Discover These 20 Underrated U.S. State Parks for Your Next Adventure
The U.S. is home to hundreds of state parks that offer stunning landscapes, recreational activities, and a peaceful retreat into nature.
While many of the famous ones draw large crowds, there are plenty of lesser-known gems that fly under the radar.
These hidden treasures offer solitude, unique ecosystems, and breathtaking views without the hustle and bustle of more popular parks.
Whether you’re looking for a quiet hiking trail, a scenic picnic spot, or a chance to connect with nature, these 20 state parks are perfect for those seeking off-the-beaten-path adventures.
Get ready to explore the best-kept secrets of America’s state parks!
1. Custer State Park – South Dakota
Custer State Park offers rolling plains, dramatic rock formations, and abundant wildlife.
Visitors can spot herds of bison, explore scenic drives, and hike to stunning vistas.
This park’s diverse landscapes make it one of the best-kept secrets in South Dakota.
2. Kodachrome Basin State Park – Utah
Kodachrome Basin features vibrant red rock formations and stunning desert scenery.
The park’s unique spires, columns, and cliffs create a picturesque backdrop for hiking and photography.
Its quiet trails and scenic beauty make it a hidden gem in Utah’s impressive landscape.
Like The Modern Day Adventurer’s content? Follow us on MSN.
3. Letchworth State Park – New York
Known as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” Letchworth State Park boasts spectacular waterfalls and dramatic gorges.
The Genesee River roars through the gorge, offering incredible views and adventure opportunities.
Despite its beauty, it remains a lesser-known destination in New York state.
4. Palo Duro Canyon State Park – Texas
Palo Duro Canyon is the second-largest canyon in the U.S., often overshadowed by the Grand Canyon.
Its towering red rock formations, hiking trails, and stunning vistas make it a hidden gem for outdoor enthusiasts.
The park offers a range of activities, including camping and horseback riding.
5. Providence Canyon State Park – Georgia
Nicknamed “Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon,” Providence Canyon offers colorful, rugged cliffs and beautiful trails.
The canyon’s unique hues and formations make it a photographer’s dream.
Despite its striking scenery, the park remains a peaceful retreat for nature lovers.
Like The Modern Day Adventurer’s content? Follow us on MSN.
6. Poinsett State Park – South Carolina
Poinsett State Park is nestled in the heart of South Carolina’s highlands, offering lush forests and scenic trails.
The park’s unique mix of mountain and coastal ecosystems makes it a haven for birdwatchers and hikers.
Its peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty make it a hidden gem in the state.
7. Blue Spring State Park – Florida
Blue Spring State Park is known for its crystal-clear waters and abundant wildlife, including manatees in the winter months.
Visitors can swim, snorkel, and kayak in the refreshing spring-fed waters.
Despite its beauty, it remains one of Florida’s more under-the-radar destinations.
8. Fort Stevens State Park – Oregon
Fort Stevens is a unique coastal state park with historical military ruins, scenic beaches, and hiking trails.
The park’s rich history includes the remains of a Civil War-era fort and a shipwreck on the beach.
Its quiet location and varied attractions make it a fascinating yet lesser-known spot in Oregon.
Like The Modern Day Adventurer’s content? Follow us on MSN.
9. Roan Mountain State Park – Tennessee
Roan Mountain offers stunning views of the Appalachian Mountains and is famous for its rhododendron gardens.
Hikers can explore lush forests, scenic overlooks, and diverse wildlife along its trails.
Despite its beauty, Roan Mountain remains a peaceful retreat for visitors seeking solitude.
10. Goblin Valley State Park – Utah
Goblin Valley is filled with bizarre and fascinating rock formations known as “goblins.”
The park’s unique landscape provides a one-of-a-kind backdrop for hiking and exploring.
This little-known Utah park is a perfect destination for families and adventurers alike.
11. Fall Creek Falls State Park – Tennessee
Fall Creek Falls is home to one of the tallest waterfalls in the eastern United States.
The park features lush forests, scenic gorges, and a variety of outdoor activities.
Despite its stunning natural features, it remains a quiet getaway for nature enthusiasts.
12. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park – California
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is California’s largest state park, offering expansive desert landscapes and colorful wildflower blooms.
The park’s rugged beauty includes slot canyons, desert oases, and scenic viewpoints.
Its remote location makes it a perfect destination for those seeking solitude.
Like The Modern Day Adventurer’s content? Follow us on MSN.
13. Valley of Fire State Park – Nevada
Valley of Fire is known for its red sandstone formations and ancient petroglyphs.
The park’s striking landscapes and vibrant colors make it a photographer’s dream.
Despite being located near Las Vegas, it remains one of Nevada’s best-kept secrets.
14. Tishomingo State Park – Mississippi
Tishomingo State Park offers rolling hills, rugged rock formations, and beautiful scenic views.
The park’s rich history and diverse ecosystems make it a popular spot for hiking and camping.
Despite its beauty, it remains one of Mississippi’s hidden gems for outdoor enthusiasts.
15. Custer State Park – South Dakota
This expansive park offers stunning views of the Black Hills, herds of bison, and unique rock formations.
With scenic drives, wildlife spotting, and miles of hiking trails, Custer State Park is a lesser-known gem for nature lovers.
Its beauty rivals some of the nation’s most famous parks, yet it remains relatively uncrowded.
Like The Modern Day Adventurer’s content? Follow us on MSN.
16. Fort Robinson State Park – Nebraska
Fort Robinson was once a military fort, and today it offers visitors a unique mix of history and outdoor adventure.
The park’s rugged beauty includes canyons, pine forests, and open prairies.
It’s a great spot for hiking, horseback riding, and learning about the area’s rich history.
17. Amicalola Falls State Park – Georgia
Amicalola Falls is home to the tallest cascading waterfall in the Southeast, offering spectacular views.
Hiking trails wind through lush forests and lead to stunning overlooks of the falls.
Despite its grandeur, the park remains a peaceful escape for those looking to connect with nature.
18. Devil’s Lake State Park – Wisconsin
Devil’s Lake is known for its stunning cliffs, clear waters, and abundant hiking trails.
The park’s dramatic rock formations provide excellent opportunities for rock climbing and photography.
Despite being one of Wisconsin’s most beautiful parks, it’s often overlooked by tourists.
Like The Modern Day Adventurer’s content? Follow us on MSN.
19. Huntsville State Park – Texas
Located just outside Houston, Huntsville State Park offers piney woods, scenic lakes, and abundant wildlife.
The park is a haven for outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, and fishing.
Despite its proximity to a major city, it remains a serene and lesser-known retreat.
20. Blackwater Falls State Park – West Virginia
Blackwater Falls is famous for its stunning waterfall, which plunges into the Blackwater River.
The park offers scenic hiking trails, lush forests, and dramatic gorges.
Despite its beauty, this West Virginia gem remains a quiet and under-the-radar destination.
More from The Modern Day Adventurer
- Global Coffee Capitals: 16 Cities Every Coffee Enthusiast Needs to Explore
- Explore These 19 Iconic Religious Sites for a Spiritual Journey
- 17 Must-Visit Cities for Anyone Obsessed with Movies
- 18 Best Cities to Explore in South America for an Unforgettable Trip
- Top 18 Relaxing Weekend Destinations Just Hours from New York City
Like The Modern Day Adventurer’s content? Follow us on MSN.
