17 U.S. State Parks That Are Just as Stunning as National Parks
While U.S. National Parks get much of the spotlight, state parks often offer the same jaw-dropping beauty and outdoor adventures without the massive crowds. From breathtaking waterfalls to majestic mountain views, state parks can easily rival the most famous national parks in terms of natural beauty and unique experiences.
As someone who’s been to all 50 states, I’ve discovered some incredible state parks that deserve just as much attention. Here are 17 U.S. state parks that are every bit as cool as their national counterparts.
Dead Horse Point State Park – Utah
Dead Horse Point offers some of the most stunning views in Utah, rivaling nearby Canyonlands National Park. The overlook provides breathtaking vistas of the Colorado River winding through red rock canyons.
It’s a photographer’s dream, especially at sunrise or sunset.
Niagara Falls State Park – New York
Niagara Falls State Park gives you front-row access to one of the most iconic natural wonders in the world. Get up close to the powerful waterfalls via boat tours, observation decks, and scenic walks.
It’s a must-see experience, full of the same awe as a national park.
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Custer State Park – South Dakota
Custer State Park is teeming with wildlife, including bison herds, mountain goats, and elk. Its scenic drives and striking rock formations make it a great alternative to the nearby Badlands and Black Hills.
It’s a perfect mix of adventure and tranquility.
Hocking Hills State Park – Ohio
Hocking Hills is known for its waterfalls, caves, and dense forests. The park’s unique rock formations, like Ash Cave and Old Man’s Cave, are truly spectacular.
It’s a hidden gem for nature lovers in the Midwest.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park – Texas
Known as the “Grand Canyon of Texas,” Palo Duro Canyon offers breathtaking red rock landscapes and expansive views. Hiking, horseback riding, and camping are popular activities, and the canyon’s beauty rivals any national park.
It’s a must-visit for anyone passing through Texas.
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Valley of Fire State Park – Nevada
Valley of Fire’s vibrant red sandstone formations are as stunning as any national park. The park is named for its fiery colors, which glow brightest at sunrise and sunset.
It’s a must-see for anyone visiting nearby Las Vegas.
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park – California
Anza-Borrego is California’s largest state park, offering vast desert landscapes, wildflower blooms, and rugged mountains. Its solitude and beauty are reminiscent of national parks like Joshua Tree, making it a desert lover’s paradise.
Fall Creek Falls State Park – Tennessee
With one of the tallest waterfalls in the eastern U.S., Fall Creek Falls is a natural wonder. The park offers scenic overlooks, deep gorges, and lush woodlands, making it perfect for both casual visitors and outdoor enthusiasts.
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Deception Pass State Park – Washington
Deception Pass is a coastal park known for its dramatic cliffs, tide pools, and breathtaking bridge views. The park offers incredible views of the Puget Sound and is perfect for kayaking, fishing, or simply soaking in the scenery.
Franconia Notch State Park – New Hampshire
Located in the White Mountains, Franconia Notch offers alpine beauty with waterfalls, trails, and stunning mountain views. The park’s natural attractions, like the Flume Gorge and Echo Lake, make it feel like a national park tucked in the Northeast.
Harriman State Park – New York
Just a short drive from New York City, Harriman State Park offers serene lakes, rolling hills, and miles of hiking trails. Its peaceful landscapes provide a perfect escape from the city, making it an underrated gem for outdoor enthusiasts.
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Letchworth State Park – New York
Known as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” Letchworth State Park is famous for its massive gorges and cascading waterfalls. The stunning views and dramatic landscapes easily rival those of more well-known national parks.
Custer State Park – South Dakota
Custer State Park’s granite peaks and bison herds make it a natural rival to nearby national parks. The scenic Needles Highway offers a drive through some of the park’s most dramatic rock formations.
Wildlife and adventure abound in this stunning state park.
Silver Falls State Park – Oregon
Home to the Trail of Ten Falls, Silver Falls State Park is a waterfall lover’s dream. Walk behind waterfalls, explore lush forests, and take in the beauty of this hidden gem in Oregon’s Willamette Valley.
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Big Basin Redwoods State Park – California
Big Basin offers towering redwoods, some of the tallest trees in the world, making it as awe-inspiring as any national park. The park’s peaceful trails and stunning trees provide a perfect escape into nature.
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park – Michigan
Located on the shores of Lake Superior, Porcupine Mountains offers rugged wilderness, waterfalls, and sweeping lake views. Its untouched beauty and outdoor activities make it a must-visit for those looking for adventure in the Midwest.
Gooseberry Falls State Park – Minnesota
Gooseberry Falls is a waterfall-filled paradise on the North Shore of Lake Superior. The scenic views and peaceful trails make it one of the Midwest’s most underrated state parks.
It’s a perfect stop for nature lovers seeking waterfalls and forested beauty.
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