We love national parks, but these 12 state parks are just as awesome
If you're looking to avoid the crowds, you might want to consider visiting one of the thousands of state parks across the country. Some of them even rival national parks in terms of scenic beauty, recreational activities, and historic significance. Here are my top picks for state parks that are just as cool and interesting as the country's most popular national parks.
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1. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Big Sur, California
In California, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park draws nature lovers and photographers to an expanse that stretches from the Big Sur coastline into nearby 3,000-foot ridges. Trails wind throughout the park's coastal scrub, coastal prairie grasslands, and evergreen and redwood forests, where you might spot peregrine falcons, bald eagles, California condors, and other wildlife. An 80-foot waterfall that tumbles from granite cliffs into the waters of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is a popular feature with visitors.
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'I don't like to play favorites, but I'll admit that Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is pretty darn close to the top of my state parks list,' says FamilyVacationist cofounder and editor-in-chief Christine Sarkis. 'The first time I visited, on a hike to one of the swimming holes, I crossed a bridge and glanced down to see people picnicking—complete with a little table and tablecloth—right in the middle of a shaded section of the wide shallow stream. Their toes in the water, enjoying the warm summer day: That image really sticks with me as a perfect California moment.'
Where to stay: Book a guest room or suite at Big Sur Lodge and you'll get a complimentary day pass to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park as well as Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and Andrew Molera State Park.
2. Fort Robinson State Park
Crawford, Nebraska
Occupying more than 22,000 acres in Nebraska's Pine Ridge region, Fort Robinson State Park served its namesake purpose from the early days of the Old West until after World War II and was the site of Crazy Horse's surrender and the 1879 Cheyenne Breakout. Today visitors can learn about that history; explore more than 60 miles of trails; take a horse, Jeep, or stagecoach ride through the park; go fishing on nine ponds; observe bison and other wildlife; and even watch plays during the summer at Post Playhouse.
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'Fort Robinson has all the history, adventure, and sweeping scenery of a national park, minus the crowds,' says Jenn Gjerde, marketing manager at Visit Nebraska. 'Make it a full adventure by checking out nearby gems like the otherworldly Toadstool Geologic Park or the frontier charm of High Plains Homestead. It's the kind of trip you never forget.'
Where to stay: Gjerde recommends staying at one of the park's lodging options, which include campsites, cabins, and rooms in a historic lodge.
3. Niagara Falls State Park
Niagara Falls, New York
America's oldest state park helps visitors explore this natural wonder spanning the border between Ontario, Canada, and New York State. At Niagara Falls State Park, families can take a three-mile guided trolley tour to the park's most scenic vistas, learn about the history of the falls at the Niagara Gorge Discovery Center, take an elevator 180 feet down for a close-up view of the falls, or board the Maid of the Mist to admire the cascades from the water. There are also hiking trails, an observation tower, and even an aquarium at the 400-acre site.
Where to stay: Sheraton Niagara Falls, Hyatt Place Niagara Falls, and Fairfield Inn & Suites Niagara Falls are all good options for families within walking distance of the park.
4. Sand Harbor State Park
Incline Village, Nevada
Nevada's Sand Harbor State Park makes it easy to enjoy the waters of Lake Tahoe, the largest alpine lake in North America. Activities here include swimming, kayaking (like clear-kayak trips with Clearly Tahoe), standup paddleboarding, boating, fishing, and scuba diving. The accessible paved Sand Point Nature Trail allows all visitors to take in panoramic views of the lake, and the Tahoe East Shore Trail has been called 'America's Most Beautiful Bikeway.' The park also hosts the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival every summer.
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'Visiting Sand Harbor State Park was truly a dream come true—I never imagined seeing water so blue outside of the Caribbean or Mediterranean!' says Maria Wyatt Uhl, senior account director at Allied Global Marketing. 'It was the perfect place for a girls' trip with my four-year-old daughter and my twin sister; there was so much to do for every age. Kayaking together on that crystal-clear lake was an unforgettable highlight and made for precious memories we'll cherish forever.'
Where to stay: Boutique hotel The Incline Lodge offers stylish rooms, amenities like an indoor pool and daily wine reception, and a convenient location in Incline Village.
5. Curt Gowdy State Park
Cheyenne, Wyoming
Choose your own adventure at Curt Gowdy State Park. This site in the foothills of the Laramie Mountains features 35 miles of well-marked trails for hikers of all skill levels. Don't miss the waterfall at the west end of Crow Creek Trail and Kate's Trail, a one-mile scenic concrete trail accessible for all visitors. The park is also a prime spot for mountain biking, earning the 'epic' designation from the International Mountain Biking Association. Three reservoirs offer water sports and fishing opportunities, and wildlife watchers might spot mule deer, elk, yellow-bellied marmots, and a range of migrating birds.
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Where to stay: There are 179 campsites and cabins at the park if you want to stay in the heart of the outdoorsy action. Or stay at Little America Hotel & Resort, where you'll find family-friendly activities like scavenger hunts and games and accommodations like the new Wyoming Suites with a separate living area and fully stocked kitchenette.
6. Letchworth State Park
Castile, New York
Known as the 'Grand Canyon of the East,' Letchworth State Park offers some dramatic scenery in the Finger Lakes region of New York. The Genesee River rushes through a gorge and over three major waterfalls between cliffs that are as high as 600 feet in some places. More than 60 miles of trails provide options for hiking, biking, horseback riding, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing.
The accessible mile-long Autism Nature Trail features eight different sensory stations, and the Humphrey Nature Center houses exhibits and hosts environmental programming. Another fun way to experience the park? A whitewater rafting trip with Adventure Calls Outfitters.
Where to stay: Campsites and cabins are available seasonally at the park. Glen Iris Inn is a collection of properties at the park with lodging options that range from guest rooms to house rentals depending on the size of your group.
7. Franconia Notch State Park
Franconia, New Hampshire
Located in New Hampshire's White Mountain National Forest, Franconia Notch State Park could keep you occupied for days. You'll definitely want to walk through the magical Flume Gorge and ride the aerial tramway at Cannon Mountain. But you should also plan some time to visit the Old Man of the Mountain Profile Plaza and Historic Site and New England Ski Museum; swim, fish, canoe, kayak, or pedal boat at Echo Lake; and hike trails that lead to sites like Artists Bluff, Lonesome Lake, and Kinsman Falls.
Where to stay: RiverWalk Resort at Loon Mountain offers suites that can sleep up to 12 and amenities like two outdoor pools and an on-site winery. You can also camp at the park for a more outdoorsy option.
8. Chattahoochee Bend State Park
Newnan, Georgia
One of Georgia's largest state parks at almost 3,000 acres, Chattahoochee Bend State Park is just 45 minutes south of Atlanta but feels worlds away. Miles of trails wander through the site for hiking and biking, and an observation platform provides views of the Chattahoochee River and forest. The Riverside Trail travels along the water, and there's a boat ramp for accessing the river, which is a popular spot for paddling and fishing. The park also hosts a variety of ranger-led interpretive programs, including animal track hikes and programs about the fish and birds that call the park home.
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'There are lots of reasons that Chattahoochee Bend is a great state park to visit, but the one that springs to mind first is the wide diversity of ecosystems that are available to experience at the park,' says Phil LaRue, president of the Friends of Chattahoochee Bend State Park. 'Chattahoochee Bend has granite outcrops, mixed hardwood forests, pine forests, wetlands, boulder fields, and open grasslands, and all of these are accessible from the thirteen-plus miles of trails. If you like exploring nature, then Chattahoochee Bend should definitely be at the top of your list.'
Where to stay: The park recently opened three new cottages (including ADA-accessible options) and also offers a range of campsites. If you'd rather not rough it, Home2 Suites by Hilton Atlanta Newnan is a good option, with free daily breakfast and lots of room for the family.
9. Cimarron Canyon State Park
Eagle Nest, New Mexico
Scenic views and interesting geology are some of the trademarks of Cimarron Canyon State Park. The Cimarron River flows through the narrow, forested canyon, which is located along New Mexico's Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway. Several waterfalls can be admired along the Clear Creek Trail, while the Maverick Trail is a good choice for wildlife watching. (The park sits within the Colin Neblett Wildlife Management Area.) Fly fishing and horseback riding are other good ways to enjoy the park.
Where to stay: There are four campgrounds at the park. Or go for the other end of the extreme and stay at The Blake at Taos Ski Valley for a high-end family vacation.
10. St. Andrews State Park
Panama City, Florida
If the beach is one of your favorite places to be, put St. Andrews State Park on your list. This gorgeous spot sits on more than 1,200 acres between the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrews Bay on the Florida Panhandle. Its beach was ranked one of the best beaches in the U.S. by Tripadvisor's Travelers' Choice Awards, and the rock jetty at the park is a great place for snorkeling. Surfing, fishing, and kayaking are other popular activities at the park, and two short trails help visitors explore the land portion of the site, where you might spot various bird and butterfly species.
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'St. Andrews State Park is one of my favorite places to unwind,' says Shane Williams, a logistics management specialist who's lived in Panama City Beach for more than 15 years. 'There is a little something for everyone between hiking the trails, paddleboarding, camping, fishing, or just lounging on the beach. It's a must stop for anyone visiting Panama City Beach, especially families!'
Where to stay: The park offers campsites and glamping tents. Or book a bunkbed room or suite at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Panama City Beach - Beachfront and enjoy the hotel's pool, lazy river, and free breakfast buffet.
11. Custer State Park
Custer, South Dakota
Situated in the Black Hills, Custer State Park ranks as South Dakota's first and largest state park (and it's super budget-friendly, too). Start off at the visitor center, where you can learn about the almost 1,300 bison that can be found within the park's 71,000 acres. Then drive Wildlife Loop Road, where you also might spot pronghorn antelope, elk, and mountain goats.
Hiking, biking, and horse trails traverse the park, while Jeep tours offer another way to take in the site and its wildlife. On the last Friday in September each year, the Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup takes place, which helps ensure the park's bison herd and the park itself remain healthy.
Where to stay: There are nine campgrounds at the park along with Custer State Park Resort, which offers lodge rooms and cabins. Black Hills Bungalows and Buffalo Rock Lodge and Cabins are two other options for an outdoorsy family getaway.
12. Petit Jean State Park
Morrilton, Arkansas
Arkansas's first state park, Petit Jean State Park sits between the Ozark and Ouachita mountain ranges in west-central Arkansas. More than 20 miles of trails lead visitors to the park's unique geological features like Cedar Falls and Bear Cave. Lake Bailey offers fishing, kayaking, and pedal boating, and there's also a swimming pool for cooling off after a hike. The park's mountaintop driving tour is a good way to get an overview of the site, with several overlooks for taking in the scenic views.
Where to stay: Cabins, campsites, and the historic Mather Lodge built by the Civilian Conservation Corps are options for staying within the park. If you'd prefer a hotel, there are a number of chain options in nearby Russellville, like Comfort Inn & Suites Russellville I-40 and Holiday Inn Express & Suites Russellville.
We love national parks, but these 12 state parks are just as awesome (without the big crowds) originally appeared on FamilyVacationist.com.
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The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author's and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY. FamilyVacationist.com and TourScoop.com are owned and operated by Vacationist Media LLC. Using the FamilyVacationist travel recommendation methodology, we review and select family vacation ideas, family vacation spots, all-inclusive family resorts, and classic family vacations for all ages. TourScoop covers guided group tours and tour operators, tour operator reviews, tour itinerary reviews and travel gear recommendations. If you buy an item through a link in our content, we may earn a commission.
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