River Adventures. 

After a demanding day discovering the various wonders of the beautiful state, you can get a luxurious accommodation experience at the historic Starved Rock Lodge. But if you prefer the ultimate outdoor experience of sleeping under the stars, Starved Rock State Park Campground invites you to pitch a tent. 

Caddo Lake State Park, Texas

Enjoy camping, boating, paddling, hiking, wildlife watching, and more in one of the most exciting state parks in the Lone Star State. Punctuated by a distinct scenery of marshes and old-growth cypress trees, it provides various water-fueled adventures and serves as a sanctuary for various wildlife species. Caddo Lake State Park harbors over 50 miles of water trails that visitors can take advantage of at the Caddo Lake Marina. The Lake is also a habitat for various fish species, such as white bass, catfish, crappie, and largemouth bass, making it a premier angling spot in Texas. 

The park's thriving wildlife population features over 200 bird species. One of the best areas to spot wildlife is Saw Mill Pond, which allows guests to view alligators, turtles, and beavers in the water and armadillos, raccoons, and white-tailed deer on the shores. 

Ecola State Park, Oregon

Explore the beauty of the Pacific Northwest with a trip to this stunning state park on the Oregon coast. Situated a jaunt from the delightful town of Cannon Beach, Ecola State Park lures visitors with its unmatched hiking, picnicking, nature photography, and surfing opportunities. Be sure to bring a camera when visiting the park to capture jaw-dropping vistas of the rugged Oregon coast from the Ecola State Park Lookout, including the magnificent Haystack Rock. Several beautiful beaches, such as Crescent Beach, allow guests to enjoy shoreline trails and a dip in the Atlantic waters. 

Some of the most picturesque trails for hikers include the Indian Beach Trail. Along the way, you can spot different shorebird species in their nesting spots. Finally, visiting the park between December and March allows you to witness one of the more exciting marine species as the whales migrate. 

Final Thought

Immersing in any of the above beautiful state parks in the United States is an opportunity to discover untouched landscapes and gain new perspectives on each region's environmental treasures. Whether hiking through redwood groves, spotting wildlife on a prairie, or climbing rocky bluffs above crashing waves, visitors experience unspoiled natural settings in many of America's most scenic places. These protected areas not only preserve ecosystems but also foster ecological education and outdoor recreation. Their exploration promises memories to last decades and inspires further travel to experience even more of the country's natural splendors.