When it comes to exploring the great outdoors, state parks offer a plethora of recreational activities and natural wonders, from breathtaking waterfalls to stunning canyons and sandy dunes. Whether you’re an avid hiker, wildlife enthusiast, or simply seeking a peaceful escape into nature, our country’s diverse range of state parks cater to every adventurer’s taste.

Narrowing them down to the best of the best would be an impossible task, which is why we asked our readers to nominate and vote for the best state parks to visit in the U.S. in our annual Best Of Travel Awards. Showcasing the beauty and diversity of America’s landscapes, these 15 state parks are must-visit destinations according to TravelAwaits readers.

1. Franconia Notch State Park (Winner)

Lincoln, New Hampshire

Located in the quaint town of Lincoln in the heart of New Hampshire’s White Mountains, Franconia Notch State Park is a picturesque gem. The park boasts stunning natural formations, including the iconic Flume Gorge and the soaring peaks of the Franconia Range. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, biking, and swimming in Echo Lake.

“This little lake, surrounded by mountains, is completely unexpected and looks like a painting. It’s absolutely gorgeous,” says TravelAwaits writer SJ Morgensen. With its stunning vistas and scenic trails, Franconia Notch State Park offers an unforgettable outdoor experience, especially during the fall!

2. Baxter State Park

Millinocket, Maine

Nestled in the wild of Maine, Baxter State Park is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. It is home to Mount Katahdin, the highest peak in the state and the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. Hikers can challenge themselves with the strenuous but rewarding climb to the summit, while wildlife enthusiasts can spot moose, black bears, and other native fauna in their natural habitat. Baxter State Park truly encapsulates the raw beauty of the Maine wilderness.

3. Niagara Falls State Park

Niagara Falls, New York

One of the most famous natural wonders in the world, Niagara Falls is a mesmerizing spectacle that attracts millions of visitors each year. Niagara Falls State Park, located in New York, offers a front-row seat to witness the power and grandeur of the falls. Visitors can take boat tours to feel the misty spray on their faces or explore the park’s numerous trails and viewpoints. It’s an awe-inspiring destination that should be on every traveler’s bucket list.

4. Custer State Park

Custer County, South Dakota

Located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, Custer State Park is a treasure trove of scenic beauty and wildlife. The park is known for its large population of bison, which can often be spotted roaming freely across the grasslands. Visitors can drive along the Wildlife Loop Road for a chance to see these majestic creatures up close. The park also offers hiking trails, picturesque lakes, and the iconic Needles Highway (one of the most scenic drives in the U.S.), making it a haven for nature lovers.

5. Red Rock State Park

Sedona, Arizona

Situated in Sedona’s vibrant red rock country, Red Rock State Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature photographers. Striking red rock formations, meandering trails, and lush vegetation create a breathtaking landscape. Visitors can hike along the trails, enjoy birdwatching, or simply revel in the park’s serene atmosphere. Red Rock State Park is a must-visit destination for those seeking solace and natural beauty in the desert.

6. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

Monterey County, California

Perched on the rugged California coastline, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is a slice of paradise. Towering redwoods, picturesque trails, and the Big Sur River create an enchanting atmosphere. Hikers can venture along the renowned Pfeiffer Falls Trail or explore the park’s scenic coastal overlooks. With its serene camping spots and proximity to the iconic Highway 1, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts.

7. Turkey Run State Park

Marshall, Indiana

Located in west-central Indiana, Turkey Run State Park is a hidden gem for outdoor lovers. The park’s sandstone gorges, carved by the flow of Sugar Creek, offer picturesque hiking opportunities. Visitors can traverse scenic trails, cross suspension bridges, and even wade through the creek’s crystal-clear waters. With its unique geological features and diverse wildlife, Turkey Run State Park is a nature lover’s paradise in America’s heartland.

8. Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park

Navajo County, Arizona

Situated on Navajo Nation land in the Four Corners region, Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park is an iconic landscape known for its towering sandstone formations. Immortalized in countless movies and photographs, the park’s majestic buttes and mesas rise dramatically from the desert floor. Visitors can embark on guided tours by Navajo guides, ride on horseback through the valley, or capture stunning sunrises and sunsets against the iconic backdrop. Monument Valley is a true symbol of the American West.

9. Valley Of Fire State Park

Clark County, Nevada

Just a short drive from Las Vegas, Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada is a mesmerizing display of vibrant red sandstone formations and ancient petroglyphs. The park’s scenic drives, hiking trails, and camping sites allow visitors to immerse themselves in the surreal beauty of the desert landscape. The fiery hues of the rock formations, particularly at sunset, create a captivating visual experience that shouldn’t be missed.

“The Valley of Fire State Park glows with pink-and-beige-pinstriped waves, rainbow valleys, and crimson arches,” according to TravelAwaits contributor Cindy Barks. “And for some Vegas-style flare, there’s also a whimsical elephant, a fierce spear-thrower, and a beehive valley.”

10. Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park

Kane County, Utah

Tucked away in southern Utah about half an hour northwest of Kanab, Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is a captivating natural wonder that stands in the shadow of the state’s plethora of national parks known as the Mighty Five. Its unique coral-colored sand dunes, formed by wind erosion, create a surreal and otherworldly landscape. Adventure seekers can explore the dunes on off-road vehicles, go sandboarding, or simply take in the serene beauty of the surroundings.

11. Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Canyon, Texas

Known as the “Grand Canyon of Texas,” Palo Duro Canyon State Park is a breathtaking testament to the state’s natural beauty. With its vibrant red cliffs, rugged trails, and abundant wildlife, this park offers a remarkable outdoor experience. It is also home to an iconic hoodoo known as “The Lighthouse.” Visitors can hike, bike, or horseback ride through the park’s scenic trails, or even catch a live performance at the renowned outdoor musical, Texas. Palo Duro Canyon is a true Texas treasure.

12. Deception Pass State Park

Anacortes and Oak Harbor, Washington

The most visited park in Washington State, Deception Pass State Park is about an hour and a half north of Seattle. This true natural gem celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2022. Spanning two islands, the park offers breathtaking views of the rugged coastline, towering cliffs, and the iconic Deception Pass Bridge. Hikers can explore miles of scenic trails, while boaters and kayakers can navigate the pristine waters of the surrounding Puget Sound. With its diverse wildlife, picturesque beaches, and stunning sunsets, Deception Pass State Park is a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

13. Katy Trail State Park

Missouri

For cycling enthusiasts and nature lovers, Katy Trail State Park in Missouri offers a unique and immersive experience. Following the path of the former Missouri-Kansas-Texas (MKT) railroad, the park boasts over 240 miles of flat, crushed limestone trails. Spanning nearly the full width of Missouri, it is the nation’s longest continuous rail trail. Cyclists can pedal through picturesque farmland, quaint towns, and lush forests while enjoying stunning views of the Missouri River. Along the trail, there are charming bed and breakfasts, wineries, and local eateries that offer a warm welcome to weary travelers.

14. Bahia Honda State Park

Monroe County, Florida

A short distance south of Seven Mile Bridge in the Florida Keys, Bahia Honda State Park is a tropical paradise. With its crystal-clear turquoise waters, pristine sandy beaches, and abundant marine life, this park is a haven for snorkelers, swimmers, and beachcombers. Visitors can explore the park’s nature trails, kayak through the mangroves, or simply relax on the idyllic beaches.

“It has two campgrounds, one primarily for RVs, the other for tent campers,” TravelAwaits contributor Fred Mays shares in his article, 12 Amazing Outdoor Experiences From Key Largo To Key West. “There is a long, gently sloping beach which is great for families with small children. The water is shallow and protected by the offshore reef. You will also find the remnants of the Old Bahia Honda Bridge that spans the deepest channel in the Keys. Park visitors can walk the bridge to observe beautiful sunrises and sunsets.”

15. Starved Rock State Park

Oglesby, Illinois

Nestled along the banks of the Illinois River, Starved Rock State Park is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. Known for its stunning sandstone canyons, waterfalls, and towering bluffs, the park offers a diverse range of activities. Hikers can explore over 13 miles of well-maintained trails, leading to breathtaking viewpoints and hidden waterfalls. During the winter months, visitors can even witness the majestic frozen waterfalls. With its rich Native American history and abundant wildlife, Starved Rock State Park is a natural oasis in the heart of Illinois. Check out these places to stay nearby.

These state parks offer unique natural wonders, outdoor recreational activities, and breathtaking landscapes that showcase the beauty and diversity of America’s state park system. Whether you’re seeking adventure, tranquility, or a deeper connection with nature, these parks will surely leave you with unforgettable memories and a better appreciation for the great outdoors.

Five beautiful state parks vie for your attention in Door County, and they are the top attractions year-round. Each state park is unique and offers exciting options for outdoor recreation, scenery, and amenities.

Newport, Peninsula, Potawatomi, and Rock Island State Parks are open year-round from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Whitefish State Park is open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. year-round.

Pro Tips: Daily or annual admission stickers are required. Admission fees correspond to the license plate of the vehicle. Many services operate from May through October and are closed during the winter.

1. Newport State Park

Ellison Bay

Newport State Park, located on the east side of the peninsula, protects 11 miles of the Lake Michigan shoreline. The park earned wilderness-designated status in 1974 from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Roads are limited to preserve the wild quality of the park, and campers must backpack into sites.

This 2,400-acre park is known for its undeveloped shoreline with rocky headlands, hidden coves, sandy bays, and dark skies.

Dark Sky

Newport State Park was designated as Wisconsin’s first Dark Sky Park in 2017. When I was there, I discovered a wide shore close to one of the few parking lots — perfect for photographing the night sky.

Europe Lake

Europe Lake is a 300-acre inland lake accessed by hiking and biking trails. It’s only 10 feet deep, so it warms up faster than Lake Michigan.

Camping

Campers must bike or hike all gear to any 17 backpack campsites, which can be reserved. Distance from the parking lots is one to two and a half miles.

The only amenities at the campsites are a pit toilet, a fire ring with a flip-up grill, a lockbox for food, and a bench or two.

Hiking

Newport State Park offers 26 miles of hiking trails.

Biking

Most 14 miles of off-road bike trails are dirt, not paved or graveled.

Picnicking

A picnic area with water, tables, grills, vault toilets, and a reservable shelter building is located near the shore at Parking Lot 3.

2. Peninsula State Park

Fish Creek

Peninsula State Park is considered Wisconsin’s most complete park, with high bluffs that are part of the Niagara Escarpment (a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve) and a view of Green Bay. It’s the third-largest state park.

History

Almost 4,000 acres were set aside to become a state park in 1909, and it officially became Peninsula State Park in 1910. By 1919, Door County and Peninsula State Park became the premier outdoor playground in the Midwest.

During the Great Depression, the Civilian Conservation Corps established a camp at Peninsula State Park. Fish Creek was the site of a German POW camp in 1945.

The Park Today

With over 468 campsites, three group camps, a professional summer theater, an 18-hole golf course (open late April to late October), a sand beach, hiking, ski, and bike trails, a lighthouse, and 8 miles of Door County shoreline, outdoor enthusiasts have many opportunities to experience the beauty of Door County year-round.

Eagle Tower

Eagle Tower, open seasonally from May 1 to October 31, is one the most popular attractions in Door County. It was a fire lookout tower in the early 1900s.

In May 2021, the tower reopened after years of reconstruction. Located on the top of Eagle Bluff, the tower offers bird’s eye views of the park, surrounding islands, the Upper Michigan shoreline, and the village of Ephraim.

The handicapped accessible 60-foot-high tower allows visitors an incomparable view 253 feet above Green Bay. You can climb 100 steps or enjoy the 850-foot, fully-accessible canopy walk that winds above the tree line on an accessible ramp that never exceeds a 5 percent slope.

Eagle Bluff Lighthouse

The Eagle Bluff Lighthouse near Fish Creek was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970. Eagle Bluff Lighthouse is open for guided tours and has a gift shop.

Pro Tip: Get a lighthouse stamp in your passport in the gift shop.

White Cedar Nature Center

Originally built as a warming house in the winter for the toboggan run and ski jump, it’s used now for educational programs year-round.

Northern Sky Theater

Original-written musical comedy shows are performed every night but Sundays during the summer in the 249-seat theater. The theater has been featured on Wisconsin Public Television many times.

Sunset Bike Trail

At 9.5 miles, the Sunset Bike Trail takes about an hour to bike and 3 hours to hike.

Peninsula Golf Course

One of Wisconsin’s most scenic golf courses, Peninsula Golf Course sports two courses — an 18-hole regulation course and a six-hole short course designed for golfers of any ability and age.

3. Potawatomi State Park

Sturgeon Bay

Potawatomi State Park, located on the shore of Sturgeon Bay, is on the southwest side of the Door County peninsula. The park was named after the Potawatomi tribe that lived along the shores and islands when Europeans first settled in the area.

History

In the 1800s, Door County’s first industry began in the waters of Sturgeon Bay. Because the limestone bluffs were so close to the water, Door County’s Stone Fleet flourished in the late 1800s with four quarries in Sturgeon Bay. The quarried stone was loaded onto ships and economically carried to ports around Lake Michigan. By 1917, Sturgeon Bay limestone made up almost every pier and breakwater in harbors around Lake Michigan.

The Park Today

1,200 acres offer visitors camping, hiking, biking, picnicking, fishing from the accessible pier, and launching boats. Birders and hobby botanists also find Potawatomi State Park appealing. I was amazed at the otherworldly, rugged terrain with trees growing out of the limestone rocks.

The observation tower, like the one in Peninsula State Park, provides a stunning bay view 225 feet above the ground over the tree line. However, a chain link fence blocks all access to the tower because it has fallen into disrepair and is hazardous. I parked close to the building and discovered the Ice Age Trail, Sturgeon Bay Segment.

Ice Age National Scenic Trail

The Sturgeon Bay Segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail is easy to access at the trail’s eastern terminus, with plentiful parking near the observation tower in Potawatomi State Park.

Camping

Camping at Daisy Field Campground offers flush toilets, vault toilets, an amphitheater, a playground, a shelter building, showers, and handicapped-accessible campsites.

Cabin by the Bay provides fully accessible indoor camping for people with disabilities in the south campground and accommodates up to six people.

Park Store

The park store runs the concessions for the park, and is open May through October, with shorter hours after Labor Day.

Services include:

• Fresh groceries
• Snacks and ice cream
• Drinks — coffee, hot chocolate, and cappuccino
• Souvenirs
• Camping and fishing supplies, including ice and firewood
• Bike rentals — mountain or hybrid
• Kayak, rowboat, canoe, or paddleboard rentals

4. Rock Island State Park

Washington Island

Rock Island State Park is off the northeast coast of Washington Island at Jackson Harbor and is only accessible by passenger ferry. No vehicles are allowed on Rock Island. The Karfi Ferry runs Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day in early October.

Rock Island was first discovered in 1679 by Robert de La Salle, a 17th-century French explorer and North American fur trader. It’s now considered Wisconsin’s best-kept secret.

An inventor, amateur botanist, conservationist, and Icelandic native named Chester Thordarson made Rock Island a retreat for the rich and famous in 1910.

Rock Island is 906 acres and offers 10 miles of hiking trails, a swimming beach, and miles of shoreline, plus 40 primitive, walk-in tent sites with picnic tables and fire rings.

Pottawatomie Lighthouse, the oldest lighthouse in Wisconsin, is at the northern tip of Rock Island. It was built in 1836, before Wisconsin became a state. The lighthouse was rebuilt in 1858 and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

DNR ranger Randy Holm says the best thing about Rock Island is its remoteness, quietness, and beauty.

5. Whitefish Dunes State Park

Sturgeon Bay

Whitefish Dunes State Park encompasses 867 acres of dunes and forest in the southeast corner of the Door County peninsula on Lake Michigan. It was established in 1967 primarily to preserve and interpret the dunes, the highest in Wisconsin.

3 miles of shoreline stretch from the sand beach along the dunes to rocky cliffs as you near Cave Point.

14 miles of hiking trails take you through a variety of habitats, from the exposed dolomite limestone to the sand bar formed between Clark Lake and Lake Michigan 4,000 years ago.

Nature Center At Whitefish Dunes State Park

The Nature Center educates visitors with videos, a self-guided nature trail, and booklets that offer educational activities for days on the beach, rainy days at home, or starry nights. Return the completed booklet to any state park, forest, or recreation area, and you’ll receive a certificate and patch for completing the activities.

Village Site

A village site outside the Nature Center recreates what life used to be like at Whitefish Dunes. Archeological digs uncovered settlers from AD 100 to AD 1400.

Pro Tip: If you want a flush toilet experience, be there before the Nature Center closes at 4 p.m. Otherwise, your only other option is the unsavory pit toilets in the changing rooms on the other side of the parking lot.

Along with its wonderfully mild winters and piping hot summers, the Colorado River Corridor along the borders of Arizona, Nevada, and California has another claim to fame as well: It is home to a string of lovely state parks that burst into life in the springtime.

Indeed, while most communities would be pleased to have just one or two state parks, the Lake Havasu City and Parker, Arizona, area has an abundance of riches with four state parks within about a half-hour drive from one another. On a recent trip along the Parker Strip between the two towns, I was amazed at the variety, from rugged mountains to large expanses of open water and beautiful coves.

And on the other side of the Colorado — upriver in the Laughlin, Nevada, area — the Big Bend of the Colorado State Recreation Area adds a fifth river playground within just over an hour-long drive.

Springtime tends to bring large crowds of spring-breakers to the Lake Havasu City and Laughlin areas, but the state parks offer a way to get out of the city crush and take in the sweeping views of the cobalt-blue river bordered by rugged peaks. 

During my Lake Havasu stay, I was hosted by Go Lake Havasu, but all opinions are my own.

Here are five gorgeous Colorado River state parks to enjoy in the springtime.

1. Cattail Cove State Park

Lake Havasu City, Arizona

For visitors looking for large stretches of blue water and pretty coves, Cattail Cove State Park is the spot to find them. Consisting of 2,000 acres, the park features a beach, boat ramp, scenic hiking trails, and a campground with 61 campsites.

The park’s website notes that whether visitors are interested in swimming, fishing, or lounging and relaxing, “Cattail Cove State park offers you and your family a chance to get away and enjoy tranquility along Lake Havasu.”

Cattail Cove also features several excellent trails that take hikers along the shorelines and through desert terrain. I loved the Dog Beach Trail that started near the campground and closely followed the lakeshore, offering great views of the lake’s coves along the way.

Among the other trails to check out are the Whytes Retreat Trail, an easy half-mile trail that offers views of the Whitsett Pumping Station and the Parker Dam, and the Three Dunes Trail, a moderate-to-difficult 3.37-mile trail.

Pro Tip: In the springtime, after a wet winter, visitors can expect to see wildflowers and flowering cacti.

2. River Island State Park

Parker, Arizona

With a scenic little island right at its entrance, River Island State Park makes a charming statement in the string of Lake Havasu/Parker state parks.

Located on the banks of the Colorado River, River Island is perfect for either an action-packed or laid-back visit. Featuring a three-lane launch ramp for boats, River Island is known as a great spot to fish for bass, catfish, and panfish, or just to boat around and take in the river sights. Families also love the park for relaxing and swimming in the cool river water.

“With so many options here for water recreation enthusiasts, there really is something for everyone to enjoy at this oasis along Arizona’s west coast,” says the park’s website.

River Island has a campground with 37 campsites. Eight of the sites are beachfront campsites on the grass overlooking the river, which are ideal for tents or small campers up to 24 feet. The other 29 sites are suitable for RV camping, but also accommodate tent campers.

For hikers, River Island State Park features the Wedge Hill Trail, a moderate, half-mile network of trails that heads uphill and offers great views of both the Colorado River and the mountains along the Parker Strip.

Pro Tip: The River Island trails connect with those in the nearby Buckskin Mountain State Park, offering the opportunity to hike several miles in the area.

3. Buckskin Mountain State Park

Parker, Arizona

The Buckskin Mountain State Park stands out in the region for its flat-out gorgeous terrain that features craggy mountain peaks set off by vividly blue river water. The park’s website notes that Buckskin “commands one of the finest views along the Parker Strip,” with mountains lining both the Arizona and California sides.

Like the other parks in the region, Buckskin offers a range of camping experiences, with both RV and tent sites. There are 80 campsites in all, some right on the riverfront, and others nearby.

Hiking opportunities are also plentiful and varied at Buckskin, with everything from expansive views to abandoned mines to overlooks of the Colorado River. Among these options are the Lightning Bolt Trail, a moderate half-mile route that starts out with a steep climb, overlooks the park and river, and features wildflowers in the spring; the Buckskin Loop Trail, which is accessed off the Lightning Bolt Trail and takes hikers into desert landscape; and the 2.3-mile Lamb Springs Trail that connects the Buckskin Mountain Trail system to the nearby River Island State Park trails.

Buckskin Mountain State Park also has a two-lane boat ramp, a designated swimming area, and opportunities to fish for bass, sunfish, and catfish. Visitors can expect to see wildlife like bobcats, ringtail cats, coyotes, and gray foxes, along with desert lizards and snakes. Birders will find red-tailed hawks, Vermillion flycatchers, great horned owls, turkey vultures, and egrets.

4. Lake Havasu State Park

Lake Havasu City, Arizona

Located in Lake Havasu City, Lake Havasu State Park offers an exceptionally convenient spot for exploring the community. It is just minutes from Lake Havasu’s famous London Bridge in the Bridgewater Channel area, and it is also close to many dining spots.

Along with being a great base, Lake Havasu State Park boasts excellent outdoor amenities as well. It is known as a world-class bass fishing destination and is popular both for beginner and experienced fishermen. The state park’s website notes that largemouth, smallmouth, and striped bass all thrive in the lake, which is a reservoir of the Colorado River.

Visitors also gravitate to Lake Havasu State Park for its wildlife viewing, which includes coyotes, bobcats, rabbits, and squirrels, as well as birds like quail, roadrunners, great blue herons, red-tail hawks, hummingbirds, and turkey vultures.

The park is known to be one of the best spots to watch the sunset over the lake. In fact, it features a trail for just that purpose. The 1.75-mile Mohave Sunset Trail winds its way along the shoreline, offering a number of spots to watch as the sun sinks behind the rugged peaks, casting off glowing reflections on the lake’s surface. The trail is relatively flat and is rated as easy.

Pro Tip: Another beauty of Lake Havasu State Park is that it is among the handful of Arizona state parks that offer cabin rentals. Located alongside its campground with its 54 campsites, Lake Havasu State Park’s 13 cabins offer a gorgeous lakefront setting with easy access to nature trails and a buoyed swimming area. For other state park cabin options, see my story, My 6 Favorite Arizona State Park Cabins Perfect For a Winter Retreat.

5. Big Bend Of The Colorado State Recreation Area

Laughlin, Nevada

Located about 65 miles northwest of Lake Havasu City is another opportunity for Colorado River fun at Nevada’s Big Bend of the Colorado State Recreation Area. The recreation area is located on Nevada’s southern tip, near the state’s convergence with Arizona and California.

The recreation area is about a 10-minute drive southwest of Laughlin, the town known for its casinos and gaming opportunities, and it is about a 20-minute drive from Bullhead City, Arizona, which has plenty of river access of its own.

Big Bend features about 2 miles of sandy shoreline and is a popular spot for camping, picnicking, boating, fishing, hiking, and bird watching. Because the park is just downstream from the Davis Dam, the recreation area’s website notes that “the river is clear and cool year-round,” making for great swimming opportunities.

A large variety of birds makes Big Bend a popular spot for birders as well. Mallards, coots, herons, and geese can be found in the area, along with hawks, roadrunners, quail, hummingbirds, doves, and owls.

The recreation area features 24 campsites that are accessible year-round, and all sites are on a first come, first served basis with no reservations. With its shade ramadas located along the shoreline and its two-lane boat ramp, the recreation area is also a popular place for day-use and picnickers.

For hikers, the recreation area features about 4 miles of trails that weave throughout the developed park areas. “The canyons in the area of the park west of the Needles Highway offer plenty of undeveloped areas to hike and explore,” adds the park’s website. 

When To Visit The Colorado River Area

Spring and fall are the most pleasant seasons to visit the Colorado River Corridor, with both seasons featuring warm days and sunny skies. In Lake Havasu City, the month of March posts average highs of 79 degrees Fahrenheit, while April has average highs of 86 degrees. Temperatures rise dramatically after that, with highs of 96 degrees in May and upwards of 100 degrees in June, July, August, and September. Things start to cool down in October, with an average high of 89 degrees, and 60s and 70s through the rest of the fall and winter.

Related Reading: 

• My 5 Favorite Springtime Experiences In The Arizona Desert
• The 7 Most Amazing Scenic Drives In Arizona
• 9 Unique Sites You Wouldn’t Expect To Find In Arizona

You may have heard of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California’s largest state park at 640,000 acres. However, given the fact that California has better-known parks, such as Hearst Castle State Park, there is a good chance that you don’t know much about it. 

Located on the eastern side of San Diego County and including parts of Riverside and Imperial Counties, Anza-Borrego State Park contains 96 percent of California’s wilderness areas and enables visitors endless opportunities to explore. There are 500 miles of dirt roads, 12 wilderness areas, and many miles of hiking and riding trails.

This park, in the Colorado Region of the Sonoran Desert in Southeastern California, surrounds the small town of Borrego Springs and features palm groves, hot springs, dry washes, canyons with sedimentary layers of fossils, petroglyphs, bighorn sheep, wildflowers, and much more. The information in this article will get you started on planning a trip to this fascinating California desert park.

1. How To Get There

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is located about 85 miles northeast of San Diego and 150 miles southeast of Los Angeles. From the LA area, you can drive through the city of Temecula on Highway 15 and CA-79 to go through Warner Hot Springs or take Highway 10 through Palm Springs, then Highway 86, and onto S22 at Salton City. 

Pro Tip: If the weather is rainy, I recommend not going through Warner Hot Springs because getting into Borrego Valley from Highway 79 involves traveling down Montezuma Grade, a steep road that descends from 4,000 feet onto the desert floor of Borrego Valley.

2. Weather

Desert weather can be unpredictable, especially in winter and spring. The winter of 2023 has been unusually cold here in the desert, as it has been for other places in California. However, normally average yearly temperatures range from a low of around 48 degrees to a high of 80 between November and April. This is the best time of year to visit the park as the summer months are brutal with temperatures in July and August well above 100 degrees.

The desert is also prone to winds, especially in the afternoons, sometimes at 25 to 30 miles per hour, and gusts up to 60 miles per hour. The best way to prepare for weather from late fall to early spring is to bring clothing you can layer. It cools down quickly in the evening and remains that way throughout the early morning. It’s a good idea to bring a lightweight windbreaker, a long-sleeved sweater, and short-sleeved shirts.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget a sun hat, a warm wool hat, and gloves for early morning walks or evening star gazing. Borrego Springs is a dark-sky community, so don’t forget to look skyward on those dark, moonless nights. 

3. Park Information

There are several excellent places to obtain general information about the park and the town of Borrego Springs including specific activities such as guided hikes, lectures on the desert ecosystems, jeep tours, and even musical and theater performances. 

Two other locations for information, where you can also purchase items such as books, maps, t-shirts, and gift items are the Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association and the Anza-Borrego Foundation store. The staff at both will have specific information about guided hikes and jeep tours, bird watching, lectures, biking opportunities, and the best places to find flowers. 

In addition, if you want general information about the town of Borrego Springs, the Chamber of Commerce is located slightly to the east of Christmas Circle, a hub for the town where there is an exceptional farmers market on Fridays and “Art in the Park” every other Saturday during November through May.

Pro Tip: Wherever you go to get information, make certain that you ask for a map and ask for recommendations for nature and hiking trails. The park is immense and it is easy to become a bit disoriented. GPS is not always reliable.

4. Where To Stay

The town of Borrego Springs, which sits like a donut hole surrounded by the state park, has several excellent accommodations and camping opportunities. Both Stanlunds Inn and Borrego Springs Resort have swimming pools. The resort has tennis courts and bicycles to use while you are visiting. 

The Stanlunds Inn has been in operation since the early 1960s and there are kitchenettes available. The owners will do everything to make certain that your stay is enjoyable. A tad more upscale, The Borrego Valley Inn with large, airy rooms and southwestern-style architecture is another delightful place to stay. It also has a pool.

5. Camping

Borrego Palm Canyon Campground

There are three campgrounds within the state park that take reservations. Borrego Palm Canyon is the best-known camping area. It has a fully developed campground with 117 individual campsites, including 52 RV sites and five group sites. The campground has shower facilities and seasonal campfire programs. This is an extremely popular campground; thus, reservations need to be made early online.

Tamarisk Grove Campground

Tamarisk Grove Campground is another camping area with 27 sites and coin-operated showers. There are picnic tables and charcoal grills and shade, provided by non-native Tamarisk trees. Sites can accommodate trailers up to 21 feet in length.

Agua Caliente County Park

Located in the southern part of the park, the third campground area that takes reservations is Agua Caliente County Park. It has tent sites and full hook-ups for RVs. It is incredibly popular in the winter because it features three thermal-heated swimming pools. 

Pro Tip: In addition, there are more primitive camping areas, such as Bow Willow Campground and Split Mountain. Unlike many state parks, camping is allowed anywhere in the park as long as your vehicle is parked one car length from the road and 100 feet from any water source.

6. Hikes

There are vast opportunities to hike in Anza-Borrego. You can explore any wash or canyon on your own, especially if you have a four-wheel drive. If you want an established trail, here are two of my favorites. 

Borrego Palm Canyon Loop

The trailhead for this 2.9-mile loop can be found at the west end of Borrego Palm Canyon campground. A lovely native palm grove rewards your hiking efforts with pools of water tumbling into a stream that runs through a v-shaped gorge. This is the third largest palm oasis in California and in the spring and early summer, there are beautiful annual and perennial blooms adding purple, yellow, and red splashes to the desert terrain. If you are lucky, you may see bighorn sheep that frequent the area. The hike is moderately challenging with some boulder hopping along the stream bed. There is a fee to park and dogs are not allowed on the trail.

The Slot

This 2.3-mile hike rewards you within a short distance with 40-foot-high multi-colored canyon walls that arch above a narrow one-foot-wide section on the canyon floor. It is spectacular, but not for those who suffer from claustrophobia. The hike has a short, steep uphill at one end with a total elevation gain of 300 feet. However, you may avoid the steep jeep road and return through the slot canyon if you choose.

This is another popular hike in the park, so get to the trailhead early, especially in the spring and on weekends. You must pay for parking and no pets are allowed on the trail.

Pro Tip: I recommend wearing long pants and a light, long-sleeved shirt when hiking in the desert, as it is easy to scrape against rocks or cactus spines as well as bushes with thorns. Carry a comb for pulling out “jumping cholla,” a cactus that sheds its spiny stems on the desert floor. They can be painful.

7. Nearby Attractions

Metal Sculptures

Besides enjoying the unique desert environment through hiking, walking, sunning by a pool, and taking wildflower photos, there are other attractions to see. One of the most unusual is the collection of 130 metal sculptures spread around the town of Borrego Springs. The sculptures are fashioned from huge pieces of metal that tower over the desert floor. The artist and welder Ricardo Breceda was commissioned by the owner of the Galleta Estate to create sculptures of animals that once roamed the desert hundreds of thousands of years ago. Animals, such as camels, mammoths, and saber-toothed cats, as well as fanciful creatures like the giant serpent and farmworkers working in the vineyards that once covered parts of the valley. You can find a map to locate these fabulous works of art from the visitor center. 

Pro Tip: Another place of interest is the Borrego Art Institute near Christmas Circle. Also, check out the Performing Art Center for a possible night of musical theater or music.

The vastness of Anza-Borrego State Park, limited development, relative obscurity, and distance from any noisy, urban centers give it a special quality, unlike any other park I have visited in our amazing state.

Whether you’re an avid hiker or are considering hitting a trail for the first time, we’ve compiled the ultimate list of best hikes in all 50 states to inspire you. From the Pacific Northwest to New England, Alaska to Florida, and prairies, coasts, canyons, hoodoos, overlooks, and caves in between, our travel experts share the best hike in your state and those you’re hoping to tick off your bucket list.

Alabama

Alabama Birding Trails

Length: Varies, Difficulty: Varies

Over 400 species of birds live in and migrate through Alabama, and this trail system, which stretches from the Tennessee River to the Gulf of Mexico, offers 280 spots to stop and bird-watch in addition to inviting you to traverse miles of gorgeous scenery.

Sage Scott told us, “From mountains and forests to marshes and coastline, Alabama is the most biologically diverse state east of the Mississippi River. While most hiking trails throughout the state are lined with beautiful wildflowers, shaded by trees, and offer glimpses of wildlife, my favorite hikes in Alabama are along the Alabama Birding Trails.” See Scott’s advice for other beautiful hikes in Alabama, too.

Alaska

Ward Lake Loop, Ward Cove

Distance: 1.5 Miles, Difficulty: Easy

“As a fourth-generation Alaskan, I have been traversing the trails in my home state since I was old enough to walk,” Adryn Sumner, who wrote about the most stunning hikes in Alaska, told us. “In a state known for its unparalleled wild beauty and incredibly vast terrain and offerings, the choice of one hike above the others feels like sacrilege. Still, if pressed, I might suggest one that captures the very essence of Alaska herself.

“The Ward Lake Loop is a spiritual experience where visitors of all ages and abilities are enveloped by a world that time forgot,” describes Sumner, “The towering rainforest, mirrored lake, whispering breeze, sunlit meandering path, and powerful rushing creek weave a magical veil from which one hopes never to emerge.”

Arizona

Summer And Fall: Kachina Trail, San Francisco Peaks, Flagstaff

Distance: 10 Miles, Difficulty: Moderate

In summer, head for the Kachina Trail in the Flagstaff area’s San Francisco Peaks. It offers a respite from the scorching Arizona heat and is known for its crisp, cool, pine-scented air. Emese Fromm told us, “As you step on the trail, the forest envelops you, as it winds through tall ponderosa pines, fern-filled areas, open meadows, and groves of quaking aspens. In the fall, the aspens put on a dazzling show, while in spring wildflowers offer another dimension to the hike, in the open meadows. This trail starts in the Arizona Snowbowl area, and although it is 10 miles long, the first two miles offer enough of a show to make it worth it.”

Winter And Spring: Apache Wash Loop Trail, Sonoran Desert Preserve, Phoenix

Distance: 6.6 Miles, Difficulty: Moderate

In winter, try the Apache Wash Loop Trail in the Sonoran Desert Preserve north of Phoenix. The nearly seven-mile loop takes you past iconic saguaros and teddy bear cacti, plus pencil chollas and stunted palo verde trees. Emese told us, “Following and crossing the Apache Wash — where you are not likely to see water — parts of the trail are greener than most of the surrounding desert. In the spring, from late February through March, this area is one of the best places to see desert wildflowers, especially along the wash.” For more inspiration, read up on the best hikes to experience in Arizona.

Arkansas

Lost Valley Trail, Buffalo National River, Ponca

Distance: 2.3 Miles, Difficulty: Moderate

One of many stunning hikes in Arkansas, Lost Valley Trail is deservedly popular considering it leads hikers to a waterfall, a cave, and a swimming spot. This isn’t just a hike — it’s a nature experience.

David Hopkins told us the natural bridge over the first little waterfall is easy to traverse, and he recommends making time to explore the area around Cob Cave before hiking on. “Make sure to spend some time exploring before moving on. The trees provide enough shade in the summer, so this is a trail that’s enjoyable in any season. The best parts of the trail are toward the end as the trail leads you to Eden Falls. Make sure to pack accordingly so you can hop in for a swim at the end.”

California (Northern)

Rubicon Trail, South Lake Tahoe

Distance: 16.4 Miles, Difficulty: Moderate

Located in South Lake Tahoe, the Rubicon Trail provides an opportunity to immerse yourself in spectacular scenery and refreshes even the weariest spirit with its magnificent pine-scented peace and serenity. The trail connects two state parks, and you’ll enjoy views of the lake during almost the entire hike, which means plenty of great photo ops.

Sue Reddel ad Diana Laskaris told us, “One of our favorite places on the planet, Lake Tahoe appeals to all the senses in every season,” and hitting the Rubicon Trail is a great way to have your own unforgettable Lake Tahoe experience. See the most stunning hikes in Northern California for even more Golden State inspiration.

California (Southern)

Laurel Canyon Trail, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Laguna Beach

Distance: 3.6 Miles, Difficulty: Easy To Moderate

Out of the best hikes in Southern California, Laurel Canyon Trail in Laguna Coast Wilderness Park is the hike you cannot miss. Wendy Lee told us, “Most people drive by this 7,000-acre park on their way to the beach without knowing what they are missing.” It winds through meadows full of wildflowers and ascends a rocky slope. “Along the way, the trees are full of birds — over 130 species make their home in this region,” Lee tells us, “I’ve hiked this trail many times and I just don’t get tired of it.”

Colorado

Chasm Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park

Distance: 9.4 Miles, Difficulty: Hard

One of the the nine most stunning hikes in Colorado, Chasm Lake off Highway 7 in Rocky Mountain National Park. According to Mike Owens, it “has all the right ingredients: switchbacks, above treeline, lots of wildflowers — including the state flower, the blue columbine — enough challenge to raise the heart rate, and a good spot for lunch overlooking a roaring river.” It is truly the ultimate Colorado hike.

Connecticut

Yellow Loop, Mianus River Park, Greenwich/Stamford

Length: 4.5 Miles, Difficulty: Easy

On the border of Greenwich and Stamford, the Yellow Loop in Mianus River Park is an easy hike that goes around the entire park, allowing you to take in all of the beautiful scenery. It is one of the beautiful Connecticut hikes recommended by Laskaris and Reddel. The pair tell us that Yellow Loop’s terrain “provides a lot of variety and it’s great for observing wildlife and birds. Taking this hike gives us a chance to appreciate nature and refresh ourselves.”

Delaware

Trap Pond Loop, Trap Pond State Park, Laurel

Distance: 5 Miles, Difficulty: Easy

Marvel at the bald cypress trees that rise from the still waters of Trap Pond when you take to the five-mile-long Trap Pond Loop. In addition to these majestic trees, you could see a variety of birds, from fierce bald eagles to red-headed woodpeckers.

“With an average elevation of 60 feet above sea level,” Scott says, “Delaware is one of the flattest states in the Union. But that doesn’t prevent it from offering scenic hikes along the coast, canal, and other waterways,” including Trap Pond. For more inspiration, read Scott’s take on the best hikes in Delaware.

Florida

Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area, Tequesta

Distance: Varies, Difficulty: Varies

Appreciate Florida’s unique mangroves and birding opportunities at the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area (JILONA). Whether you enjoy authentic Florida or are experiencing the state for the first time, Sara Broers says the Jupiter Inlet trails, which are on either side of Beach Road, will enchant you. In addition to winged ones, you can expect to see manatees in the water here.

Broers told us Florida has surprised her with its hiking trails, and natural areas including Jupiter Inlet have proved that Florida is more than Disney and beaches.

Georgia

Appalachian Trail, Blue Ridge

Distance: Varies, Difficulty: Varies

In Georgia, trekking even a sliver of the iconic Appalachian Trail has to take the crown. Starting at Springer Mountain in Georgia and stretching north some 2,000 miles across 14 states into Maine, the Appalachian Trail is the world’s longest hiking-only footpath, with 78 miles residing in the Peach State. While it is hard for Scott to choose a favorite outdoor experience in Georgia, where hikes range from forested mountains to ocean coasts, she told us hopping on a part of the A.T. is an unforgettable hike you just can’t miss. For access point recommendations, check out Scott’s roundup of the best scenic hikes in Georgia.

Hawaii

Diamond Head Summit Trail, Diamond Head State Monument, Oahu

Distance: 1.6 Miles, Difficulty: Moderate

The Diamond Head Summit Trail on the island of Oahu is truly the quintessential Hawaiian hike. Cindy Barks told us, “It really is the hike you can’t leave Hawaii without doing. Not only does it give you bragging rights for climbing Honolulu’s most recognizable landmark, but the payoff is spectacular. After scrambling up steep switchbacks and passing through a 225-foot-long lighted tunnel, you’re rewarded with a sweeping view of Honolulu’s gleaming skyline bordering a shoreline of white-sand beach and turquoise-blue water.

“Because of its popularity, you’ll probably have to share the trail with hundreds of others, but I believe it’s worth it. It is a relatively short hike at just 0.8-mile one-way, but the Diamond Head Summit Trail packs a sweet tropical punch.”

Idaho

Redfish Lake Loop, Sawtooth National Forest, Custer County

Distance: 15.1 Miles, Difficulty: Hard

High in the Sawtooth Mountains, Redfish Lake provides the perfect summer hike. If you find yourself in Idaho you must see Redfish Lake according to Robert Rosenthal, who advises checking out the historic lodge first. “Then, take the Redfish Lake Trail as far as you want to go,” he says, “The mountain lake just has to be seen to be believed.” While the full 15.1-mile loop is rated hard, hiking a portion of the trail doesn’t have to be. For more Gem State inspo, check out the best hikes in Idaho.

Illinois (Northern)

Dells Canyon And Bluff Trail, Matthiessen State Park, LaSalle County

Distance: 2 Miles, Difficulty: Moderate

The best hikes are often the ones overshadowed by the famous ones. And that’s certainly the case when it comes to the Dells Canyon and Bluff Trail in Matthiessen State Park in Northern Illinois. Millions of visitors flock to Starved Rock State Park a few miles away to visit its famous canyons, but Rosenthal tells us this trail around and through the canyon at Matthiessen State Park, just three miles south of Starved Rock, is his favorite trail in the area. “Walk the bluffs above the canyon and then take the stairway down into the canyon to view the cliffs from below,” he suggests.

Illinois (Southern)

Red Cedar Trail, Giant City State Park, Makanda

Distance: 12 Miles, Difficulty: Moderate

Giant City State Park is home to some massive rock formations (hence the “giant”) and the Red Cedar Trail connects them all. It gives you a taste of everything great about hiking in Southern Illinois, and at one of the rock outcroppings, you might not believe you’re in Illinois at all. A native of Southern Illinois, Rosenthal reveals that this has been his favorite hike since childhood. He suggests that you hike part of the trail or take the whole day and hike all of it, then end your day with a great meal at the Giant City Lodge.

Indiana

Cowles Bog Trail in Indiana Dunes National Park, Dune Acres

Distance: 4.7 Miles, Difficulty: Moderate

If you haven’t spent a lot of time in the area, you might be surprised to learn that you can do some sand hiking in Indiana. Take to the Cowles Bog Trail in Indiana Dunes National Park, and Broers says you’ll enjoy beautiful views of Lake Michigan that you’ll carry with you forever. In addition to the windswept beaches, there are also marshes, ponds, and black oaks along the trail. For the best views of Lake Michigan, Broers warns against any shortcuts and says you should take the longer, more strenuous hike.

Iowa

Pea’s Creek Canyon, Ledges State Park, Madrid

Distance: 4 Miles, Difficulty: Moderate

Spend an unforgettable day hiking in Ledges State Park in Central Iowa, where the ledges add to the beauty of hiking trails that are covered by canopies of lush, green trees. Broers recommends the four-mile Pea’s Creek “canyon” walk and told us autumn is an exceptional time of year to visit, as the fall foliage colors are rich and varied. She also enthusiastically recommends these other hikes to experience in Iowa.

Kansas

Horsethief Canyon, Kanopolis State Park, Kanopolis

Distance: 9.1 Miles, Difficulty: Easy

The name of this scenic hike in Kansas is where the intrigue begins. Tap into your inner adventurer as you navigate in and out of narrow, rocky canyons and over multiple water crossings. The trail is relatively flat, and you’ll enjoy great views of Smoky Hill River. Owens, who tells us this is his favorite spot for a walk in the Sunflower State, suggests making a side trip to Mushroom Rocks — stone pillars topped by harder, larger rocks that look like mushrooms — after you’ve finished hiking Horsethief Canyon. This was the meeting spot for generations of Native tribes and in later years, pioneers heading west.

Kentucky

Eagle Falls Trail, Cumberland Falls State Park, Near Parkers Lake

Distance: 1.8 Miles, Difficulty: Moderate

This hike is the perfect blend of a moderate to slightly strenuous hike with a wonderful payoff at the end. The lollipop-shaped trail leads you to beautiful Eagle Falls, and if you take your time to explore, you’ll notice caves and, depending on the time of year, views of Cumberland Falls along the way. Hopkins, who calls this his favorite Kentucky hike in recent years, warns that it is mostly uphill and involves stairs, so don’t be deceived by the fact that the hike is under two miles. For longer and/or less strenuous hikes, check out his other recommendations for fantastic hikes in Kentucky.

Louisiana

Barataria Preserve, Marrero

Distance: Varies, Difficulty: Varies

If you’re spending time in New Orleans, the perfect antidote to all the partying the city has to offer is a hike at nearby Barataria Preserve inside Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve. The preserve’s connected dirt and gravel trails are easy to navigate and afford hikers a view of the flora and fauna of Louisiana’s untamed swampland. As Erika Ebsworth-Goold tells us, “A tromp through Barataria is a great way to get some nature in, even during a whirlwind south Louisiana weekend!” She also recommends these other beautiful hikes in Louisiana.

Maine

Giant’s Stairs Trail, Bailey Island, Harpswell

Distance: 0.7 Miles, Difficulty: Easy

Out of all of the stunning hikes in Maine, Giant’s Stairs Trail on Bailey Island is Laskaris and Reddel’s favorite. According to the duo, “It isn’t terribly rugged hiking, but the views of the ocean are absolutely stunning. There is so much beautiful coastal area, wide open and perfect for leisurely exploring. It’s a peaceful place to let your mind wander as you immerse yourself in a scenic panorama that fills you with the power of nature.”

Maryland

Sugarloaf Mountain, Dickerson

Distance: 3.5 Miles, Difficulty: Moderate

Maryland is home to many picturesque hikes, but Sugarloaf Mountain boasts “addictive wildlife,” according to Reddel and Laskaris. “As avid wildlife lovers and bird-watchers, we love the opportunity for animal encounters in nature,” they say, “Plus, hiking around a mountain that is 14 million years old helps you gain perspective, especially when you’re in the midst of breathtaking scenery.”

Massachusetts

World’s End Trail, Boston Harbor Islands National Park, Hingham

Distance: 3.8 Miles, Difficulty: Easy

“Boasting panoramic views of Boston, World’s End Trail in Hingham is one of the most scenic hikes in Massachusetts. The peninsula juts out into Boston Harbor for an easy 3.8-mile stroll through marshes, woodlands, and windswept pathways. If you are visiting Boston, it is a wonderful opportunity to experience the New England coastline, hear the rhythmic waves, and enjoy the outdoors all year round,” says Barrett.

Michigan

Pyramid Point Trail, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Empire

Distance: 2.7 Miles, Difficulty: Moderate

Out of all of the fantastic hikes in Michigan, Pyramid Point Trail in Sleeping Bear Dunes is a “beautiful hike with lots of variety including forest, meadows, and, of course, sand dunes. The views of Lake Michigan from the outlook are breathtaking,” according to Reddel and Laskaris, “The whole area is worth exploring and gives you a chance to breathe in clean air and find some time to enjoy being out in nature’s glory.”

Minnesota

Angleworm Lake Trail, Superior National Forest, Ely

Distance: 13 Miles, Difficulty: Hard

Minnesota is called the Land of 10,000 Lakes for a reason, and if you hop on any trail near a Minnesota lake, odds are, you’ll be rewarded with memorable views. This is especially true when it comes to rugged Angleworm Lake Trail in Superior National Forest. This hike, which takes two to three days to complete, takes you up over 1,500 feet and past numerous lakes. For more Minnesota trail recommendations, all of which Broers told us are “exceptional when sunset rolls around,” consult her list of perfect hikes in Minnesota.

Mississippi

Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge, Gautier

Distance: Varies, Difficulty: Easy

Out of the many picturesque hikes in Mississippi, the number, length, and difficulty of the trails in the Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge are relatively limited. However, it’s the possibility of seeing native sandhill cranes that makes this Gautier spot Scott’s number-one pick in the state. She tells us that the refuge was “established in 1975 to protect these critically endangered, long-legged, crimson-masked birds.”

Missouri

Big Spring Trail, Ellsinore

Distance: 1.8 Miles, Difficulty: Easy

Missouri is known as the Cave State thanks to limestone that dissolves as water passes through, creating caves and springs. Out of all of the beautiful hikes in the “Show-Me” state, the best one incorporates a cave spring. Big Spring Trail follows a branch of the Current River, one of the best rivers to float in Missouri, that’s fed by Big Spring.

The water along the trail is especially blue and chock-full of dissolved limestone. You’ll hike under the auspices of some of the Ozark Mountains, some of the oldest mountains in North America. Toward the end of the walk, Owens says you should be on the lookout for the spring itself, which jumps out of a hillside. Just don’t be tempted to drink the water. No matter how clear it looks, it’s not potable.

Montana

The Highline, Glacier National Park

Distance: 12 Miles, Difficulty: Hard

Renowned for its beauty and difficulty, The Highline comes endorsed by Owens, who spends his summers as a Glacier National Park Red Bus driver. This is a long hike, so you’ll need to be prepared with extra water, food, and strong legs. You’ll also need to take a shuttle either to or from your car. Despite the trail’s difficulty (one portion of the hike is so narrow that the National Park Service has provided a cable handrail for hikers to hold onto), it is heavily traveled and well-marked. Those bold enough to traverse this terrain are rewarded with views of Heaven’s Peak and a creek crossing where Mike says you can “rip off your boots and cool your toes.” There’s also the Granite Park Chalet, where you can take a mid-hike lunch and bathroom break if your timing’s right.

For more hikes in Glacier, specifically, see Owen’s picks for fantastic hikes in Glacier National park, or read up on Laskaris and Reddel’s picks for the best hikes to experience in Montana.

Nebraska

Toadstool Trail, Ogalala National Grassland, Harrison

Distance: 0.8 Miles, Difficulty: Easy

When most people hear Nebraska, they think flat. But Nebraska is not all flat prairies. The western half of Nebraska is loaded with geological features the likes of which you won’t find anywhere else. “If you only have time to explore one hiking trail in Nebraska, you need to visit the Toadstool Geological Park and hop on the hiking trails,” Broers told us. “The best tip that I can give you when hiking in Nebraska is to carry plenty of water with you at all times,” says Broers, “Nebraska is hot in the summer, but it’s extremely rewarding with all of its beauty.”

Nevada

Alpine Lakes Loop Trail, Great Basin National Park, Baker

Distance: 2.7 Miles, Difficulty: Easy

“Alpine Lakes Loop Trail in Great Basin National Park is hard to beat,” Barks remarks. “Right from the trailhead, you’re treated to the sweet sound of trickling water from the creek that crosses the trail numerous times. But the real treasures of the hike are the two lakes — Stella and Teresa — that you pass along the way.

“Stella is surrounded by snow-patched peaks, which are reflected in the lake’s sparkling clear water. Teresa is fed by a pretty little creek that winds through a green, grassy meadow,” Barks tells us. Out of all of the spectacular hikes in Nevada, Barks gives the Alpine Lakes Loop Trail a 10 out of 10 on the loveliness scale.

New Hampshire

Old Bridle Path, West Rattlesnake Mountain, Center Sandwich

Distance: 1.7 Miles, Difficulty: Easy

“Old Bridle Path is a quick, fun hike that is appropriate for the whole family. The payoff is great views of the New Hampshire Lakes Region. On a sunny afternoon, the shaded trail is cool and inviting, beaconing you to push forward for a remarkable, mountain-studded view,” Barrett told us as she reflected on the most picturesque hikes in New Hampshire.

New Jersey

Buttermilk Falls And Crater Lake Loop Trail, Walpack Fish And Wildlife Management Area, Layton

Distance: 6.7 Miles, Difficulty: Hard

Hiking the Buttermilk Falls and Crater Lake Loop Trail is a stunning and challenging experience. Part of the New Jersey side of the Delaware Water Gap, Buttermilk Falls is a gorgeous and powerful waterfall — 180 feet of water come crashing down. Crater Lake is one of the prettiest lakes in the state. In between, wildlife and birds abound.

The 6-plus mile trail starts at the top of the falls and includes part of the Appalachian Trail. It can also be done in reverse by starting at Crater Lake. Buttermilk Falls can be easily seen without hiking, but the hike makes seeing the falls even more of an experience. The contrasting experiences of the peaceful lake and the powerful waterfalls leave an impression on the soul.

As an alternative to the Crater Lake Loop, the beautiful Tillman Ravine and Silver Spray Falls are a short walk from Buttermilk.

Sue Davies and Regina Ang said, “Our favorite hikes include lakes and waterfalls. Buttermilk Falls to Crater Lake is the best in all of New Jersey.” If you’re after a more accessible hike, see their recommendations for the best hikes to experience in New Jersey.

New Mexico

White Sands National Park, Dona Ana And Otero Counties

Distance: Varies, Difficulty: Varies

From snow-capped mountains in the north to dry desert paths in the south, the most memorable hiking trails in New Mexico are at White Sands National Park. Scott told us that the shifting sand dunes of one of the world’s largest gypsum fields, which are about an hour east of Las Cruces, “provide a scenic backdrop unlike any other place in the United States.”

New York

The Constitution Marsh Trail, Storm King State Park, Garrison

Distance: 1.2 Miles, Difficulty: Moderate

Of all the gorgeous hikes in New York, the Constitution Marsh Trail at the Constitution Marsh Audubon Center and Sanctuary in Garrison is a must-visit. Self-described “avid bird watchers and wildlife observers” Reddel and Laskaris feel thrilled to be in a place where nature surrounds them in all its glory. “To be rewarded even in the winter with the sight of bald eagles soaring and calling to one another is as exciting as it gets,” they say — and it’s just over an hour from NYC.

North Carolina

Green River Cove Trail, Green River Gameland, Saluda

Distance: 6.5 Miles, Difficulty: Moderate

North Carolina’s Green River Valley is a sight to behold, and the road to get into the valley — which has 18 switchbacks going down a steep mountain — is part of the fun. Once you reach the bridge at the bottom, you can take the Green River Cove Trail in either direction. Rosenthal told us, “There’s just nothing like a trail along a river, especially when it’s fully flowing and filled with whitewater kayaks. This trail is steep, but the climb is worth it.” Plan to enjoy some of the most amazing views in the state, and read up on stunning hikes in North Carolina as you decide where else your adventures will take you.

North Dakota

Maah Daah Hey Trail, Western North Dakota

Distance: 140+ Miles, Difficulty: Hard

The granddaddy of all the seven best hikes to experience in North Dakota the Maah Daah Hey Trail system is over 140 miles long and composed of several different segments that can be enjoyed by hikers of all abilities. It passes through valleys and prairies, by jagged peaks, and alongside rivers. Hop on the trail near Watford City, Medora, or somewhere in between and enjoy an out-and-back hike, or, if you’re up for the challenge, plan to traverse the entire trail for the trek of a lifetime.

Ohio

Buckeye Trail, Encircling Ohio

Distance: 1,444 Miles, Difficulty: Varies

Named for the state tree, Buckeye Trail is an epic 1,444-mile loop. Following the perimeter of Ohio, it encircles the state, offering a wide variety of hikes to spectacular falls, through deeply carved gorges, and along tree-lined paths.

Scott tells us you can “simply follow the rectangular blue blazes and explore the Buckeye State!” Of course, you can also enjoy out-and-back Buckeye Trail hikes that allow you to determine your own hiking time and distance. Aside from the Buckeye Trail, Scott recommends these picturesque hikes in Ohio, too.

Oklahoma

Turner Falls Park, Davis

Distance: 3.5 Miles, Difficulty: Moderate

In addition to the beautiful waterfalls that give Turner Falls Park its name, the stunning trails, castle-style ruins, and a good old-fashioned swimming hole make this location the place to hike in Oklahoma. Broers tells us you could drive by these falls on I-35 numerous times and not know what you’re missing out on. The park’s trails form a loop that’s heavily trafficked and accessible year-round. For more OK hiking inspiration, see Broers’ recommendations of beautiful hikes in Oklahoma.

Oregon

Lewis and Clark Discovery Trail, Ecola State Park, Seaside

Distance: 14.1 Miles, Difficulty: Hard

Just outside the vacation town of Seaside, Lewis and Clark Discovery Trail is in Ecola State Park, one of Oregon’s many beautiful state parks. Also known as the Tillamook Head Trail, this stunning Oregon hike invites you to climb the cliffs above the Pacific Ocean and provides one stunning view after another.

Rosenthal told us, “It took my wife and I such a long time to complete this hike because we kept stopping to take pictures. The green moss on every tree and rock, the mist rolling in off the ocean — it might be my favorite hike in the entire West.”

Pennsylvania (Eastern)

Falls Trail, Ricketts Glen State Park, Benton

Distance: 6.6 Miles, Difficulty: Moderate

When in Eastern Pennsylvania, do not miss the Falls Trail at Ricketts Glen State Park. Like most hikers, Reddel and Laskaris love waterfalls, “so the opportunity to hike and see so many of them along one trail is truly spectacular,” the say, “In addition to the many waterfalls, the trail is challenging enough to make you take your time to enjoy the scenery, birds, and wildlife for an unforgettable adventure.”

Pennsylvania (Western)

Kinzua Bridge Trail, Kinzua Bridge State Park, Mount Jewett

Distance: 1.2 Miles, Difficulty: Moderate

In Western Pennsylvania, the trail not to miss is the Kinzua Bridge Skywalk. The actual hike to the skywalk is relatively easy and is paved until you get to the bridge, which is then wooden and flat for the entire length of the completely unique, high-in-the-sky structure. Summon your courage and enjoy the “only here” views of the treetops and expansive sky.

Rhode Island

Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge Trail, Middletown

Distance: 2.4 Miles, Difficulty: Easy

Jutting out into Sachuest Bay, the Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge Trail hugs the coastline for most of its easy 2.4-mile loop and will introduce you to the real Rhode Island. Enjoy gorgeous water views, plus a seemingly endless array of other flora, fauna — including deer — and vistas. Barrett recommends these scenic hikes in Rhode Island as well.

South Carolina

Table Rock Trail, Table Rock State Park, Pickens

Distance: 6.4 Miles, Difficulty: Hard

“You’ll boast quads of steel after this eight-mile workout in Table Rock State Park, but most agree it’s one of the best hikes in South Carolina,” Sumner says. “Strenuous but spectacular, if a six-year-old sporting his favorite KEEN Targhees can manage it, it’s on the table for most everyone.

“Stately boulders, abundant wildflowers, and rushing waterfalls along the way provide ample opportunities to stop at lookouts for a breath and to take in the sights on the steep incline. The well-marked path is 75 percent uphill, so summiting may feel like an Everest-level achievement,” Sumner states, “Still, a packed lunch enjoyed after such an effort over sweeping views of the lake and foothills is extra satisfying.”

South Dakota

Black Elk Peak Loop, Black Hills

Distance: 3.5 Miles, Difficulty: Moderate

If you only have time for one best hikes to experience in South Dakota, Broers says it has to be the ascent to Black Elk Peak from Sylvan Lake in Custer State Park. Making it to the top — which involves numerous switchbacks and hiking through a pine forest — is an accomplishment rewarded with stunning views of Custer State Park and South Dakota’s Black Hills from over 7,200 feet. The area’s wildlife is abundant, so Broers recommends packing your binoculars, “as you never know what you’ll see.”

Tennessee

Chestnut Mountain Area And Benton Falls

Distance: 3 Miles, Difficulty: Easy

Talk to any hiker and odds are their favorite Tennessee hike is in Great Smoky Mountain National Park. However, if you’re hiking in Tennessee, you owe it to yourself to head to the far southeastern corner of the state, only a few miles from the North Carolina and Georgia borders. In the Chestnut Mountain area, Rosenthal recommends taking the Benton Falls Trail from the Chilhowee Recreation Area in the north or from the Parksville Lake Campground to the south. Either route takes you by the beautiful 65-foot-tall waterfall.

Texas

City Trails: Dallas And Austin

Distance: Varies, Difficulty: Easy

Scott is aware that hardcore hikers may scoff at these suggestions, given the many fantastic hikes in the great state of Texas, but the 7.5-mile Katy Trail in Dallas and the 10-mile Ann and Roy Butler Hike-And-Bike Trail in Austin are two of her faves. Scott loves the Katy Trail for its proximity to one of her favorite places to stay in Dallas, Hotel Zaza.

Austin is home to many great hikes along the Greenbelt, but Scott prefers the urban Ann and Roy Butler Hike-And-Bike Trail that loops around Austin’s Lady Bird Lake. Take the route over Congress Avenue Bridge at twilight between fall and spring to see over 1.5 million Mexican free-tail bats emerge to chase down dinner.

Utah

Queen’s Garden/Navajo Loop Trail, Bryce Canyon National Park, Bryce

Distance: 2.9 Miles, Difficulty: Moderate

Utah is home to several gorgeous hikes, but you can’t miss the Queen’s Garden and Navajo Loop combination trail in Bryce Canyon National Park. Hike through gorgeous hoodoos, under natural arches, and through red rock tunnels to the bottom of Bryce Canyon. Queen’s Garden displays hoodoos of all shapes and sizes, including the Queen Victoria Hoodoo, which was named for its resemblance to a London statue of the English monarch.

“Scenery changes on the bottom of the canyon, where you walk through a flat area in the shadow of cottonwood trees,” according to Fromm, “Reaching Wall Street might be the most spectacular area of this trail, as you walk in a narrow opening in the shadow of high, towering rocks. On the way out, stops around each bend offer gorgeous views of the canyon below. Though the climb out is steep, overall, the hike is pleasant and not too strenuous if you take it slow.”

Vermont

Quechee Gorge Dewey Pond Trail, Quechee Gorge State Park, Hartford

Distance: 2.8 Miles, Difficulty: Easy

Pronounced kwee-chee, Quechee is a small village along U.S. Route 4 in the town of Hartford, Vermont. Quechee Gorge Dewey Pond Trail can be found in Quechee Gorge State Park. The first third this wide and inviting out-and-back trail is ADA-accessible.

As you follow the Ottauquechee River, there are benches for quiet moments during which you can enjoy scenic vistas and the sound of water rushing through the gorge. While this hike is rated easy, there is one section that has a noteworthy incline that’s marked by roots and rocks. Otherwise, Barrett tells us it’s the perfect spot for a quiet Northeast nature walk. Check out her other picks for the best hikes in the Green Mountain State.

Virginia

Cedar Run – Whiteoak Circuit, Shenandoah National Park, McGaheysville

Distance: 7 Miles, Difficulty: Hard

Most avid hikers consider Shenandoah National Park a bucket-list destination. With more than 500 miles of trails, it sweeps across portions of the Blue Ridge Mountains near the charming town of Charlottesville, Virginia. Also known as Whiteoak Canyon Trail, Cedar Run – Whiteoak Circuit is rugged magic. Ebsworth-Goold tells us you’ll face a steep incline on this seven-mile trail, but the payoff comes when you meander past six incredibly beautiful waterfalls. If you want to spend more time on the trail in Virginia, check out the best hikes from across the state.

Washington

Horseshoe Bend Trail, Mount Baker National Forest, Deming

Distance: 2.8 Miles, Difficulty: Easy

Washington State is home to several gorgeous hikes, but Horseshoe Bend Trail has fewer visitors than some of the state’s better-known trails according to Fromm. So although it is easy to access from the road, hopefully, this relatively easy walk will offer some solitude.

This out-and-back trail follows the rushing river through a dense, ancient forest filled with mossy trees. It’s an easy walk for about half of the way and will give you plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the sounds of the rushing river that’s surrounded by the lush green of the Washington forest.

Visiting in August, Fromm found wild raspberries on the shore and spent time watching squirrels running up and down the trees. “Peeking out from the trees, the view of distant mountains beyond the river surrounded by all this lush green formed some of the most beautiful sights I could imagine. Passing through tunnels of green moss-filled trees with the sound of the river fading in the background, the second part of the trail narrows and is overgrown in a few places, making it just a bit challenging and giving me the impression of being in deep, lush forested fairyland. Overall, for relatively little effort you are rewarded with some of the most gorgeous vistas of the Pacific Northwest.”

West Virginia

Maryland Heights Trails, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

Distance: 4.5 – 6.5 Miles, Difficulty: Moderate

History and stunning views come together in this can’t-miss West Virginia hike. Maryland Heights Trails lets you choose your own adventure. Hike the 4.5 miles to the Maryland Heights Overlook and add another couple of miles with the more strenuous Stone Fort Loop trail.

“This hiking loop has plenty of other hikers, so don’t expect complete solitude,” says O’Neal Smith, “The elevation gain is 1,473 feet, and at the top, you’ll look out over Harpers Ferry, site of a Civil War-era raid that took place where the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers meet. The loop brings you back to your starting place.”

Wisconsin

Ice Age National Scenic Trail, Verona (And Elsewhere Across The State)

Distance: 1,000+ Miles, Difficulty: Varies

The Ice Age National Scenic Trail offers everything you could want in a Wisconsin hike, and it can be accessed from points across the state. Wander through forests, prairies, meadows, and lakes, and witness Wisconsin’s unique glacial landscape at every turn. In the winter, Reddel and Laskaris love snowshoeing on the Verona segment. The adventurous duo tells us that there are so many different trailheads that you’ll be able to enjoy hiking the trail no matter how long or challenging of a hike you’re after.

Wyoming

Phelps Lake Loop, Moose

Distance: 4.4 Miles, Difficulty: Moderate

Boasting not one but two national parks, Wyoming offers several wonderful hikes. Located in Grand Teton National Park, Phelps Lake Loop is one of the more lightly trafficked trails, yet it features spectacular views of the mountains. Moose, deer, and other wildlife frequent the area, which is shaded by towering evergreen trees. The hike leads to Phelps Lake, which looks straight out of a storybook.

Pro Tip: Broers recommends making this hike between May and September and wearing layers if you start in the morning, as the air can warm quite quickly.

This article is presented by KEEN Footwear. Shop KEEN’s hiking boots, water shoes, and other hiking shoes here.

Related Reading:

• 9 Best Hikes On The U.S. Gulf Coast From Pensacola To New Orleans
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• Hiking Over 50: 12 Things to Know Before Your First Trek

As the sun dipped toward the horizon, a ribbon of gold streaked across the surface of the lake and the Colorado River water lapped gently onto the shore. Bundled up on the deck of my cozy lakeside cabin, I couldn’t help but think that I had the best seat around for watching the Arizona sunset.

What made it even better was the fact that the cabin was surrounded by the beautiful acreage of Lake Havasu State Park — one in the collection of Arizona State Parks that offer camping cabins for rent — with hiking, boating, and fishing opportunities all around.

Another wonderful feature is that most state parks with camping cabins are located in the warm-weather regions of Arizona, which makes them perfect for a stay in the winter months, when much of southern and western Arizona features sunny days and crisp nights.

For me, the state park cabins offer a chance to “camp” without the tents, RVs, and gear that usually come with camping. Here are six of my favorite Arizona state park cabins for a winter visit.

1. Lost Dutchman State Park

Apache Junction

For its sheer scenic beauty as well as its compelling history, Lost Dutchman State Park in the east-Phoenix-metro community of Apache Junction is a not-to-be-missed destination in Arizona. Sitting at the base of the rugged Superstition Mountains, the park is known for its spectacular views, excellent desert trails, and fascinating mining history that features a mysterious lost mine.

Right in the midst of all of the splendor is a row of five camping cabins, which are billed as a way for visitors to “play hard and rest easy in air-conditioned comfort.” Along with air-conditioning for the hot-weather season, the cabins are also equipped with heating for those chilly desert nights, as well as with a ceiling fan, an overhead light, electricity, a queen-size bed, and two sets of bunk beds. Campers bring their own bedding and pillows, and shower/restroom facilities are a short walk from the cabins.

Each cabin also has a picnic table outside and a fire ring with a grill grate, making it convenient to barbecue outside and enjoy an evening fire.

All of the comforts aside, perhaps the best feature of the Lost Dutchman cabins is the view. The cabins look out onto the distinctive grouping of jagged peaks that make up the Superstition Mountains. Campers are just steps from iconic trails like the easy Native Plant Trail or the strenuous Siphon Draw Trail to the top of the Flatiron.

Pro Tip: The winter months are especially lovely in Apache Junction, which is located about 40 miles east of Phoenix. January posts an average high of 67 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 42, while February has an average high of 70 and a low of 44, and March an average high of 77 and a low of 48.

2. Lake Havasu State Park

Lake Havasu City

Whether you’re interested in watersports, beaches, or lake views, the location doesn’t get much better than the 13 camping cabins positioned along the shoreline at Lake Havasu State Park.

The park skirts the shore of the Colorado River in the state’s western region known as Arizona’s West Coast. It is billed as a “watersport haven” and features sandy beaches, nature trails, boat ramps, and convenient campsites. It is also located near Lake Havasu City’s famous London Bridge, which was relocated from the River Thames in London to the Arizona desert by a developer back in the 1960s.

Along with its Colorado River identity, Lake Havasu City is also known for its hot summers and balmy winter weather. On my recent early-January visit, daytime temperatures were in the 70-degree range, and nights were in the mid-40s — the perfect climate for sunny daytime hikes and cozy nights around the fire.

Like the other state parks, the Lake Havasu cabins come with comfortable beds and bunk beds, a spacious deck, a picnic table, and a fire ring. Campers bring their own linens, and showers and bathrooms are located a short walk away.

Perhaps my favorite feature at my Lake Havasu cabin was the west-facing deck just feet from the shoreline. As night fell, the deck offered a splendid view of the sunset over the water.

Pro Tip: The months of January, February, and March offer mild weather in Lake Havasu City, with average highs ranging from the 60-degree range in January to the high 70s in March. Nighttime lows range from the low 40s to the low 50s.

3. Dead Horse Ranch State Park

Cottonwood

With its towering cottonwood trees lining the banks of the rushing Verde River, Dead Horse Ranch State Park makes for a wonderful retreat in central Arizona. The park is known for its diverse birds and wildlife, great hiking and mountain biking on the nearby Lime Kiln Trail, and stellar fishing in its lagoons.

For a mellow visit to Arizona’s beautiful Verde Valley, Dead Horse State Park offers eight rustic log cabins that are tucked away from the park’s other campgrounds. The cabins come with a full-size bed, bunk bed, table and chairs, ceiling fans with overhead light, electricity, and heating and cooling.

Pro Tip: Dead Horse State Park is situated in the charming Verde Valley town of Cottonwood, midway between the desert heat of Phoenix and the cool mountain heights of 10 Cabin Rentals In Beautiful Flagstaff, Arizona. The months of January and February post average highs in the low 60s and lows in the low 30s, while March and April have average highs in the 70s and nights in the high 30s/low 40s.

4. Patagonia Lake State Park

Santa Cruz County

Located in the rolling hills of southeastern Arizona, Patagonia Lake State Park is known for its boating, birdwatching, hiking, and fishing. It offers a beach, a picnic area with ramadas, tables, and grills, a creek trail, boat ramps, and a marina.

The lake is also near the quirky town of Patagonia, which is worthy of a visit on its own. For those who want to stay at the lake but do not want to bring a tent or RV, the state park’s seven cabins with lakefront views are the perfect option.

The cabins are furnished with a queen-size bed, bunk beds, table and chairs, mini-fridge, microwave, ceiling fan with overhead light, electricity, and heating and air conditioning. Campers supply their own linens, and shower facilities are a short walk away.

Pro Tip: Winter weather is fairly mild at Patagonia Lake State Park, with average highs in the mid-60-degree range in January and February and lows in the mid-30s. March has an average high of 74, and an average low of 40.

5. Alamo Lake State Park

Wendon

Surrounded by rugged mountain terrain speckled with brush and cacti, Alamo Lake State Park occupies a remote area in west-central Arizona that is “away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life,” says the park’s website.

Owing to its remoteness — 40 miles from the nearest city lights — the park is known for its amazing views of the night sky. It is also renowned as one of the best places to fish for bass in Arizona, as well as for its plentiful wildlife and wildflowers in the spring.

Offering a view of the lake and the surrounding desert terrain are the state park’s four camping cabins. The cabins feature covered, wood porches and are furnished with bunk-style beds with mattresses, a table and chairs, electricity, ceiling fans, lights, heat/air conditioning, a picnic table, a fire ring, and a charcoal grill. They are accessible by car or pickup truck — with a boat if the vehicle and boat both fit in the cabin’s parking space.

Pro Tip: Mild winter weather at Alamo Lake features average high temperatures of 66 degrees in January and lows in the 30-degree range. February and March both have highs in the 70-degree range, with lows from the high 30s to mid-40s.

6. Kartchner Caverns State Park

Benson

With its limestone columns that stretch from floor to ceiling and its icicle-like rock fingers dangling from above, Kartchner Caverns, located about an hour southwest of Tucson, is known as an otherworldly subterranean space.

The caverns were discovered by cavers in 1974, and today Kartchner Caverns State Park in the southeastern-Arizona community of Benson offers a number of tours, including a Big Room tour and a Rotunda/Throne Room tour.

Along with its tent and RV camping sites, the state park also features four camping cabins that look out onto the nearby Whetstone Mountains. The cabins are near hiking trails and within walking distance of the park’s Discovery Center and other park amenities. They are furnished with a queen bed, bunk beds, a microwave and mini fridge, electricity, and air conditioning/heating.

Along with serving as a base for exploring the caverns, the state park is also convenient for visits to nearby tourist sites, such as the charming mining town of Bisbee and the historic town of Tombstone.

Pro Tip: Winter weather at Kartchner Caverns State Park ranges from highs in the low 60s in January to highs in the low 70s in March. Lows range from 29 degrees in January to 36 in March.

The leaves were glowing with the copper, gold, and yellow of late fall when I caught my first sight of Natural Bridge at Natural Bridge State Park in Lexington, Virginia. Winter was already inching in, and the crisp clean air of the forest held a bit of a chill. Perfectly shaped red and orange maple and oak leaves littered the path from the Natural Bridge State Park visitor center that followed the sing-song flow of a little creek, and I could see how so many people would flock here when the weather cools.

Turning a corner on the hiking path, I stopped dead in my tracks and gaped in wonder. Ahead, towering 215 feet in the air was a limestone stone arch over the picturesque Cedar Creek. I had expected a little stone arch, but this cathedral-looking natural formation was so much more majestic than I could have imagined.

I was in love. During a hosted visit to Lexington, I was stunned by the sheer beauty of the natural areas around the town.

While gorgeous any time of the year, some state parks really come alive during the winter months. From winter sports like snowshoeing and skiing to hiking and stargazing, these parks seem to shine even brighter when the temperatures and the leaves drop. In many cases, the parks are less crowded, especially these seven gorgeous state parks that come alive in the winter.

Many of the locations on this list were discovered during hosted trips, but all opinions are the writer’s alone.

1. Natural Bridge State Park

Lexington, Virginia

Natural Bridge State Park near Lexington, Virginia, is the state’s newest state park, having been owned privately until Virginia dedicated it as an official park in 2016.

In addition to the stunning natural stone arch that attracts visitors to its glory, the 1,540-acre park showcases the rolling meadows and dense forests amongst the limestone karst terrain. The 7 miles of hiking trails are rated easy or moderate, though the path from the visitor center to the arch does include a pretty steep set of stairs.

The hiking and arch aren’t the only attractions at this little state park. During the winter, visitors can see ice form along Lace Fall’s 30-foot cascade, and seasonal living history programs are held year-round.

Natural Bridge State Park is also a recognized Dark Sky Park by the International Dark Sky Association, and the park offers numerous Dark Sky events. For instance, in December, park rangers lead excursions to the top of Jefferson Point — one of the highest points in the park — to observe the Geminids meteor shower. But you don’t need a celestial event to learn about the night sky and the effects of light pollution as rangers offer numerous programs throughout the year at night.

Winter hikes are also a draw for visitors to the park, and on January 1, Natural Bridge State Park rangers lead the annual First Day Hike along the panoramic views from Skyline Trail, which is a 1.6-mile, easy-to-moderate hike. As for any hike, dress according to the weather, wear close-toed shoes, and carry water.

Pro Tip: During the winter months from Thanksgiving to the second weekend in March, the park is open from 9 a.m. to dusk but is closed on Christmas Day. The paths are natural, so be sure to wear appropriate footwear and be aware of steep inclines on some of the trails. 

2. Natural Falls State Park

West Siloam Springs, Oklahoma

The Natural Falls State Park, located on the border of Oklahoma and Arkansas on Interstate 40, is one of the most peaceful and beautiful state parks in my home state. The towering falls are majestic to witness, and the surrounding landscape is so stunningly beautiful that it has been the setting in several movies.

Tucked within the highlands Ozark region of northeast Oklahoma, the park’s 77-foot waterfall flows down rock formations into the bottom of a narrow V-shaped valley. It’s a serene place, peaceful in a way that only hidden waterfalls can be.

In the winter, you don’t have to hike down the steep path to the base of the waterfall; instead, the park offers an observation platform with seats to view one of the most scenic wonders in the state. The wild and lush scenery was also the setting for the 1974 movie, Where the Red Fern Grows, which was filmed in the park.

Pro Tip: For a full experience, book an overnight stay in one of the park’s five yurts, which can be reserved online. Staying at the yurts is truly a glamping experience, complete with heating and air and other amenities. Each yurt sleeps between four and six people, and restrooms and showers are a short walk away.

3. Newport State Park

Ellison Bay, Wisconsin

Another stunning Dark Sky Park, Newport State Park in Ellison Bay, Wisconsin, is tucked along the wild and lovely shores of Lake Michigan. Located at the far tip of the Door Peninsula, Newport State Park is one of the darkest spots in the state, and everyone from casual stargazers to astronomers flocks to the park at night to take in the universe’s splendor.

During the day, the park continues its outdoor activities in the winter with almost 30 miles of hiking and biking trails that weave through meadows, 11 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, boreal forests, wooded uplands, and peaceful meadows. Boating, canoeing, and kayaking are also popular activities at the park, as is fishing along Lake Michigan and Europe Lake in the northern part of the park.

Open from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily year-round, visitors flock to the park for cross-country skiing, winter fishing, and hiking. Luckily, you don’t even have to pack your own gear as Door County has several places to rent snowshoes and related equipment.

4. Montana De Oro State Park

Los Osos, California

Highway 1 through California’s Central Coast, nicknamed The Discovery Route, is a gorgeous drive any time of year, but in winter, the outdoor activities don’t stop… and neither do the views. On the central coast in the charming little boutique town of Los Osos, the Montana de Oro State Park features some of the prettiest views of the Central Coastline.

For those who yearn for the cool coastal breeze while exploring the rugged cliffs that hug the Pacific Ocean, the hiking at Montana de Oro includes the 3.4-mile out-and-back Bluff Trail that rewards hikers with views of the impressive coastline and high bluffs. The trail starts at the visitor center, and it’s one of the best spots for ocean views.

In addition to hiking, biking, and exploring the coastal tidepools, this state park butts up against Morro Bay State Park, which is a perfect spot to go out on whale-watching excursions or kayak with Central Coast Kayaks (ask for Sandy!) for a great flatwater paddling experience with sea otters and sea lions.

Pro Tips

While the winter temperatures are moderate — usually in the 50s and 60s during the day — you’ll still want to dress in layers. The breezes can be much cooler than you expect and the water in the bay is colder than the rest of the coast. 

Also, Los Osos itself is a great central location to call home for a few days and is an easy drive to other nearby attractions like Hearst Castle, the Elephant Seal Rookery and Viewing Vista, pretty little Moonstone Beach, and the more than 27 tasting rooms in nearby San Luis Obispo. The Baywood Inn was our home base for the days we were there, and it was a perfect little place to call home.

5. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

Near Fredericksburg, Texas

Long held as an almost mystical place in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, Enchanted Rock State Natural Area draws thousands of visitors during the summer months. But winter will give you a less crowded experience and a stellar view of the massive pink granite dome rising above the Central Texas landscape, the surrounding scenery, and the unique rock formations.

In the winter months, nearly 11 miles of hiking trails remain open, though the Summit Trail may close in wet weather due to its slick inclines. Rock climbing at the park is also weather dependent, but all year round, visitors can participate in biking, geocaching, and enjoying the abundant nature throughout the park.

Stargazing is a treat at Enchanted Rock too, thanks to the natural geology and its rural location, making it one of the best places for stargazing in Central Texas. Pretty much any place in the park can be fantastic for viewing the stars.

Pro Tip: During wet weather, some of the trails and higher spots in the park may close due to the slickness of the rock. It’s always best to check with the park office for closures.

6. Chugach State Park

Anchorage, Alaska

One of the largest state parks in the nation, Chugach State Park spans roughly 495,000 acres of land and is among the most rugged and wild of the parks listed here. Surrounded by the Alaska Range to the north and west and the Chugach and Wrangell Mountains to the east, the views in Chugach State Park are unrivaled.

This massive state park with its abundant lakes, massive glaciers, and icefields really knows how to enjoy winter. The Alyeska Resort at the gateway of the park is famous for its skiing and snowboarding, but other activities include dog sled rides with an Iditarod veteran by day or even by moonlight, a scenic 7-minute winter tram from the Hotel Alyeska to the top of Mt. Alyesk up to seven “hanging” glaciers and endless views deep into the Chugach Mountain range.

In addition to ice skating on the numerous lakes, snow machining through the backwoods trails, and snowshoe hiking, the park hosts a special New Year’s Eve Lumi­nary Ski that is free to the public and starts at the Divide Ski Trails at Mile 12 of the Seward High­way. With candlelit trails, visitors can view the expansive winter skies and bid farewell to the old year by walking, snowshoeing, or skiing the trails to its end where cider, hot cocoa, and a warm campfire await.

7. Pickett CCC State Park

Eastern Tennessee

When I visited Pickett CCC State Park in Eastern Tennessee one January, the weather was mild enough to wear a light jacket, but even when it’s coated in snow, it’s one of the most picturesque parks in Tennessee. The cozy cabins at Pickett State Park are nestled within miles of jaw-dropping rock formations and jungles of wild rhododendron.

It also has plenty of winter hiking trails to explore and is within a few minutes of nearby Pogue Creek Canyon, a 3,000-acre natural area full of majestic bluffs, arches, waterfalls, and caves.

Though you won’t find traditional winter sports here like skiing, the winter hikes at the park are second to none. With more than 58 miles of hiking trails that vary in length and difficulty, it’s one of the best parks to breathe in that cold winter air and explore the forests, sandstone bluffs, and views of the massive 125,000-acre Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area.

Pickett State Park is also another International Dark-Sky Zone, and its dedicated stargazing field is one of the best places in the southeast to view the stars.

Pro Tip: Get a trail map if you are hiking at this park. My friend and I got turned around and a little lost during our hikes at this park, mainly because many of the trails intersect.

There is just something about autumn that renews my spirit. I’m not sure if it’s the crisp breeze of the morning air or the delicious pumpkin products that seem to be everywhere I turn, but I do truly love fall. Of course, one of the highlights of fall is the beautiful changing leaves. I just love seeing the greens turn to incredible shades of gold, orange, and red!

While many people head to the northern states to see the fall colors, I love to see the fall colors paint the Texas landscape, especially at the Texas state parks. Granted, this change happens a little later in the season than in other parts of the country, but trust me when I tell you, it is well worth the wait. 

Plan a visit to Texas from late September through mid-November (depending on the location) to witness the Texas countryside come alive with the gorgeous shades of fall. The diverse landscape found throughout the state is covered with a variety of trees, each producing glorious fall colors when the temperatures begin to drop.

Whether you are in the east, west, north, or south, these Texas state parks will not disappoint when it comes to delivering on incredible fall foliage.

1. Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Salt Flats, Texas

Located in the remote parts of far Western Texas, Guadalupe Mountains National Park offers visitors not only an incredibly scenic drive, but some of the best desert hiking in the Lone Star State. Now, I know what you might be thinking, how can a park that is mostly desert provide the appropriate landscape for fall colors? 

Guadalupe Mountains National Park provides a varying environment and the perfect amount of elevation change for maple and deciduous trees to survive in what is otherwise a desert environment. Time your visit just right (generally the last week of October to the first week of November), and you will be rewarded with a breathtaking display of fall colors.

To properly see the changing of the tree during your visit, you will have to hit the hiking trails of Guadalupe Mountains National Park. One of the most popular hikes during the fall is McKittrick Canyon. This hike offers visitors the opportunity to see the bright reds, yellows, and oranges produced by the Bigtooth maple, walnut, and ash trees that are prevalent in this area. For a short-distance hike, follow the trail to Pratt cabin. Just keep in mind that you are hiking on natural terrain, so wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water.

Pro Tip: This park gets extremely busy in the fall, so I recommend visiting on a weekday during the day if possible.

2. Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Canyon, Texas

Head into the Texas Panhandle to find the second-largest canyon in the United States, Palo Duro Canyon State Park. The park, which is located about 25 miles south of Amarillo, feels like you have escaped to another universe when you visit. 

Nicknamed “The Grand Canyon of Texas” thanks to its enormous size and unique geological features, Palo Duro Canyon State Park is perfect for a fun weekend getaway. With over 30 miles of hiking and biking trails, there is plenty of land to explore in this state park.

Yellow is the color of the season in Palo Duro Canyon State Park thanks to the multitude of cottonwood trees found in the area. The bright yellow is a stunning contrast to the rust-colored soil that covers the canyon walls and floors, making this area a treat for the eyes during the fall season. In addition to the cottonwood trees, there are also juniper, hackberry, willow, and mesquite trees in the park, all of which change color as the cooler temperatures settle into the panhandle.

Pro Tip: This park sometimes undergoes closures for events. Please visit the state park’s website for the most up-to-date trail conditions and to make park reservations.

3. Lost Maples State Natural Area

Vanderpool, Texas

Lost Maples State Natural Area is the ultimate state park to experience the beautiful fall colors in Texas! The park comes alive with vibrant reds, oranges, and golds thanks to the copious amounts of Bigtooth maple trees found here. The colorful leaves make for the perfect surroundings for visitors to enjoy time hiking or camping in this glorious state park. 

The leaves generally begin changing colors here during the last week of October and continue through the second week in November, although this can vary according to the weather. You will find two main hiking trails inside Lost Maples State Natural Area, both of which share the western part of the East Trail. This portion of the trail, where the two trails merge, is my favorite area for some fabulous pictures in the fall foliage. The hike itself is about a mile and is relatively flat, but you will be walking on uneven, natural terrain.

Pro Tip: Lost Maples fills up fast during the fall season, so be sure to get your day pass well in advance to ensure that you get into the park. Visit their website for more information.

4. McKinney Falls State Park

Austin, Texas

McKinney Falls State Park is a 641-acre state park and is one of my favorite state parks in Texas thanks to the gorgeous waterfalls and fabulous swimming holes found here. While I wouldn’t recommend swimming in the fall, I would recommend visiting McKinney Falls to take in the fabulous fall foliage.

Head just 13 miles outside of Austin and find yourself surrounded by towering red oak and cypress trees. Red and gold are the colors of the season at McKinney Falls State Park. During your time here, don’t miss the opportunity to visit “Old Baldy,” one of the oldest bald cypress trees on public land in the Lone Star State. 

If you want to make a weekend trip out of your visit to McKinney Falls, then be sure to reserve one of the 80 campsites housed here. There are also over nine miles of hiking trails and the beautiful Onion Creek to enjoy. For more information, visit the park’s website.

5. Daingerfield State Park

Daingerfield, Texas

The Pineywoods of East Texas are one of my go-to places for fall foliage. There is just something about the towering pine, oak, and dogwood trees that makes me feel at ease. Of course, this is especially true in autumn as the trees begin to fade from green to shades of yellow and orange. 

A visit to Daingerfield State Park rewards visitors with miles of hiking trails all centered around the park’s focal point, an 80-acre lake. Seeing the fall colors reflect off of the water of the lake is such a magnificent sight, and makes Daingerfield State Park well worth a visit!

Hike along the Rustling Leaves Trail to enjoy a 2.4-mile, easy hike around the lake. If you are looking for a bit more of a challenge, then take the 1.2-mile Mountain View Trail that takes you to the peak of the highest hill in the park. This is the perfect vantage point to take in all of the lovely fall foliage in this Texas state park!

6. Garner State Park

Concan, Texas

Garner State Park is a beautiful state park to visit any time of year, but it is especially glorious during the fall season. The trees in Garner State Park come alive with color in October and November, creating a sea of red, orange, and yellow leaves. 

The 16 miles of scenic trails here will have you wandering through mesquite, persimmon, oak, and cypress trees while they transform from lush green to their showy fall colors. The park, which covers over 1,700 acres, is the perfect weekend getaway to enjoy some time out in nature.

Pro Tip: Garner State Park is truly breathtaking this time of year. If you are up for it, consider doing a kayak float down the river to take in all of the majestic scenery of the area. Be sure to visit the park’s website for complete information.

7. Guadalupe River State Park

Spring Branch, Texas

As the cooler temperatures make their way into Texas, the trees in Guadalupe River State Park begin to show their fall colors. While a visit to Guadalupe River State Park usually entails a rowdy float down the river, the fall season brings a sense of calm and tranquility to the park.

For a short and easy hike during your visit, consider taking the Bald Cypress Trail. This 0.6-mile trail provides great views of the river. For an extra special treat during the fall season, the 0.3-mile River Overlook Trail leads you to a cliff overlooking the river and the gorgeous valley below. Just keep in mind that the trails at Guadalupe River State Park are natural terrain trails, so the ground is often uneven and susceptible to ongoing changes in weather conditions. 
Pro Tip: Paddling the river is an amazing experience during the fall season. The park is the starting point of the 5-mile Guadalupe River State Park Paddling Trail if you are up for this experience. Please visit the park’s website for more information.

As my friend Tim and I drove south from Amarillo, Texas, toward Palo Duro Canyon State Park in the flat panhandle of Texas, I began to doubt that the second-largest canyon in the United States actually existed.

Located 25 miles south of Amarillo and only 14 miles from Canyon, Texas, this often overlooked canyon seems to pop out of nowhere. The drive through the flat, scrubby panhandle terrain gave no hint at the fact that a canyon that dips 800 feet down in places even exists out here in the dusty west.

“I think they’re fooling us,” I joked. “There’s no way there is a canyon out here.”

When Palo Duro Canyon does come into view, it’s sudden and shocking. One minute, you’re staring at plains; the next, the earth opens up into a wide panorama of colors, canyons, cliff walls, and knee-shaking vistas.

Second in size only to the Grand Canyon in Arizona, Palo Duro Canyon was formed by millions of years of relentless Texas winds and water erosion from the unassuming Prairie Dog Town Fork of the Red River.

Nicknamed “The Grand Canyon of Texas” because of its size, stunning geological features, multicolored layers of rock, hoodoos, and steep mesa walls, Palo Duro Canyon is also the second-largest state park in the state parks system, and it features 30 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails (PDF).

We spent a long, spring weekend at Palo Duro Canyon, which offers long, challenging hiking trails, flat scenic walks, stunning views, historical sites and markers, horseback riding, and a variety of camping.

History Of Palo Duro Canyon State Park

As the second-largest canyon system in the United States, Palo Duro Canyon is 120 miles long and 20 miles wide. At up to 800 feet deep, the canyon is filled with colors from 250 million years of geological layers.

According to Texas State Parks, Palo Duro Canyon has been inhabited for about 12,000 years, starting with the Clovis and Folsom peoples, who hunted herds of mammoth and giant bison.

The Apache, Comanche, and Kiowa also called Palo Duro Canyon home, but the canyon is also the site of one of the darkest moments for Native Americans.

The Red River War between the U.S. Army and southern Plains Indians lasted from June 1874 to spring 1875, and on September 28, 1874, the 4th U.S. Cavalry launched a surprise attack at dawn on a camp of Comanches, Kiowas, and Cheyennes.

The tribes fled, but the U.S. forces shot and killed their 1,400 ponies and burned all the winter supplies, leaving the families no choice but to surrender and return to the reservation.

A rancher named Charles Goodnight founded the JA Ranch in the canyon in 1876 with John Adair, and by 1885, the ranch boasted 100,000 head of cattle and 1,325,000 acres of land.

In 1887, the partners divided up the land, and in 1933, Texas bought the land for the park. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) spent five years building the infrastructure of the park, and today, that legacy can be seen in what is now the visitor center, the cabins on the rim and canyon floor, and the trails. The 28,000-acre park opened in 1934.

Things To Do In Palo Duro Canyon

Many visitors to Palo Duro Canyon State Park can spend days upon days exploring the canyon by foot, mountain bike, horse, or car. With more than 30 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails, outdoor adventurers can stay busy studying nature, birdwatching, hiking, or just taking in the scenery during a day trip from Amarillo.

Get Riding!

Horseback riding is a popular activity at the canyon, and the Old West Stables offer guided horseback trail rides from March to November. The equestrian area at Palo Duro Canyon State Park has about 1,500 acres, and many of the trails in the equestrian area are strictly for horses for a leisurely getaway. The park has other horseback trails open to all users, including the Juniper Cliffside Trail (about six miles round-trip) and the Lighthouse Trail (about six miles round-trip).

The equestrian area has six primitive campsites, a corral and old west stables, and water nearby. You must walk or drive to a nearby camping area for restrooms and showers.

Find Treasures Through Geocaching

Geocaching is a treasure-hunting game where participants use a GPS to find (or hide) “geocache” containers, which contain small treasures and logbooks for participants to sign. Palo Duro Canyon has several geocaching sites to discover.

Mountain Biking In The “Grand Canyon Of Texas”

If you yearn to try mountain biking in this west Texas landscape, Palo Duro has a few mountain biking trails that offer views and a challenge. The Givens, Spicer & Lowry Running Trail is a favorite mountain biking route, but the Lighthouse Trail and Capitol Peak Mountain Bike Trail also weave through Civilian Conservation Corp sites, old west stables, and towering rock formations.

Paved roads to the visitor center in the second-largest canyon in the U.S. can also be reached by bicycle, though you should be cautious of cars and other traffic at Palo Duro Canyon State Park.

Learn About History And Art

For history and art lovers, Palo Duro Canyon State Park has a wealth of both.

The Canyon Gallery, which is operated by the Partners in Palo Duro Canyon Foundation, was built out of native stone in 1933 by the CCC and remains one of the most impressive buildings at Palo Duro State Park.

With soaring windows that give an impressive view of the canyon and its rock formations, the Canyon Gallery is full of nature exhibits, archeological discoveries of west Texas, and Southwest art. It’s also a great place to learn about the history of the “The Texas Grand Canyon” and the impressive geology that makes this Texas Panhandle park so unique.

Visitors can pursue handmade Native American pottery; Navajo, Zuni, and Santo Domingo silver and turquoise jewelry; local paintings; souvenirs; and books about west Texas and Texas panhandle history and “The Grand Canyon of Texas.”

For more souvenirs, camping supplies, and ready-to-eat food, visit the Palo Duro Trading Post. The trading post is also the only gas station and fast-casual restaurant in the park.

Hit The Trails At Palo Duro

By far, the most popular activity in the canyon is hiking. The Texas Parks and Wildlife trails range from flat and easy to steep and rugged, but even a hike along the paved roads gives countless opportunities to see the towering mesas and the diverse wildlife, like coyotes, rabbits, deer, and the nimble, regal aoudads.

The “Grand Canyon of Texas” has 16 marked hiking trails ranging from easy, half-mile paths to longer trails that can connect to one another through winding rock formations. The hiking trails lead to notable landmarks like ancient landslides, cavern-like areas, old Civilian Conservation Corps buildings, and wildlife viewing blinds. 

Even a day trip from Amarillo can allow you to explore all the hiking trails at this Texas state park.

A trail map can be found here (PDF).

Pro Tip: Always pack more water than you need. The canyon floor can become blistering hot, reaching 120 degrees during the warmer months, and the park ranger told us most of the first-aid emergencies are due to over-exertion and dehydration. Never begin a hike without at least a half-gallon of water per person, per hour.

Best Camping In Palo Duro Canyon

Tim and I stayed at the Hackberry Campsite, one of four Palo Duro State Park campsites with water, electricity, and public restrooms. Every morning, a large flock of turkey wandered through, gobbling and showing off their plumes as we drank coffee and watched the sun rise over the canyon walls and hoodoos.

Palo Duro State Park has numerous campsites with water and electricity, tent sites, equestrian sites, and backpack camping areas. You’re close enough to Amarillo, however, if camping isn’t your style, you can find plenty of hotels in the Texas Panhandle within an hour or so.

Note: Palo Duro Canyon is open for day use from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day, but for the foreseeable future, all guests, including annual pass holders, must purchase day passes and/or overnight reservations in advance through the Texas State Parks Reservation System.

Hackberry Campground

While all the campsites seem nice, I especially liked Hackberry because of the little creek that weaves around it and the way it nestles along a cliff face. We were lucky to score the last available campsite when we visited, and although it was a bit of a hike to the restroom, I thought it had the best views in the park.

The Hackberry Campsite at Palo Duro State Park has 32 sites and is the second public campsite you’ll come across after entering the park.

Juniper

The Juniper campsite is the first campground you’ll see after entering the park and passing the visitor center. Like the other campgrounds, this site has water and electricity as well as wonderful views of the west Texas landscape and rock formations. The Juniper has 18 sites with restrooms and showers nearby.

Mesquite/Sagebrush

Near the end of Palo Duro Canyon is the third campground, and the largest, with 47 sites. Some of the sites can hold a 60-foot RV. Nestled on the Palo Duro Canyon floor, this campground gives easy access to the old west stables, horseback riding paths, and trails like The Lighthouse Trail.

Cow Camp Cabins

For those looking for a rustic adventure, the park features three cabins on the canyon’s rim or four Cow Camp cabins on the canyon floor.

Pro Tips

Reserve campsites as early as possible, especially for holiday and summer weekends. If you plan to spend a lot of time in Texas and near Amarillo, consider a Texas State Park Pass, which offers unlimited visits to more than 90 state parks without paying the daily entrance fee. You can also receive discounts on camping, park store merchandise, equipment rental discounts, eligibility for other specials.

Personally, I think springtime is the best time to visit Palo Duro State Park. The weather doesn’t get as hot as it does during summertime in the Texas Panhandle, and it’s not as crowded.

Best Hiking In Palo Duro Canyon

On our first morning in Palo Duro Canyon, Tim and I woke just as the sun was beginning to glow to start hiking. With more than 30 miles of trails to choose from, including the Upper Comanche Trail that weaved right through our campsite (Hackberry), we ended up hiking 17 miles that first day.

The Givens, Spicer, And Lowery Trail

We started on the Givens, Spicer, and Lowery Trail, a 3.1-mile singletrack path that leads to the Red Star Ridge. The trailhead starts across the street from the Hackberry Campsite, and at about 1.5 miles, the terrain becomes less challenging and more rolling.

The Lighthouse Trail

The Givens Spicer Lowery Trail also connects to one of the most popular trails — the Lighthouse Trail, a three-mile easy, more-or-less flat path that leads to The Lighthouse, one of the most impressive and famous rock formations in Palo Duro Canyon. The Lighthouse Trailhead has an information board and parking, but this is also the busiest hiking trail in Palo Duro State Park during the high season.

The CCC Trail

One of my favorite trails to hike was the CCC Trail, a rugged and steep 1.4-mile trail built by the Civilian Conservation Corps that follows the Palo Duro Canyon State Park rim near the visitor center. While not necessarily hard, the trail is fairly rugged as it leads to Goodnight Peak. It also becomes so narrow that there are steep drop-offs and views on both sides of the trail.

Rock Garden Trail

We tackled the challenging and steep 2.4-mile Rock Garden Trail, which connects with the 3.7-mile Rylander Fortress Cliff Trail, where we spotted herds of aoudads and even two coyotes running through the brush. The Rock Garden Trail is steep in some places, but luckily, there are plenty of places to rest and recover from the west Texas heat.

Lower And Upper Comanche Trail

The 4.4-mile Lower Comanche Trail connects to the 3.3-mile Upper Comanche Trail for a nice hike that runs through most of Palo Duro State Park. The 2.2-mile Paseo Del Rio Trail is an easy, flat path that meanders along the river and is good for all levels of hiking. You’ll be able to see a great deal of the second-largest canyon in the United States along this hiking trail.

Backcountry Trails

One of our favorite hikes was a backcountry horseback riding trail that runs approximately 1.6 miles from the equestrian area and old west stables at Palo Duro State Park. I could have sworn we hiked way more than 1.6 miles, but we also wandered off trails to picnic by a small stream, climbed upon mesas and among rock formations, and explored hidden canyons in this “Grand Canyon of Texas.” Along that backcountry trail, which can be a bit strenuous in places, we discovered petroglyphs that are not advertised anywhere but are marked by a protective fence. Needless to say, that was a surprise we didn’t expect.

Pro Tips

Again, always bring enough water, especially during the warmer months. With extreme summer heats on the canyon floor, you can easily become overwhelmed by heat exhaustion and dehydration.

Weather conditions can change rapidly, and flash flooding can pose a serious danger. If water begins to rise quickly, move immediately to higher ground.

Remember, this is a wild area, and you may encounter wildlife like rattlesnakes, feral hogs, coyotes, bobcats, deer, and, if you’re lucky, the endangered Texas horned lizard.

Several members of the official State of Texas Longhorn Herd live at the park.

Related Reading:

• 10 Fantastic Experiences At Dinosaur Valley State Park
• 12 Incredible Texas State Parks For Stargazing 
• We Rated The Best Hiking Shoes On The Market

My deepest apologies to the great state of Ohio. Surely, I have underestimated you.

Ohio has typically been a “drive-through” country on our road trips from Minnesota to the East or Southern coasts, but I stand corrected. This is not a drive-through country; it beckons you to come, see, stay, and enjoy.

Last October, my husband Dean and I spent four days filling up on the abundant wonders of southeastern Ohio’s Hocking Hills State Park and the surrounding area. We didn’t run out of things to do or see. Here are some of the hidden gems that we enjoyed.

1. Be Awestruck At The Rock House

The Rock House is the only true cave in the park and is aptly named. Carved by water and time, it’s a magnificent sandstone cavern some 20-30 feet wide, 200 feet long, and with a 25-foot-high ceiling. It has several entry points, and “windows” to the outside.

Looking Out A Rock House “Window”

A place like this can’t exist without a story. When Native Americans lived there, they fashioned “hominy holes” (small insets in the back wall) for baking ovens and built a fire to heat the rock and prepare their food. Chiseled holes in the floor of the cave served as holding tanks for rainwater. Later, rumor has it that the cavern was inhabited by robbers, horse thieves, bootleggers, and other unsavory characters that earned the Rock House a new nickname: Robbers’ Roost.

We went early and practically had the place to ourselves. It is fascinating and beautiful. I could have sat there and watched the sun move through the cavern and appreciated the nuances of color and shape all around. I could have watched tourists flow in and out of it and listened to the doves cooing and flapping around on the far end of the cave. It’s a marvel.

Pro Tip: The Rock House is located midway up a 150-foot sandstone cliff. This is a rugged hike with uneven footing and steep inclines and declines. The hike out was just as spectacular and challenging as the way in.

2. Enjoy The Lush Conkle’s Hollow

This was my favorite hike. Conkle’s Hollow is right out of a movie set. It’s a rugged, rocky gorge, perhaps one of the deepest in Ohio. Good news, this one is ADA accessible for a good part of it, so it can be enjoyed by everybody.

From the parking lot, we had an easy walk on the paved half-mile Gorge Trail, and soon, we were immersed in a lush setting of ferns, hemlock, birch, and shadows of vertical cliffs rising some 200 feet. The ADA trail ended at boulders that you walk underneath, and the path changed to a more traditional hiking trail. The trail here was more rugged and ended at a (tiny-at-this-time-of-year) waterfall. Still beautiful, though!

For the more adventurous hiker, follow the sign for the Rim Trail and take the more than 150 stairs up to the top of the cliffs to circle the gorge. This two-and-a-half-mile hike boasts the highest cliffs and most outstanding scenery in the area.

3. See Mirrored Reflections At Rose Lake

Rose Lake, Hocking Hills State Park

Rose Lake is also called Fisherman’s Lake, but formally, it’s the Hocking Hills Reservoir. You can get there by driving through the campground, parking in a central lot, and walking down an incline or you can hike in on the Old Man’s Cave hiking trail (watch for signs) on the Upper Gorge Trail. The day we went was still and clouds were beautifully reflected on the lake.

Pro Tip: If you’re camping, you have easy access to the lake with your permit. We were not camping, so I asked at the visitor center, and for two dollars, the park ranger wrote us a pass that we could use to get to the lake.

4. Take Photos At The A-Frame Bridge

The A-Frame Bridge, Hocking Hills State Park

A striking feature of this area is this “A-frame” bridge which spans the gorge near Old Man’s Cave. The footbridge underneath the bridge is also noteworthy because it features staggered, flat, rock “steps” that take you over Old Man’s Creek. Great place to take photos!

5. Relax At The Journey Ridge Cabins In Laurelville

About 20 minutes from the Hocking Hills State Park visitor center, a Journey Ridge cabin is a beautiful place to rest your head after a long day of exploring. These peaceful cabins sit on three to five acres surrounded by Hocking Hills Forest. Our one-bedroom cabin was comfortably furnished with a full kitchen, gas log fireplace, outdoor fire pit, and private, covered deck with a hot tub and gas grill.

I cannot say enough good things about the cabin owner, who took extra measures to make our stay warm and inviting. They followed up with great service even after the trip.

Pro Tips

When I say these cabins are a hidden gem, I mean it. GPS has a hard time here because of the typography, so we were using hard-copy directions. Turn here, go a certain number of miles. Watch for this landmark or road, turn there. Its appeal as a remote woodland cabin also makes it somewhat challenging to find. We stopped twice to ask for directions. But it was worth it. We stopped at a larger town on the way to the cabin and stocked up on snacks, beverages, and food for the time we spent there. The cabin has a full kitchen, so we were happy to make meals and enjoy the privacy and beauty of our wooded surroundings.  

6. Watch Glass Artists At The Jack Pine Studio

Spend some time at the amazing Jack Pine Glass Blowing Studio in Laurelville and browse the showroom containing delicate glass birds, colorful landscapes, and vases of all shapes and sizes. In an adjacent room, we watched a glass artist fashion an exquisite glass pumpkin. He began with a white glass base and carefully applied various layers of enamel color, then finished with more rich chips of glass, firing and shaping along the way. I was fascinated with the way he pulled the hot glass up and curled the stem of the pumpkin down.

As soon as he finished one pumpkin, he started another, explaining that he makes 50-60 pumpkins like this every day! It’s important to note that we were there in October. No wonder he moved so confidently between the many steps it took to create each unique masterpiece.

7. Hike To Cedar Falls

This hike may not be hidden but it’s certainly not as popular as Old Man’s Cave and Ash Cave. Cedar Falls is said to be the waterfall with the biggest volume of water in the Hocking Hills region. Ironically, Cedar Falls should be called Hemlock Falls; early settlers didn’t correctly identify the trees!

Here, I loved the artistic way water flowed from the top and spread to the full width of the rock basin, and then condensed as a narrow stream to empty into a pool.

Pro Tip: You can hike or drive to this attraction. View the falls from overlooks or hike down into the bottom of the gorge and back out — again, a rugged, incline/decline hike to get up close and personal.

Bonus: Not Hidden, But Must-Do Hikes

Old Man’s Cave, Hocking Hills State Park

These aren’t hidden gems, but they deserve a mention. Old Man’s Cave hike is a popular, one-way, one-mile loop hike inside a 150-foot sandstone gorge that includes bridges over Old Man’s Creek, small waterfalls, a short dark rock tunnel, and a water and rock feature called the “Devil’s Bathtub” that swirls and gurgles. It has a moderate to steep incline, uneven steps, cliff edges, and in parts, a rugged path. This was the busiest hike we did.

Ash Cave

Like our beloved Conkle’s Hollow, Ash Cave has an ADA-accessible, paved trail. The sunlight was streaming into the cave and we saw the faintest trickle of a waterfall, suspended over the rocks and tumbling down near the center of the cave to form a small pool. It was dreamlike! I’m sure at other times of the year, that waterfall is more than a trickle.

Pro Tip: Parking at these main attractions is what you’d expect: congested and limited (even if it’s large, it seems it’s never enough). Avoid weekends, if you can, and go early. The parking at Ash Cave is particularly challenging.

Hiking In Hocking Hills State Park

Southeastern Ohio was a great surprise to us. All this beauty, hidden in this state? Who knew? We never considered it a “stop and stare” state, but it is worthy of stopping and staring! I’m reminded again that this is the good life. Traveling with Dean, laughing, and seeing new sights.

I get so much joy from the beauty of nature, from a simple sandwich in the car to a reflective lake. We enjoyed hiking and exploring all the wonders and hidden gems of Hocking Hills State Park and the surrounding area. When you go, I hope you do, too.

As kids, we camped in the summertime at these state parks at one time or another. Then, as adults, we took our kids camping. We graduated from tents to trailers to RVs. I have fond memories of fun times with family and friends.

Pro Tips: You can purchase a Texas State Park Pass for free entry to more than 80 state parks for you and your guests for one year. Don’t forget that you do not need a fishing license if you fish off the dock or the shore in a state park.

Our favorite kid-friendly Texas state parks are here in no particular order.

1. Dinosaur Valley State Park

If your kids love dinosaurs, Dinosaur Valley State Park is a great place to explore the dinosaur tracks in the Paluxy riverbed, especially while the water is low. Wander around the giant dinosaurs while imagining what it was like when the beasts lived here millions of years ago. Just a short drive from Fort Worth, you can camp, picnic, swim, fish, hike 20 miles of trails, geocache, mountain bike, watch for wildlife, and visit the interpretive center. Forty-four campsites have water, electricity, a picnic table, and a fire ring or grill for your convenience. You can also access walk-in and hike-in campsites or group camps for 20 and 40 people.

2. Lost Maples State Natural Area

Kids will have fun stargazing at a dark sky, rated 3 out of 9 on the Bortle scale in Lost Maples State Natural Area, two hours northwest of San Antonio. You can hike along 10 miles of trails, including a loop leading to the top of a 2,200-foot cliff. Make a reservation for one of 30 campsites offering water and electric hookups, plus a hike to one of the primitive campsites. Fish in the Sabinal River or Can Creek, where you don’t need a fishing license. In the fall, the Lost Bigtooth Maples turn brilliant shades of orange, red, and yellow. The endangered golden-cheeked warbler and the recently delisted black-capped vireo make their home here. Download a birding checklist here.

3. Copper Breaks State Park

Lake Copper Breaks has a designated swimming area for kids but there are no lifeguards. Plus, you can fish here at the pier and use the fish cleaning station. Stargaze at this International Dark Sky Park and visit the Official State of Texas Longhorn Herd that lives in the park. Kids can hike the Juniper Ridge or Rocky Ledges Loop trails, explore Chris’ Link or MTB Loop on a mountain bike, camp, paddle, canoe, kayak, and pursue the Ranger programs. See spectacular sunrises and sunsets here.

4. Tyler State Park

Tyler State Park’s 64-acre spring-fed lake is an excellent place to swim in the summertime. Camp at water-only sites or full hookups shaded by 100-foot-tall trees. You’ll also find cabins and screened shelters. Explore the Pineywoods on Whispering Pines Nature Trail, mapped out more than 70 years ago by the Civilian Conservation Corps, plus 13 miles of hiking trails. Fish the East Texas lake on three fishing piers for bass, catfish, perch, or crappie. You can rent canoes, kayaks, paddle boats, stand-up paddleboards, jon boats, or rent regular boats year-round. The park store sells books, toys, gifts, souvenirs, snacks, fishing, and camping supplies. 

5. Kickapoo Caverns State Park

Kids will love the guided cave tours every Saturday afternoon with reservations required for Kickapoo Cavern and Stuart Bat Cave, west of San Antonio. Watch the Mexican free-tailed bat flight every evening from Stuart Bat Cave from mid-March through October. Enjoy birdwatching, geocaching, hiking, and mountain biking. A panoramic view of the southwest area of the park is available via Armadillo Lookout Trail. There are five full hookup campsites for RVs up to 36 feet with a picnic table, fire ring, grill, and 10 campsites with water only for tents and smaller campers. Nearby, you’ll find restrooms with showers. Keep in mind that there is no trash disposal, so you must remove all your trash.

6. Caprock Canyon State Park

Kids enjoy swimming, fishing, and no-wake boating in Lake Theo at Caprock Canyon State Park. Plus, hike the trail to Clarity Tunnel to see a bat flight every evening during the warm months. You’ll see the Texas State Bison Herd in the park, descendants of bison calves saved by Charles Goodnight and his wife, Mary Ann. The park encompasses the Caprock Escarpment, a long narrow rocky formation as high as 1,000 feet. Streams carved the vast canyons as they flowed to the Red, Brazos, and Colorado Rivers. You’ll see wildlife like mule, whitetail deer, coyotes, bobcats, and some pronghorn antelope across the canyonlands.

Reserve Park entry and camping fees online. You’ll find 10 campsites with 50-amp electricity and water, 25 campsites with 30-amp electricity and water, nine sites with water only along Lake Theo, picnic tables, grills, and restrooms nearby. 40 primitive walk-in campsites are 10 to 30 yards from the parking area, and 40 more primitive one-mile hike-in campsites have organic or composting toilets nearby. Please carry out all trash.

7. Texas State Railroad

Stay onsite at a historic railroad, a campground nestled in the Piney Woods near Rusk, where campers have access to depot amenities like a movie theater on train departure days, a gift shop, and lunch. Campsites are available with full hookups, water (may only be available with picnic tables), electricity, grills, fire rings, laundry facilities, and wi-fi hotspots. Plus, for your convenience, separate restrooms and showers are available. Besides riding the train, kids can play at a water playground or hike a quarter-mile nature trail. A campground office provides firewood, ice, and supplies for purchase.

Fish for small or largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, striped bass, or catfish. Ride the 4-hour round trip historic train between Rusk and Palestine on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday through the summer and fall. Ride the polar express from late November through December. Book early, as the holiday experience books up quickly.

8. Caddo Lake State Park

Paddle among tall bald cypress trees dripping with Spanish moss as you venture mystic Caddo Lake, an East Texas gem named for the Native Americans who lived in the area. Rent one of 10 historic cabins that sleep two to six people, a screened shelter with restrooms nearby, or one of 46 campsites ranging from full hookups to water only. The 26,810-acre Caddo Lake hosts over 70 species of fish. Rent a canoe or bring your kayak or canoe and explore 50 miles of paddling trails. Hike the miles of trails while you avoid the alligators in the park for your safety.

In 1835, imagine riverboats traversing from nearby Jefferson on the Big Cypress Bayou down to New Orleans, LA. After discovering oil below Caddo Lake in the early 1900s, Gulf Refining Corporation dammed the lake to accommodate oil drilling equipment in 1914. On July 4, 1934, Caddo Lake State Park opened.

Enjoy the fishing pier and boat ramp. Kids can earn a Junior Ranger Badge by accessing the activity journal.

9. Pedernales State Park

30 miles west of Austin, at 5,212-acre Pedernales State Park, reserve your day pass for a picnic, an afternoon swim, or a hike. The swimming area is a quarter-mile hike across steep rock stairs with no handrail. Parents should closely supervise small children. Also, be cautious of quick rising water levels when it rains locally.

Make a reservation to spend the night at one of 69 campsites with hookups or primitive two-mile hike-in sites. Kids love to tube along the river in the summertime and watch for wildlife like deer, rabbits, armadillos, opossums, and raccoons at the bird blinds and butterfly garden. The endangered golden-cheeked warblers nest in the park and are protected. You can fish, mountain bike, geocache, or ride your horses in the park.

10. Garner State Park

I remember a song about Garner State Park by B.J. Thomas as a teenager. “Let’s go to Garner State Park; come along to Garner State Park. In the western part of Texas, 90 miles from San Antonio, there’s a place I go each summer when I get the urge to roam…” a song about a boy and girl who meet at Garner State Park and fall in love. The song ends with “I’ll be back again next year.”

Kids have the best fun floating the Frio River on an inner tube along a 2.9-mile river winding through 1,774 acres of hill country terrain. There are paddle boats, 16 miles of hiking trails, miniature golf, bicycles, canoes, and dancing to the jukebox at the park’s concession building.

Camp at New Garner at over 184 sites with full hookups and 75 sites with water. Old Garner has 39 full hookup sites and 49 sites with water only. Seventeen cabins with or without fireplaces offer kitchen and bathroom facilities, where you bring your linens, dishes, and utensils. A group camp that accommodates 40 people is available with five shelters, each with four sets of bunk beds sleeping eight. Kitchen facilities are available, and restrooms and showers are nearby.

These state parks bring back great memories of when I was a kid, my kids have great memories also, and now we are bringing my grandkids camping.

Minnesota is the land of 10,000 lakes… and 75 beautiful state parks and recreation areas that are absolute treasures. My family has explored 17 of them over the years we’ve called Minnesota home. It’s just a fraction, but it’s a good sampling of the variety you’ll find here.

Let’s look briefly at the 17 parks, sorted alphabetically (see them on a Minnesota map here), and highlight the treasures of each one.

Pro Tips: Many parks offer camper cabins (our favorite while the kids were growing up). These rustic cabins are a compromise between full-on tent camping and hotel niceties. Reservations can be made up to a year in advance. Also, most state parks offer a variety of rentals, nature programs, and outdoor events. Check online or each park’s visitor center for more.

1. Afton State Park, Hastings

What it’s known for: Afton State Park attracts nature lovers and birdwatchers. Hiking highlights include trails with St. Croix River Valley overlooks. Its diverse habitat (prairies, woods, ravines) attracts some 190 species of birds, some of them rare. Here, you also might see fenced goats doing “important prescribed grazing work” to help control invasive species.

Why we love it: We visited over spring break (March), and that means a combo of snow and mud … always an adventure. And yet there’s something marvelous about sipping hot coffee around a campfire when there’s a distinct chill in the air.

Pro Tip: Drive an hour southwest to visit the National Eagle Center in Wabasha, where you’ll see several bald eagles at the visitor center and potentially hundreds more who come to nest and feed here along the banks of the Mississippi River.

2. Bear Head Lake State Park, Ely

What it’s known for: This 4,000-acre park gives you a taste of Minnesota Northwoods at its best! It’s got a pristine Boundary Waters Canoe Area feel without the exertion of hoisting and portaging canoes. Explore the landscape shaped by glaciers and the deep woods that harken back to earlier logging days.

Why we love it: There’s nothing like paddling the crystal-clear waters of Bear Head Lake in a kayak or canoe.

Pro Tip: En route to Ely, stop at Lutsen and take an aerial gondola up the mountain for sweeping views. Your kids/grandkids will also love the Lutsen Alpine Slide!

3. Beaver Creek Valley State Park, Caledonia

What it’s known for: This park is in the driftless (southeast) area of Minnesota, where glaciers didn’t flatten this part of the state. It’s great for fishing, wildflowers, and birdwatching.

Why we love it: Try the beautiful Beaver Creek Valley Trail, a mostly flat 3.5-mile loop that winds its way along Beaver Creek, surrounded by bluffs.

Pro Tip: Scenic, paved trail biking is just 20 minutes away at the Root River State Trail. 

4. Fort Ridgely State Park, Fairfax

What it’s known for: This park marks an important site in the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862 (an armed conflict between the U.S. and eastern Dakota tribes). In summer, hike or ride the trails on horseback or fish for trout; and in winter, ski, snowshoe, or snowmobile. 

Why we love it: My veteran husband and sons have a continual interest in historic battles of all kinds. Outdoor signs (free) share the fort’s history, or you can visit the fort site managed by the Minnesota Historical Society (fee applies). 

5. Glendalough State Park, Battle Lake

What it’s known for: Glendalough is Irish and means “the glen between two lakes,” but overachiever Glendalough State Park is home to five lakes. The self-guided Beaver Pond Trail and the Prairie Hill Trail are easy hiking choices.

Why we love it: This park presented our first cart-in camping experience; we used a rolling cart to transport gear to our camper cabin. Also, because we went in late October, we had the Historic Lodge all to ourselves for afternoon snacking and reading.

Pro Tip: This park, and a few others, offer a unique lodging choice. Yurts are insulated and round canvas structures that sleep three to seven people. Check the website for details.

6. Itasca State Park, Park Rapids

What it’s known for: This giant 32,500-acre park contains 100 lakes and is the oldest state park in Minnesota, but its claim to fame is the “birthplace” of the Mississippi River.

Why we love it: Explore the popular Mississippi Headwaters area on the accessible 1.5-mile loop trail. It’s hard to believe you can wade or rock-step your way across a small, knee-deep stream that becomes the mighty Mississippi, flowing 2,300+ miles to the Gulf of Mexico.

7. Jay Cooke State Park, Carlton

What it’s known for: In this park, nearly 9,000 acres of forests and streams cut through gorges and valleys formed by ancient glaciers. Park at the River Inn and walk across the Swinging Bridge, swaying above the St. Louis River.

Why we love it: The park borders the Willard-Munger State Trail, a great choice for biking or walking. Heading north on the trail from Jay Cooke, enjoy panoramic views of the St. Louis River and the ports of Duluth, Minnesota, and Superior, Wisconsin.

8. Lac Qui Parle State Park, Watson

What it’s known for: Lac qui parle is a French translation of the Dakota tribal name “the lake that speaks.” You’ll literally hear Lac qui Parle Lake talking when thousands of migratory birds stop at this park in spring.

Why we love it: We visited in August, and black-eyed Susans dotted the park with bright bursts of yellow. Another plus: watching pelicans fishing along the lake.

9. Lake Shetek State Park, Currie

What it’s known for: Shetek is Ojibwe for “pelican,” a popular resident here in summer and fall. This 1,100+ acre park gives you plenty of opportunities to walk, fish, hike, paddle, swim, or just read and relax.

Why we love it: Walk the causeway to Loon Island, a 45-acre island on Lake Shetek, and follow the interpretive trail.

10. Mille Lacs Kathio State Park, Onamia

What it’s known for: The Rum River, so important to central Minnesota, flows through the boundaries of this 10,000+ acre park. Early French explorers and fur traders coined the term Mille Lacs for this area, which means “1,000 lakes.”

Why we love it: Climb the 100-foot observation tower for sweeping views of the park and Lake Mille Lacs, a must-do in fall color season.

11. Minneopa State Park, Mankato

What it’s known for: The word Minneopa comes from the Dakota tribe and means “water falling twice,” referring to the Minneopa Creek waterfalls. Drive Mill Road to look for bison, a natural solution to managing the prairie ecosystem. This park has some 330+ acres where the buffalo roam!

Why we love it: Hike to Seppmann Mill, a sandstone windmill (blades no longer intact) from the 1800s. Follow interpretive signs and enjoy the Minnesota River Valley scenery.

12. Myre-Big Island State Park, Albert Lea

What it’s known for: This park consists of some 1,700 acres of rolling hills, marshes, and ponds on the shores of Albert Lea Lake. There’s something for everyone, including birdwatching, photography, hiking, biking, and more.

Why we love it: Big Island, the park’s main feature, is home to the camper cabins at this park. And at 116 acres, Big Island is… well… big. It offers bountiful spring wildflowers and wildlife, with trails along the shore and through a maple/basswood forest.

13. Sakatah Lake State Park, Waterville

What it’s known for: This park takes its name from the Dakota tribe, meaning “Singing Hills.” Indeed, the hills seem to sing here, courtesy of ancient glaciers that dropped mounds of rocks and minerals (called moraines) to create the rolling hills.

Why we love it: Bike the Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail, a paved, multi-use, 39-mile trail that runs right through the park.

14. Savanna Portage State Park, McGregor

What it’s known for: This state park’s 22 miles of hiking trails including the historic Savanna Portage Trail once used by the Dakota and Ojibwe tribes. You can also take a short hike to the Continental Divide overlook (well-signed) and Wolf Lake.

Why we love it: We stayed in the rustic Garni Guesthouse, a fully furnished home located on a peninsula on Savanna Lake. Our kids used their fishing poles off the dock at sunset in hopes of catching panfish or trout but were unsuccessful.

15. Tettagouche State Park, Silver Bay

What it’s known for: Tettagouche is a North Shore favorite. Its semi-mountainous (remember, Minnesota “mountains”) landscape has challenging hiking options, but you can take a more level walk to Shovel Point with several scenic lookouts over Lake Superior.

Why we love it: Stay in nearby Illgen Falls Cabin at the pinnacle of Illgen Falls. Footsteps out the door, take a seat on the large, mostly-flat rocks at the top of the falls and watch the rust-colored, taconite-rich water tumble over the crest. We were there in spring and even with the windows closed, the waterfall thundered in a constant, holy roar.

Pro Tip: Hike to the gravel beach where the Baptism River empties into Lake Superior. With its sheltered coves and rocks aplenty, it’s a great place for grandkids to perfect their technique for skipping stones.

16. Whitewater State Park, Altura

What it’s known for: This scenic park in Minnesota bluff country has challenging and beautiful hiking trails. Try the easy 1-mile Meadow Trail, where you can gaze at the bluffs without the climb. Two miles away is the historic Elba fire tower, but know that you’ll have to maneuver 500 uneven steps just to get to the base.

Why we love it: Enjoy hiking trails with wooden bridges, past Cascade Falls or High Falls, or up to the tops of bluffs. 

17. Wild River State Park, Center City

What it’s known for: This park is another beautiful choice along the St. Croix River. It has 35 miles of hiking trails and 18 miles of river shoreline.

Why we love it: This was our first venture into state park camper cabins, when our twins were 8, and it sparked our journey of visiting 17 parks in 10 years. Another treasure? The many memories of simple campfire meals, charades, outdoor activities, and precious family time.

Tips For Exploring Minnesota’s State Parks

State parks are open year-round, and all seasons offer unique beauty. Purchase a day pass or buy an annual vehicle permit (one year, based on month of purchase) for unlimited visits. While current as of this writing, park offerings may change, so be sure to check park websites.

Regardless of where and when you go, I think you’ll find treasures at our beautiful Minnesota state parks and see why they are so easy to love.

Can’t get enough of the great outdoors in Minnesota? Check out:

• 9 Best Campgrounds In Southeast Minnesota
• 8 Perfect Hikes In Minnesota
• 13 Gorgeous Waterfalls To Explore In Minnesota

As a lover of old hotels with a good story to tell, I have been known to let an interesting-looking historic inn or lodge dictate my road-trip route. That was the case when I planned my recent drive through West Texas. The moment I saw photos of the white, pueblo-style walls of the Davis Mountains State Park’s Indian Lodge, and read its history as a member of a Civilian Conservation Corps project, I knew I had to visit.

So, on my spring 2022 road trip from El Paso to Austin, I made the approximately 1-hour-and-30-minute detour southeast of the Interstate-10 town of Van Horn, Texas, to Davis Mountains State Park — the location of the rustic 1930s-era Indian Lodge.

Of course, a big part of the lodge’s appeal is its rugged and remote surroundings. The Davis Mountains are considered a Sky Island — a range of mountains rising dramatically from the surrounding desert floor. Towering about 8,400 feet in some places, the Davis Mountains offer a stark contrast to the surrounding desert land that lies at about 4,000 feet elevation.

Owing to its high elevation, the Davis Mountains have long been a popular West Texas refuge from the summer heat. In the early 1900s, the town of Fort Davis regularly attracted tourists known as “Summer Swallows” — visitors in search of cool mountain air.

Today, a combination of the state park’s unique hotel, the proximity of fascinating spots like Marfa, Fort Davis, and Big Bend National Park, and multiple recreation options makes the Davis Mountains State Park a not-to-be-missed destination in West Texas. 

The park is located about 3 hours southeast of the international border city of El Paso and about 6 hours and 30 minutes west of the capital city of Austin.

Here are seven reasons Davis Mountains State Park is perfect for a weekend getaway.

1. Historic Indian Lodge

With its blue-tinted swimming pool overlooking the Davis Mountains and its graceful courtyard with trickling fountains, the Indian Lodge is rightfully billed as a cool oasis in West Texas.

But the Indian Lodge is much more than that. It also tells a compelling story about young men of the Great Depression toiling long hours over the hand-hewn pine beams and adobe blocks that formed the lodge’s walls and ceilings.

During the construction phase in the mid-1930s, two companies from the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) — President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal program that put unemployed young men to work — molded adobe blocks from a mixture of water, straw, and soil.

The lodge’s website says the young men “muscled tens of thousands of 40-pound blocks into place to form the 12-to-18-inch-thick walls, several which rise as high as three stories.” The interior of the lodge was made of pine rafters harvested from nearby Mount Livermore, and river cane was used for the ceilings.

For me, the lodge’s past was its most compelling point. A walk through the plaza-like courtyard, up the winding staircases, and into the exposed-beamed lobby offered a revelation about the ingenuity of that long-ago work corps.

In the 1960s, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department added a 24-room addition to the original lodge, along with the swimming pool. In the early 2000s, the department restored the original section to its 1935 appearance.

Pro Tips: The Wi-Fi service is somewhat weak (or non-existent) in the guestrooms but is stronger in the lobby and common areas. At Indian Lodge, guests should expect somewhat rustic accommodations, but with all of the necessary modern amenities.

2. More CCC History

The Indian Lodge wasn’t the only feature of Davis Mountains State Park that benefited from the CCC program. Signs are located at locations all over the park that tell of the program’s substantial impact.

One such sign, titled “Tied to the Land,” is located high on the mountain along the Skyline Drive. It notes that not only did the CCC build the road and trail that lead visitors to the scenic vantage point, but the crews also built several of the structures that frame the great views of the surrounding areas. The workers used basic hand tools, rock drills, pickaxes, shovels, and wheelbarrows to get the jobs done.

The striking round lookout tower at the overlook was added by Texas Parks and Wildlife in the 1960s based on the design of a similar tower that the CCC built at Mother Neff State Park located southwest of Waco.

More than 50,000 CCC enrollees served in Texas, working 6 days a week, and earning $30 a month. Today, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department manages 29 CCC-built parks.

Pro Tip: Big Bend National Park also benefited greatly from the work of the CCC. For a list of outstanding CCC projects in national parks all over the country, including Big Bend, see 10 Best Civilian Conservation Corps Projects You Can Enjoy Today.

3. Scenic Skyline Drive

For a short drive with a big payoff, Davis Mountains State Park’s Skyline Drive is hard to beat. The 5-mile route is steep and winding, but it is paved and easy to drive on. Along the way, there are several scenic overlooks that offer parking and stellar views of the surrounding mountain range.

It pays to stop at the various parking areas for the unique vantage points they offer. The first main overlook offers a great view of the Indian Lodge from above, as well as access to the Keesey Canyon Overlook, located a half-mile hike or so from the parking area.

At the end of Skyline Drive is a recreation area that includes the Lookout Shelter, which offers a picture window to the views, as well as a trailhead for the Old CCC Trail, one of the hiking trails available in the park.

4. Black Bear Restaurant

For breakfast or lunch with a view, the historic Indian Lodge features an in-house restaurant called the Black Bear Restaurant. It is located near the check-in lobby and is a short walk from all of the guest rooms.

The restaurant is open for breakfast and lunch, Wednesday through Sunday, and guests can enjoy work crew-inspired meals such as the CCC chicken sandwich or a hearty CCC breakfast of pancakes, eggs, sausage or bacon, and potatoes.

Pro Tip: Note that guests who stay at the Indian Lodge on Monday or Tuesday will need to find dining options elsewhere. The town of Fort Davis is a 5-minute drive from the park, and a variety of restaurant choices are available there.

5. Convenient RV And Tent Camping

For state park visitors who prefer to camp or RV, Davis Mountains State Park offers a number of options at reasonable rates, including 26 full-hookup campsites, 34 campsites with electricity, 33 campsites with water, and primitive campsites located 4 miles up a mountain.

The campsites with hookups, electricity, and water are conveniently located near the park’s trails, interpretive center, and the Indian Lodge. Camp hosts are available for questions and assistance.

6. Beautiful Hiking Trails

Trails that take hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders deep into the Davis Mountains are spread throughout the state park.

The moderately-challenging 4.5-mile Skyline Drive Trail meanders up and down mountain ridges and valleys, while the 1.75-mile CCC Trail connects with a path to the nearby Fort Davis National Historic Site. (Note that a part of the CCC Trail was closed for repairs when I visited in spring 2022, but a section at the Skyline Drive Overlook was open.) The moderate 2.5-mile Indian Lodge Loop Trail is located behind the Indian Lodge and features beautiful views of the park.

The state park’s website features an interactive map of available trails.

Pro Tip: Equestrians can bring their horses for a day or for an overnight stay at the Limpia Canyon Primitive Area. The 11 miles of trails take riders from 4,900 feet high to over 5,700 feet at a scenic overlook. Camping is available at six equestrian or six primitive campgrounds.

7. Proximity To Fort Davis And Marfa

Although Davis Mountains State Park has a definite remote feel, it is actually within easy driving distance from a number of fun and fascinating West Texas towns and attractions.

Marfa, the little town known for its art galleries and movie scenes, as well as the mysterious Marfa Lights, is located just 25 minutes from the state park. Fort Davis, known for its well-preserved military fort and quaint downtown area, is just a 5-minute drive.

The bustling little college town of Alpine, with its Museum of the Big Bend and Amtrak stop, is located within a 30-minute drive. In addition, the spectacular Big Bend National Park is about an hour and 30 minutes away.

More Davis Mountains State Park Pro Tips

• For wonderful historic hotel choices that are within day-trip range of Davis Mountains State Park, see 6 Incredible Historic Hotels In Texas Big Bend Country.
• Texas State Parks offers an annual pass featuring unlimited access to 89 state parks for a year, as well as discounts on camping and other special offers.

Camping during weekends has been my favorite tactic to find tranquility after a hectic work week. For 30 years, my protection from the elements was a tent — until one night when my dog Tipper decided the raccoon sniffing around our campsite just had to go. Trying to hold her back as she ripped through the tent was an eye opener, even in the middle of the night. Soon after, we purchased a small 16-foot camper trailer.

My home state of Texas has an amazingly diverse array of beautiful parks scattered throughout. A person can wake up in a dry desert of mesquite trees and sage bushes in the west, red rock canyons in the northern panhandle, or ocean views on the southern coast. They can end the day with rivers and valleys full of wildflowers in the bullseye center or a dense forest mingled with bayous and alligators in the east.

Celebrating my 70th birthday this year, I usually take care to choose parks with accessible features. These are my favorite Texas state parks for scenic views, interesting historic stories, and fun outdoor activities perfect for safely enjoying my home away from home. 

1. Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Canyon

Formed millions of years ago by the Red River, water erosion shaped the canyon’s dramatic steep mesa walls and geological formations of multicolored layers of rock. Twenty miles wide and 800 feet tall, the canyon’s rugged beauty meanders for 120 miles, qualifying as the second largest canyon system in the United States. The top layer of hoodoos is where fossils of saber-toothed cats and long-necked camels have been found.

Located in the Panhandle, an outdoor musical titled TEXAS is held every summer, featuring more than 60 actors, singers, dancers, and horses.

Pro Tip: There is little shade on the high canyon trails, so bring plenty of water. The trails that follow the riverbed are shaded but have rocky areas requiring good hiking shoes. Don’t miss the Interpretive Museum in the visitor center.

2. Caddo Lake State Park

Karnack

Located 5 miles from the Louisiana border, Caddo Lake State Park offers serene views of graceful white egrets fishing in a slow-moving bayou full of cypress trees dripping with moss. This grand maze of small lakes entangled by bayous draws kayakers from around the U.S.

The depth of the Big Cypress Bayou is between 8 and 20 feet and never has strong currents to wash away the bounty of the forest. The slowness of the flow results in the water becoming dark with nutrients, inviting a zillion insects and fish that draw thousands of water birds and fishing enthusiasts. 

Pro Tip: Go early spring or late fall to avoid the rush of mosquitoes. Fall is the most beautiful time to visit, when the bald cypress trees turn burnt-orange. 

3. Huntsville State Park

Huntsville

Southern Texas hosts a park with majestic 100-year-old trees, 21 hiking trails, a bird blind, and a nature center. Another good feature of Huntsville State Park is the surrounding area’s attractions such as the Sam Houston Memorial Museum and the historic Texas State Penitentiary which gives tours. Located in the Sam Houston National Forest, the famous Lone Star Hiking Trail, a 129-mile National Recreation Trail, can be accessed in Huntsville State Park.

Pro Tip: This park is near a major freeway and popular with RVers, so reserve campsites early.

4. Cooper Lake State Park

Sulphur Springs

Between Dallas and Oklahoma, in cowboy country, is Cooper Lake State Park, where horses rule. Divided into two units by the dam, the Buggy Whip Equestrian Trail crosses nearly 600 acres in the Sulphur Unit. Near the trailhead are campsites that accommodate horse trailers complete with horse-tie bars for resting between rides.

Campsites are large with pull-through driveways since many campers bring boats. There is a place perfect for stargazing because there are no towns close by to light up the sky. Most of the campsites have views of the lake with spectacular sunrises and sunsets.

Pro Tip: The park is isolated, so pack a cooler before leaving the nearest town.

5. San Angelo State Park

San Angelo

One of the best kept secrets in West Texas is the San Angelo State Park. It’s bordering on the O.C. Fisher Reservoir results in unpredicted vistas and the perfect habitat to support a wide diversity of rangeland wildlife and wildflowers spread over 7,000 acres.

The shy greater roadrunner and armadillo — the state mammal of Texas — are often seen here, plus the park protects the endangered horned lizard species. Unexpected features of the park include petroglyphs, prehistoric animal tracks dated from 250 million years ago, a mastodon fossil site, and a mysterious 1847 grave.

Pro Tip: There are few large trees in West Texas, so be prepared to create your own shade. When it gets too hot, there are lots of cool things to do in the neighboring town of San Angelo.

6. Dinosaur Valley State Park

Glen Rose

It’s not every day a person can go camping, enjoy a hike along a beautiful river, and step inside a dinosaur track frozen in an ancient seabed. The Dinosaur Valley State Park, a National Natural Landmark near the lively town of Glen Rose, has a well-traveled trail where dinosaurs left their footprints in the soft mud 113 million years ago. 

Scientists have identified the three-toed tracks as the Sauroposeidon species, a dinosaur weighing as much as 20 tons and stretching to 70 feet in length. Using their 26-foot-long necks to reach food, they were harmless plant eaters. Both of my feet slid nicely into the deep footprint they left behind — a simple gravestone to prove their existence.

Pro Tip: The trail is occasionally on top of uneven rock and a trekking pole is recommended. Historic downtown Glen Rose has great restaurants.

7. Sea Rim State Park

Sabine Pass

In the southeast corner where the Gulf of Mexico meets marshland, the Sea Rim State Park protects over 5 miles of ocean shoreline. Bird watching is a highlight, especially during migration season, but a close second is body surfing. A popular feature is the Gambusia Nature Trail Boardwalk, which meanders through the marsh as if you’re walking on water. 

Worthy of a visit are the nearby McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge, Sabine Pass Battleground, and the Great Texas Wildlife Trails. All campsites are within walking distance of the ocean.

Pro Tip: Keep dogs on leashes. By springtime, birds have flown over 3,000 miles from South America and are hungry, exhausted, and may lay eggs on the beach.

8. Martin Dies, Jr. State Park

Jasper

If you like to kayak, move this park to the top of your list. Located at the northern edge of the Big Thicket National Preserve in East Texas, Martin Dies, Jr. State Park is where two rivers meet to form the best paddling park in Texas.

The Neches and Angelina Rivers create a wild and diverse habitat uninterrupted by development, making paddling a wildlife frenzy float. Lake Steinhagen anchors the recreational area where three paddling trails meander around and through the park. The estimated time to complete each trail ranges from 1–3 hours, however, paddle time really depends on how many photo breaks are taken to capture the inspiring scenery.

Pro Tip: As an avid kayaker, I always visit in October to catch the golden cypress trees at their peak during their autumn recital. 

9. Fort Richardson State Park

Jacksboro

One of the first parks I visited after moving to Texas was Fort Richardson State Park. While joining a hiking club on a weekend outing, the Lost Creek Trailway was our focus — a 9-mile hiking, biking, and horseback riding trail. We had no idea how cool this place would turn out to be.

In the center of the park is a fully restored fort once used as a military hospital during the early 1860s. The Texas Centennial Commission purchased the surviving 55 fort buildings, which include a bakery, hospital, morgue, barracks, and officer quarters. Many buildings are fully furnished with period items and the site is designated a National Historic Landmark. 

Pro Tip: The park is not large, but campsites are shady and scenic. Plan to spend almost a day strolling through the remarkable living museum where occasionally volunteer guides are available.

10. McKinney Falls State Park

Austin

Texas has few mountains and is not known for gushing waterfalls. However, the waterfall at McKinney Falls State Park has a rugged beauty, even if it’s not large or dramatic. Near the capitol city of Austin in central Texas, the park is the remains of an old homestead with rock shelters overgrown by wildflowers. Hiking, mountain biking, and bouldering are favorite activities.

One spring, during an early morning hike on the Onion Creek Trail, a fawn and mother deer watched us pass by. The wide trail has a hard packed surface and is great for wheelchairs or strollers.

Pro Tip: The best time to visit is summer when vivid wildflowers are in full bloom, even cacti. Don’t miss Old Baldy, a 500-year-old bald cypress tree.

You can find more information about all of these parks here.

Hocking Hills is tucked away about an hour from downtown Columbus, Ohio, on the northern rim of the Appalachian region. Logan, Ohio, is the area’s municipal center, and the expansive Hocking Hills State Park is the outdoor adventure epicenter. On a recent press trip organized by Explore Hocking Hills, I got to see year-round activities like ziplining and repelling to fishing and kayaking. 

The state park has miles of trails and the region is filled with cabins and lodges to stay and sit by a fire or enjoy a spa treatment. Even if you are not an outdoor enthusiast, I found this gorgeous region is full of festivals all year that are connected to interesting places to enjoy including wine and moonshine, glass blowing, and stargazing. 

1. Hocking Hills State Park

More than a single park, this complex of natural lands is surrounded by three state forests and one national forest. It makes the entire region a naturalist haven for outdoor activities. Inside Hocking Hills State Park, you can walk over two dozen miles on 11 different trails.

There are picnic areas at most of these trailheads, and two of them — Ash Cave and Conkles Hollow — are designated as accessible with paved trails as well. The most well-known trail is at Old Man’s Cave. This 2-mile trail descends into an area that is flanked by a large open-air cave carved out of a rock shelf on one side. There is a waterfall that cascades from several levels higher up on the trail and empties into a lovely pool just below the cave.

To descend and then ascend out of this area, there are many stairs built into the trail. Be cautious in this wet environment as these steps can be slippery. It’s no wonder this is a favorite hiking spot for all ages because of its colorful history. The legend is that an old hermit lived in the cave and died while trying to poke a hole through the ice on the pond in winter, accidentally discharging his rifle.

The beautiful rock formations and water features are a treat. There are other caves to see in the park and trails that allow you to ride mountain bikes or rappel over rock walls. Fishing and camping options are available as well. Stop by the John Glenn Astronomy Park for a guided stargazing program, weather permitting.

There are plenty of outdoor adventure companies that provide fun in the park and outside the park on their own property. High Rock Adventures provides all the equipment, has expert guides, and will lead you on a rappel into a sandstone canyon. 

2. Festivals Throughout The Year

If outdoor adventure is not your first preference, you’ll still find plenty to do in this hilly, forested area. Logan is a small town that hosts many fun events throughout the year on its historic Main Street. Founded in 1816, this place is a slice of Americana with plenty of restaurants, entertainment, antiquing, and walkability to venues from the Washboard Museum to the Hocking Hills Moonshine Distillery. 

3. Urban Air Airstream Festival

Each May, nearly 100 Airstream trailers are parked on Main Street for the Urban Air Weekend in downtown Logan. As an Airstream owner and enthusiast, I thoroughly enjoyed visiting with the organizers and participants. The trailer owners “camp” along Main Street and provide tours of many of the vintage and new trailers they bring. 

Airstream owners rally at events around the country, and this is one of a few urban places where they gather. They park bumper to bumper, and when their awnings unfurl, they put out their best patio decorations and enjoy the fun of camping. I talked to first-timers and long-timers who were enjoying the fun and games during the day, live music at night, and food truck vendors that provided a variety of treats. 

On the first day of the rally, the local high school band came out and marched down Main Street to welcome the Airstream guests as they played a variety of tunes recognizable to the mostly retiree crowd. People visiting and living in the area came out to see these aluminum beauties and participate in the festivities. The Urban Air Festival raises money through donations and rally events for two charities in town — the local food pantry and the renovation efforts for the historic Logan Theater building downtown. 

This festival is a great example of the hometown spirit that Logan provides. The historic buildings as well as the newly renovated town square preserve the past as well as provide a congenial, walkable experience. Come back often to enjoy the other festivals and special events hosted in and around Logan. 

4. Washboard Music Festival

This free festival is sponsored by the Columbus Washboard Company in Logan every Father’s Day. This is the last operating U.S. washboard company. They make their boards by hand in all sizes and configurations. You can tour the factory and purchase products on site.

5. Pumpkin Festival With Glass Pumpkins

Plan to attend this annual festival in October in Circleville. While this is a fairly common theme in many places for a fall festival, it is the glass pumpkins that are special. Glass-blown pumpkins are made at the nearby Jack Pine Studio. The studio makes a special edition pumpkin every year and they make plenty of other pumpkin designs in a variety of sizes.

Best of all, you can visit the studio to watch the glass items being made and take a class to blow your own glass pumpkin. The studio is a must-visit stop in Hocking Hills. The artistry, craftsmanship, and good-natured staff will provide an afternoon of fun.

6. Moonshine Festival

Logan’s own Hocking Hills Moonshine distillery participates in the annual Memorial Day weekend Moonshine Festival in nearby New Straitsville. Come for the music and moonshine, as well as family fun events on Saturday. There are trails in the area, and you can visit Robinson’s Cave, where mineworkers first met to unionize in the late 1800s. You can do tastings and a tour at the distillery in Logan on any day but Sunday. 

Once you’ve enjoyed yourself outdoors or had fun at a festival, it’s time to relax. Hocking Hills is filled with inns, lodges, and great dining options as well as nighttime entertainment.

7. Inn & Spa At Cedar Falls

While there are many places to stay in the area, the Inn and Spa at Cedar Falls offers some unique rooms. You can stay in a yurt or geodome. The geodomes are complete with a full bath, mini-kitchen, and air-conditioning. The 14-foot-high glass geodome “wall” gives you an unobstructed view of the forest from the ground to the treetops from the comfort of your king-size bed. 

Enjoy the lush property that is surrounded by the state park. They have recreational games on the main lawn, or guests can sit in a rocking chair and soak up the serenity of the forest on their rooftop porch. There are cottages on the other side of this heavily wooded property, each with screened-in back porches, fireplaces, and whirlpool jet tubs. 

The Inn has a full spa and rustic-themed dining room at the center of the property as well. Enjoy seasonal cuisine including the delicious wild mushroom toast appetizer. 

8. Glenlaurel Scottish Country Inn

Noted as one of the most authentic Scottish locations in North America, Glenlaurel is a 140-acre property that replicates a Scottish village. There is the manor house with a pub, dining room, and parlor decorated in a sumptuous castle style. There are individual highland-styled cottages in a separate area from the traditional Inn rooms at the main building.

You can hike down to their private Camusfearna Gorge or enjoy the park-like setting from the manor house and inn’s outdoor patios. Try your hand at playing eight holes on the authentic links-style golf course. Your round includes authentic Scottish clubs, tees, and balls that will challenge even the most talented American golfer.

At dinner, you will be treated to an amazing six- or seven-course gourmet meal. On Saturday nights, a bagpiper will lead you from the pub or parlor into the dining room. During the year they have several themed dinners including a Robert Burns night complete with a poetry reading. The experience at Glenlaurel is designed to have you pampered, feasting on gourmet food, and immersed in Scottish culture. It’s formal dining on the weekend and no children are allowed at the inn. 

If you crave more simple settings for your meals, try The Feed in Logan. They serve elevated comfort food with a hillbilly twist. The menu highlights regional favorites like Hillbilly Hibachos — nachos with fried rice, barbecue, and yum-yum-inspired sauce. The very comfortable surroundings allow you to fully enjoy these large meals. 

Top off your evening at Hocking Hills Winery, serving a wide array of locally grown wines from this family-run vineyard. They have a large covered patio and outdoor seating with live music on the weekends. It’s a perfect place to enjoy a wine flight and unwind from a busy day in Hocking Hills. 

Pro Tip: Being out in the country in the hills and hollers means your cell signal is weak to nonexistent until you get into a town. Some of the inns and lodges have Wi-Fi. Plan ahead with your GPS route as the winding roads can be confusing — but getting lost in a beautiful setting is not all that bad. 

Tired of the same old thing? Want something different? Breaks Interstate Park is a rarity. There are only two interstate parks in the country. Breaks is mostly in southwestern Virginia with a small part in Kentucky. It’s 4,500 acres of woodland and Appalachian Mountain scenery that are breathtaking. It gets its name from the break in Pine Mountain created by the Russell Fork River. Besides its uniqueness, the park has so much to see and do that you won’t find everywhere. Getting there involves driving mountain roads. This is the only county in Virginia that has no four-lane highways.

I visited on a comped press trip, but my opinions are my own.

1. Rhododendron Restaurant

We met with Austin Bradley, superintendent of Breaks Park, at the Rhododendron Restaurant. Its floor-to-ceiling windows gave a spectacular view of the gorge. Stepping out on the balcony brought me even closer to this magnificent natural phenomenon. It’s called the Grand Canyon of the South. The 1,000-foot gorge formed over millions of years as the Russell Fork River roared its way through Virginia into Kentucky, headed for the Ohio River.

Having such a view enhanced the lunch experience. We had the buffet since we were there on a weekend, but there is a regular menu during the week. The salad bar included a delicious pasta salad along with several kinds of greens, pepperoni, egg, cheese, and more. The fried chicken is true southern style and desserts are a treat. Do try the cherry cobbler.

2. Breaks Interstate Lodging

You have lots of lodging choices here. The park lodge buildings, next to the restaurant and visitor center, are named for plants: Redbud Hemlock, Dogwood, and Catawba Lodges. The lodge has 70 rooms and one suite in the Rosebud Lodge. They all look out on a view of the gorge.

There are four split-level Woodland Cottages with two bedrooms and one bath, sleeping up to four adults. All have completely furnished kitchens.

The five lakefront cabins have a rustic appearance but are more luxurious. They all have a covered front porch with rocking chairs and a back deck complete with a hot tub overlooking Laurel Lake. Austin told about one guest who caught a nice sized fish while soaking in his hot tub. Looking over the deck railing, we saw several fish swimming in the clear water below. Two cabins include two bedrooms, two baths — one with a loft and additional space — and one is three bedrooms, three baths. One cabin is handicap accessible.

There are three yurts if you want camping on a slightly more luxurious scale. For cooking, each yurt has a microwave inside and an outdoor cooking area featuring a picnic table, fire ring, and a charcoal grill. There are no bathrooms in the yurts, but they are located close to a campground bathhouse. One is handicap accessible.

For campers with their own equipment, anything from tent to motor home, you are well covered here. The campground is open from April 1–October 31 and has 138 sites in four campground areas ranging from tent to full service with water, electric, and sewage. The campgrounds have bathhouses with hot showers, laundry, and a camp store.

Pro Tip: Campgrounds and some of the other lodge rooms are pet friendly.

3. Ziplining

There are things to do here to please everyone. For the thrill seekers, you can zip the Canyon Rim Zipline across the Grand Canyon of the South going from one scenic outlook to another. There is half a mile of ziplines with three different stops across the canyon.

4. Whitewater Rafting

You can take the thrill a bit lower by whitewater rafting on the Russell Fork River. The river has 16 miles of whitewater between Haysi, Virginia, and Elkhorn City, Kentucky. Upper sections of the river are good for beginner and intermediate rafters; some parts of the river are deadly and only for very experienced rafters.

5. Rock Climbing

Rock climbing at the Breaks is a relatively new sport. It started in 2016. You can climb about 350 routes up steep sandstone cliffs. Seeing those sheer cliffs that stretch to the sky, and some of the route names like Achy Breaky Start, House of Cards, and Breaking Bad, are enough to tell me I’ll never try this.

6. Tamer Adventures

For those who like tamer adventures, there are choices including taking a pedal boat, canoe, or kayak ride on Laurel Lake; biking with either a pedal or electric bike; fishing; or doing some leisurely hiking along the 25 miles of trails for bird and wildlife viewing. The park is home to white-tail deer, black bear, and many smaller species. There are two fledgling peregrine falcons that have been reintroduced to the area that are nesting down in the gorge. You might see beavers and mink along the river. There are two species of rhododendron, rosebay and catawba, and mountain laurel.

7. Breaks Interstate Waterpark

The Breaks has a large waterpark for those who like wet fun. It has a 4,000 square-foot beach-entry shallow pool, a current channel, four water slides, a spray ground, in-pool basketball and volleyball courts, and some shade spots if you want to avoid the sun.

8. Overlooks

One thing not to miss is the overlooks. There are eight overlooks in the park. Many of the hiking and biking trails lead to them. My favorite is State Line Overlook. From there, you can see Russell Fork Gorge crossing over from Virginia to Kentucky, passing Pine Mountain. 

On the Kentucky side, there is a relatively flat, highly unaccessible piece of land called Potters Flats that was once inhabited by a family of moonshiners. Locals used to ford the river, but when the water was high, they had to hike about 2 miles around a winding dirt trail to get to their homes. The park took the land under eminent domain, forcing them to move. Many of the descendants still live in the area. 

Austin told us the park has plans to develop the area and make the flats accessible via a swing bridge across the gorge. The idea was probably based on a local story that when the Potters were creating their product, a buyer could come to the edge of the gorge and send his money across in a basket rigged on a cable across the gorge that is still hanging on one side. The Potters would take the money and return a bottle of their whiskey in the basket.

Towers Overlook, which is closest to the lodge and restaurant, is also a great view. Grassy Overlook is the closest for those staying in the campgrounds.

9. Elk Tours

For me, the highlight of my visit was the elk tour where I watched herds of this recently reintroduced majestic animal. The tour begins when you board a bus in the parking lot across from the park visitor center. It’s held certain days in March through May, and August through October. The back story as to why this is so special is that habitat loss and hunting depleted the once vast herds of elk. The last eastern elk in Virginia was killed in 1855 and, in 1877, when the last elk was killed by a hunter in Pennsylvania, the sub-species was declared extinct.

We rode for about half an hour along some rugged mountain roads to wildlife conservation land. Much of this had once been coal mines and has been restored to provide food and shelter for the newly introduced herds of elk. Much of the land here is open for grazing pasture. Just after we entered the reclaimed land, we spotted a heard of elk grazing just on the side of the road. We stopped and got out to take pictures. The elk were far enough away we didn’t disturb them.

We continued to a place at the top of a mountain owned by the Nature Conservancy where the elk was originally reintroduced back in 2012. There is a small shelter and several picnic tables. Part of the tour is a picnic meal that we enjoyed as some of the conservation group told us about how they had reintroduced the elk. The project began in 2012 with 75 elk from neighboring Kentucky who had been reintroduced earlier. 

Unbelievably, there was opposition from ranchers to the program. They were concerned that the elk might bring in disease that could spread to their cattle. During the reintroduction process, they quarantined the elk to prevent any diseases from entering the state. Today, there are about 250 elk in Virginia. Unfortunately, this year, they are going to allow some to be killed in a legal hunt. Apparently, navigating the politics needed to reintroduce the elk involves allowing hunting when the herds are large enough.

Pro Tip: If you do the tour, watch the ground around you. Elks shed their antlers annually. If you find an antler, you can keep it. One of the biologists on our tour did find a large antler.

Be sure to check out these idyllic Virginia locations:

• How To Spend A Perfect Day In Historic Yorktown, Virginia
• 11 Fantastic Things To Do In Historic Wytheville, Virginia
• How To Spend A Perfect Weekend In Charming Middleburg, Virginia

If the last 2 years have taught us anything, it’s this: we have a lot of amazing countryside to discover and explore within our borders! Not only that, but each state or national park offers something a little bit different. You might even be surprised by what adventures await you right in your own backyard!

Did you know there are more than 10,000 state parks dotted across the United States? If you’ve focused your recent travel energies on national parks, maybe it’s time to discover some of the lesser-known state parks. We asked our readers to share and rank their favorite state parks during our annual Best of Travel Awards and the following 15 state parks came out on top — there was even a three-way tie for the eighth spot. Time to pull out the camper and plan your 2022 travel itinerary!

1. Redwood State Park (Winner) 

Crescent City, California

A visit to California’s Redwood State Park should be on everyone’s bucket list, but it will require some planning. Redwood State Park is actually part of a four-park complex that includes Redwood National Park, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, and Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. These parks encompass more than 131,000 acres and 71 acres of northern California coastline. A diversity of things to do and explore could keep you entertained for weeks, if not years.

After exploring the beautiful California coastline on foot, travel back in time on a steam engine train or enjoy spellbinding scenery as you coast through the treetops of ancient trees on the gondola ride. Pack a picnic and hike any number of the hundreds of easy or challenging trails throughout the park. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or want a romantic getaway, the Redwoods will not disappoint!

2. Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Canyon, Texas

Does your travel itinerary include Amarillo, Texas? Drive about an hour southeast of town and spend a day exploring Palo Duro Canyon State Park. Popular with cyclists and hikers, Palo Duro Canyon boasts some impressive views of unique rock formations, fossil-rich sedimentary rocks, historical sites, and campgrounds. But did you know, this spectacular park is home to our nation’s second largest canyon? That’s right! Rim to rim, the canyon averages 6 miles in width, but can be up to 20 miles in some places!

For a different, more leisurely experience in the park, visit Old West Stables and take in the views by horseback. But whether by horseback, bike, or foot, just don’t miss the park’s iconic hoodoo formation (a tall slender rock with a larger rock on top), called The Lighthouse. This one is only visible from the canyon floor and can be seen from the 5.5-mile round-trip Lighthouse Trail.

Pro Tip: Book your horseback adventure well in advance, as they can book quickly during busy seasons.

3. Custer State Park

Custer, South Dakota

A visit to Mt. Rushmore has been an increasingly popular getaway in recent years, but if you go, don’t short-change yourself by skipping Custer State Park! Nestled in the stunning Black Hills, this park is loaded with soaring mountains, exquisite views, deep lakes, and abundant animal herds grazing through the grassland prairies. Experience the rumbling ground of running buffalo herds during the annual Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup (the last Friday of September).

To experience this park is to get a sense of what the wild west was like before the Europeans moved in. If you’ve ever seen Dances With Wolves (Oscar winner for Best Picture, 1991), you’ll understand because Custer State Park was the film site for a variety of scenes. 

Needles Highway is a 14-mile dream for auto enthusiasts, especially when fall colors are changing by the day. The park offers fully-developed campgrounds with sites for tents, campers, and motor homes as well as options for those who prefer backcountry camping. Plan your visit in late spring, early summer, or the fall to avoid the large crowds.

Pro Tip: Needles Highway is very narrow and best experienced in a smaller vehicle or by motorcycle. Leave the motorhome at camp.

4. Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park

Oljato-Monument Valley, Arizona

If the name of this park isn’t familiar to you, you will certainly recognize the landscape from iconic movie scenes from films like Forrest Gump. But more than movie backdrops and pop culture photo opportunities, the red rock mesas and sandstone buttes of Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park will leave you feeling inspired and speechless. The best way to see this park is to book a guided trip with a Navajo guide allowing you to drive into the park, see the impressive monoliths up close, and learn more about the Native American culture.

Inside the park, visit The Trading Post where traditional arts and crafts of the Navajo people are preserved by local artisans.

If you want to make a road trip of it, Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park is part of the Trail of the Ancients, the only National Scenic Byway dedicated to archaeological, historical, and cultural sites.

Please remember this land is home to the Navajo people. Be respectful of their privacy and property.

5. Elephant Rocks State Park

Belleview, Missouri

Increasingly popular with tourists, Elephant Rocks State Park is an easy day drive adventure from St. Louis. Famous for its massive granite boulders that look like elephants (with a little imagination), this park offers miles of hiking trails. The Braille Trail is a great option if you have someone with physical or visual impairments in your party, as it was designed especially for them and is easy to navigate. While you may enjoy scrambling up the rocks for the perfect panoramic view, be advised that rock climbing equipment is strictly prohibited.

While you’re in the area, treat yourself to a soak at Johnson’s Shut-Ins about 20 minutes away from Elephant Rocks. The crystal-clear waters from Black River are perfect for swimming and relaxing under the warm Missouri summer sun.

Pro Tip: Elephant Rocks State Park is especially busy Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, so plan accordingly.

6. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

Big Sur, California

Located about 2.5 hours south of San Francisco, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park offers stunning photo opportunities around every corner. Named for a well-respected pioneer woman named Julia Pfeiffer, the park features a variety of trees including redwood and madrone, and is famous for an 80-foot waterfall that drops into the ocean from granite cliffs. Purple sand? Turquoise water? Yes, and yes. If you’ve never been to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, you’ve never seen anything like it.

This park has much more to offer than a picturesque coastline. Hikers love the variety of hikes. Don’t forget your binoculars — you’ll want them to marvel at some 390 different bird species including bald eagles, peregrine falcons, and kingfishers. Fair warning, bring an extra SD card (or two) along for your camera! Memorable scenes abound around every corner.

You could spend a long weekend in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, but we know you’ll be planning your next visit before you leave.

7. Starved Rock State Park

Oglesby, Illinois

With more than 40 state parks and 17 wildlife areas, Illinois offers a lot of places to explore. One of those areas, however, captivated the hearts of our readers, and that’s Starved Rock State Park. Starved Rock State Park is perfect for a romantic weekend getaway. Plan your stay at the historic 1930s-era lodge or one of the nearby lodge cabins.

Waterfall lovers will be in heaven here — just make sure you time your trip when the water is flowing at its peak! While you look for those waterfalls, explore 13 miles of hiking trails through canyons and woods. Be sure to keep an eye open for majestic bald eagles! From June through November, the park provides free guided hikes for visitors (pre-registration is required). Starved Rock State Park also offers several great fishing locations along the Illinois River, and daily river cruises, as weather permits.

8. Kohler-Andrae State Park (3-Way Tie)

Sheboygan, Wisconsin

Kohler-Andrae State Park is a getaway gem that will have you wondering if you are really in the Midwest or on the West Coast! Enjoy 2.5 miles of sandy beaches and stunning sand dunes along the shore of Lake Michigan. Hiking, biking, cross-country skiing (in the winter), bird watching, and fishing (the local pond is stocked with trout and panfish) are among the many activities offered at this pet-friendly state park — just make sure Fido is leashed! This park is less than 15 minutes south of Sheboygan, providing plenty of options for nearby lodging and dining.

The park is especially popular with campers and includes a large, wooded, well-kept 137-site campground. Bring the kids or grandkids with you during Halloween, when the campground becomes a spooktacular destination as all the campsites decorate for the holiday to host a family-friendly, safe trick-or-treat experience.

Pro Tip: It’s always cooler by the lake, so bring extra layers, even if it seems hot everywhere else. 

8. Hocking Hills State Park (3-Way Tie)

Logan, Ohio

Looking for a getaway that lets you disconnect from a hectic schedule and reconnect with the natural rhythms of nature? Look no further than Ohio’s Hocking Hills State Park. An hour south of Columbus, Hocking Hills is arguably one of the most beautiful parks in the Midwest. It’s the perfect place to unplug in a cozy treetop cabin, relax, and rediscover your inner child. Sit in constant wonder with each new waterfall, view, or bald eagle sighting.

Hocking Hills is a four-season park with something to offer visitors at any time of the year, but the winter is quite magical. When the snow begins to fly, the park comes to life with ice fishing, ice skating, and a wildly popular January cave-to-cave hiking event. Join thousands of other hikers for a snowy 6-mile guided trek that includes a hot bowl of soup served at the halfway point. You’ll enjoy the majesty of ice-encompassed waterfalls and learn some of the history and legends surrounding the caves in the park.

8. Dead Horse Point State Park (3-Way Tie)

Moab, Utah

Dead Horse Point State Park may be one of Utah’s best kept secrets. Perched at the end of a mesa some 2,000 feet above the Colorado River, the park offers a breathtaking overlook of the river’s gooseneck bend and Canyonlands National Park. The park is located about an hour east of Moab, offering comfortable lodging for those who prefer not to camp.

Because it’s a lesser-known state park, you’ll enjoy fewer crowds than other nearby popular Utah parks. The best time to visit Dead Horse Point Park is spring or fall due to the harsh sun that blasts the landscape in the summer months. Hiking trails are all relatively flat, making this small park easy to explore. Mountain bike single track trails run for miles and range from easy to technical. Dead Horse Point State Park is recognized as an International Dark Sky Park, allowing for extraordinary views of the Milky Way galaxy and nighttime photography. Bring your telescope!

11. Colorado Bend State Park

Bend, Texas

An easy day trip from Austin or San Antonio, Colorado Bend State Park is one of the most popular parks in the great state of Texas! Bring your fishing gear and your hiking boots for a fun and scenic weekend trip. Situated along the Colorado River, Colorado Bend State Park is also home to the eye-popping 70-foot Gorman Falls (the tallest waterfall in Texas). To get to the falls, be prepared for a 3-mile round-trip hike requiring moderate skill. Another beautiful moderate hike is Spicewood Springs, which rewards you with a soak in one of six small natural spring-fed pools.

Visitors also enjoy mountain biking, kayaking, swimming, and cave exploring. Cave guides are also available for hire if you’d like to learn more about the area.

12. Ichetucknee Springs State Park

Fort White, Florida

Ichetucknee Springs State Park offers a relaxing day trip experience enjoyed by all ages. Fed by nine natural springs, the gentle 6-mile river of bright turquoise water is an inviting place to relax and have fun with family and friends. Bring your own tube or rent one at the park office. It takes approximately 2–3 hours to float the lazy river from start to finish.

This is a day-use park with no campsites available. While the main feature is the gorgeous river, there are plenty of hiking trails and wildlife to enjoy. You may even spot an otter or some beavers! The park’s general store and Riverside Grill are convenient resources if you’re hungry or looking for a refreshing snack. The general store also offers souvenirs and stocks necessities you may have forgotten… like sunscreen!

13. St. Andrews State Park

Panama City, Florida

A trip to Panama City Beach, Florida, would not be complete without spending some time at St. Andrews State Park. The narrow strip of land is sandwiched between the Gulf of Mexico on one side, and St. Andrews Bay on the other. The park has prioritized accessibility, providing wheelchair and mobility aids throughout. You can even rent beach wheelchairs from the ranger station!

If you enjoy collecting seashells, catch a ferry from the park to Shell Island for an afternoon. Whatever you do, just don’t forget your snorkel gear! The park jetties serve as a barrier reef where all kinds of sea life can flourish. Through the clear emerald water, swimmers will marvel at brightly-colored fish like angel fish, stingrays, and other sea life including coral and sponges. But that’s not all, St. Andrews State Park offers boating, fishing, camping, and trails to explore the amazing ecosystems of the area.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget your sunscreen!

14. Eldorado Canyon State Park

Eldorado Springs, Colorado

Adventure awaits at Colorado’s Eldorado Canyon State Park. Located just outside Boulder, this day-use park is an easy place to spend an afternoon or the whole day. Consequently, it’s become increasingly popular, and experts recommend planning your visit during the week (Monday–Thursday) or during cooler months to avoid the large crowds and parking problems.

Eldorado Canyon is a rock climbers paradise. Whether you choose to pursue a technical climb or watch others in wonder as they carefully climb to dizzying heights from the safety of the trail, you’ll love the scenery, panoramic views, wildlife, and Colorado’s fresh mountain air. Many visitors pack picnics to enjoy trailside along one of the many hiking trails. The park offers a large number of designated picnic areas to enjoy. Snowshoe and cross-country ski enthusiasts prize this park during the winter for its beauty and accessibility. While camping is not permitted in this state park, there are plenty of other nearby campgrounds.

15. Kōkeʻe State Park

Hanapepe, Hawaii

If you think Hawaii is all about the beaches, surfing, and other water sports, guess again. A visit to Kōkeʻe State Park will have you hiking through lush green tropical forests and fields of wild flowers. This park is somewhat remote, so you may consider booking a night or two at the historic Kokeʻe Lodge cabins and wake up to spectacular scenery in one of the most beautiful places on the island. From the lodge, enjoy panoramic views at Kalalau Lookout and the Puu O Kila Lookout.

The Kōkeʻe Natural History Museum is open daily and offers a great option if the weather turns rainy (that lush green comes at a price!). Here, you’ll learn about local crafts, culture, and the park’s history.

Pro Tip: Kōkeʻe State Park is touted as the wettest spot in the world, so wear sturdy boots and pack your gear accordingly.

It’s imperative to feel comfortable and safe while traveling. Medjet provides premier air medical transport, travel security, and crisis response memberships, providing peace of mind for an affordable price.

Read more on TravelAwaits’ Best of Travel Awards:

• 5 Most Walkable Cities In The U.S.
• The 8 Most Pet-Friendly Cities In The U.S.
• Our 12 Favorite International Cities To Visit

With its cloudless, clear skies and low humidity year-round, Arizona is one of the top places in the world for stargazing. The mild night-time weather adds to its allure for the activity. In the summer, as hot as it is during the day, temperatures drop after dark, and in the winter it is much more comfortable than in colder environments.

This combination of clear skies, perfect night-time temperatures, and a landscape with long stretches of empty places makes Arizona the astrotourism capital of the U.S. In fact, Arizona helped start the dark-sky preservation movement when Flagstaff was named the world’s first Dark Sky Place in 2001. Dark Sky Places include communities, parks, and sanctuaries.

Dark Sky Communities are towns that prove their commitment to keeping their light pollution to a minimum. Arizona has six of the total sixteen in the country, including Sedona, the Village of Oak Creek, Camp Verde, and Fountain Hills.

Though you can view the stars in these communities, it is the Dark Sky Parks that offer the most spectacular stargazing opportunities in Arizona. With no light pollution for miles, you have clear views of the stars and constellations. The following are some of the best stargazing spots in Arizona.

1. Grand Canyon National Park

One of the seven natural wonders of the world, the Grand Canyon is the most famous landmark of Arizona, visited by millions each year. The spectacular landscape showcasing different rock layers, the thousands of formations, and the canyon’s sheer size will leave you in awe.

You need to fight crowds to visit the South Rim, but it’s easy to access and offers plenty to do. If you prefer a more remote site, you’ll find a quieter environment at the North Rim, though it involves more driving to get there.

As gorgeous as the Canyon is during the day, its night sky is just as spectacular. Stay overnight and walk out into the dark to enjoy the crisp air and the dark skies. You can camp at the South Rim or stay in a hotel there. The North Rim offers cabins, but you need to book well in advance.

Visit in June for opportunities to attend the annual Grand Canyon Star Party to learn about the constellations you see. Hosted by astronomy clubs from different parts of the state, the star party lasts eight days and includes slide shows, constellation tours, and telescope viewing. You can catch the party on both rims.

2. Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument

One of the best places to enjoy the night sky in Arizona is Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, and the easiest way to do this is to camp at the Bonito Campground. The otherworldly landscape of the volcanic fields offers lots of daytime hiking opportunities through lava and cinder.

After dark, look up into the clear sky. With Flagstaff’s city lights far in the distance — and dimmer than most other towns its size — the darkness is complete, offering a backdrop to some of the best views of planets, stars, and constellations. On a moonless night, you’ll see the Milky Way stretched across the sky.

Astronomy clubs from Flagstaff, or staff from the Lowell Observatory, offer star viewing events occasionally. If you are there at the right time, stop by to look through telescopes of different sizes, and listen to the astronomers explain the objects in the sky you are looking at.

The campground is only open in the summer, but you can always stay in Flagstaff overnight and drive out to Sunset Crater.

3. Wupatki National Monument

While you are at Sunset Crater, drive farther on the same road, and stop at any of the ruins of Wupatki National Monument to watch the night sky above the ancient buildings.

Rock walls of the ancient people dot the landscape here, offering opportunities to explore them and learn about their inhabitants during the day. At nightfall, they offer a gorgeous backdrop for stargazing.

4. Walnut Canyon National Monument

Still in the vicinity of Flagstaff, you can drive out to Walnut Canyon National Monument, another Dark Sky Park in the area. Visit the cliff dwellings during the day by taking the vertical Island Trail, with opportunities to walk through some of the dwellings. Or take the Rim Trail for a more leisurely walk.

The park has no camping sites and closes at night, which means the visitor center and the Island Trail are not open, but you can still drive in and stay till dark to watch the night sky from the rim.

5. Petrified Forest National Park

In the middle of the colorful Painted Desert, far from civilization, you’ll find Petrified Forest National Park, home to thousands of ancient pieces of petrified wood. Once a lush rainforest, the area is now an eroded desert showcasing the colors of the rainbow. In some areas, it is filled with petrified tree trunks and fossilized animal bones from millions of years ago. All of this is intermixed with a few ancient structures and petroglyphs left behind by the human inhabitants of the area. It is one of the best Dark Sky Places in the state.

The best way to enjoy stargazing here is to camp in the park. The backcountry campgrounds are both about a mile’s walk from the parking lots. You need a permit to camp, and you can get one from one of the visitor centers. Or you can camp in the parking lots of one of the gift shops just outside the south entrance to the park, as long as you are self-contained.

If you are not a camper, you can still enjoy stargazing at Petrified Forest, but you’d need to drive to it from Holbrook, the closest town with a hotel.

6. Tonto National Monument

Nestled in a dark corner of Arizona along Lake Roosevelt, Tonto National Monument showcases ancient ruins of the Salado people. During the day, visit the lower cliff dwellings and take a guided tour led by a ranger to the higher ones.

Stay in the campground by the ruins for an overnight stargazing experience you’ll never forget. Walk out late at night into the pitch dark to watch the dark skies filled with millions of stars and constellations.

7. Kartchner Caverns State Park

Host to a world-class living limestone cave, Kartchner Caverns State Park offers tours for visitors to enter and enjoy unique formations underground. Two separate tours take you to different parts of the cave, and a discovery center at the entrance explains everything you might want to learn about caves, especially living caves.

Above ground, since it is far from any cities, you can take a hike in the desolate Sonoran Desert, while at night you have an opportunity to enjoy some of the darkest skies. Campgrounds and cabins are both available at the park. You can spend the night and walk out after dark to enjoy the views of the stunning night sky.

8. Oracle State Park

A wildlife refuge at the foothills of the Catalina Mountains in southern Arizona, Oracle State Park offers day-use picnic areas and over 15 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.

Far enough from light pollution to make the Milky Way visible, the park is another exceptional place to watch the night skies. Though you can’t stay in the park overnight, its American Avenue parking area is available after dark.

The park is an hour away from Tucson, where you have plenty of opportunities to stay the night, but if you want to stay closer, you have a few opportunities in Oracle: a guest ranch, a bed and breakfast, and a small hotel.

9. Tumacacori National Historical Park

Preserving the remains of three Spanish missions and the surrounding area, Tumacacori National Historical Park offers a visit to the missions and paved trails through the grounds. The park stands at the crossroads of many different cultures. Visiting the park is a great opportunity to learn how the O’odham, Apache, and Yaqui people lived alongside the missionaries, settlers, and soldiers. Learn about their cooperation and their conflict.

The park offers evening programs that draw attention to the night sky as a cultural resource. Watch the dark, star-filled skies and learn about the way the different cultures in the area interpreted it.

Arizona Observatories And Planetariums

Some of the best places for stargazing are observatories and planetariums, and Arizona is home to a few world-class facilities.

Founded in 1894, home to the telescope used to discover Pluto, the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff offers tours, interactive presentations, and opportunities for stargazing through their telescopes.

Featuring the largest telescope in Arizona dedicated to public viewing, the Mt. Lemmon Sky Center Observatory has a popular after-dark viewing program.

Home to the largest collection of optical and radio telescopes in the world, Kitt Peak National Observatory is a research facility, but it is also open for visitors for guided tours.

Note: Due to COVID restrictions, Kitt Peak and the road leading to it is temporarily closed for visitors. All other observatories in the state offer limited access, and only socially distanced activities.

Best Practices For Stargazing

When stargazing, you need to give your eyes time to adjust to the dark, which takes about twenty minutes. Once your eyes are adjusted, you’ll be amazed at how much you see in a dark sky. You’ll notice differences in brightness and colors of the stars; you’ll recognize patterns and constellations.

Turn all your light sources off and don’t use your phone while waiting, since the light of its screen will ruin your night vision. If you need a light to see where you’re going, use a flashlight with a red filter on. You can buy one with a filter, or do this yourself, by putting a piece of red filter paper under its lens. If you attend a star party, the astronomers will show you how, or offer you one with a filter.

Related Reading:

• 16 Best Hikes To Experience In Arizona
• 5 Reasons Flagstaff, Arizona Is Perfect For Stargazing
• Here’s How To Visit The Wave In Coyote Buttes For A Perfect Photo
• 12 Beautiful Outdoor Experiences In Arizona In Every Season
• 9 Unique Stops From Sedona To The Grand Canyon
• Our 8 Favorite Places For Stargazing In The U.S.

When I was growing up in northern New Jersey, on the border of New York State, I fell in love with hiking. Just a short walk from my house across the virtual state line was a wonderland that beckoned to be explored — Harriman and Bear Mountain State Parks. 

Two parks adjoining one another that offered an amazing array of hiking adventure, history, and an eclectic array of outdoor recreational activities. It also offered first class lodging, dining, and more. 

I recently went home and revisited the twin parks and was not disappointed. These gems of the Hudson Valley have not changed and once again took my heart away as they did all of those years ago.

Harriman State Park is New York State’s second oldest park, first opening in 1910. The park encompasses over 45,000 acres of beautiful mountains, 31 lakes and reservoirs, and today, boasts over 200 miles of hiking trails. 

Bear Mountain State Park is situated along the western shore of the Hudson River in the town of Bear Mountain, New York. Its rugged namesake mountain rises majestically from the banks where the gleaming Bear Mountain Bridge crosses the wide river. 

Travelers flock to the base of the mountain to begin their hiking adventures, take in the many outdoor activities found there, relax in the park’s pool, or dine in the beautiful rustic inn that opened here in 1915. 

When visiting the New York Tri-State Area, it’s well worth your while to drive up Route 9W and pay a visit to the parks. Here are eight reasons why they are a must-visit.

1. A Hiker’s Dream: 200 Miles Of Unique Trails 

Within the boundaries of the twin parks, there are over 200 miles of hiking trails that lead to the most incredible panoramic views, tranquil lakes, abandoned mines, and more.

The most famous trail that winds through the parks is the Appalachian Trail (A.T.). The first section of the famous long path was built here by volunteers and opened in 1923. The first section of the trail stretched westward from Bear Mountain through the length of Harriman and today spans the eastern seaboard from Maine to Georgia.

While there are plenty of easy-to-moderate hikes, many of the trails can be challenging as they make steep and steady climbs to the tops of ridges but are so worth the effort. Personal favorites include the 7.1-mile moderate-walking West Mountain-Timp Torne Trails with a spectacular view of the Hudson River Valley, a tranquil 3.7-mile moderate walk to Island Pond via the A.T., and the challenging 5.2-mile Ramapo Torne Loop. And, on the Ramapo Torne trek, there are even more stunning views from a tall rock bald of the surrounding mountains looking into New Jersey and, on a clear day, the New York City skyline on the horizon.

Many of the trails interconnect so you can form many different loops for any skill level. Visit the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference website for more information.

2. Perkins Memorial Tower 

From the entrance to Bear Mountain State Park, take the winding Seven Lakes Drive and Perkins Memorial Tower Drive to visit the stone Perkins Memorial Tower. Here, you will be treated to breathtaking 360-degree views of the Hudson Highlands and surrounding valley.

During the Great Depression, the 1,305-foot tower was built by hand, stone-by-stone, by the young men of the Civilian Conservation Corps. The tower is named after the first president of the Palisades Park Commission, George Perkins, and is open from April through November weather permitting. 

3. The Bear Mountain Inn 

The first thing to greet you as you pull into the Bear Mountain’s main gate on Route 9W is the rustic elegance of the Bear Mountain Inn. 

The inn was constructed by park staff using reclaimed river and mountain stones from old, abandoned buildings in the area, and cedar timbers that were cut and milled on-site. 

Today, guests visiting the inn can stay in one of its 15 fully-appointed deluxe guest rooms that are described as being the “quintessential romantic Hudson Valley destination.”

The Inn also has several stone cottages that were built in the 1930s, each with six cozy rooms all connected to a common area with a large stone fireplace. Each room is outfitted with queen size beds, private bath, cable TV, and refrigerator. Each cottage has a wide porch that overlooks the beautiful Hessian Lake, the perfect place to start the morning with a hot cup of coffee. 

All rooms in the cottages are ADA-accessible. 

Then, there is the Overlook Lodge, with 24 nice, cozy guest rooms with a lobby that offers a gorgeous view of the Hudson River Valley. 

Pet-friendly rooms are available at each location. Make reservations through the Inn’s website. 

4. The Carousel 

Take a trip back in time to your childhood for a ride on the glorious Bear Mountain Carousel. Located just a short 0.1-mile walk from the inn, the carousel harkens back to an earlier, innocent time — your childhood — when it was a thrill to circle endlessly on the 42 hand carved and painted seats while calliope music filled the air.

Children of all ages will love this ride housed in an elegant stone and timber rotunda. Contact the park for current operating hours and prices. 

5. Year-Round Recreation

Bear Mountain has been a favorite destination for locals, tourists, and city dwellers for decades because of its seasonal amenities. 

In mid-June, the park opens its large swimming pool. From spring through fall, rental a paddle boat and take a quiet paddle on Hessian Lake. And in winter, break out the ice skates or rent a pair and practice your salchow around the park’s ice rink. 

Admission to the pool is $5. Check the website for the latest schedule. The skating rink is generally open from November through March. Skate rentals are $10 a pair. 

Speaking of ice skating, you are allowed to skate on several lakes within Harriman State Park including Lake Tiorati, Lake Welch, and Silver Mine Lake, but being on an open lake in wintertime means special rules apply. 

Check the Bear Mountain website for updated fees and schedule for all outdoor activities. 

6. The Trailside Zoo And Museum 

Take the short, leisurely walk from the inn, down a paved walkway that is actually part of the Appalachian Trail, and visit the park’s Trailside Zoo and Museum. 

The zoo and museum features a self-guided walking trail that leads you past exhibits that introduce you to the area’s ecology and history. Along the forested route, you will experience native gardens and incredible geologic features. 

In the zoo, you will see black bear, porcupine, deer, bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, and more. A variety of local reptiles and fish will be seen at the Amphibians, Reptiles, and Fish Museum.

There is also a nature study and geology museum as well as a butterfly garden. And for history buffs, stop to see the redoubts of Fort Clinton that played a role in the Revolutionary War and an extra side trail that leads to historic Fort Montgomery. 

The zoo and museum are open daily from 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. There is a $1 admission donation per person that helps keep the facility operating.

7. Dining Experiences

Dining is as much of an experience as anything at Bear Mountain State Park. The Bear Mountain Inn offers two distinct dining experiences. The first, and my favorite since I am an avid hiker, is the Hiker’s Café. 

Located on the side of the inn, the café serves up traditional and quick American fare — hamburgers, hot dogs, grab-and-go sandwiches, salads, and even hearty breakfasts. It is a relaxing, casual atmosphere where hikers — especially those through hiking the A.T. — gather to grab a quick, delicious breakfast or lunch. It’s a wonderful place to sit and chat with them to hear about their adventures.

On the opposite end of the scale is the Restaurant 1915 and Blue Roof Bar. As its name implies, it was opened in 1915 and serves some of the most delicious and creative global cuisine you’ll find anywhere. 

Start with your favorite beverage from their full wine and specialty menu. Then, try their delicious pork back ribs marinated in ginger and soy, and side pickled vegetable salad; or try a cheese and charcuterie board brimming with local and imported cheeses, artisan meats, honeycomb olives, fig cake, and toasted baguette.

Check out the menu and current hours for both restaurants online. 

8. Harriman State Park Campgrounds 

Harriman State Park has several nice campgrounds available and one of the best is Beaver Pond located at Lake Welch. Beaver Pond is open for both tent and RV camping. Each site allows for two tents or RVs/trailers up to 30 feet long. There are no electrical hookups.

If you don’t want the hassle of bringing your own tent, TentRR has nice and big four-wall cabin tents already set up at some of the most desirable lakeside camping locations in the park.

Pro Tips

People flock to Bear Mountain from all over the world, so expect it to be crowded most anytime of the year. If you plan to stay at the inn, make your reservations well in advance — at least 6 months ahead of time. 

There is no admission fee to hike in Harriman but there may be a parking fee at the lakes if you plan on swimming or ice skating. There is a $10 parking fee at the Bear Mountain parking area near the inn.

Check out some of the most popular hiking trails in the country:

• 8 Best Hiking Experiences Along The Eastern Continental Trail
• 11 Important Tips For Hiking Alabama’s Pinhoti Trail
• 6 Best Hikes Along The Pacific Crest Trail

Contrary to popular belief, Texas is much more than just flat prairie land. Texas is full of diverse terrain ranging from mountain ranges to piney woods. One of the best ways to experience the state’s landscape is to visit the many state parks in Texas.

Texas state parks are home to canyons, waterfalls, expansive beaches, and incredible mountain ranges. This diversity means that you can have fun and unique experiences throughout the state when you visit its state parks. Whether you are planning a weekend getaway, or an easy day trip, these state parks will fit the bill. 

Since the Lone Star State is home to over 90 state parks, it can easily become overwhelming when trying to decide which parks to visit. Well, that is where I come in! I was born and raised in Texas and still call it home today, so I have visited my fair share of Texas state parks.

With that in mind, allow me to share with you my favorite state parks to visit in Texas!

1. Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Canyon

Palo Duro Canyon is the second largest canyon in the United States, earning it the nickname of “The Grand Canyon of Texas!” Offering 30 miles of hiking trails, this is an outdoor lover’s dream.

Located on the Texas Panhandle, near Amarillo, Palo Duro Canyon State Park boasts several campsites and numerous trails to explore. The trails here are multi-use and allow hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The views of the canyon from many of the trails are incredible and allow visitors to truly enjoy some of the diverse landscapes found in Texas.

Palo Duro Canyon also hosts a theater production called the Texas Outdoor Musical during the summer months. This unique show tells the story of the early settlers of the Texas Panhandle and includes singing, dancing, and fireworks!

This is one of the Texas parks that also offers glamping accommodations, perfect for a weekend in Palo Duro Canyon. These accommodations are great for people who want to connect with the great outdoors while still having some of the creature comforts we have become accustomed to.

2. Caddo Lake State Park, Karnack

A visit to Caddo Lake State Park is a truly amazing experience. Located in East Texas, Caddo Lake State Park offers a unique landscape that consists of swamp land laden with beautiful Spanish moss-covered bald cypress trees.

While there are hiking trails at Caddo Lake Park, most people prefer to explore the park using a kayak or canoe. You can bring your own, or rent one in the park to enjoy paddling through the 50 miles of paddling trails on Caddo Lake.

If the thought of paddling your own vessel doesn’t appeal to you, then consider taking a guided tour of the lake. There are several independent companies that offer this type of service.

If you want to stay a while at Caddo Lake, then you can choose one of their campsites, or rent one of the historic cabins that are onsite.

The park is a natural environment, so there is uneven terrain associated with visiting. Caddo Lake State Park does offer a wheelchair-accessible fishing pier, interpretive trail, picnic area, and cabins.

Pro Tip: Take note that there are alligators in Caddo Lake, so be sure to read and respect all of the warning tips that the park provides.

3. Pedernales Falls State Park, Johnson City

Pedernales Falls State Park is located in the beautiful Texas Hill Country near the small town of Johnson City. This Texas park is a great place for a little rest and relaxation. 

Here, the Pedernales River cascades over the large limestone rocks creating a beautiful waterfall area. The turbulent nature of the river during times of extreme rain means that swimming in the falls is prohibited, but you can swim in other areas of the park.

In addition to the falls, Pedernales Falls State Park also offers hiking and biking trails, campsites, geocaching, and an equestrian trail system.

Please note that trails to the river are rough and are not wheelchair accessible. However, the asphalt trail leading to the bird blind is wheelchair accessible.

4. Mustang Island State Park, Corpus Christi

Mustang Island State Park is located on a long barrier island that is between Port Aransas and Corpus Christi. This Texas beach offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy a day on the Texas coast. 

Encompassing 5 miles of beachfront and 100 campsites, Mustang Island State Park has plenty of room to spread out and enjoy yourself. Here you can spend the day fishing, swimming, surfing, or birdwatching. For those of you that are feeling adventurous, Mustang Island also offers 20 miles of paddling trails to explore.

5. Guadalupe River State Park, Spring Branch

Head about 30 miles north of San Antonio to find Guadalupe River State Park. This fabulous park is one of the many Texas state parks near lakes and rivers, making it the perfect environment to enjoy a day of outdoor recreation. Popular activities at Guadalupe River State Park include swimming, fishing, hiking, and, in the summer months, river tubing!

The multi-use trails are perfect for mountain biking, hiking, or horseback riding. The park also offers campsites and is the start of the 5-mile Guadalupe River State Park Paddling Trail.

Pro Tip: Styrofoam and glass containers are not allowed on the river, so keep that in mind when packing your cooler for the day!

6. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, Fredericksburg

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area in Fredericksburg, Texas, is another one of the awesome state parks in Texas.

The large pink granite rock that is Enchanted Rock is visible for miles. The minute it comes into sight over the horizon, you know you are in for a treat.

Visitors flock to Enchanted Rock to hike, camp, and, of course, climb the pink dome rock. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that this is one of the state’s most popular parks. There is even evidence that Enchanted Rock has been visited for thousands of years.

If you are choosing to go rock climbing during your visit, you will need to sign a release at the ranger station before ascending the 1,800-foot hike to the top of the dome. Once at the top, you are rewarded with incredible views of the Texas Hill Country. Just please take note that you need a good pair of hiking shoes to climb Enchanted Rock, and note that the granite rock is quite slippery when it is wet.

7. Caprock Canyons State Park, Quitaque

Caprock Canyons State Park offers visitors rugged terrain, a tunnel that bats love to call home, and prairie land that is home to native bison. What else do you need in a state park?

In addition to the wildlife viewing here, visitors can also enjoy nearly 90 miles of hiking and biking trails that range in ability level. Of course, there are also campsites here, including equestrian campsites.

When you need some relief from the Texas sun, you can jump into the 120-acre Lake Theo that is on the property. In addition to swimming in the lake, you can also try your luck at fishing.

8. Colorado Bend State Park, Bend

Colorado Bend State Park is another one of the unique state parks that you will find in Texas. While the park offers numerous trails and campsites, the star attraction at Colorado Bend is Gorman Falls.

After walking a rocky and uneven 1.5-mile trail, hikers descend down a rock embankment before being greeted by Gorman Falls. The 70-foot, spring-fed waterfall cascades down the hillside and makes you feel as though you have been transported to a Caribbean Island. You haven’t though, you’re still in Texas!

Of course, if you aren’t up for this hike, you can still enjoy a visit to Colorado Bend State Park. The park offers other outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and fishing.

9. Big Bend Ranch State Park, Presidio

Big Bend Ranch State Park is located in southwest Texas on the U.S./Mexico border. As the largest state park in the Lone Star State, Big Bend Ranch encompasses over 300,000 acres!

The beautiful desert terrain here seems to go on forever and offers visitors plenty of opportunities to spread out and find a space all their own. Visitors to Big Bend Ranch State Park can explore the area on horseback, by hiking or biking, or by using their own vehicle.

Campers can choose from the park’s primitive sites or their equestrian sites for overnight accommodations. Since this park is designated as an International Dark Sky Park, the stargazing here is incredible!

The Rio Grande River is accessible through the park, making it easy to spend the day fishing or boating during your visit.

Pro Tip: Summers here are extremely hot, so avoid visiting at this time if possible. The best time to visit is fall or winter when the temperatures are mild and the evenings are a little chilly.

10. Garner State Park, Concan

Garner State Park is one of our favorite state parks to visit in the summer months thanks to its easy access to the Frio River.

A major attraction to Garner State Park is the fact that it is perfect for outdoor activities, especially tubing down the Frio River. Surrounded by the scenic Texas Hill Country, Garner State Park offers visitors miles of trails, picnic areas, and, of course, the river!

In addition to all of that, Garner State Park also offers equipment rentals for visitors to enjoy. This includes kayaks, inner tubes, tables, fans, and barbecue pits!

Pro Tip: Visit during the summer months to participate in the community dance that takes place here. This tradition has taken place since the 1940s and continues today. Just be sure to arrive early as this is a popular event that fills up fast!

Milford State Park in North Central Kansas is a park for all seasons — and all ages. Whether it’s winter, spring, summer, or fall, all you’ve got to do is call Milford for a fun time. The park is 15 minutes north of Interstate 70’s Exits 290 and 295. The location is a few miles northwest of Junction City, between Abilene and Manhattan.

While the park’s peak visitation is in the spring and summer, each season offers its treasures. Uncover them in these 11 reasons to visit Milford State Park and other parkland surrounding Milford Reservoir.

Geary County Convention & Visitors Bureau hosted me, but all opinions are my own.

Things To Know About Milford Reservoir

Before you head to Milford Reservoir, here are some things to know. Download reservoir maps and brochures here. The Milford Lake map is vital. Use it as a guide to the agencies controlling the area. For example, state park guests need passes. Read the fee schedule and buy them online. 

The lake’s northeast shore touches Fort Riley. The area from Madison Creek to the Military Marina can close for training and security reasons. Sometimes the fort’s personnel fire weapons in the area. The public may use the Military Marina’s boat ramp, but only active or retired military may use the marina.

Sailboats are welcome, but must stay south of the bridge.

The United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) began digging the lake in 1962. While the contractors were carving the lakebed, they removed significant obstacles. However, fluctuations in the water level can submerge hazards. Don’t neglect your feet. Wear water shoes in rocky areas. Check daily lake conditions on the USACE site.

1. Beach Baby, Beach Baby, Sharing The Sand

Nudie Beach is the reservoir’s most popular white sand beach. The name suggests a clothing-optional site, but don’t be fooled. Water-lovers must wear swimwear. It’s on the reservoir’s north side, where Farnum Creek enters the lake. Nudie is only accessible by boat. Several similar beaches lie between Farnum and Rush Creeks on the east side. Acorns Resort and Flagstop Resort also have boater beaches. 

East Rolling Hills Park is a good place for a picnic. It offers a swimming beach and a boat ramp. The ramp is free to use, but the USACE assesses a $5 charge per vehicle to park. USACE maintains three other day-use parks, North Overlook, Outlet, and South Outlet. Pay a fee to reserve USACE’s picnic shelters. If a shelter is not marked as reserved, guests may use it without charge. 

Outlet Park also features a swimming beach. However, unlike Rolling Hills, Outlet is free. Thunderbird Marina reserves its beach for swimmers.

Pro Tip: During major holidays, come early to the beaches to beat the crowds.

2. Just A Little Push To Shut Up And Fish

The state’s largest lake is also the Fishing Capital of Kansas. Seasoned anglers can expect to catch some 20 to 50 fish on a good day. The 6.88-pound state record smallmouth bass came from Milford. The lake is also famous for its giant catfish. With its reputation, Milford has hosted many of the nation’s prestigious fishing tournaments. Before you go, buy your fishing license.

The fishing calendar begins in March with catfish and walleye. Find them from School Creek to up north. Then, go to the dam’s face, rocky and drifting points for walleye. 

In April, get out jerk baits and jigs for various bass species. Wait until the sun warms the water before fishing. 

Crappie, white bass, and wipers take center stage in May. The best bets are shallow areas with gravel and larger rocks mixed together.

Catch big walleye from the end of May into June. The best wiper and white bass fishing come at sunrise and sunset.

Live bait attracts fish from spring to fall. When fishing from the shore, look for river channels or deeper water near the bank. 

Pro Tip: No matter the season or the weather, the large lake will provide somewhere to get away from other people. If solitary fishing is your preference, you’ll find it at Milford.

3. Where The Fish Are: Milford Nature Center And Fish Hatchery

You haven’t seen a feeding frenzy until you see the fish hatchery staff throw food into the Milford Fish Hatchery’s fish runs. Immediately, the water fills with thrashing fish eager to grab a piece of food. These fish have a destiny. They will fill the state’s lakes and fishing ponds. Tour the hatchery at 1 p.m. on weekends or by appointment.

Learn more about the fish and other Kansas wildlife at the adjacent nature center. In the reptile area, you’ll learn useful knowledge, like the difference between venomous and non-venomous snakes. (I’d rather not get close enough to tell.) The center’s aquatic and terrestrial dioramas line the walls. 

Outside, the center has a butterfly pavilion and a home for birds of prey. A bald eagle’s majestic plumage should provide a deep, resonant voice, right? Instead, the national bird has a high-pitched whistle.

All activities are free, and it’s a great place to take the grandkids.

4. Get Your Motor Running At School Creek ORV

Not everything around Milford Reservoir is about water. Bring your off-road vehicles to School Creek Off-Road Vehicle Area. At School Creek, riders can graduate from kindergarten-level trails to graduate school. The easy trails are on the parking lot’s eastern side. The more challenging routes deliver rugged and narrow hill climbs and play areas. Some of the trails are single track.

The parking lot has room for trailers. Load and unload on the ramp. Ride during daylight hours only. The area allows only motorcycles, dirt bikes, and ATVs. The rules require helmets and spark arrestors.

5. Sportsman’s Acres Is The Place To Be

Practice target shooting and learn about safety and the environment at Sportsman’s Acres. Shoot at three trap ranges, a pistol/rifle range, and an archery range with a 3D archery trail. Geary County Fish and Game Association, which owns the acreage, hosts safety courses and special hunts.

6. Talk To The Trees In The Kansas Landscape Arboretum

More than 1,000 species of woody plants populate the land in the Kansas Landscape Arboretum on the reservoir’s west side. It’s open during daylight hours from March 1 to October 31. Most of the plants are Kansas natives. Wandering the foot trails is easy and calming. Walk slowly and quietly to see cardinals, bluebirds, and woodpeckers. On the Bird Sanctuary Trail, cautiously approach the pond to see waterfowl.

A rickety-looking footbridge crosses the creek that feeds the pond but don’t be afraid of taking it.

7. Hit The Trail, Jack

Numerous trails wind around the lake. The 6.1-mile Eagle Ridge Trail is the longest, running from the state park’s southwest to northeast. Of seven routes, four allow horseback riders, cyclists, and hikers. The other three are for cyclists and hikers only.

8. Let’s Talk About Morels

Morel hunters descend upon Geary County from across the nation, and finding the delicious fungi is a treasurable hunting adventure. Start your search around Milford Lake after a spring rain when the nighttime temperatures are in the high 50s. That’s usually in mid-March. Blooming redbud trees also signal the season.

Early in the spring, search at the forest’s edge. Forage further into the forest as the year advances. Look for south-facing slopes. Find the delectable delight in loose sandy soils at the base of elm, ash, poplar, and apple trees. Trees with bark falling off are a good sign.

Pro Tip: Before you take a bite, verify that you’re eating a morel and not something poisonous. Check out this (PDF) for help.

9. Free Bird In The Wetlands

In the winter, the lake attracts bald eagles and other raptors. Since the water doesn’t freeze over, the big birds can still catch fish. The nature center hosts an annual Eagle Day in January with free events. Attend classes, see live eagle programs, and join bus tours to see wild eagles. State park admission is waived on Eagle Day.

Eight wetland areas surround the reservoir on the Republican River. Most of them have natural vegetation, but some are flooded food plots. The Steve Lloyd Refuge has an overlook where visitors can see birds, mammals, and reptiles.

10. Hit It Hard At Rolling Meadows Golf Course

Rolling Meadows is one of the best golf courses in Kansas. Below the Milford Dam, the course has tree-lined zoysia-grass fairways and tees. Watch out for 29 sand bunkers and six lakes. Tune up your game on the practice range. Buy gear in the pro shop and food at the snack bar.

11. Stay Beside The Lake

Reserve spots at campgrounds in Milford State Park and on USACE land through ReserveAmerica.com. Located in Wakefield, Kansas, Clay County Park is on the northwest part of the lake.

Three private resorts also surround the lake. Acorns Resort has 38 cabins and 61 RV sites. Drive, walk, or boat to The Cove, the resort’s on-site restaurant. Acorns’s guests may golf at Rolling Meadows. Flagstop Resort has nine cabins and 200 RV sites. Thunderbird Marina has 120 RV sites and a restaurant.

Pro Tip

After you catch your fill of fish at Milford, scour your dreams from our Ultimate Fishing Bucket List.

Think white sandy beach, but no ocean. Remote camping, crystal fields of gypsum, rainbow sunsets, unique desert plants, and wildlife are all protected by these state and national parks, with one thing in common, sand dunes. Hike, surf the dunes, or ride an off-road vehicle where allowed. Now is the time to visit when winter temperatures are manageable, and crowds are sparse. Here is my pick of eight sand dune parks to explore from Texas across the western United States.

1. Texas: Monahans Sandhills State Park

The soft dunes of Monahans Sandhills State Park will fill your shoes with sand as your feet sink ankle-deep or more in the 4,000-acre sandbox in West Texas. The State Park, near the town of Monahans, is a mile and a half west of Interstate 20, halfway between Odessa and Pecos. You might think you’re in the Sahara Desert, with 70-foot-tall dunes, except for the oil pumpjack looming near some picnic tables, now offline and fenced in for safety. As it turns out, the pumpjack comes in handy as a navigational landmark.

You enter the park through 40,000 acres of shin oak, knee-high oaks that help stabilize the sandy dunes with roots that reach down 25 feet or more. Would you believe these 20-inch-tall oaks form one of the most extensive oak forests in the United States? Visit the Dunagan Visitor Center to learn about the wildlife, birds, and plants in the area and rent sand disks to surf the dunes. To guarantee entrance, make a reservation online for passes, or call the visitor center before your visit.

Bring a lunch and eat at one of the shaded picnic tables, or reserve one of 26 campsites with water and electricity for overnight camping. The busy season is March through August when the sand is hot, and the spring break and summer crowds make vying for a shady spot a contest. Come during the wintertime for sunny days and cold nights when a campfire feels good. You’ll find fewer crowds and access to camping spots easier to come by. The sunsets here are spectacular. Pets on a leash can explore the park with you.

Pro Tip: For the best barbecue in West Texas, don’t miss Pappy’s Bar-B-Q in Monahans with tasty mesquite-smoked meats that have made Texas Monthly’s list of top 50 barbecue restaurants in Texas. Get there early as some items sell out.

2. New Mexico: White Sands National Park

White Sands National Park in Tularosa Basin in southeast New Mexico covers 145,762 acres or a 275-square-mile gypsum crystal field of white dunes — the world’s largest. To get there, drive 15 miles southwest of Alamogordo on US Highway 70 to the Visitor Center, or 52 miles northeast from Las Cruces.

Explore an 8-mile (16-mile round trip) scenic Dunes Drive from the visitor center offering picnic areas, parking areas for five hiking trails and exhibits, plus vault toilets. Bring a lunch and plenty of water to picnic at one of 62 shaded tables. Buy a snow-saucer at the park gift shop for dunes sledding. Back-country tent camping is currently closed. There is no overnight RV camping available.

You’ll see the most magnificent sunsets here, with the sky changing from golden to rose to violet. Join the Sunset Stroll, one of several Park Ranger events, where you hike through the dunes with a ranger and learn about earth science, desert plants, and wildlife. Time it right and take a Full Moon Hike with a ranger the night before the full moon from April through December.

Hike the 3-hour guided Lake Lucero Tour to learn how the dunes formed. You’ll see thousands of selenite crystals 1 to 2 feet long on a dry lakebed. This fantastic hike is offered monthly from January through March, requiring ticketed reservations.

Winter weather averages 60-degree-Fahrenheit days and nights below freezing, while spring and fall offer moderate temperatures. The summertime is best early in the morning or near sundown since days can reach 110 degrees.

Pro Tip: Check ahead for open hours, as sometimes the park is closed for missile testing at the nearby White Sands Missile Range.

3. Oklahoma: Little Sahara State Park

Northwest of Oklahoma City, and four miles south of Waynoka, Oklahoma, Little Sahara State Park, known as America’s Sandbox, offers more than 1,600 acres of dunes varying from 25 to 75 feet in height. The main attraction here is dune buggy and ATV riding; bring your own ATV or rent one from a vendor offsite. See the safety regulations requiring a helmet, roll bar, 10-foot whip, safety flags, and vehicle lights. Dune buggies are a blast but ride at your own risk.

The park offers three campgrounds with 214 RV sites with electricity and water, 83 tent sites, picnic areas, three covered shelter areas, and showers. You can reserve the campsites online. Climb the nearby observation deck, see gorgeous views, and learn area history.

Pro Tip: Have an authentic German dinner in Waynoka at Café Bahnhof, offering bratwurst, schnitzel, beef roulade, and ice-cold German beer.

4. Colorado: Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve

We could spend a week in south-central Colorado near Alamosa and not see all the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve offers. You’ll see ecosystems ranging from the tallest dunes in North America to forest, wetland, and tundra at the 107,342-acre (167.7 square miles) park. Be sure to see the visitor center for the park film, exhibits, and park store. You can sand surf the hills from the main dunes parking area and visit Medano Creek, a seasonal creek sourced from snow runoff.

Have lunch at one of three picnic areas and hike Montville Nature Trail. Find a beautiful view of the dunes and an exhilarating waterfall at Zapata Falls Recreational Area. See grazing elk, mule deer, or pronghorn in the grasslands toward the entrance road at sunrise or sunset. Avoid the midday summer sand temps that can get to 150 degrees.

Pinon Flats Campground is 1 mile north of the visitor center, open April through October. All sites must be reserved on recreation.gov and are available up to 1 year in advance. Campsites can accommodate RVs up to 33 feet or trailers 20 feet long. Individual campsites can have eight people, two tents, and two vehicles.

A seasonal camp store sells firewood, ice, and camping goods. Well-behaved pets are welcome on a leash. Access the Oasis Campground, a private campground outside the park entrance for larger RVs.

Pro Tip: Use bear-proof lockers at each site since bears frequent the campground area.

5. California: Dumont Dunes

Located 31 miles north of Baker, California, between steep volcanic hills and the Amargosa River, the 8,150-acre Dumont Dunes is an area of the Mojave Desert between Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

ATV riding is allowed at Comp Hill and Banshee Hill. Temperatures soar over 110 degrees here in the summer, so the primary riding season is the winter and shoulder seasons. Camping with a pass to access the dunes is allowed, but there’s no official campground, just a place to pull up and set up with no shade. Out-of-state ATVs require a nonresident Off-Highway Vehicle Use Permit. There are pit toilets but no water or amenities.

Pro Tip: Baker hosts the closest restaurants and facilities 30 miles away.

6. California: Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Death Valley National Park

The dunes in Death Valley National Park are protected wilderness, with no off-road vehicle travel permitted. The Mesquite Flat Dunes are the easiest to visit in the park near Stovepipe Wells in central Death Valley off Highway 90. An ancient lakebed forms the floor, with mesquite trees providing wildlife habitats. You can sand surf on these dunes. Sandboard at Saline Valley Dunes, but an extended rough drive limits access. Three other dune areas in Death Valley prohibit sandboarding.

Pro Tip: Wintertime boasts the best temperatures for visiting this area that tops 120 degrees during the summer. The shoulder seasons average moderate temperatures in the 60s and 70s.

7. California: North Algodones Dunes Wilderness

Located in southeastern California near the Arizona border and the Mexican State of Baja California, the North Algodones Dunes Wilderness encompasses approximately 26,000 acres where visitors can hike or ride horses. The area is closed to off-road vehicles. North of State Highway 78, the wilderness continues from the east side of the Coachella Canal to the town of Glamis. The Niland/Glamis County Road forms the eastern boundary of the nature area. The dunes are a vast, stark range of sandhills with no vegetation west of the Chocolate Mountains in Imperial County. Brawley, California, is the nearest city with hotels and restaurants. 

Pro Tip: Imperial Sand Dunes National Recreation Area south of Highway 78 is 45 miles long and 6 miles wide. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, the area is open to off-highway vehicles. You’ll find many camping areas along Gecko Road near the Cahuilla Ranger Station. Interstate 8 to Yuma passes along the southern border of the dunes area.

8. Oregon: Oregon Sand Dunes National Recreation Area

The Oregon Sand Dunes are the most extensive coastal dunes in North America, with some dunes reaching 500 feet above sea level. The area covers about 7,000 acres of dunes, one-fifth of the 32,186-acre national recreation areas. Recreational activities include off-highway vehicles, camping, horseback riding, and hiking.

Pro Tip: The western snowy plover is a threatened species that use the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area as a nesting site. 

For more sand dune escapades, check out these stories: 

• The Brazilian Desert Sand Dunes That Transform Into A Thousand Blue Lagoons
• The Best Things To Do At Michigan’s Picturesque Silver Lake Sand Dunes
• 7 Must-Visit Sand Dunes In The Southwest

Maryland has 53 diverse state parks covering over 97,000 acres. The majority of the state parks in Maryland are easily accessible and provide a plethora of options for outdoor recreation. Some of the stunning state parks in the Old Line State are very unique. Check out this list of our favorite unique state parks to visit in Maryland, and you might just find your new favorite place to explore.

1. Assateague State Park

Probably the most famous state park in Maryland is Assateague State Park. It is unique in two ways: the location and the horses who live there. It is Maryland’s only oceanfront state park located on Assateague Island, shared between Maryland (upper two-thirds) and Virginia (lower third). The barrier island off the eastern coast of the Delmarva Peninsula is a unique, preserved coastal wilderness area.  

Assateague is best known for the beautiful wild horses that roam the beach. You won’t find them at any other Maryland State Park. According to legend, the feral horses that roam Assateague descended from survivors of a shipwrecked Spanish galleon along the mid-Atlantic coast.

I visited Assateague and Chincoteague as a child after reading Misty of Chincoteague (1947). I wanted to see Misty. I didn’t get to meet Misty, but I learned a bit about the island and the wild horses.

Please don’t attempt to pet or feed the horses; they bite and kick, are wild, and rangers issue fines to visitors who get too close to them. There are no fences, and the horses sometimes wander into the parking area.

You can enjoy nature, 2 miles of spectacular beaches, surfing, fishing, and swimming in the ocean. The bayside of the park offers kayaking and canoeing.   

Pro Tip: Watch where you lay your towel on the beach, and don’t leave food out. The horses will forage your belongings to find food.  

2. Seneca Creek State Park

This state park is the home to a 27-hole disc golf course. Two other parks have 18-hole disc golf available: Patapsco Valley State Park and Tuckahoe State Park.  

Located in Gaithersburg, Seneca Creek State Park is a day-use park with various amenities to enjoy besides disc golf, including the beautiful 90-acre Clopper Lake. Boat rentals are available, as well as picnicking and over 50 miles of trails for hiking, bicycling, and horseback riding.

Pro Tip: Although there is a lake, swimming and wading are not permitted.

3. Calvert Cliffs State Park

What is so special about Calvert Cliffs? You guessed it: the impressive cliffs. This day-use public recreation park showcases 24 miles of cliffs extending from the Chesapeake Beach to Drum Point on the eastern side of the Calvert Peninsula near Lusby, Maryland.  

The 20-million-year-old cliffs were thought to be formed when most of the state was covered by shallow water. As the sea receded, the cliffs became visible.

This park is also a fantastic location for fossil hunting. The remains of prehistoric species, including whales, sharks, and seabirds, can sometimes be found on the shore. 

Other amenities include a sandy beach, fishing, hiking trails, and marshlands. Calvert Cliffs State Park charges an entry fee (cash only).  

Pro Tip: If the grandkids are with you, they will enjoy the recycled tire playground. 

4. Sandy Point State Park

Located along the scenic Chesapeake Bay in Anne Arundel County, Sandy Point State Park is a beautiful place to spend the day. It has beaches and picnic areas that provide spectacular water views overlooking the Chesapeake Bay. The gorgeous views make this 786-acre Maryland State Park unique.  

Sandy Point is a day park, open from dawn to dusk for swimming and picnicking. Concession stands, bathhouses, playgrounds, a marina store, and boat rentals are available. Mid-November through January 2, the park closes at 4 in the afternoon due to the Lights on the Bay program.

Fishing, hunting, and boat launch activities are permitted outside regular park hours. Just be sure to check with the park before your visit if you plan to participate in an activity that requires you to be inside the park before or after the regular hours.  

Fun Fact: The annual Polar Bear Plunge is held at Sandy Point in the winter.  

5. Rocky Gap State Park

If you get a kick out of trying your luck at the slots or other games, a visit to the Rocky Gap State Park might be the perfect trip for you. Rocky Gap State Park is a 3,000-acre public recreation area near Cumberland in Allegany County. What makes this park unique is that the Rocky Gap Casino (privately owned) is located in the park.  

Inside the casino, machines are beeping, and bells are ringing. A few steps, and you are outside on the beautiful, immense back deck area overlooking the serene 243-acre Lake Habeeb. You can look across the lake and see the visitor center and one of the beach areas (there are three sandy beach areas in the park). 

Recreational opportunities are plentiful at Rocky Gap State Park and include boating, fishing, camping, picnicking, swimming, mountain biking, hiking, and more. 

The casino offers gaming, hotel accommodations, several restaurants, golf, boat rentals, a spa, and an indoor/outdoor pool. They also provide live entertainment on select evenings. The casino was always busier than anything else in the park when I visited.  

Fun Fact: Strictly Slots Magazine named Rocky Gap one of the “Best of Slots 2020: Maryland.”

6. Washington Monument State Park

When someone says, “Washington Monument,” you automatically think of the towering monument in Washington, D.C., but Maryland has their own Washington Monument in Middletown on South Mountain.

This historic park has a peculiar-looking rough stone monument built in honor of President George Washington in 1827. You have a spectacular sprawling view of mountains, rolling hills, and rural farmlands stretching for miles if you climb to the top.

Within the park is the South Mountain State Battlefield, where the first major Civil War battle in Maryland was fought.  

Washington Monument State Park is a day-use park that includes a museum, picnic pavilion, and comfort station.  

Pro Tip: Take a jacket and hang on to your camera at the top of the monument. It can be windy. 

7. Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park

The life of Harriet Tubman is honored at the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park. Harriet risked her life for freedom and the freedom of others. She was known as the “Moses of Her People” as she led them north and out of slavery on the Underground Railroad.

Experience her world via exhibits and a self-guided tour in the visitor’s center, from her early years as a slave to her work as a leader and liberator. Learn how her selfless and dangerous efforts helped more than 70 enslaved people escape to freedom. 

The visitor center also features a research library and a museum store.

The park sits on the trailhead for the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway that spans 125 miles. This is a great year to visit the 17-acre Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park since it marks the 200th anniversary of her birth; 2022 is dubbed the “Year of Harriet Tubman.”

The Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center is open to the public from 10 in the morning until 4 in the afternoon, Tuesday through Sunday.​

Pro Tip: The exhibit hall is a self-guided tour. If you call ahead and rangers are available, they will provide a ranger-led introduction to the park.  

8. St. Clement’s Island State Park

The St. Clement’s Island State Park is unique in that it is only accessible by water taxi from Coltons Point, and it is the birthplace of the state of Maryland.

It is a tiny island in the Potomac River in St. Mary’s County where English settlers first landed in 1634. The 62-acre park has trails for hiking and a picnic pavilion. Fishing and hunting are permitted. The most outstanding feature of this unique state park is the giant cross commemorating the settlers who first arrived in Maryland.

Boat tours to the historic St. Clement’s Island State Park are provided daily, weather permitting from April through October.  

Pro Tip: Portajohns are the only restroom facilities on the Island, and there are no accessible amenities. 

9. Gunpowder Falls State Park

Located in Harford and Baltimore counties, Gunpowder Falls State Park is Maryland’s largest state park with a total of 18,000 acres and some magnificent waterfalls.

Over 120 miles of trails are great for horseback riding, hiking, cross-country skiing, and biking. 

Gunpowder Falls State Park also offers canoeing, picnicking, kayaking, tubing, crabbing, fishing, and hunting.  

Be sure to check out the Big and Little Gunpowder Falls when you visit.

Pro Tip: Gunpowder Falls State Park is closed on weekends and holidays. So this would be a weekday spot to visit. It is open between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

10. Tuckahoe State Park 

This public recreation area along Tuckahoe Creek on Maryland’s Eastern Shore in Caroline and Queen Anne’s counties includes a 60-acre lake.   

Fishing, boating, hiking, biking, and horseback riding are popular in the Tuckahoe State Park. There are also cabins and campgrounds.

This Maryland State Park is unique in that it is home to the 500-acre Adkins Arboretum, a garden and a preserve showcasing more than 600 native plant species. Ecology, natural history, and horticulture classes are held in the park.  

Maryland has a ton of incredible state parks. There is a State Park for everyone in Maryland from the Chesapeake Bay to mountain ranges, from the ocean to the Underground Railroad. You can check out the various amenities at each Maryland State Park on this free park map. Which one will you choose for your next adventure? And don’t forget about all the other fabulous outdoor opportunities like hiking or biking that are available in Maryland.  

To learn more about Maryland before you visit:

• Exploring Beautiful Maryland: Washington, D.C., To Hagerstown
• 11 Fun Things To Do In Charming Anne Arundel County
• How To Spend An Incredible Weekend In Beautiful Annapolis

Jonathan Dickinson State Park on the Loxahatchee River is the largest state park in Southeast Florida. It’s the perfect place to visit any time of the year. It’s in Martin County, Florida, which offers you wonderful places to explore while camping at Jonathan Dickinson Park. One of my visits here was on a comped press trip, but my opinions are my own. 

Jonathan Dickinson State Park

Looking for the perfect camping spot or just a place to play for a day? Jonathan Dickinson State Park is the place for you. I fell in love with this park the first time I visited it when I hiked the boardwalk to the top of an ancient sand dune, Hobe Mountain. At 86 feet above sea level, Hobe Mountain is the highest natural point south of Lake Okeechobee. I could see across the park, to Highway A1A and the Atlantic Ocean just beyond.

If you are lucky, you might spot the rare Florida scrub jay, but you are sure to see some amazing wildlife. More than 150 species of birds live or visit here. My love affair with the park deepened when I had a close encounter with two momma sand-hill cranes and their babies last time I visited. There were two mommas and their babies on the side of the main road into the park. They let me get amazingly close. My camera was snapping like crazy.

If you want to get on the river, take a boat trip to see the former domain of Trapper Nelson, legendary Wild Man of the Loxahatchee. Loxahatchee Queen pontoon boat takes visitors for a 90-minute tour of the river with a stop at Trapper Nelson’s 1930s compound. A ranger leads you around and tells you about Trapper Nelson. The very rustic buildings Nelson built to house himself, visitors, and wildlife are still there. Nelson settled here in the 1930s and put together what might be called Florida’s first theme park, Trapper’s Zoo and Jungle Gardens. He charged guests $1.50 to park their boats in a crude boathouse he built, he had a cabin he would rent out for overnight stays, and a homemade zoo with alligators, raccoons, bobcats, and other native wildlife he trapped. Trapper Nelson died here of what the coroner said was a suicide, a shotgun blast to his stomach. There is a common belief it was murder, however. On the way to the compound, you will see turtles and possibly alligators in the river.

You can camp in one of two family campgrounds, Pine Grove Campground, with 90 sites, located near the ranger station on the east side of the park, or The River Campground, with 52 sites, near the Loxahatchee River, and enjoy wild Central Florida. Your furry friend is welcome in the campgrounds. You won’t be surprised the park won second place for Best State Park for RVers in the 2021 USA Today Readers’ Choice Travel Awards.

1. The Elliott Museum

If you want to explore outside the park, Martin County offers lots of choices. Elliott Museum is a trip back in time to the early 20th century and some interesting car facts. The museum honors the inventions of Sterling Elliott ranging from the first Knot Tying Machine to many innovations of the automobile. I learned how the term “back seat driver” came about. Our guide, Jean, showed us one of the first electric cars, a Detroit Electric Model 489 Duplex Brougham, and explained that the person in the back left seat had the same controls as the driver and could become a backseat driver if needed.

Elliott was a champion of equal rights. He designed a bicycle especially for women and fought against a law that banned African Americans from bicycle racing. Because of this fight, Marshall Taylor became the first black world-champion bicyclist.

The museum has more vintage automobiles than I’ve ever seen as well as bicycles and Elliott’s other inventions.

2. Gilbert’s Bar House Of Refuge

Stepping back in time, we visited Gilbert’s Bar House of Refuge, the oldest structure in Martin County. In 1876, the U.S. Life-Saving Service, which later merged with the U.S. Revenue Cutter Service to form the U.S. Coast Guard, built 10 of these houses. This is the only House of Refuge remaining. They were created to minister to survivors of shipwrecks along Florida’s treacherous Atlantic coast. During WWII they served as lookouts for German U-boats. In the 1950s, this one became a museum and a refuge for sea turtles.

The artifacts inside tell of the keepers’ lives and the shipwrecks from which they rescued survivors. My favorite part is the replica of the keeper’s home.

3. Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center

Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center on 57-acres on Hutchinson Island, between the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian River Lagoon, introduces you to aquatic life. It’s a fantastic mix of education and entertainment about sea life in the Atlantic Ocean. There’s a tank where we could pet the stingrays. The turtle tank is inhabited by sea turtles that cannot be rehabilitated and returned to the sea.

The center has lots of educational information about helping keep the reefs safe and what oyster beds do for the environment. The butterfly garden swarms with fluttering jewels. Behind the main center, there are two nature trails. The one-third-mile “I Spy” trail is great if you are traveling with youngsters. The mile-long Indian River Lagoon Loop Trail takes you past the Indian River and is about half boardwalks over salt marsh and mangrove swamp.

4. The Fish House Art Center

The quaint fishing village of Port Salerno is just 5 miles from downtown Stuart. The Fish House Art Center is home to a variety of artists from painters to ceramic artists. You can visit Elizabeth Kelly’s Tibetan hand weaving studio, rent a paddle board, or even stay in an Airbnb apartment on the water. The center is located on the waterfront. There are restaurants like Twisted Tuna for great seafood, Craft & Creamery where you can get ice cream or a cold brew, and an open bar in the middle of the center.

5. Port Salerno Ghost Tour

Port Salerno Ghost Tour, which starts at The Fish House Art Center, is part paranormal, part history, and totally fascinating. I loved that the hosts, Patrick and Patricia Mesmer, tell so much accurate history of Martin County. The Mesmers outfit you with some psychic alerting tools and walk you around the wharf and town to places that actually are associated with the stories. My favorite is the one about John Ashley, the notorious Florida gangster who was either executed after being captured and handcuffed or killed in a gunfight when he and some of his gang were arrested. Don Pedro Gilbert, a vicious South American pirate who frequented Martin County, is another whose spirit is still hanging around. The tour involves about 2 hours of walking at an easy pace with lots of stops.

6. Mansion At Tuckahoe

The Mansion at Tuckahoe has a free tour to experience the lifestyle of the rich and famous. The mansion was once the home of Coca-Cola heiress Anne Bates Leach. Tours are on temporary hold due to the COVID pandemic, but normally take place every first and third Wednesday, September through May at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.

7. Stuart Main Street

Stuart has a walkable and cute main street area. Individual business reign here, not chains. They are on the Florida Mural Trail and have many colorful murals like the one that says “Welcome to Stuart” painted by artist Maureen Fulgenzi at 12 SW Flagler Avenue. The mural depicts workers picking pineapples with the Atlantic Ocean in the background. It’s surrounded by tiles showing more of the city’s history. The mural is near another Stuart treasure, the Lyric Theatre. Built in 1925 as a silent movie house and venue for vaudeville acts, it fell into disrepair and for a time was owned by a church. Today, it is back operating as a live event venue. Stories say it is very haunted.

8. Dining

There are many great restaurants in Martin County. Two we visited were Stuart Boathouse Restaurant and Bar in Stuart and Shuckers on the Beach, on Hutchinson Island just across the county line. At Boathouse, every seat in the house has a view of the beautiful St. Lucie River, or you can sit on the patio. I had New England-style clam chowder and Boathouse Buffalo Wings, both of which were delicious. My friend had Boathouse Specialty Burger and loved it.

At Shuckers on the Beach, I went Key West-style and had Conch Chowder and Conch Fritters – spicy and delicious. My friend had the shrimp tacos. The star there was dessert, a slice of key lime pie.

For more things to see and do in Florida, check out the following:

• 11 Gorgeous Sanibel And Captiva Island Beaches To Visit
• 19 Monthly Rentals On Florida’s Gulf Coast Perfect For Snowbirds
• Miami To Vero Beach, Florida: 11 Best Stops On A Scenic Florida Road Trip
• And all of our Florida coverage

The lofty cliffs that border the cobalt-blue waters of the Pacific Ocean will likely be the first feature you notice upon arrival at the stunning Montaña de Oro State Park located along California’s Central Coast.

And certainly, with its vantage point near the iconic Pacific Coast Highway 1, the park’s oceanfront viewpoints are a sight to see and are reason enough to visit.

But visitors will soon discover that Montaña de Oro State Park — located about 10 miles south of the pretty town of Morro Bay and about 16 miles west of San Luis Obispo — has layers that go deeper than the sweeping ocean views.

On my recent visit, I was also delighted by the centuries-old history of the people who came before; the pretty, sandy Spooner’s Cove that is perfect for wading and kayaking; and the sea birds that soar over the water before resting on rocky bluffs.

Add in an endless array of outdoor activities, plentiful wildlife sightings, and gorgeous wildflowers, and you have the makings of a visit that offers something for virtually everyone.

Here are seven of the best experiences at Montaña de Oro State Park.

1. Explore The History At Spooner Ranch House

Like many of the early ranches in the state and national parks of the United States, the rolling hills, bluffs, and dunes that became known as the Montaña de Oro have a fascinating story to tell.

Although the modern ranch history dates back to the late 1800s with the arrival of the Spooner family, the human history on the land goes back much further. When Spanish explorers arrived in the area more than 5 centuries ago, the area was made up of a series of small villages of the Chumash and Salinan people, whose livelihoods came largely from the sea.

A brochure at the park notes that Montaña de Oro is part of the Pecho coast, the Spanish name for the section of California coastline between Avila Beach and Los Osos. The land “has been associated with the history of many people,” it says, noting that the Spooner family’s presence is part of a much larger story of 10,000 years of human occupation of the Pecho Coast.

In 1892, Alden Bradford Spooner II leased a remote section of coastline south of Morro Bay and began developing a ranch that ultimately grew to 9,000 acres and spanned three generations of Spooners. Alden and his brother Cornelius started by building a three-room house on a bluff overlooking what is now known as the park’s Spooner’s Cove. He then moved his wife Mary and three sons from Morro Bay and started the Pecho ranch.

The family home was enlarged over the years and now serves as the visitor center for the Montaña de Oro State Park. Today, visitors can wander through the rooms, with their vintage furnishings, and take in the stellar views of the coastline that the Spooners once enjoyed from their living-room and bedroom windows.

Displays also offer information about the Spooners’ ingenuity in running a productive dairy and cattle ranch in the remote locale — at one point digging a sloping chute through the shale bluff to a trestle, where sacks of beans and grain and bales of hay were loaded onto anchored schooners — as well as the ranch’s prominent role in the Prohibition era, a time during the 1920s and early 1930s when the production, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages were constitutionally prohibited.

2. Kayak Or Wade In Spooner’s Cove

Made up of about 8,000 acres and 7 miles of coastline, Montaña de Oro State Park has plenty of opportunities to experience the ocean. For a close-up taste, head to Spooner’s Cove, the park’s signature beach.

The cove is located where Islay Creek empties into the Pacific Ocean, and the sandy beach is bordered by steep cliffs and unique rock formations. You’ll find family groups picnicking on the beach, kayakers launching from the shore, and kids wading into the waves. The area is especially good for exploring during lower tides.

Not far from the beach is the Visitor Center for Montaña de Oro State Park, as well as the Islay Creek Campground. Spooner’s Cove beach has a parking area with plenty of spaces, picnic tables, and restrooms. The beach is dog-friendly as long as they are on a leash.

Pro Tip: Kayak rentals are available in nearby Morro Bay at numerous spots including A Kayak Shack.

3. Take In Ocean Views On The Bluff Trail

For a chance to enjoy the views from the bluffs, as well as from the sandy beaches, Montaña de Oro’s Bluff Trail is hard to beat. It is a 3.4-mile out-and-back trail that follows the coastline. It also features areas with tidepools, whale watching overlooks, and bridges over washes in the rolling hills.

Expect to take about an hour and 30 minutes walking the Bluff Trail, which has a mostly gentle grade and is rated as easy.

Other hikes worth checking out include the nearby 4.4-mile Valencia Peak Trail, an out-and-back trail that includes a 1,256-foot elevation gain and is rated as intermediate and is estimated to take about 2 hours and 40 minutes; and the Hazard Peak Trail, an 11.2-mile intermediate out-and-back hike that includes a nearly 1,000-foot elevation gain and takes about 6 hours to complete.

4. Explore The Tidepools

Low tide at Corallina Cove located just off the Bluff Trail exposes an area of rocky reefs that support a rich and diverse sea life — from black abalone to ochre sea stars to sea mussels to lined shore crab.

A sign at the entrance to the spur trail that heads to the tidepools of Corallina Cove cautions walkers to tread lightly in the area to protect the diverse sea life. Even without venturing into the tidepools, you can get a good sense of the environment by sanding on the pebbly shore and gazing into the spiky reef. Great views of the tidepool area are also visible along the somewhat steep trail heading to the beach.

5. Ride Horseback On The Bluffs

True to its ranching past, Montaña de Oro is a popular spot for horseback riding, and the park’s main campground, Islay Creek, offers three horse campsites and two group horse campsites for people who want to bring their own horses. Both provide water for horses, as well as limited stables for the group sites.

The hiking and biking trails that run along the coastline and into the mountains at Montaña de Oro are also designated as equestrian trails, so horseback riders have plenty of riding opportunities. On my recent visit to Montaña de Oro, I spotted numerous riders taking in the ocean views on the seaside bluffs.

Pro Tip: Along with the opportunities for bringing your own horses to Montaña de Oro, the California Highway 1 Roadtrip website lists a number of horseback riding opportunities located nearby. Highway 1 Roadtrip

6. Savor The Golden Wildflowers

Montaña de Oro derives its name — “Mountains of Gold” – from the golden poppies that often blanket the hills of the region in the springtime.

When I visited in December, I wasn’t overly hopeful about taking in Montaña de Oro’s namesake golden poppies, so it was with much enjoyment that I noticed that, even in the winter, a few sprigs of wildflowers could be spotted along the Bluff Trail.

I also noticed a number of other shrubs and bushes along the way that sported yellow and purple flowers. Along with the signature poppies, Montaña de Oro is known to have brittlebush, bluebells, lupine, sand verbena, and evening primrose.

Pro Tip: For a full range of wildflowers, March and April are the best months to visit Montaña de Oro. More information about California wildflowers can be found on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website here.

7. Enjoy Wildlife Sightings

Signs of life are everywhere in Montaña de Oro, from black oystercatchers swooping toward the ocean, to the “Whale Trail” information that is available along the Bluff Trail, to the deer and ground squirrels that can be spotted along the way.

On my visit, I saw a number of deer and squirrels, as well as a range of birds perched on the cliffs overlooking the ocean. Although I did not spot any whales in the ocean, signs along the way note that Montaña de Oro is a part of the Whale Trail and offers one of the best locations on the Central Coast for wildlife viewing.

“From here, you can see otters, seabirds, seals, and dolphins,” said a sign along the Bluff Trail, adding: “Watch whales year round, with best viewing opportunities from mid-December through early April.”

Pro Tip

The temperate climate of California’s Central Coast makes the area a year-round destination. Montaña de Oro State Park posts average high temperatures in the 60-degree Fahrenheit range all year long, except for in October when the average high is 70 degrees. Average lows hover in the 40s and 50s all year, with January, February, March, and April all posting average lows in the mid-40s, and highs in the mid-60s. January and February are the rainiest months, with an average of 7 days of rain, while June through September post averages of zero days of rain.

The 1,050-acre Unicoi State Park & Lodge is in Helen, Georgia, a Bavarian-influenced town best known for the stunning Anna Ruby Falls and its year-round celebrations of German culture. Unicoi is an adventure lodge, meaning it has a lot of outdoor offerings to choose from in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. 

You don’t have to be an avid outdoorsman to stay there, and in fact, my husband and I had a great time at the lodge itself, dining on the property and enjoying the scenery. However, this family-friendly address in northeastern Georgia is one outdoors-lovers won’t want to miss any time of the year.

Pro Tip: October is the busiest month for the park, as this is when visitors flock for leaf peeping. 

Note: I was hosted by Unicoi State Park & Lodge. As always, opinions and reviews are 100 percent mine. 

1. Hiking

Hiking is a big draw anywhere in the North Georgia Mountains, and Unicoi State Park & Lodge has several designated trails, all within the Chattahoochee National Forest. You will want to follow the signs and be sure to stay on the path. 

I found Frog Pond Nature Trail to be a good, quick hike (only one-third of a mile) that provided a lot of scenery and a nice workout in a short time. Keep your eyes open for possum, squirrels, and chipmunks. Bottoms Loop Trail was another trail that we enjoyed, with fallen trees that added more beauty to our pictures and the groundscape. This trail makes a 2-mile loop and is rated a moderate hike.

Perhaps you would enjoy a guided nature hike. How fun does that sound? For this activity, a park naturalist will take you on one of the trails and introduce you to plants and animals found on the Unicoi property. Any age will enjoy and appreciate this one to two-hour nature excursion. Tours start around $10.

Pro Tip: This is prime bear country, so keep an eye out and do not wander or travel alone. With that being said, the scenery is fantastic and the terrain exhilarating, so don’t let me scare you with the bear info. 

2. See The Waterfall 

The mother of all waterfalls in the Helen region is right here at Unicoi State Park & Lodge: Anna Ruby Falls. The falls (named after the daughter of a Civil War general) is operated by the U.S. Forest Service, so therefore a separate admission fee of $5 per person (age 16 and up) is required at the gate.

After parking your car, you will follow a well-marked path for .4 miles to reach the pinnacle of the waterfall. While the hike is short, it is pretty strenuous in places with steep inclines. People of all ages, and what appeared to be all ability levels, were hiking it, but everyone kept their eye on the prize and went at their own pace to reach the waterfall platform. There were a few benches along the way for resting, which I had to use at one point.

Once you arrive at Anna Ruby Falls, there are two viewing platforms for the best views and photo-ops. The lower one is great for groups and selfies, and the top one allows you to feel the mist of the thrashing water. You are that close to this gorgeous display of cascading twin falls.

Pro Tip: Don’t miss the gift shop, which has an excellent selection of t-shirts, postcards, stickers, and souvenirs. 

3. Archery

I did something brand new at Unicoi State Park & Lodge. My husband and I had an archery lesson, along with two other couples. I had no idea what to expect, but our guide was informative, easy to understand, and had us all shooting targets in only a few minutes. Safety is vital in this sport, so be sure to listen to the instructor about loading your arrows and firing the bow.

We all shot three rounds of arrows. When she called “cold range,” we all knew it was safe to collect the arrows we had fired. We started out shooting at pretty close targets, but they were still not all that easy to hit for us newbies. After about 45 minutes of that, we made our way over to the 3-D range, which replaces targets with fake animals. The bear, armadillo, coyote, and a few others provided a place for us to attempt to shoot our arrows. There is a tower you can shoot from, too. I didn’t hit one of the animals (my husband did), but we had a blast. The lesson and activity lasted about 90 minutes.

Target shooting at the air gun range is another fun offering in this part of the park. A covered range is where you’ll try your luck at paper targets. All three areas of the Air Gun and Archery Range are considered ADA accessible.

4. Zip-Lining

As with many of the Georgia state parks, the zip-lining course is popular and enjoyable. Along with a canopy ranger, guests have the chance to take part in 19 aerial zips ranging from 75 to 2,000 feet long. You’ll zip 100 feet above the ground and have epic views of Unicoi Lake and the area’s wildlife. 

There are two levels you can choose for your ziplining adventure. Level 1 has a series of 11 zip lines and seven suspension bridges, while level 2 has 19 zips and 12 bridges. One of the zips is a half-mile across Unicoi Lake. That sounds awesome! I heard from guests at Unicoi Lodge who did Level 2 and loved every minute of it. As for me, I kept my feet firmly planted on the ground, though I have zip-lined before.

5. Kayaking And Boating

Unicoi Lake on Smith Creek (a tributary of the Chattahoochee River) is a 53-acre attraction that is one of the prettiest sights you’ll ever see, especially in the fall when the colorful leaves are reflecting on the water. So stunning that nearly everyone who drives by pulls over for a photo or to just admire the sheer beauty. Smith Creek is an excellent place for getting out in a canoe, on a paddle board, or in a kayak, which can all be rented from the visitor center.

There is a fee to rent a canoe or kayak. Dogs are welcome but must have a lifejacket, which Unicoi does not provide.

Boating is also a popular activity on Unicoi Lake. In the warm months, you can rent boats on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Trout fishing is another desired outdoor offering. 

If you have time and the desire, schedule a mountain fly-fishing lesson to learn the parts of the fly-fishing rod, how to cast your line, and tips for catching the big one (like reading the water, for instance). Be sure to schedule your lessons 24 hours in advance.

6. Relaxing On The Beach

Yes, Unicoi State Park & Lodge has a beach area. You are probably as surprised as we were. There is a roped-off area for swimming (though the water is not more than 4 feet deep) and a sandy beach area for building sandcastles or just relaxing and enjoying the view. Standup paddle boarders and kayakers use this part of the lake, too. You can rent your outdoor gear at the boathouse during the season.

7. Mountain Biking

Unicoi State Park & Lodge has a 7.5-mile mountain bike loop that is perfect for experienced riders. The mountainous terrain has specially designed paths through forests, fields, woodlands, and plenty of scenic overlooks. The trail makes a figure-8 shape so that you can ride it all or only half. You will need your own equipment for this activity. Watch for the white blaze markings that mark the trail.

8. Tomahawk Throwing

Join one of the activities attendants in this trendy, fun offering to spruce up your tomahawk-throwing skills. You’ll spend an hour on the outdoor range and learn the proper technique for throwing the tomahawk at wooden targets. Equipment is provided, and closed-toed shoes are required for this activity.

Pro Tip: If you want to capture some of your outdoor adventures with a GoPro, you can rent one from Unicoi Adventures on the third floor of the Unicoi Lodge. GoPro cameras are easy to use, and you can capture your unique experiences in beautiful 1080P high definition. Memory cards are sold separately.

Heading to Georgia? We have plenty more to show you:

• 9 Vibrant Georgia Cities That Are Big On Southern Charm
• 10 Scenic Hikes In Georgia
• The Secluded Georgia Inn Where Getting There Is Part Of The Experience

Hocking Hills State Park lies just an hour south of Columbus, but it can feel like a world away. While the park and its surrounding area are popular in summer when activities range from hiking to zip-lining to rock climbing and rappelling, it may actually be the most fun when it snows.

So, ditch the summer crowds and visit Hocking Hills in the winter when the air is crisp and cold yet cozy fireplaces abound.

I was invited there during the spring months, but this December I am heading back with my extended family for a pre-Christmas getaway.

Things To Do In Hocking Hills State Park

There is a range of accommodations from yurts to winter tents to motels to outright luxurious resorts. Dining, shopping, culture, and arts and crafts are all part of Hocking Hills’ winter activities as well as a tiny museum you won’t want to miss.

But, really maybe the best thing to do is just bring a book you want to finish. Take a brisk, bright hike then settle in next to the fireplace in the hotel room, cabin, yurt or lobby wherever you may stay; a world away from your typical day.

1. The Hocking Hills Annual Hike Happens Just Once A Year

Hocking Hills becomes a parade of hikers on January 15, 2022, when from 9–11 a.m., hikers take off from the Hocking Hills State Park Campground and head out on a 6-mile trek from Old Man’s Cave to Ash Cave. A guide leads the way to the halfway point where bean soup is served from an old cauldron over a fire with cornbread on the side when the group reaches Cedar Falls and before hikers finish the journey at their own pace.

When the Hocking Hills Annual Hike participants reach Cedar Falls, they catch a glimpse of a dramatic 50-foot waterfall into a crystal pool below. Here hikers can descend a staircase and view the tallest tree in Ohio, a towering hemlock that extends upward 149 feet from the valley below.

Last year, 5,600 hikers experienced spectacular scenery with newly fallen snow, sunshine and glistening frozen waterfalls, and sparkling sandstone rock formations. Learn from an experienced leader about the origins of the caves and native Americans who inhabited the region for thousands of years.

2. Hiking Is Not Limited To Just One Winter Day 

The most visited state park in Ohio has over 25 miles of hiking trails and, while hiking is a natural summer activity, winter may be the best time to really soak in nature, explore caves, and wonder at the magnitude of this part of the Allegheny Plateau.

Don’t start your winter hike unprepared; it can be very cold although temperatures don’t usually drop as much as other areas because gorges and hills tend to protect hikers from the bitter cold. But prepare and bundle up with a couple of pairs of socks and waterproof boots, layers of clothing, and a warm jacket. Make sure you have gloves and snacks and water in your pockets or a backpack. Be careful of slippery spots and pay attention to time since winter hours of daylight are much shorter.

Popular hiking trails in Hocking Hills are Ash Cave, Old Man’s Cave, Cedar Falls, and Rock House Trail, all of which lead to our next favorite thing to do in this state park; exploring caves.

3. Exploring Caves With Histories Of Being Homes

Ash Cave is a massive cave named for the massive piles of ashes found under the shelter, possibly from Indian campfires or smelting lead or silver from the rocks.

Horseshoe shaped and 700 feet long with a 100-foot depth, a small stream cascades over the rim and into a small plunge pool.

Old Man’s Cave is named after one of its first inhabitants, a hermit named “Old Man” Richard Rowe. He is buried here along with a set of brothers who camped here while they built a cabin nearby. Start at the Upper Falls and take Grandma Gatewood Trail which connects Old Man’s Cave to Cedar Falls to Ash Cave, a trail that is part of Ohio’s Buckeye Trail and is nationally recognized.

The Old Man’s Cave area can be divided into five principal sections found along the valley of Old Man’s Creek. In order, they are Upper Falls, Upper Gorge, Middle Falls, Lower Falls, and Lower Gorge.

4. Ice Skating, Ice Fishing, And Ice Sports

Lake Logan is the largest lake in Hocking Hills and will freeze over in the winter but take extra precautions that it is solidly frozen and never attempt to go out on the lake without certainty the ice will hold. Sledding at Lake Hope State Park is another throw-back family fun sport. Who doesn’t love a fast freezing tumble down the hill no matter what age you are!

5. Star Gaze At The John Glenn Astronomy Park

Wide-open spaces and long winter night skies make for perfect stargazing in the darkest night sky in Ohio. See the stars from wherever you’d like with a blanket, hot toddies, and maybe a s’more or two from anywhere in the park.

For a more intimate, close-up view of the stars, see it through the telescope at the John Glenn Astronomy Park, named for the astronaut and former Governor of Ohio.

6. Craft Your Way Through A Winter Day

Two of the best ways to pass the winter days indoors next to a roaring fire is either playing board games or practicing a craft. Knit, play Scrabble or Rummy, paint the scenes you see outside or practice a new recipe in your free hours at your rental cabin.

Or, take this downtime and learn something new, like pottery making at Homegrown on Main or glassblowing at Jack Pine Studios. Both creative studios feature work from local artists so it’s a perfect way to take home a souvenir from your winter escape. Hocking Hills Candleworks is a place where you can mix scents to create your own fragrance turned into a pure long-burning soy candle.

7. Recover With A Spa Treatment After A Brisk Hike

The Spa at The Inn at Cedar Falls is the largest all-around full-service spa with an extensive menu of facials and massages. Housed in a small cabin on the property, both guests of the resort and visitors take advantage of the Inn’s innovative spa treatments. Salt caves and unique sauna pods with floor-to-ceiling windows bring nature right into the hot pod.

8. Take In A Museum Dedicated To Washboards Or Pencils

The quirky Columbus Washboard Company has been in business since 1895 and resides in a centuries-old brick factory in Logan. As the only washboard manufacturer still in operation in the United States, the company is proud of its heritage with the continual production of hand-crafted washboards. A museum dedicated to decades of washboards is the factory highlight.

A quick Hocking Hills winter activity is visiting the Pencil Sharpener Museum located at the Hocking Hills Regional Welcome Center. This tiny museum houses a collection of more than 3,400 pencil sharpeners and is claimed to be the largest collection in the United States, but will only take about 10 minutes to take in all four walls.

Eat Your Way Around Hocking Hills

This area of Ohio is close to Amish country and is known for comfort foods; it even has a Comfort Food Trail. But, chefs have made their way to Hocking Hills for a more relaxed pace of life, meaning the caliber of cuisine has escalated along with the popularity of the park.

Breakfast means biscuits and gravy at Pearl’s Diner and lunch is a buffet at The Old Dutch restaurant that even includes an array of pies. Other popular spots include The Ridge Inn, Rhapsody for traditional Appalachian food from local ingredients, Millstone BBQ, Pizza Crossing, and Maya Burrito.

A fantastic dinner choice is Kindred Spirits at the Inn at Cedar Falls where fine cuisine is served in cozy surroundings. Six to seven-course dinners are a specialty at Glenlaurel Scottish Inn where each evening brings a different main course from duck breast to rack of lamb. 

The Lake Hope Lodge has a great selection of American fare and is known for its Sunday brunch and great views.

Camping In Hocking Hills State Park

Hocking Hills State Park Campground bills itself as a year-round camping resort but, beware, it gets pretty darn cold in Ohio in the winter. A cabin or lodge with a warm fireplace and maybe outdoor fire pits may be as rugged as you want to get.

But, if a diehard tent camper, be prepared. Dress in layers all the time and have safety measures in place in the event of water, flooding, or intense snowfall. Keep your sleeping bag and mat off the floor of the tent and keep a fire going to the extent possible. And, most of all, don’t be afraid to hang up the camping adventure and head indoors if the weather proves truly uncomfortable or dangerous.

Pennsylvania is blessed with 121 state parks. Thirty-five parks have beautiful lakes that add to your enjoyment. From kayaking and paddleboarding to swimming and relaxing on the beach, parks with lakes provide additional ways to enjoy nature and the park. Let’s look at some of my favorite parks with lakes in Pennsylvania.

1. Pymatuning State Park

One of the largest state parks in the Keystone State, Pymatuning State Park showcases the largest lake in the state. The Pymatuning Reservoir is a whopping 17,088 acres. Located in the western part of the state, it borders Ohio. 

The park offers boating, fishing, hiking, swimming, camping, and more. You can even rent a pontoon boat for the day. It is no wonder the Pymatuning State Park is among the most visited state parks in the commonwealth.  

2. Prince Gallitzin State Park

Spanning 1,635 acres, Glendale Lake is the highlight of Prince Gallitzin State Park. Located in Patton, Pennsylvania, the park has stunning views and up to 26 miles of shoreline.  

Fishing, boating, and swimming are favorites in the park. It also offers hiking, wildlife watching, and more.   

3. Maurice K. Goddard State Park

Known for the beautiful 12-mile biking trail that surrounds the 1,680 acre Lake Wilhelm, the Maurice K Goddard State Park attracts anglers and boaters.  

Lake Wilhelm, abundant wetlands, mature forests, and old fields provide a diversity of habitats for wildlife, especially waterfowl. You just might see an eagle soaring overhead during your visit.  

4. Codorus State Park

Located in York County close to the city of Lancaster, Codorus State Park covers 3,500-acres, and almost half of the park territory is Lake Marburg. The massive lake has an attractive shoreline and is a stopping point for migrating birds.  

Visitors can enjoy sailing, motorboating, paddling, and swimming in the calm waters. A unique feature of Lake Marburg is that it offers scuba diving on the eastern side of the lake.  

Camping and picnicking are available, and the park also has a swimming pool.   

5. Shawnee State Park

This is one of my favorites because even though it is a good hike, you can walk around the entire lake and enjoy the view from every possible angle. Mature travelers will especially enjoy the flat hiking trail.

The 4,000-acre Shawnee State Park is located in Bedford County. Visitors enjoy fishing, boating, and swimming in the lake. There are paddle boats, rowboats, and canoes available to rent. Picnic areas are available, and they have an excellent sand beach for relaxing by the water. 

Camping is available in this well-maintained park, and there are lodges around the edge of the water available to rent so you can enjoy the rustic setting.   

6. Parker Dam State Park

Located in northwestern Pennsylvania, Parker Dam State Park is home to Parker Lake. The lake and surrounding Moshannon State Forest are perfect for a wilderness-oriented vacation with opportunities for seeking out local elk species, hiking, and mountain biking.  

Camping and cabin facilities are available.

7. Cowans Gap State Park

You will find this beautiful 1,085-acre park in Fulton County. When camping at Cowans Gap, you will enjoy many hiking trails and the 42-acre lake.   

Cowans Gap State Park has a beach area, paddle boats, and other non-motorized boats available for rent. 

The Buchanan State Forest surrounds the park, so there are many other recreational options available. 

Cowans Gap State Park has a large campground area and rustic cabins for rent.  

8. Lyman Run State Park

A rural park, Lyman Run State Park has 85 miles of hiking and backpacking trails. The 45-acre lake has a sandy beach area. Swimming, fishing, and boating are the water activities most visitors enjoy. Campsites are available.

Located between Coudersport and Galeton.  

9. Lake Nockamixon State Park

Lake Nockamixon is an immense lake in the Nockamixon State Park in the southeast corner of the state, and it resides in Bucks County on the outskirts of Philadelphia. 

Fishermen and boaters love the 1,450-acre lake. While the lake is beautiful, there is no beach at the park, and guests can swim in the nearby swimming pool.

There are hiking and biking trails and also a disc golf course. 

10. Sinnemahoning State Park

Cameron and Potter Counties share this beautiful park which is home to panoramic scenery and outstanding wildlife habitat. The Sinnemahoning State Park is long and narrow, and at the southern end, you will find the 145-acre reservoir lake.  

The lake offers a variety of fishing and water recreation opportunities. When at the park, watch for bald eagles flying overhead and elk to be wandering around. You might also get a glimpse of coyotes and bobcats.

11. Hill Creek State Park

This gem of a park is found near Wellsboro, and the glistening 137-acre lake is the focal point. This lake is perfect for warm-water fishery. There is a 187-foot beach at Hill Creek State Park. Visitors will enjoy the modern bathhouse. Food is available, and there are boat rentals.  

12. Hickory Run State Park

Two lakes can be found in Hickory Run State Park. Hickory Run Lake is near the Boulder Field and road. The other lake, Sand Spring Lake, is larger and allows for swimming in the day-use area.

Waterfalls are found throughout this Carbon County park in the Pocono Mountains.

At Hickory Run State Park, you can also enjoy more than 40 miles of hiking trails and miles of trout streams. Don’t forget to visit the National Natural Landmark located within the state park; the Boulder Field is a striking site with boulders strewn about the area.

13. Pine Grove Furnace State Park

Pine Grove Furnace State Park, located in Gardners, PA, is another park with two lakes. Twice the fun with sandy beaches at both Laurel and Fuller Lakes to enjoy, and each is a short bike ride away from the other.

History lovers will enjoy a visit to the nearby Ironmaster’s Mansion, which is open for tours. The Appalachian Trail (a rail trail ) is available as a dedicated bike path from the park.

14. Bald Eagle State Park

The Foster Joseph Sayers Reservoir is a gorgeous lake in the Bald Eagle State Park. 

The park is located in the northern part of central Pennsylvania and is a lovely combination of fields, forests, wetlands, and the lake.   

Camping, fishing, swimming, and boating are available. The park has educational programs, guided walks, and nature lectures.

15. Presque Isle State Park

One of the most beautiful state parks, with long sandy beaches and small waves lapping at the shore, you will almost feel like you are at the ocean. Instead, you will be swimming in one of the Great Lakes, Lake Erie. 

Presque Isle State Park has various recreational activities such as fishing, hiking, swimming, boating, bicycling and in-line skating. You can even try your luck at surfing on the small waves.

The Tom Ridge Environmental Center is located nearby.  

This popular summer destination follows different rules than most state parks, and swimming is only permitted when lifeguards are on duty. 

Presque Isle State Park is located near Erie.  

16. Promised Land State Park

The newest Pennsylvania State Park, Promised Land State Park, is located in the Poconos and features two dazzling lakes for visitors to enjoy.  

The park is surrounded by forests providing spectacular fall foliage and many enticing hiking trails.  

There is a campground and rustic cabins available to rent, picnic areas, a beach area, a refreshment stand, and a wildlife observation station. 

The Masker Museum at Promised Land State Park is located within the state park and features interactive stories, displays, and artifacts.

17. Beltzville State Park

Calm, clear waters of the 949-acre Beltzville Lake in the Pocono Mountains near Lehighton are the focal point of the Beltzville State Park. Fishermen and boaters enjoy the lake, and it is a stop for migrating waterfowl.  

While the park is full of luscious greenery, the lake shores are sandy and great for swimmers and sunbathers.  

While you are visiting, check out the small waterfalls and the covered wooden pedestrian bridge.  

Some General State Park Lake Swimming Tips

• Stay within the buoy line on designated park beaches.
• Most parks are open from dawn to dusk. (Check websites to verify times)
• Lake swimming is usually from Memorial Day till after Labor Day 
• Most parks have an open swim policy with no lifeguards on duty.
• Most beaches in PA state parks are smoke-free. 
• Shower before and after swimming
• Unless otherwise specified, swimmers are permitted to use soft water toys like inner tubes, noodles, and air mattresses.
• Pets are prohibited in swimming areas.
• Try to avoid swallowing water while swimming.

If you desire accommodation to participate in various park activities due to a disability, contact the park you plan to visit in advance.  

Pennsylvania is a beautiful state with 121 gorgeous state parks. No matter which segment of the state you visit, you will find a beautiful park to enjoy. From the breathtakingly picturesque Pine Creek Gorge viewed from Leonard Harrison State Park to the gorgeous waterfalls in Ricketts Glen State Park, to the Cherry Springs State Park featuring dark skies, visiting PA State Parks is an excellent way to enjoy the natural beauty of the Keystone State. 

Picking the most magnificent Pennsylvania state parks was no easy task. The following parks were selected for their beauty, uniqueness, and popularity. They are listed in alphabetical order. 

Pro Tip: Most of the parks are open from sunrise to sunset, 365 days of the year. Please check their websites to verify their schedule. 

Ole Covered Wagon Tours provided a hosted ride through the PA Grand Canyon. All opinions are my own. 

1. Bald Eagle State Park

The highlight of Bald Eagle State Park is the 1,730-acre lake in Bald Eagle Valley. The park boasts two campgrounds, swimming, fishing, boating, wildlife watching, and the Nature Inn. 

Access to boating facilities for those with disabilities is available at the marina, and beach area pavilions six and seven are ADA accessible. Contact the park before you visit to request accommodations for other park activities. 

There are abundant picnic areas and parking. It even has electric-vehicle charging stations for public use in the lower park office parking area. 

Pro Tip: If you use the electric charging, you are asked to move to another parking space once charged. 

2. Cherry Springs State Park

This is one of the most unique state parks you will visit in Pennsylvania. There are hiking trails and picnic areas for use during the day, but at night… that is when Cherry Springs State Park is absolutely beautiful. Cherry Springs State Park is a dark skies site. It is nationally known as one of the best places in the U.S. to go stargazing. 

When we visited, we arrived around 9 p.m., and the stars were shining brightly. I have to admit, even though I live in a rural area where there is minimal light pollution, I could see a lot more stars at Cherry Springs State Park.

In Potter County on PA 44, it is very remote and sits on the top of a mountain surrounded by acres of forest. Most cell phones do not work in the area.

It is recommended to use a red filter or cover on any light devices to preserve night vision. 

The Night Sky Public Viewing Area does not permit overnight stays. It is intended for short-term stargazing only. 

The Overnight Astronomy Observation Field is available, but you must register in advance.

Pro Tip: Arrive during daylight hours to select your spot and allow time for your eyes to adjust as it gets dark. It is darker than you can imagine. Arriving after dark, especially if you have poor eyesight or balance, could be an issue. 

3. Hickory Run State Park

Two lakes, a boulder field, 40+ miles of hiking trails, and waterfalls make Hickory Run State Park one you will want to visit. Located in Carbon County, photographers will enjoy photographing the many panoramic views. 

You can view a 25-foot waterfall on the Hawk Falls Trail. The boulder field in the park is a National Natural Landmark. 

Disk golf, fishing, swimming, boating, and camping are also available. 

4. Hyner View State Park

Located in north-central Pennsylvania, this small park is popular with hang gliders. Hyner View State Park overlooks the Susquehanna River and provides a panoramic overlook of the river and surrounding mountains. 

There are miles of hiking trails, and you may see hang gliders launching from the overlooks. 

Picnic tables and charcoal grills are available. 

5. Kinzua Bridge State Park

Located in McKean County, the Kinzua Bridge State Park will provide you with a magnificent view and a bit of an adventurous thrill. The park is located around the old railroad bridge that was the world’s longest and highest railroad bridge when it was in use. 

A tornado wiped out the bridge in 2003. Instead of rebuilding, the park created a skywalk out of the remaining structure, left the wreckage where it landed, and created a park. 

The 300-foot-tall bridge/skywalk provides a place to view the park and Kinzua Gorge. When you walk to the end of the 600-foot-long skywalk, the view is impressive. You can also peer down through a partial glass platform to view what is underneath the skywalk. 

There are also miles of trails to hike, and looking at the immense structure from the ground and the wreckage is impressive. There is also a visitors center, picnic areas, and biking. 

Pro Tip: This is an excellent place to view the fall foliage, which typically peaks during the first two weeks of October. 

6. Lehigh Gorge State Park

This is a beautiful park carved by the river with rock outcroppings, waterfalls, and thick vegetation. Located in Luzerne and Carbon Counties, the Lehigh Gorge State Park offers visitors biking, hiking, photography, whitewater rafting, waterfalls, picnic areas, fishing, and more. 

The 103-mile Lehigh River runs through the park, and it was designated a PA Scenic River. Three waterfalls are within the park, with the Buttermilk Falls being the most popular. 

Note: The park is undergoing a rehabilitation project with active construction. Some roads may be closed. Recent storm damage and swift water have washed out some trails and limited whitewater rafting. Check the website to verify what is available before visiting. 

7. Leonard Harrison State Park

This park provides a gorgeous scenic view of the PA Grand Canyon, often referred to as the Pine Creek Gorge. Near Wellsboro and located on the canyon’s east rim, Leonard Harrison State Park has modern facilities, including a food truck concession during the summer months.

There are numerous hiking trails and various levels of viewing the gorge.

Pro Tip: If you desire a closer view, take a ride through the floor of the canyon with Ole Covered Wagon Tours. It is a 2 and one-half-hour ride through the canyon in a horse-drawn covered wagon with a guide. 

8. Ohiopyle State Park

One of the larger state parks in Pennsylvania, Ohiopyle State Park, is located in the Laurel Highlands. There are numerous hiking trails throughout the park, and many visitors enjoy whitewater rafting and kayaking on the Youghiogheny River. 

Park Highlights include the natural water slides at Meadow Run and the magnificent Cucumber Falls.

Ohiopyle State Park has bike rentals available and riding trails, including the Great Allegheny Passage Bike Trail. 

Pro Tip: Nemacolin Woodlands Resort is in the neighboring community and a great place to stay with various activities. 

9. Presque Isle State Park

The Peninsula in the northwest corner of Pennsylvania, where it meets Lake Erie is known as Presque Isle State Park. There are several beaches.

Outdoor recreation, including swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, and biking, is popular. You might also find scuba divers and surfers in the waters surrounding the park.

Rare species of birds fly through the area during the migration periods. 

Pro Tip: This is the only beach in PA that has surf. 

10. Ricketts Glen State Park

Ricketts Glen State Park is a large park residing in three counties. Luzerne, Sullivan, and Columbia counties each share a portion of the 13,193 acres park. It is gorgeous with old-growth forests and over 22 named waterfalls.

There are 26 miles of hiking trails, and many take you to various waterfalls. The highest waterfall is the 94-foot Ganoga Falls. Hikes range from 1 mile to a little over 7 miles.

We visited Adams Falls, which is close to the Evergreen parking area. It is approximately 200 steps from the parking area. The other waterfalls require some hiking. 

There is also fishing and swimming at the beach along Lake Jean. Canoes and kayaks are available to rent for use on the lake. 

Ricketts Glen offers cabins and deluxe camping cottages for rent. 

Pro Tip: Wear sturdy close-toed shoes for visiting the waterfalls.

11. Trough Creek State Park

Trough Creek State Park is another scenic gorge formed as the Great Trough Creek cut through Terrace Mountain. The creek empties into nearby Raystown Lake. 

The park features some fantastic rugged hiking trails that lead to Rainbow Falls, the Swinging Bridge, and Balanced Rock. 

There is rustic camping available. 

Pro Tip: The park is the most beautiful in late spring/early summer when all the wild rhododendrons bloom. 

No matter which of the beautiful 121 parks you visit in the Keystone State, you are sure to find natural beauty and a place to connect with nature and enjoy the great outdoors. 

Visiting state parks is a great way to explore the majestic beauty of the eastern part of the Lone Star State, and the drive to get to them is equally impressive, especially in the cooler months. My favorite season is spring until fall rolls around, then I’m wondering how I could love spring flowers more than warm fall colors. It’s so hard to choose! With an average rainfall of 43 inches per year, this part of Texas gets covered in blankets of beautiful wildflowers in springtime that is worth coming to see. But when autumn arrives, you can’t beat the fall foliage in this area.

Much of east Texas is composed of evergreen forests, hilly terrain, tall pine trees, and bayous and black water swamps the closer you get to the Louisiana border. All this coupled with freshwater lakes, wildlife galore, and good fishing make this area an outdoor playground that keeps visitors coming back year after year. 

These state parks listed here boast outdoor activities for the hiker, camper, fisherman, and nature lover. If you and your family are overdue for an outdoor escape, head to one of these 10 beautiful state parks that I’ve been to or have known about all my life. Spring or fall, summer or winter, east Texas parks show off all four seasons. 

1. Tyler State Park, Tyler

One of the most visited state parks in East Texas is Tyler State Park, with impressive fishing, renting cabins, and hiking trails. Anything you can think of doing outdoors, you can do it here. Fishing for crappie, perch, catfish, and bass is a popular pastime, and there’s plenty to go around. Bring a pole or ask for a loaner rod and cast out from one of the piers. You don’t need a fishing license to fish from the piers. With plenty of cabins, screened-in shelters, tent spaces, this state park would make a great camping weekend for the whole family. Swimming in the lake, hiking, biking, geocaching, and birdwatching are more available outdoor activities. Whether you visit for an afternoon or a weekend, you will find plenty to do. If you want to visit the town, check out things to do in Tyler, Texas.

Pro Tip: You’re in for a treat if you visit Tyler when they host their Texas Rose Festival each year in October.

2. Purtis Creek State Park, Eustace

Purtis Creek State Park is a huge outdoor retreat for beginners and pros to fish for largemouth bass in the 355-acre lake. But, if fishing is not your thing, there’s room to hike, bike, swim, explore nature, and more. Located southeast of Dallas, its shady campsites offer the camper a weekend of relaxed camping.

Pro Tip: If you want to explore a nice town close by, Athens has plenty to do, including attractions such as Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center, museums, and the beautiful east Texas Arboretum.

3. Caddo Lake State Park, Karnack

To look at the beautiful scenery of the ancient bald cypress trees and to explore the bayous, head to Caddo Lake State Park. This state park has one of the most impressive landscapes of all state parks in East Texas. You can rent a pine-log cabin or opt for a quaint bed and breakfast in the small town of Jefferson, Texas, which is literally down the road from the park. And, in case you’re wondering if there are alligators in the park — there are. But, I’ve never seen one!

Pro Tip: A few outfitters do private lake tours out on Caddo Lake and are worth checking into.

4. Fairfield State Park, Fairfield

Backpacking and horseback riding are just a few activities you can do at Fairfield State Park, but so are birdwatching and fishing. With all the oak, hickory, cedar, elm, dogwood, and redbud trees in this park, you can only imagine why the birds love it so much here. Anglers come here to fish for catfish, bass, carp, and freshwater redfish. If you’re lucky and go at the right time, there’s a chance you may see a bald eagle, white-tailed deer, foxes, and beavers. Watch for armadillos crossing the road!

Pro Tip: The park is about 80 miles southeast of Dallas and 150 miles north of Houston.

5. Martin Creek Lake State Park, Tatum

Martin Creek Lake State Park is a pretty park with a long footbridge extending to a small island with available campsites and picnic tables. The swimming area is clean, so bring your bathing suit, and this part of the park has picnic tables under a pavilion. Canoe rentals are an option as well. The park is directly east of Dallas on I-20, heading towards Longview, then just 20 miles southeast, you’ll be in a great spot among the East Texas woods. You can’t beat the fishing here  — that is if you like bass and catfish. I also hear the hiking is good. Fish, hike, relax — repeat. And, if you’re up for it, enter a fishing tournament in the winter months, but be sure to check the website for specific dates.

Pro Tip: Around late October through the first two weeks of Novem­ber, you’ll have a private showing of colorful fall foliage. To me, this is the best time to go.

6. Mission Tejas State Park, Grapeland

Enjoy the serenity and calmness of the tall pine trees and explore the history in this area, such as remnants of Spanish influence and a log home built in the early 1800s at Mission Tejas State Park. Smack dab in the middle of Dallas and Houston, by way of either the back roads or I-45, the park is located at the north end of the Davy Crockett National Forest. The hiking trails are reportedly spectacular. Plan to spend a few moments studying a couple of historical markers you will encounter along the way.

Pro Tip: If planning for a spring visit, the dogwood trees will be in bloom. And, if fall is your favorite time to explore parks, fall colors cover the ground in late October to early November.

7. Daingerfield State Park, Daingerfield

The very best time to visit Daingerfield State Park is in the fall if you enjoy the myriad colors. Whenever someone asks me where to go camping in the fall, this is where I lead them. The shades are incredible and heavy patches of cypress, sweetgum, and oak leaves sprawling out all over the entire park are a sight to see… and the weather ain’t bad either!

Pro Tip: If you love fall weather, fall foliage, fall everything, the best time to visit is in late October through November. East Texas is showing off this time of year.

8. Lake Bob Sandlin State Park, Pittsburg

In northeast Texas, about 110 miles from Dallas, lies Lake Bob Sandlin State Park, known as an excellent day park to visit for all things outdoors related. Swimming, boating, fishing, mountain biking, and the like — this park is suitable for all of them. And, if you’re up for primitive camping, there’s plenty of spots among the massive trees and tall grasses to choose a site. I’m not the primitive type of camper, but it’s definitely worth a day trip, especially in the fall when the weather cools down and the beauty of autumn peeks through. It’s also a great place for kids to earn a Junior Ranger badge.

Pro Tip: There are several small towns nearby with great restaurants and shopping.

9. Lake Livingston State Park, Livingston

Lake Livingston State Park sits on the edge of Lake Livingston, one of the state’s largest reservoirs, making it an ideal lake for boaters and fishermen. Campers will enjoy this area as well, from tent sites with water to campsites with full hookups and several screened-in cabins. Kids will love the free ranger programs offered at the park, and you might like to learn a new skill such as kayaking, fishing, or photography.

Pro Tip: Its location is only an hour north of the city of Houston and would make a great day destination for boating and swimming.

10. Martin Dies, Jr. State Park, Jasper

Hike or bike the forest trails along the edge of the Big Thicket. Afterward, nab a camping spot next to the lake where swimming, fishing, and paddling abound. If you brought the grandkids along, Martin Dies, Jr. State Park holds arts and crafts workshops several times a year for young kids to learn about the outdoors. It’s never too early to start the youngsters learning about bugs and dirt!

Pro Tip: You’re in forest country here, so be sure to check out Big Thicket National Preserve.

Camping At East Texas State Parks

State parks have some wonderful campsites, and if you’re considering camping in any of these Texas state parks, fees vary between $10-$25 per night. However, if you’re looking for other camp options, here are some of the best campgrounds in east Texas to pitch a tent or rent a cabin.

The craggy mountains and enormous skies that West Texas is known for extend far beyond the boundaries of the region’s iconic national parks. Fantastic state parks dot the landscape as well, providing under-the-radar spots to take in ranching history, ancient Native American rock art, and Rio Grande vistas.

From the region surrounding West Texas’s largest city of El Paso and south along the U.S./Mexico border toward Big Bend National Park, the Texas state parks of the southwestern portion of the state offer a tantalizing taste of what this vast region has to offer.

Here are six southwest Texas state parks that should be on your bucket list.

1. Big Bend Ranch State Park

Big Bend Ranch State Park takes the prize as the biggest park in a state known for all things large. At more than 300,000 acres, Big Bend Ranch is the granddaddy of state parks in Texas. Although it is overshadowed a bit by its even larger neighbor, Big Bend National Park, Big Bend Ranch State Park offers features that are comparable to the national park, but it’s more remote and less busy.

Like the national park, the state park hugs the U.S./Mexico border. One of the most famous features of Big Bend Ranch is the scenic road that follows the winding course of the river along the southern border. The road is known as the River Road, the West Texas Camino del Rio, and Highway 170. Whatever you call it, the route is spectacular. Expect many steep ups and downs, and plenty of great views of the Rio Grande.

As I approached Big Bend Ranch from the east, my first stop was at the Barton Warnock Visitor Center, a cool adobe-style building that houses an informative interpretive center, “Una Tierra – One Land.” The product of an international partnership among state and national park experts in Texas and the Mexican states of Coahuila and Chihuahua, the interpretive center presents an archaeological, historical, and natural history profile of the Big Bend region.

It was a great first stop for me because the helpful park ranger filled me in on the best attractions along the River Road, including the West Contrabando trail system, Big Hill overlook, Closed Canyon, and the Hoodoos Trailhead.

I especially loved the short hike down to the hoodoos (rock spires) that rise along the banks of the Rio Grande. Dotted with blooming ocotillo cactus, the 1.1-mile loop made for a wonderful stop on the scenic drive. More information on the hike is available in this PDF.

At less than an hour’s drive west of the border of Big Bend National Park, the state park is a convenient day trip or drive-through on your way to West Texas towns like Marfa or Presidio.

Pro Tip: When I mapped my route to Big Bend Ranch State Park from Big Bend National Park, my phone suggested a two-and-a-half-hour route to the Sauceda Ranger Station in the interior of the park. At the Barton Warnock Visitor Center, I was informed that portions of that route are on dirt roads that can become impassable during rainy weather. I ended up staying on the paved River Road, which includes many of the park’s worthwhile stops.

2. Fort Leaton State Historic Site Park

Dating back to the mid-1800s, the Fort Leaton State Historic Site offers a fascinating glimpse into life at an early fortified trading post along the border. Known as one of the largest and finest historic adobe structures in Texas, Fort Leaton serves as the western entrance to Big Bend Ranch State Park.

Fort Leaton is open for day use only and offers picnicking areas, guided tours, and exhibits on the history from the 15th century. In addition, the site tells a larger-than-life story of the parade of people and cultures that have called the region known as La Junta De Los Rios home over the centuries.

Pro Tip: Similar to the eastern entrance to Big Bend Ranch State Park at the Barton Warnock Visitor Center, visitors to Fort Leaton can get permits for backpacking and camping (no hookups) in Big Bend Ranch, and they can also purchase river-use permits and licenses.

3. Franklin Mountains State Park

Located just 20 minutes from the heart of El Paso, the ruggedly beautiful Franklin Mountains serve as a natural playground for the city. While the mountains once provided most of the basic needs for the region’s early people, “Today, the mountains meet a different human need — our need for time in nature,” says the website for the Franklin Mountains State Park.

Consisting of nearly 27,000 acres, the park features 100 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing. From the easy, family-friendly Nature Walk through desert terrain, to the moderate 3-mile Maze Loop that meanders toward the mountains, to the difficult 8-mile North Franklin Peak Trail, the Franklin Mountains offer plenty of hiking and mountain biking variety.

Pro Tip: Primitive campsites are available in the park’s Tom Mays unit.

4. Hueco Tanks State Park

Named for the massive natural rock basins that collect rainwater, the Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site commemorates the region’s thousands of years of human activity.

For centuries, it was the rainwater that pooled in the rock basins or huecos (pronounced whey-coes) that attracted the region’s native people to the rock hills in far West Texas. Those early people left plenty of clues to their stories in the pictographs and petroglyphs that remain — today, a main attraction for the state park.

The park also offers a self-guided tour area, hiking trails, bird watching, rock climbing, and campsites.

Pro Tips: Due to the fragile nature of the park’s resources, only 70 people are allowed to enter the self-guided area at one time, and the park regularly reaches that limit from November through March. To avoid a wait, the park’s website suggests visitors call to make a reservation at (512) 389-8911. It adds that permits cannot be reserved online.

Located about 45 minutes northeast of El Paso, the Hueco Tanks State Park makes a great day trip from the city. The park also is a convenient stop on a road trip between El Paso and Guadalupe Mountains National Park about an hour and a half to the east.

5. Davis Mountains State Park

Less than a half-hour northeast of the historic art center of Marfa, the Davis Mountains State Park offers trails and tranquility, as well as a historic hotel with a swimming pool.

The West Texas state park is popular for hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, horseback riding, stargazing, and geocaching. Located in the mountain foothills, Davis Mountain State Park features three distinct volcanic eruptions that resulted in the creation of Fraser Canyon, Sleeping Lion, and Barrel Springs.

Visitors can hike or mountain bike up the moderate 4.5-mile Skyline Drive Trail, which meanders down mountain ridges and valleys or take the 1.75-mile CCC trail, which connects with a trail to the Fort Davis National Historic Site. An interactive trail map is available here. Park visitors can also bring their horses for a day or an overnight stay at the Limpia Canyon Primitive Area.

Or, for a unique accommodation experience, the park features the historic Indian Lodge, a hotel known for its rustic charm and modern comfort. (More information is available in this PDF). The lodge, which was built by the young men of the Great Depression-era Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in 1935, is considered the pinnacle of CCC construction in Texas. Today, it features 39 guest rooms and an outdoor pool.

Pro Tip: For visitors interested in watching the region’s birdlife, the Davis Mountain State Park is known to have the “best little bird blind in Texas.” The blind offers an enclosed viewing station, a shielded outside patio, and watering and feeding stations.

6. Seminole Canyon State Park

While ancient rock art is the main attraction at Seminole Canyon, the state park located about three hours east of Big Bend National Park also boasts a Rio Grande setting and a network of hiking and biking trails.

Prehistoric native people left a rich legacy of rock art behind in the Seminole Canyon area. More than 200 pictograph sites hold examples of their style of rock paintings, ranging from single paintings to caves with panels of art hundreds of feet long.

The park offers frequent guided tours of rock art sites (for a fee), including a fairly rugged 1.5-mile hike to the Fate Bell Shelter, an area protected by a huge cliff overhang that holds some of Texas’s most spectacular rock art. In the spring and fall, day-long hike tours are also available to rock art into the Presa Canyon, as well as half-day hikes to the upper portions of the Seminole Canyon

The park also has about 10 miles of trails, which will take hikers and bikers to the Rio Grande or along the Seminole Canyon rim.

Pro Tip: The Seminole Canyon State Park is located about 45 minutes northwest of the mid-sized border city of Del Rio, Texas, which has a variety of dining and accommodations choices.

When To Go

Spring and fall are the best seasons to visit all of the Southwest Texas parks. Big Bend Ranch has average highs in the 70-degree Fahrenheit range in March, April, September, and October. Winters tend to be somewhat cool, with average highs in the 50s to 60s from November through February. Summers are hot throughout the region, with average highs in the mid-to-high 80s from May through August.

North Carolina boasts over 40 state parks throughout three different regions. The parks’ natural wonders and beauty are as diverse as the state itself. You’ll find parks that include mountains, lakes, swamps, sand dunes, rock formations, rivers, streams, and waterfalls.

Hammocks Beach State Park in the coastal region is a very unique state park. Of its 1,500-acres, only 33 are on the mainland. The rest of the park includes the 892-acre Bear Island and three smaller barrier islands — Dudley, Huggins, and Jones. Four miles long and surrounded by water, Bear Island is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, salt marshes, estuarine creeks, and the Intracoastal Waterway. It is a crown jewel of the North Carolina coast and Swansboro’s hidden gem.

The wilderness environment of Hammocks is unique and as diverse as the activities offered. Between the mainland and four separate and distinct islands, visitors can enjoy long stretches of white sand beaches, dunes, marshes, waterways, shrub thickets, and maritime forests. Activities are endless — from picnicking and hiking to swimming, boating, and more.

Located in Swansboro, at the southern end of the Outer Banks and part of the Crystal Coast, Hammocks Beach State Park is 20 miles east of Jacksonville. It is approximately 70 miles north of Wilmington and 140 miles east of the state capital of Raleigh.

Note: Thank you to Visit Jacksonville NC for hosting our visit. All opinions are my own.

Begin At The Visitor Center

Visitors to Hammocks Beach State Park will want to start their adventure at the full-service Visitor Center where you can learn about the park’s ecology and history, gather information and maps, and shop for souvenirs or forgotten items like sunscreen, hats, and snacks.

Inside the spacious building, there are extensive exhibits that tell of the park’s ecology and wildlife including endangered sea turtles and nesting shorebirds. The park offers free interpretive programs and events on a regular basis. Led by knowledgeable rangers, the programs explore the marvels of the park and expand opportunities for education (registration usually required).

Pro Tip: With all there is to see, plan to spend up to a full hour in the Visitor Center alone. It is fully accessible.

Immerse Yourself In History

Spend some time learning about history while at the center. Hammocks Beach State Park is rich in cultural history. Early Native Americans used this area for fishing and hunting. Pirates and privateers then occupied the area, including the infamous Blackbeard. The shallow backwaters and inlets made it easy for pirates to hide their ships and attack unsuspecting merchant vessels.

The islands played strategic military roles and were used for protection of the mainland. In 1861 a Confederate earthen fortification and six-gun battery was built on Huggins Island to defend against Union forces. And in WWII the U.S. Coast Guard monitored German U-boat activity from Bear Island.

Bear Island has been privately owned throughout the years. As early as 1750, Bear Island was part of the Starkey family’s plantation. The island was known as Heady’s Beach when it was owned by the Heady family for four generations in the 1800s.

Dr. William Sharpe bought the Hammocks in 1917. Upon his death in 1950, he intended to leave it to his hunting guide, property manager, and friend, John Hurst. Hurst persuaded Dr. Sharpe to donate the property to the all-black North Carolina Teachers Association instead, to be used for educational purposes. In 1961 the property was donated to North Carolina for a state park.

Take A Ride On A Ferry

A park-run passenger ferry transports visitors from the mainland area to Bear Island (small fee required). Whether you plan to spend time on Bear Island or just want to take a scenic cruise through the Outer Banks backwaters, the 15-minute ride (one-way) through the marshland waterways is worth it. Bring your binoculars and camera. You will see a variety of plants and birds, and possibly dolphins and turtles.

The ferry operates April through October (weather dependent). It leaves the Visitor Center on the hour, every hour (half-hour on weekends), so you could easily take a ride over and back within an hour’s time. The Park ferry seats 35 and is first-come, first-served, so be sure to arrive early during peak season. Be sure to check Bear Island’s current information page prior to visiting. The ferry is wheelchair accessible. Pets are not allowed.

Pro Tip: During the off-season, visitors can get to Bear Island by private boat, paddling, or charter a scenic cruise with Marsh Cruises. Customize your cruise through the marshes and backwaters to see all Hammocks’ islands or head to Bear Island for a few hours or the day.

Explore The Islands

The Hammock Beach State Park’s four islands are secluded, accessible only by boat, and are, for the most part, undisturbed.

Huggins Island, at the mouth of Bogue Inlet, is a 225-acre island visible from downtown Swansboro. The island consists of a maritime swamp forest, which is listed as a Globally Rare and Significant Area, surrounded by lowland marsh. Huggins Island has a rich history and strategic value. As mentioned, it was early Native American’s fishing and hunting grounds. The earthen remnants of an 1861-62 Confederate six-cannon battery can still be seen.

Jones Island is a 23-acre coastal island located at the mouth of the White Oak River and is considered a nature preserve. This unique small island is made up of an evergreen forest and a small wetland area. It is home to a variety of birds, such as the stunning painted bunting, and an abundance of wildflowers that attract butterflies such as the American lady and swallowtails. Mammals on the island include river otter, raccoon, and white-tailed deer.

Low, flat, and sandy — situated between Bear and Huggins islands is Dudley Island, a perfect place to spot nesting birds.

Spend The Day At The Beach

The fourth and largest Hammock island, Bear Island, is a beachgoers paradise. Originally named Bare Island for its lack of vegetation, it is home to one of the best beaches to be found anywhere in the world. It was named one of the Top Ten North Carolina Beaches by Travel + Leisure magazine.

Get away from it all on this secluded, unspoiled four-mile stretch of white sand beach. (The day my husband and I were there, we were the only people in sight.) Swim in crystal-clear blue waters. Hunt for seashells and sand dollars. Bring a blanket, chairs, and umbrella and enjoy a picnic on the warm sand. Spend the day surf fishing.

Island facilities include restrooms, showers, and covered picnic/shelter areas, swim-beach lifeguards, and cash-only concession stand (facilities are seasonal).

Pro Tip: If arriving by ferry, wear good shoes or sandals as it is a half-mile walk from the ferry dock across the island to the beach. Bring only what you’ll need (you’ll have to carry it too) and be sure to carry out all your belongings and trash.

Canoe, Kayak, and Paddle Board

One of the best ways to explore the natural wonders of the park is up close on the water. Paddle through marshes, oyster beds, along unspoiled maritime forests — all can be explored via kayak, canoe, or paddleboard. Follow the park’s marked water “trails” (map) out to Bear Island, the beach, and campsites or around Huggins Island.

There is a fantastic kayak launch on the mainland side of the park near the Visitor Center. Go out to explore on your own or enjoy a half or full-day adventure with an experienced guide. Bring your own equipment or rent from the park’s onsite outfitter, Paddle NC. Also, be sure to check the park’s event calendar for special tours.

Pro Tip: While paddling the backwaters, be on the lookout for dolphins, beautiful shorebirds, and the occasional loggerhead sea turtle.

Take A Hike

On the mainland, there are several hiking trails through wooded areas. Trail difficulty ranges from easy to moderate and all are less than a mile in distance. Park at the Visitor Center and hike (or bike) through beautiful, shaded live oak groves, hickory trees, pines, and along Queen’s Creek.

You will love the hike/walk along the secluded beach on Bear Island (four miles one-way). While Bear Island does not have designated walking trails, the beach is always available for hikes.

Drop A Line

Being surrounded by water it is no wonder that fishing is a favorite pastime in and around the Hammocks’ islands. Fish for drum, flounder, trout, and bluefish. Spend the day on Bear Island surf fishing. Fish from your kayak or canoe, rent a boat or hire a charter. Note: There is no fishing on the mainland side of the state park.

Pro Tip: A Coastal Recreational Fishing License is required to fish in North Carolina, except on charters.

Camp Under The Stars On Bear Island

Camping on Bear Island is unique. No buildings. No traffic. Only the beach, the dunes, and the stars. If you like the idea of getting “back to nature” or ever dreamed of being on a deserted island, then camping on Bear Island is for you. Remember, the only way to get there is by boat.

Fall asleep listening to the sound of the ocean waves while gazing up at the expansive sky full of twinkling stars. For those that enjoy primitive camping, it doesn’t get any better than on Bear Island. There are 14 primitive campsites on the island. Most are near the swim beach, restrooms, and bathhouse. Some are even more primitive on the end of the island in the scrub brush. For more information about camping and to make reservations, visit the park’s website.

Note: Hammocks Beach State Park has current plans to construct campgrounds on the mainland. They will be adding dozens of mixed-use campsites and cabins, overlooking Queen’s Creek, in the near future.

All-in-all, if you have to only pick one North Carolina beach to visit, hands down, Hammocks Beach and Bear Island should be at the top of that list.

Sometimes a state park oozes with so much natural beauty and offers so many best experiences that we think it should really be a national park. One of these is located in the Oak Creek Canyon within the Coconino National Forest in Sedona, Arizona. We have been to Slide Rock State Park five times and will definitely go again. In fact, it has again made the Travel Channel’s list of “10 Top Swimming Holes in the United States” because of its “ultimate water slide.”

But there are several other best experiences you can have at the park besides swimming and sliding. You can learn about the history of the area, enjoy apple-picking with your kids, hike among red rocks and take instagrammable photos, and view wildlife and fish to your heart’s content. Whenever family and friends visit, we make it a point to take them there and are lucky that it is only two hours from our home in Mesa. On our most recent visit in late June, however, it was closed by the U.S. Forest Service due to the extreme risk of forest fires at the time.

1. History Of The Area

The park was originally a 43-acre historic apple farm owned by Frank L. Pendley, who arrived in the canyon in 1907 and acquired the land under the Homestead Act of 1910. It then became known as the Pendley Homestead. The unique irrigation system he established is still in use by the park today. It was the reason his farm succeeded while others failed.

When the canyon road (it is the shortcut — 45 minutes to Flagstaff) was opened in 1914 and paved in 1938, tourism in the area flourished. Because his farm was one of the largest parcels of land in Oak Creek Canyon, Pendley built rustic cabins to cater to those who wanted to stay for a vacation. Some of the historic cabins are still available for viewing today, including various farm implements that were used at the time.

His son continued to operate and manage the property until 1982, when the family decided it was time to sell it. Arizona Governor Babbitt had a vision and created the Arizona Parklands Foundation that would acquire private property and donate it to the state. In 1985, four Arizona banks loaned $3.6 million to the foundation. When the donations did not come in, however, the state legislature passed House Bill 2391 that provided a State Park Acquisition and Development Fund. It purchased not just the Pendley Homestead but five other properties that also became state parks. Slide Rock State Park officially opened to the public in October 1987.

2. Apple Picking

That is why today, visitors can still enjoy the fruits of Pendley’s labor, both literally and figuratively. During one of our visits, nearly 300 apple trees were filled, many falling to the ground. Yes, you can pick apples for free, just come at harvest time. Pendley planted his first apple orchard in 1912, pioneering early agricultural development that became a pattern for the state at the time. Fruit was the primary cash crop of the Pendley Family Homestead, but he was also able to grow a variety of garden produce and even kept some livestock.

If you go in the winter, the freezing temperatures will have caused the leaves to fall from the deciduous trees and pruning may have begun. Early spring brings blossoms and bud growth. Apple flowers are small, white with pink highlights, and a wonderful fragrance. This is a good time to go to the park. After the bees cross-pollinate, the pretty petals drop and fruits begin to take shape. As the fruits grow, thinning removes excess apples to improve the size and quality of what is left on the tree.

During the long hot days of the Arizona summer, fruit trees need watering and electric pumps are used to bring water from the creek. The fruits continue to mature and the branches get so heavily laden that they may need to be propped up with wood. Picking usually starts in late August or early September which is also the best time to cool off in the stream. Along with the spring season, this time is also another good chance to go to the park. We have gone all four seasons but loved our early spring and late summer visits.

3. Swimming And Sliding

But it is the clear rushing creek that offers the best of the experiences available at the park — especially if you are looking for a place to cool off during the hot summer months. The Slide Rock area, open for swimming, is half a mile long and the area for sliding is 80 feet long and 2.5–4 feet wide, going downstream with a seven percent decline. The algae that collect on the rocks make for the slippery ride. The creek rushes down from the upper areas, brushes many red rocks on its way, and settles into a calmer flow down below. This allows for sliding down the whole length in utmost abandon and fun.

There are a few pools where many children and adults wade and swim. At several places, you can sit and let the onrushing little falls massage your back. One section is deep enough that I have seen teenagers jump into the water from the ledge rock up above. There is no lifeguard on duty, however, so doing this is at your own risk.

4. Hiking At Slide Rock State Park

For those that love hiking, there are three short trails in the park. There are also several Coconino National Forest hiking trails nearby for those who want more. But the entire area, including all the trails, is a pack-it-in, pack-it-out kind of park. In other words, you’ll leave with everything you brought in. Glass containers are also strictly prohibited. When you tour the entire park, you will naturally go through the first two trails. But don’t forget to do the very scenic third.

Pendley Homestead Trail

Easy

The Pendley Homestead Trail is an easy quarter-mile trail. This paved, level trail is suitable for all visitors. It travels through a portion of the historic Pendley Homestead featuring parts of the original apple orchards, the Pendley Homestead House, some tourist cabins, the apple packing barn, various farming implements that were used, a new orchard of semi-dwarf apple trees, and spectacular views.

Slide Rock Route

Moderate

The Slide Rock Route is a 0.3-mile trail with a difficulty rating of moderate and is, actually, the main access to the Slide Rock swim area. It begins near the apple picking barn and you turn right to the descending steps to the creek. Then it crosses via a small footbridge. During periods of high runoff, the footbridge will not be there and visitors will just need to stay on the west side.

After crossing the footbridge, you will proceed north along pretty sandstone shelves. In the summer, sunbathers occupy much of this route, so you may have to step over some of them. There is a historic rock cabin on the east side of the creek which was used with a flume and water wheel to generate electricity for the entire homestead. From the ledge in front of this cabin, many take to jumping into the creek. When you see the eight-foot wall, you can turn around. But you may also decide to negotiate the wall and explore more areas upstream.

Clifftop Nature Trail

Moderate

The Clifftop Nature Trail is a quarter-mile trail that begins near the apple barn after the steps to the creek and leads into the forest above the swim area’s west side. Thus, it offers the most scenic views and is best, not only for those who want to hike, but also for those who want memorable photos.

5. Wildlife Viewing

This nature trail will also offer lucky visitors some wildlife viewing opportunities. Coues whitetail deer, javelinas, coyotes, and black bears have all been spotted in the park. There is also a wide variety of bird species, some smaller mammals and various little reptiles. Such sightings make the park not just for water recreation.

6. Trout Fishing

And great trout fly fishing can be experienced upstream. The Arizona Game and Fish Department seasonally stocks the creek with wild brown and rainbow trout populations. Trophy fish of both species have been regularly caught in this stretch of Oak Creek. However, fishing is not permitted within the swimming area. You need to take a short hike upstream into “vast pools, undercut banks, and gentle rifles” that trout love. Besides, trout look upstream for their next meal. By approaching from downstream, you will come unannounced. Cast beyond where the trout are hiding — catch and release is recommended, though.

Together with all the photos included here, you can now see why this is one of our favorite parks and consider it worthy of being a national park. There are a variety of things to do that turn into the best experiences. And you can enjoy all of these in a setting of the outstanding natural beauty of blazing red rocks.

Related Reading:

• 8 Arizona State Parks That Belong On Your Bucket List
• 11 Must-See Spots In Sedona
• 6 Unique Dining Experiences In Arizona

From dark sky preserves to an urban oasis, the east coast of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula doesn’t just provide sandy beaches for sunbathing and taking in a great beach read. While all these state parks are on Michigan’s east coast, they aren’t necessarily on Lake Huron. One example is Belle Isle Park, situated on the Detroit River, between Michigan and Canada.

As a native Michigander, some of these parks have favorite memories from camping in my youth, while others are new discoveries. Each park offers a standout feature you won’t find at other parks. These seven incredible east coast Michigan State Parks are worth exploring.

1. Tawas Point State Park, East Tawas

Tawas Point State Park is a bit off-the-beaten-path, as once you leave Interstate-75, you’ll have about 30 miles on a highway to reach your destination. However, the drive gives you a chance to decompress. Once you get to the 183-acre state park that sits on a sliver of land forming Tawas Bay, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy.

At Tawas Point State Park, Lake Huron offers a sandy beach with shallow, warm water, perfect for swimming.

Tawas Point Lighthouse is the only lighthouse designed in the Victorian-era style on the Great Lakes for those who love maritime history. I loved the lighthouse tour, learning about the keepers of the era, and climbing the tower to see a panoramic view of Lake Huron.

Birdwatchers from throughout the region enjoy this park in the spring and fall, where it’s a layover for migratory birds. You’ll see hundreds, so be sure to take your binoculars. If you’re a photographer, take your long lens to get some close-ups of birds in flight.

The campgrounds at Tawas Point State Park are modern, and they also offer lodging accommodations. They have yurts, cabins, lodges, and mini cabins. So, if you’re looking for a less rustic campground, this park is a good option.

Pro Tip: The lighthouse offers a lighthouse keepers program, where you can be a lighthouse keeper for a week in the summer, providing tours of the former lighthouse keeper’s quarters and the light tower.

2. Belle Isle Park, Detroit

Tucked away on an island in the Detroit River, just minutes from downtown Detroit, Belle Isle Park is truly an urban oasis. It’s just over the MacArthur Bridge, approximately 3 miles from the Renaissance Center. While you can get back to nature here with the Belle Isle Nature Center, lakes, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing opportunities, you can also find some more urban activities.

The Belle Isle Aquarium, the oldest aquarium in the nation, reopened in July of 2021 after a $1.3-million renovation. The aquarium added new tank scaping to the exhibits, upgraded the lobby to its original splendor, and added new fish. The green tile in the arched ceiling is a stunning original feature. Plan to spend an hour in the aquarium. You’ll see over 100 species of fish native to the Great Lakes and some from around the world.

 The Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory covers 13-acres, including a lily pond and formal garden. The conservatory houses five distinct areas — a tropical house, a cactus house, the palm house, a sunken fernery, and the show house. In the show house, they feature a rotating exhibit of flowering plants.

Dossin Great Lakes Museum tells the story of Detroit’s role in maritime history. In addition to the indoor exhibits, it has a variety of outdoor artifacts on display. One exciting element is the anchor from the Edmund Fitzgerald, a freighter that sank in Lake Superior in 1975, losing all 29 men aboard.

Another unique item in the park is the Livingstone Memorial Lighthouse, the only lighthouse in the United States built from marble.

Pro Tip: The parking is directly in front of the aquarium and the conservatory, so you don’t need to walk far to visit them on a typical day. The park offers a track chair at no charge to assist those with mobility challenges to explore the park easily.

3. Thompson’s Harbor State Park, Rogers City

Located on Lake Huron’s shore and featuring 7 and a half miles of beach, Thompson’s Harbor State Park is rustic. Since this park is largely undeveloped, it’s a favorite for wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers. With 6 miles of trails, hikers and bikers will have fun in the summer, while snowshoeing and cross-country ski enthusiasts can enjoy the park in winter. The park is open for all seasons, and camping is available in winter. 

Thompson’s Harbor State Park features two rustic cabins for those who want more comfort than a tent provides. Cedar Haven Cabin and Stone Path Cabin each sleep six people with a sofa bed and two sets of bunk beds. Each cabin contains vault toilets, outdoor hand pumps, and a gas stove and lanterns. So, while you’re still roughing it, you’ll be more comfortable than a sleeping bag on the ground.

Pro Tip: Also, in Rogers City is Up North 23 Restaurant and Lounge. Situated on the Lake Huron shore, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a meal on the deck with a view of the lake. The chef sources ingredients from local farmers, which includes the components for the famous house-made barbecue chips. The restaurant’s owners are potato farmers so you won’t find a fresher chip.

4. Albert E. Sleeper State Park, Caseville

Situated on Lake Huron’s Saginaw Bay, almost at the top of the thumb, Albert E. Sleeper State Park sits on 723-acres that include wetland, woodlands, and sandy beaches. The park was named after Albert E. Sleeper, the Michigan governor who created the Michigan State Park system.

The park is only 5 miles from the quaint beach town of Caseville, making it a convenient day-use park for picnics. With half a mile of sandy beach, the proximity to town makes it a great place to stop in and cool off with a swim. The beautiful sandy beach features dunes, but they are much smaller than those on Lake Michigan.

Boating and fishing are also popular pastimes at Sleeper State Park because they have seven state boating access sites and a few public fishing piers near the park. The Saginaw Bay offers exceptional salmon, perch, walleye, and lake trout fishing.

Tucked behind the foliage, you’ll find 226 camping sites situated in east and west loops. The campgrounds in the west loop are flatter and more extensive. If you’re past wanting to sleep in a sleeping bag on the ground, Sleeper Tentrr Safari Tents are the perfect glamping alternative. They have queen size beds, just BYOB (Bring Your Own Bedding.)

Pro Tip: While it’s not typical for Michigan State Parks to have Wi-Fi, Albert E. Sleeper State Park has it. Cell phone service is generally spotty in Michigan’s thumb region.

5. Bay City State Park, Bay City

Located on Saginaw Bay, Bay City State Park features Tobico Marsh, freshwater coastal wetlands that are one of the most significant on the Great Lakes. To learn more about the marsh, visit The Saginaw Bay Visitor Center, which provides various learning programs for visitors. One example is the annual Bay City State Park Winter Festival, where they don’t require a recreation passport or fishing license during the festival. Park Interpreters have various projects available, like crafting an ice fishing pole or building a birdhouse. Once you’ve made the ice fishing pole, you can go out on the pier and try your hand at ice fishing. In addition, park Interpreters are on hand to lead various educational workshops for the entire family.

Pro Tip: You’ll want to bring along your binoculars or the long lens for your camera because the opportunities for viewing birds and wildlife at Bay City State Park are frequent. The park has a reputation for having a wide variety of bird species.

6. Onaway State Park, Onaway

Sitting in Presque Isle County on Black Lake is Onaway State Park. One of Michigan’s oldest state parks, it’s 158 acres with the campground beautifully positioned among the white pines, Michigan’s state tree. If you’re anxious to get out on the water, the park has canoes, rowboats, and kayaks for rent. Or if you’re interested in some fishing, they call Onaway the “Sturgeon Capital of Michigan.”

Ocqueoc Falls is 10 miles east of the park and the largest waterfall in the Lower Peninsula.

Pro Tip: When you visit Onaway State Park, Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park and Michilimackinac State Park are only 45 miles away. Both state parks are good additions to your Michigan east coast state park tour. Read more about these parks on TravelAwaits‘ 9 Fantastic Experiences In Michigan State Parks.

7. Port Crescent State Park, Port Austin

Sitting on the tip of Michigan’s thumb on Lake Huron’s Saginaw Bay, Port Crescent State Park features 3 miles of sandy beaches. We enjoy taking walks along the wooden boardwalk at sunset. Port Crescent State Park is one of seven dark sky preserves in Michigan, so watching the stars on a warm Michigan summer evening will be an evening to remember. The park offers a viewing platform for stargazing near the day-use parking lot, where you’ll find the least light pollution.

Since you’ll be there for the evening sky gazing, you might as well stay overnight. The park has a camper cabin and a modern campground.

Pro Tip: Once you’re tired of cooking over a campfire, make a reservation at The Farm Restaurant. Every item on the menu is made from scratch.

Formed by the Thomas Wesley Martin Dam that caps off the Tallapoosa River, the 41,000-acre Lake Martin is the largest manmade lake in Alabama. With 880-miles of shoreline spanning three counties (Coosa, Elmore, and Tallapoosa), the lake is one of the most popular destinations in Alabama, offering so much to do and see that you will find yourself coming back time and time again. 

Here are eight of the best things to do and see at beautiful Lake Martin. 

Screaming Eagle Aerial Adventures 

Get ready for some high-flying, heart-pumping excitement as you take to the skies at Screaming Eagle Adventures in Wind Creek State Park. 

Eleven zip lines take you up 70 feet into the canopy where you fly through the trees from station to station, then test your balance as you maneuver over one of six bridge walks. Screaming Eagle offers three different packages with the base level one package starting at $39 per person that lets you tackle six skywalks and eight zip lines. You even get your photo taken. 

Visit their website for more information on packages and prices. 

Pro Tip: Your safety is of the utmost importance to the employees at Screaming Eagle. You must be eight years or older to participate. The minimum weight for children is 60 pounds with a maximum weight for women of 250 pounds, 285 pounds for men. A minimum of two people is required to open a tour. 

Wind Creek State Park 

Since we’ve already mentioned Wind Creek State Park and the amazing fun you will have on the zip lines, let’s talk about the park itself. Wind Creek is located on the tip of one of Lake Martin’s many fingers of land that jut into the waterway and is arguably the largest state-operated campground in the United States.

The park has 586 improved campsites — of those, 156 are waterfront. The campground loops are beautiful and clean with modern bathhouses. The park also offers seven nice cabins as well.

Besides camping, the park has an archery range, mini-golf, and three fun hiking trails: The moderate to difficult 3.8-mile long Alabama Reunion Trail, the moderate 1.8-mile Campfire Trail, and the unique Wind Creek Orienteering Trail that is designed to teach you orienteering (using a map and compass to navigate). Maps of all of the trails and information on the Orienteering Trail can be found online. 

Pro Tip: Campsites are in high demand, especially waterfront sites. Pick out your prime spot, check availability, and make reservations online. 

Wellborn Musclecar Museum 

The years between 1960 and 1975 were defined by many things including one truly American classic, the muscle car. The place to see one of the country’s finest collections is at the Wellborn Musclecar Museum in Alexander City. 

Whether you lived during the golden age of muscle cars or just love their sleek lines, the Wellborn shouldn’t be missed. Inside the restored 1940s car dealership, you will find Ford Mustangs, Aero Cars, and the last Hemi Dodge Charger ever produced. And that’s only the start. In fact, the museum has so many classic cars that they constantly rotate their exhibits so you never know what will be on display from week to week.

The museum is only open Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is $11 for adults, children ages 7-17 $7.

Pro Tip: A great way to experience the museum is by scheduling a private tour. $50 will allow up to five people to join the tour through this gas-powered history. 

Paddle The Tallapoosa River 

While not a fast whitewater river, the Tallapoosa River offers paddlers of all stripes some fast shoals courtesy of large granite boulders and ledges and beautiful scenery. Catalpa trees with their long green bean-like fruit hang from their branches, white flowering magnolias bloom in season, and oak trees blaze in bold colors in the fall. 

The best section to paddle is a 6-mile trip from the public landing at Horseshoe Bend National Military Park to Jay Bird Landing. If you do not have a canoe or kayak, never fear. Several outfitters can be found nearby including Off the Beaten Path. They not only rent boats but also provide shuttle services if you don’t have your own and guided tours as well. 

Horseshoe Bend National Military Park 

On the banks of the wide Tallapoosa, a “U” shaped bend in its swift flowing waters, forms a large grassy field. Visitors can walk — or drive – this area and take in the sights and sounds of the quiet and peaceful Horseshoe Bend National Military Park in Daviston. On March 27, 1814, however, this same tranquil piece of land, known as “Cholocco Litabixee” or “horse’s flat foot” by the Creek Indians was anything but as it saw a bloody and tragic battle, the Battle of Horseshoe Bend, which ended the Creek Indian War and would forever shape the course of history for Native Americans by signaling the beginning of the Trail of Tears. 

Today, Horseshoe Bend National Military Park is a protected National Park Service historic park where visitors can either drive the 3-mile loop road or walk the peaceful 2.8-mile easy walking nature trail. Either way, your trip will take you to key sites of the battle, many with covered shelters to protect you from the sun and interpretive signage describing the battle and the village that once stood there. 

Admission to the park is free but a donation is requested. 

Pro Tip: Horseshoe Bend is rarely crowded. Guided tours are available. Be sure to view the 15-minute film inside the visitor center to learn about the battle before touring the grounds. 

Smith Mountain 

The most incredible views of Lake Martin will be when you climb to the top of Smith Mountain. A moderate 0.9-mile loop trail built by the Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail Association (CRATA), leads you over craggy gneiss bluffs and boulders to the summit. 

As you near the top of the mountain, a set of stone stairs built by the CCC in the 1930s leads you to the foundation of the old ranger station that once stood there. And at the peak, a steel fire tower juts up into the Alabama sky. The tower was manned by the Alabama Forestry Commission until 1980. In 2011, CRATA along with a team of engineers rebuilt the tower and now you can climb all the way up to the top of the cab for incredible panoramic views. 

Pro Tip: The trail is blazed with white paint markings. The top of the mountain is an open rock area and the tower — and you — are the tallest objects around. If you hear thunder, it’s best to head down off the mountain quickly. 

Kowaliga Restaurant

A classic Hank Williams song was written on the banks of Lake Martin. It was the story of a wooden Indian, Kowaliga, that fell in love with another wooden Indian, a maiden he saw in an antique store. As the song was being penned by The Drifting Cowboy, across the street, the ground was being broken for a new restaurant. Today, that restaurant is the go-to place for the most delectable southern fried catfish, gulf shrimp, and other seafood delights as well as other Southern comfort dishes. It’s called Kowaliga Restaurant.

The wooden Indian may be long gone and the restaurant may have been rebuilt several times but the one thing it has never lost is its incredible lunch and dinner menu. And sitting far out into the lake on a peninsula, you are always guaranteed a great dinner show with the best views of the lake and sunsets as you dine.

Pro Tip: The restaurant is open 11 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, with a special split schedule Saturday and Sunday. The restaurant is closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail

The first trail built along the banks of Lake Martin by the Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail Association is called, aptly enough, the Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail.

The trail is a nice, meandering walk through the pine and hardwood forest, bedecked in mountain laurel from spring through summer. The path passes through large rock outcroppings and bluffs.

The highlight of the trek is the walk along the beautiful clear waters of the lake itself where there are plenty of spots for you to sit and reflect with a cool breeze coming in from the water.

The path is made up of several moderately difficult dirt and rock trails ranging in length from one to 7 miles that begins at the trailhead on Overlook Drive in Dadeville. You can’t miss it. It is a huge stone and cement parking area with a large, engraved granite sign proclaiming where you are. The parking area has picnic tables, informational nature signage, and his and her vault toilets.

Pro Tip: There are several emergency exit trails that cut the loop short and lead directly back to the trailhead if you need to bail out of the hike.

The western half of Michigan’s lower peninsula along Lake Michigan features stunning dunes and great beaches without many of the worries associated with the ocean. These state parks all feature a Lake Michigan shoreline, but each also offers something unique that you won’t find at the other 79 Michigan state parks.

Vehicles entering Michigan State Parks require a Michigan State Park Recreation Passport. Check out the link for the costs and details.

In no particular order, here are seven fantastic western Michigan State Parks just waiting for you to explore.

1. Muskegon State Park, North Muskegon

While Muskegon State Park features all the summer fun in the sun activities, what makes it unique among Michigan State Parks is one of their winter activities, an Olympian-designed luge course. At the Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park, located inside the state park, they have one of three luge tracks in the United States and offer a “Learn to Luge Program.” In addition, they provide the luge, helmet, and pads to make the 25-mile per hour trip down the track not only exhilarating but safe. Other winter activities you’ll find in Muskegon State Park are ice-skating on a trail through the woods, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, sledding, ice fishing, and winter ziplining.

You’ll have almost as much fun in the summer at this year-round park. They have a shorter luge course, where you can practice on a wheeled luge. In addition, the Sports Park showcases a 1,300-foot dual zip line and an archery range. In addition to 2 miles of Lake Michigan coastline and 1 mile along Muskegon Lake, they have a 1930s CCC-built blockhouse, the highest point in Muskegon County, where you can see in all directions.

Pro Tip: The Park has track chairs at no cost to those with mobility challenges on a first-reserved basis so that they can explore the park too.

2. Leelanau State Park, Northport

Michiganders use their right hand to indicate where various places are in the Mitten State. At the tip of the pinkie finger, Leelanau State Park is 1,550 acres in two sections, separated by a few miles. The southern area has the Leelanau Cathead Bay Trail System with 8.5 miles of trails and a sandy beach accessible through the Lake Michigan Trail. The northern site showcases the Grand Traverse Lighthouse, a day-use area, and a rustic campground. If you enjoy camping, the park has 51 rustic campsites and three mini cabins.

The Grand Traverse Lighthouse is particularly stunning with its red roof and green-trimmed windows. The lighthouse is home to a museum that tells the story of the lighthouse keepers and their lives in the area. Climb the tower for magnificent panoramic views of Lake Michigan and Grand Traverse Bay. They offer tours too.

The grandkids will have a terrific time playing at the interactive playground and wandering along the shoreline looking for Petoskey stones.

Pro Tip: The Leelanau Peninsula is one of Michigan’s wine regions. The 45^th parallel marker, halfway between the equator and the north pole, shares the exact parallel as the great wine regions of France and Italy, so be sure to take some time and explore the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail while you’re in the area.

3. Holland State Park, Holland

Holland State Park, located in Holland, Michigan, is one of the state’s most visited parks. The park showcases one of Michigan’s most photographed lighthouses, warmly referred to as “Big Red.” Throughout the summer months, they occasionally offer tours.

More Great Lakes maritime fun includes boating and fishing on Lake Michigan, easily accessible through the park’s boat launches if fishing on the Great Lakes is on your bucket list.

Plan a long weekend in Holland, where you can camp at one of the park’s two large campgrounds, each offering something unique. The Lake Macatawa Campground features 211 campsites. If you want to rough it with a bit more comfort, try out their camper cabin, The Whitetail, which has Big Red and the Holland Channel views. The other is the modern Beach Campground, offering 98 paved campsites, 31 with full hook-ups.

Beach campgrounds open the first weekend in May and close the last weekend in September. Wooded sites are available from April through October, when a full hook-up site costs $45. You can reserve your spot 6 months in advance. Reserve online at MiDNRReservations.com or call 1-800-44-PARKS.

Pro Tip: The Tulip Festival starts the first weekend in May and runs through the second weekend. That’s a fun time to visit Holland during all the festivities, but early May can be a bit chilly by the lake.

4. Keith J. Charters Traverse City State Park, Traverse City

What I like about Keith J. Charters Traverse City State Park is the location; it’s situated in urban Traverse City about 2 miles from downtown. The day-use area, just off U.S. 31, features a quarter-mile of sandy beach. The easy access makes it a good spot when you break between other activities to stop by and sit on the beach, soaking up the sun with a good book, a great way to pass an hour of downtime. Then, of course, if you have the grandkids along, they’ll enjoy the well-equipped playground. The park also has a picnic area, so you can grab some takeout and enjoy a quick picnic lunch here too.

In addition to the day-use area, the 75-acre park features a modern campground, mini cabins, and a fully-equipped lodge that sleeps up to 11 people. The lodge is excellent for those who aren’t equipped for camping but want to be in the great outdoors. However, they require a weeklong rental from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Pro Tip: If your goal is to sample some of the area’s bountiful cherries, starting the first weekend in July for 8 days is a fun time to visit. That’s when they have the National Cherry Festival in Traverse City. With live entertainment and all things cherry, the festival is fun, but be aware that over 500,000 people attend, so the area does get busy.

5. Silver Lake State Park, Mears

Silver Lake State Park features almost 2,000 acres of dunes, so if you enjoy playing in the sand, you’ll love Silver Lake State Park. It has a 500-acre Silver Lake Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Area. However, if you want to enjoy some of the excitement with an experienced driver, check out Mac Wood’s Dune Rides. Mac Wood’s offers an interpretive dune tour in an area of the park not open to other vehicles. They offer the tours from mid-May through October. To be sure you have a spot on the tour, call ahead for reservations.

Little Sable Point Lighthouse stands 107-feet tall on the 70-foot dunes. It’s Michigan’s tallest lighthouse with 130 steps and is open to climb to the top from late May until late September. During the summer, musicians play Wednesday evening concerts on the beach. The lighthouse is open on concert nights.

In addition to the 3 miles of Lake Michigan coastline, the park offers a day-use area on the inland lake, Silver Lake. One advantage to Silver Lake is the water tends to be warmer than Lake Michigan.

Pro Tip: Silver Lake State Park is a busy place. To have a safe time in the ORV Area, take the time to understand the entry and voucher system and the rules and regulations before you go.

6. P.J. Hoffmaster State Park, Muskegon

After exploring the dunes in some of these west Michigan State Parks, it’s fun to learn more about the ecosystem. P.J. Hoffmaster State Park, home to the Gillette Sand Dune Visitor Center, is where you can learn how the forested dunes in the park developed.

The Dune Overlook Trail is a central attraction in the park, where the half-mile roundtrip hike has about 220 steps. Benches provide rest stops along the way.

In addition to the towering dunes, the park has 3 miles of Lake Michigan coastline, 10 miles of trails with beautiful views, and a modern campground.

Pro Tip: While you’re in Muskegon, stop by the USS Silversides Submarine Museum. They offer a program that allows visitors to sleep aboard the submarine, an exciting switch from camping out.

7. Van Buren State Park And Van Buren Trail State Park, South Haven

Van Buren State Park offers high dunes on the 1-mile sandy beach. Set along the Lake Michigan coast, you’ll find a swimming beach. The day-use area has grills and picnic tables to have a cookout or a simple picnic lunch. To extend your stay, the park features a modern campground.

Van Buren Trail State Park links South Haven with Hartford via a 14-mile trail. This multi-use trail leads you through woods, farmland, and even some blueberry fields. Runners will have an impressive run on this trail and may even encounter some wildlife along the way.

Pro Tip: Be aware there are three different areas: Van Buren Trail State Park, Van Buren Spur Trail, and Van Buren State Park.

California is home to 9 national parks and 280 state parks. It could take a lifetime to explore all the natural wonders protected in the Golden State’s portfolio of parks. Some of the most beautiful and lesser known state parks are those in Central California. This part of the state is home to white sand beaches, waterfalls, elephant seals, and redwood forests. Make a weekend of it to allow plenty of time in the great outdoors. And whether you want to camp or seek out luxury accommodations, there’s something for everyone. So set aside the time to go wandering through these scenic parks.

1. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

Named for Julia Pfeiffer Burns, a well-respected pioneer woman of Big Sur, this park stretches from the coastline into the nearby 3,000-foot ridges. Here you’ll find forests filled with redwood trees that often reach heights of 200 feet. 

But what this park is really known for is McWay Falls, a slender 80-foot waterfall that pours onto the sandy beach below. The secluded cove where the falls are located does not allow access for visitors, but there are trails that lead to viewpoints. McWay Falls Overlook Trail is a short quarter-mile jaunt that leads to a spot high above the falls. Photography enthusiasts will definitely want to come around sunset for really great pictures. 

A few other hiking trails are offered, ranging in length from one to 3 miles. Hike-in-only camping is available and advanced reservations are required.

2. Garrapata State Park

Also located in Big Sur, at its northern tip, Garrapata State Park is a hidden gem, unknown to most California visitors. Here you’ll find hiking trails that provide access to both the beautiful coastline and the breathtaking Santa Lucia Mountains.

A popular trail in this park is the 1.25-mile out-and-back Soberanes Canyon Trail. Along the way, you’ll see redwoods, wildflowers, a babbling brook, and excellent views of the Pacific Ocean. But if you’re not feeling like a hike, feel free to relax on the beach instead. Keep an eye out for seals, sea lions, and sea otters. If you’re here December through April you may even see gray whales during their annual migration.

3. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve combines a wealth of onshore and offshore resources, making it among the most popular parks in the state. On land, you’ll see headlands, coves, and rolling meadows. Offshore is one of the richest underwater habitats in the world.

Scuba and free divers will want to explore the 70-foot kelp forest along with the abundant marine life including lingcod, rockfish, harbor seals, and sea otters. In fact, the water portion of this reserve is eighteen times the size of the land portion. Diving permits are required with a limited number available each day. 

With over a dozen trails in the park, hiking is a great way to experience Point Lobos. Most trails are under a mile but can be connected to create a longer trek. North Shore Trail is a relatively easy 2-mile hike that offers views of secluded coves. If you’re visiting in the spring try Bird Island Trail which passes China Cove, the spot where mother seals nurse their pups.

Pro Tip: Be sure to download these two free apps before your visit; Dive Into Point Lobos and Discover Point Lobos. Both provide a wealth of information about this impressive park.

4. Hearst San Simeon State Park

Among the highlights of visiting Hearst San Simeon State Park is the opportunity to view northern elephant seals at the Elephant Seal Boardwalk. These massive creatures can weigh up to 5,000 pounds and reach a length of 12 feet. While they can be seen anytime of the year, the numbers are greatest during January, April, and October. Take advantage of the docents on sight to answer any of your questions about the seals.

The 3.3-mile San Simeon Trail runs through the park offering several scenic overlooks of the Pacific Ocean along with interpretive signage about the area’s flora and fauna. If you’re traveling with your dog, feel free to bring them along on this trail provided they are on a leash.

There are two campgrounds in the park. The San Simeon Campground allows for tents and recreational vehicles. Washburn Campground, located 1 mile inland, is available for primitive camping only.

5. Morro Bay State Park

Morro Bay State Park is well-known for its hiking and mountain biking trails and is frequented by locals wanting a great workout. Hiking trails range in length from .5 to 5 miles and vary in difficulty from easy to difficult. There are also accessible trails if you’re traveling with anyone with limited mobility. For a panoramic view of Morro Bay try the 3-mile Black Hill Trail.

Several trails permit mountain bikers in addition to hikers. Trail lengths are rather short but can be extended by connecting with those outside the park’s boundaries. The Black Hill Trail is also popular with cyclists.

Thanks to its location on a lagoon, Morro Bay is also an ideal place for sailing, fishing, and bird watching. Birders will definitely love this park that’s home to 240 species including brown  pelicans, great and snowy egrets, red-shouldered hawks, and great-horned owls, 

6. Montana De Oro State Park

Just nine miles south of Morro Bay is Montana De Oro State Park, known for its impressive gold wildflower display each spring. With rugged cliffs, coastal plains, streams, canyons, and hills, this is a hikers’ paradise. The 3.4-mile Bluff Trail skirts the coastline, bluffs, and tide pools. But if you’re looking for a real challenge, try the 4.5-mile Valencia Peak Trail. After climbing 1,275 feet you’ll be rewarded with 360-degree views of the region. 

Located within the park is Hazard Canyon Reef, one of the best tide pooling spots in California. Visit at low tide to see creatures like sea anemones, urchins, sea stars, and crabs in abundance. 

One of the unusual features of Montana De Oro is the availability of equestrian camping spots. Hazard Canyon Equine Campground offers 40 spots that require a horse for their use. All campgrounds in this park are very popular and advanced reservations are required.

As national parks throughout the United States experience record attendance, many of our state parks remain underutilized and relatively unknown. California has an impressive collection of parks protecting sensitive ecosystems and wildlife. And in Central California, these parks offer access to quiet beaches and coves and unparalleled views of the Pacific Ocean. Take some time to explore these hidden gems in the Golden State.

Wild, wonderful West Virginia is a nature lover’s dream. Gorgeous trees and native plants are scattered through the river valleys, picturesque mountains, and majestic landscape. Visiting state parks is a great way to explore the beauty of the Mountain State, and the drive to get to them is equally impressive. Here are nine beautiful state parks to visit in West Virginia that I’ve either been to or heard friends raving about for years.

Blackwater Falls State Park, Davis

One of the most photographed state parks in West Virginia is Blackwater Falls, with impressive 57-foot cascading falls that require a semi-easy hike to get to. There are viewing platforms for those who cannot make it down the steep stairs to the water’s edge so that anyone can enjoy the magnificent photo-ops. 

The pathway winds through magnolia-laden grounds, where the dampness in the air invigorates your mind and body — a great place to experience a dose of nature. Blackwater Falls State Park is located in the Allegheny Mountains of Tucker County and has 20 miles of hiking trails among its 1,688 acres.

Pro Tip: If you decide to hike to the bottom of the falls for optimal views and photos, you will not be disappointed. Take your time going back up and allow for several resting stops between the flights of stairs. 

Watoga State Park, Marlinton

You’ll fall in love with Pocahontas County when you visit Watoga State Park, the largest in the state. This rustic setting has cottages and campgrounds that are mostly booked up year after year by families returning for an annual vacation. You may be surprised to know that many of these families are from New York. Many of the cabins (legacy, classic, and vacation) are pet-friendly.

Cast your line in Watoga Lake for excellent fishing opportunities. It is part of the Department of Natural Resources’ stocking program.

Watoga State Park is by Stomper’s Creek, in nearby Seebert. It is an easy place to launch your kayak or canoe or go for a brisk swim in the Greenbrier River. Tubing is popular in the area. The 77-mile Greenbrier River trail (wheelchair-accessible) runs through, as well, and is great for biking, hiking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing. 

Pro Tip: You can rent floats, bikes, and canoes, plus purchase sundries and souvenirs from Jack Horner’s Corner. 

Pipestem Resort State Park, Pipestem

It’s been ages since I visited Pipestem Resort State Park, but my husband and I had a romantic stay in one of the darling little cabins years ago. The park has a couple of onsite restaurants and two lodges (one open seasonally) with hiking and walking trails and attractive grounds. 

Pipestem is one of West Virginia’s most popular state parks. It offers a unique aerial adventure, “Pipestem Peaks Zipline Tour,” with heights of 1,600 feet, nine zips, and acceleration up to 50 miles per hour. There are 4,050 acres of the park to enjoy outdoor activities, plus an indoor pool, 18-hole championship golf course, mini and disc golf. Novelty attractions unique to Pipestem are ax throwing, 3-D archery (with equipment rental), laser tag, skeet shooting, and drone and remote control car racing. 

Pro Tip: Pipestem State Park has horseback riding stables, as well as E-bike (electric bike) rentals and bike tours geared for your skill level. 

Canaan Valley Resort State Park, Davis

Canaan Valley Resort State Park’s sheer elevation in the Allegheny Mountains allows this destination to be a top ski attraction. Even if you are not a skier, you can still enjoy the New England-style setting and ride the scenic chairlift during the summer. 

Canaan Valley’s mountains are splattered with sturdy evergreens and abundant wildlife and are also a top golf destination with a par-72 Geoffrey Cornish-designed course.

You’ll find choices for lodging at Canaan Valley ranging from a full-service lodge to cabins and a campground. The park also boasts 47 trails for downhill skiers and snowboarders, trails for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, and a fun tubing park. A new feature at Canaan Valley is the archery range with five ground-level shooting lanes.

Babcock State Park, Clifftop

Visiting Babcock State Park is about as West Virginian as it gets. Here you will see the gorgeous and iconic Glade Creek Grist Mill, seen in so many pictures of my Mountain State. The magnificent property is spread over 4,127 acres. It is suitable for typical outdoor recreation (hiking, fishing, mountain biking) and just walking around to soak up the topography. On my last visit, I met people from seven different states while stopping for photo-ops and souvenirs. 

Babcock State Park features 28 cabins, with 13 easy-to-get-to ones near Glade Creek, where the gristmill is located. All have Wi-Fi.

Geocaching is another activity at Babcock State Park and I saw several families partaking in the hunt this spring. In the summer, guests can swim, boat, or fish at Boley Lake. 

Pro Tip: Drone photography is only permitted daily from 1 to 3 p.m. 

Hawks Nest State Park, Ansted 

I could drive West Virginia’s Route 60 day after day and never tire of the dangerously curvy roads and the thrill of the terrain. Hawks Nest State Park is as close to home as it gets for this West Virginia gal. The scenic views are impeccable, and the rhododendron bushes add even more to the beauty. 

Hawk’s Nest State Park is in the midst of a huge facelift, including every inch of the lodge and its 31 rooms. They are shooting for a Labor Day weekend grand opening, but the restaurant is still open in the meantime. I hear the chicken salad is out of this world!

You’ll find short hikes at the overlook (which also has a rest area and souvenir shop), or you can go directly to the lodge where you can also ride down the aerial tramway (it’s fun!) to the bottom and then take a jet-boat ride if you wish. Another new type of lodging offered at Hawk’s Nest is Tentrr campsites, a pre-set canvas tent on a wooden platform.

Hawks Nest is a melting pot, and you will almost always see dozens of motorcycles and cars from neighboring states, all eager to see the beautiful Mountain State. 

Pro Tip: You can get a fantastic “birds-eye view” at the scenic overlook of New River Gorge National Park, West Virginia’s newest and only National Park.

Cacapon Resort State Park, Berkeley Springs

One of the state parks I’ve heard a lot about is Cacapon, in West Virginia’s eastern panhandle. Cacapon Resort State Park has mineral waters that are renowned for their healing powers. Other points of interest are the lake, golfing, and hiking. Courts are available for sand volleyball, basketball, and tennis. 

You can find overnight accommodations at West Virginia’s newest State Parks’ lodge, Cacapon Resort’s 124-room luxury lodge at the base of Cacapon Mountain. Perks include a seasonal beach with lake swimming, nature center, horseback riding, Pro Shop, and full-service restaurant.

Pro Tip: Climb to the top of the observation deck on Cacapon Mountain for views of four states: Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland, and Virginia. 

Chief Logan State Park, Logan

Found in southern West Virginia, Logan is growing by leaps and bounds and making quite a name for itself. Years ago, I enjoyed staying at Chief Logan State Park’s Lodge, complete with indoor and outdoor pools, mini-golf, and modern hotel rooms. The conference I attended for this stay used the food and beverage services and the conference rooms, and everything went as smoothly as silk. 

Chief Logan State Park is a 4,000-acre slice of heaven with lodging, conference facilities, hiking trails, and a 26-unit campground with a centrally located bathhouse. It is near the Hatfield-McCoy trailheads, an 800+ mile trail system that showcases the grandeur of the West Virginia hills. The Hatfield-McCoy Trail System is one of the most extensive off-highway ATV facilities in the world.

Chief Logan State Park itself is fantastic, and if you are adding leaf-peeping to your fall calendar, this would be an excellent place to pencil it in. At holiday time, visit “Christmas in the Park,” a drive-thru holiday lights extravaganza. 

Pro Tip: Celebrating a special occasion? Splurge for the West Virginia Suite in the park lodge. 

Stonewall Resort State Park, Roanoke

Stonewall Resort State Park is one of West Virginia’s crown jewels and makes for a perfect family getaway or vacation. Picture the setting: rolling hills with an Adirondack-style lodge overlooking the pristine grounds, three restaurants, indoor and outdoor pools, two hot tubs, and a plethora of amenities from golf to boating. The Arnold Palmer Signature Course is a delight and was one of my husband’s favorite courses to play in the state. 

On my stay, I took advantage of the outdoor fire pits, a perfect place to unwind with a good sweet tea at the day’s end. Another ultimate way to relax would be with a visit to the Mountain Laurel Spa.

Stonewall Resort’s signature restaurant, Stillwaters, is delicious. From Crab Hushpuppies and grilled mahi-mahi to a grilled cauliflower steak, you’ll love everything about this menu. 

Pro Tip: Take the grandkids on this adventure. They will love the mini-golf and indoor rock climbing wall.

Michigan State Parks feature the best of the Great Lakes and include year-round fun. Winter in Michigan’s State Parks offers cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, snowshoeing, and fat-tire biking. In the spring, from mid-May through mid-June, foodies will enjoy foraging for morel mushrooms. Summer is my favorite time, with boating, paddle sports, and general fun in the sun. Fall is an excellent time for hiking the trails and enjoying the spectacular autumn color.

With over 75 parks in the Michigan State Parks system, you’ll find some unique activities that add to the outdoor fun you typically find in the Great Lakes State. While these sites offer trails, boating, and other outdoor activities, they also have something extra. Here are nine fantastic adventures in Michigan State Parks, arranged starting from the north to the southernmost.

1. Ride The Raft At Palms Book State Park, Manistique

Tucked away in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, about 11 miles off Highway 2, at the end of Highway 149, near Manistique, is Palms Book State Park, home to Kitch-iti-kipi, translated to Big Springs. What makes this special is the clear water with Caribbean-like colors. The water is so clear that you can easily watch the brown trout swimming below the water’s surface. Water bubbles from crevices in the limestone at more than 10,000 gallons a minute. The pond measures 40-feet deep and over 200-feet wide, making it the largest freshwater spring in Michigan.

A self-propelled observation raft designed for groups allows you to get an up-close view of the springs. The raft has an open center with guard rails for added viewing. They have the raft attached to a cable rigged so that a visitor can drive the group to the center of the pool for optimum viewing.

Pro Tip: The raft and the path leading to the springs are ADA accessible.

2. Discover The Old Iron Smelting Town At Fayette Historic State Park, Garden

Located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, between Manistique and Escanaba, about 17 miles off Highway 2, you’ll find the abandoned town of Fayette. Fayette Historic State Park is a well-preserved town with 20 historic buildings on display. From about 1867 to 1891, the community focused on manufacturing charcoal pig iron. Some of the manufacturing buildings featured are the machine shop and the blast furnace. They also have other original facilities, including a hotel, various offices, the town hall, and homes. In addition, they offer guided tours, or if you prefer, take a self-guided tour.

Although admission to the village is free, you’ll need a Michigan State Parks Recreation Passport to enter the park. My favorite day to visit is the second Saturday in August when they celebrate Heritage Day. Additional activities add to the experience then.

Pro Tip: If you plan to stay overnight in the area but don’t love camping, another option is Fayette Furnace Hill Lodge. Initially the manager’s home, this cabin sleeps up to 10 people, features a remodeled kitchen and one four-piece bathroom that includes a flush toilet.

3. Hike To Tahquamenon Falls At Tahquamenon Falls State Park, Paradise

Located in Paradise, a town in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Tahquamenon Falls State Park offers two waterfalls and 35 miles of trails. I enjoy the park during autumn when the colorful fall foliage accents the stunning Upper Tahquamenon Falls. At more than 200 feet across and a drop of 50 feet, it ranks as the largest waterfall in Michigan and the third-largest east of the Mississippi River. The Lower Tahquamenon Falls is four miles downstream, featuring several smaller drops. At the lower falls, you can rent rowboats. In addition, this state park has interpreters that offer guided tours of the falls.

Pro Tip: The Park offers track chairs at no cost to those with mobility challenges so that they too can explore the park.

4. Explore The Fort At Mackinac Island State Park, Mackinac Island

History buffs will want to take time out to explore Michigan’s first state park, Mackinac Island State Park. To make history come alive in Fort Mackinac, they feature period demonstrations and re-enactments. The fort, a military compound, has a history beginning with the Revolutionary War. Its history continues through the War of 1812 and the Civil War. It features 14 restored structures, including the oldest in Michigan. I enjoy learning history from the docents dressed in period clothing through their demonstrations and tours. In addition, they showed what the life of a Fort Mackinac soldier was like, through an electrifying Drill, Tactics, and Firearms program.

Pro Tip: Mackinac Island is accessible by ferry and airplane. There isn’t a bridge. Motor vehicles are not allowed on the island. Walking, horseback, and bicycling are typical ways to get around the island.

5. Have An Adventure At Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park, Mackinaw City

Once called Historic Mill Creek State Park, Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park is a Michigan State Park and historic site located in Mackinaw City. The more than 600-acre park was once an 18th-century water-powered sawmill. We saw what life was like through tours and demonstrations through Mill Creek’s At Work Sawpit and Sawmill Demonstrations. In addition, guided walking tours shed light on life beyond the sawmill, with more than 3 miles of trails.

Pro Tip: Historic Creek Discovery Park usually takes at least 2 hours to experience.

6. Watch Archeologists At Work At Michilimackinac State Park, Mackinaw City

While we were in the area, we also stopped by Colonial Fort Michilimackinac, located in downtown Mackinaw City. Michilimackinac State Park is a separate state park from Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park. The fort features 13 reconstructed buildings demonstrating life in the late 18th century where the area was important in fur trading.

 An interesting fact about this site is that it is one of the most extended continuous archaeological digs in North America. Archeologists are busy at work every day at Colonial Fort Michilimackinac. In addition, professional archeologists work on-site and answer questions about their work.

Pro Tip: You’ll find the entrance to the Visitor’s Center under the Mackinac Bridge.

7. Star Gaze At A Dark-Sky State Park, Alpena and Rogers City

You don’t need to travel to Iceland or Alaska to experience the Northern Lights. Michigan has several dark-sky state parks in the northernmost part of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula where you can sometimes see the aurora borealis. Negwegon State Park, Thompson’s Harbor State Park, and the Rockport State Recreation Area feature the lowest measurable light pollution in the Great Lakes region.

Negwegon State Park in Alpena is under dark sky protection, making it a great place to stargaze with the naked eye. With luck, you’ll be able to see the swirling Milky Way.

If you want to camp out to continue your stargazing, Thompson’s Harbor State Park features two cabins. Each rustic cottage sleeps up to six people with a pull-out couch and two sets of bunk beds. Both places include a gas stove and lanterns, outdoor hand pumps, and vault toilets. Although you’re roughing it, it’s a bit more shelter than a tent.

Pro Tip: While the Headlands International Dark Sky Park in Mackinaw City isn’t a state park, it is a prime place to view the night sky and the only one in Michigan to have the international designation. Even if you’ve been to Headlands International Dark Sky Park before, a new season brings a new set of stars into view. With a different group of glittering stars on display, you’re destined to get a whole new show each time you go. Sometimes even the northern lights are on display.

8. Decode The Petroglyphs At Sanilac Petroglyphs Historic State Park, Cass City

Situated in Cass City, a town in Michigan’s Thumb Region, Sanilac Petroglyphs Historic State Park features a series of petroglyphs. These petroglyphs are rock carvings made by chiseling into the rock’s surface, while painting on the surface of a stone is called a pictograph. Native Americans in the region created these petroglyphs. The enclosure protecting the petroglyphs is open seasonally, but the park is open year-round. In addition, the park offers free guided tours every half hour Wednesday through Sunday. Tours begin at 10 a.m., with the final tour leaving at 4:30 p.m.

The park also offers a mile-long trail that features a 110-year-old white pine, the Michigan state tree, and the remnants of a 19th-century logging camp.

Pro Tip: Admission to the petroglyphs is free and doesn’t require a Michigan State Parks Recreation Passport.

9. Explore Walker Tavern At Cambridge Junction Historic State Park, Brooklyn

Located in Brooklyn in Michigan’s Irish Hills, Cambridge Junction Historic State Park, and Walker Tavern Historic Site, you’ll find a modest story-and-a-half farmhouse. Built about 1832, The Walker Tavern was a respite for travelers’ arduous five-day trip from Detroit to Chicago. Today the tavern and two other historic buildings make up the 80-acre state park. A reconstructed barn and the tavern contain exhibits about travel and work in the 1840s and 50s. In addition, the Visitors Center housed in the 1929 colonial-revival Hewitt House tells the story of early automobile tourism in the Irish Hills through quirky roadside attractions, including the Prehistoric Forest, the Frontier City, and Mystery Hill.

Pro Tip: While you’re in southeast Michigan, you’ll find several wineries to investigate. Cherry Creek Cellars is the one closest to the state park and is also in Brooklyn, where the Burtka family has been making wine for four generations. The winery is a fun one to explore as the winery is in an old schoolhouse.

I have driven between St. Louis and Chicago several times throughout my life, and I have to say that the I-55 corridor is less than exhilarating. Crossing over Lake Springfield near the capital is one of a few reprieves from the otherwise monotonous mile after mile of open farmland. As this was my only real experience with central Illinois — until recently — I made the unfortunate assumption that all of Illinois mirrored this lackluster landscape. My recent journey to the Starved Rock State Park region opened my eyes to the true beauty and diverse landscape of the Land of Lincoln.

The region has not one, not two, but three gorgeous state parks within minutes of each other, preserving nearly 5,000 acres of wooded trails and towering bluffs near the confluence of the Vermilion and Illinois rivers. Starved Rock State Park is the flagship attraction, but Matthiessen is just as beautiful and well worth a day or two of hiking or horseback riding. Buffalo Rock is perched on the north bank of the Illinois River, offering spectacular views of the surrounding area. While smaller than its neighbors to the south, you won’t want to miss the view it affords.

The charming small towns along this portion of the Illinois Waterway connecting Lake Michigan with the Mississippi River are another highlight of the region. North Utica — or simply ‘Utica’ to the locals — in particular, lies just minutes north of the parks and is devoid of big chains, remaining true to its mom-and-pop roots. “Not North” Utica, as I began to call it, is flanked by Ottawa to the east and Peru to the west. Both towns are packed with numerous quaint shops and eateries to enjoy. With so much to see and do, you should plan to spend a long weekend — or an entire week — near the parks to truly enjoy all that there is to do. From secluded cabins and luxury glamping, to family-friendly resorts and a charming B&B, here are my picks for the best places to stay near Starved Rock State Park.

Pro-tip: The parks can fill up quickly each day, so arriving before 10 a.m. is recommended if you want to beat the crowds and find a parking space.

Disclaimer: I was a guest of Kishauwau Cabins during my visit. All opinions are strictly my own based on my experiences.

Kishauwau Cabins: Secluded Cabin Getaway

In its second generation of family ownership, Kishauwau Cabins has been welcoming guests to the Starved Rock area for over three decades. You will find 17 distinct cabins tucked away around the property. Cabins vary in size from cozy cabins for two to bungalows fit for four to eight. My wife and I had the privilege of staying in a couple’s cabin, with ample room for two, a spacious bedroom, a large jacuzzi tub, and a full kitchen. The jacuzzi tub in particular was a great way to unwind with a glass of wine after a long day of hiking through and enjoying nature.

One of the best features of Kishauwau is that it is designed as a true getaway — meaning a chance to unplug. Leave your computer and cable news at home and spend the time you would normally spend on the internet or channel surfing reconnecting with those around you. The office is stocked with books, board games, and an array of movies and TV on DVD to take back to your cabin, so you won’t have to necessarily shut out all media. My wife and I found several of our favorite 90s movies and enjoyed a bit of nostalgia.

Other on-site amenities include fire pits and grills with each cabin, a large open field, several disc golf baskets, and a hiking path down to the Vermilion River along the back edge of the property. The parks are only a 10-15 minute drive from Kishauwau, making this an ideal basecamp for a weekend of hiking.

Pro-tip: Adventure seekers will find Vermillion River Rafting halfway between Kishauwau and the parks, an opportunity to experience a self-guided trip through the seasonal white water May 1 through mid-July.

Grand Bear Resort: Location, Location, Location

Starved Rock’s visitor center is a short three-minute drive from Grand Bear Resort. Moreso, the resort is located across the street from a smaller side entrance to the park that leads to the trailhead for the St. Louis Canyon trail. You will ‘bear’ly break a sweat getting from your room to the park — though I can’t promise you will remain dry whilst in the park. This family-friendly lodge has on-site dining, an arcade for the kids, and an indoor waterpark for the whole group to enjoy after a long day.

Grand Bear Resort offers various guest rooms from whirlpool suites designed for two to family suites that can accommodate up to eight. The rustic log decor will even set the mood for your outdoorsy getaway. If you are looking for more space, consider one of their two-story villas for up to nine guests or a three-story luxury cabin designed to entertain up to 18!

Camp Aramoni: Luxury Glamping

While driving to Starved Rock one morning, my wife and I noticed a sign in the small town of Lowell that said “Camp Aramoni.” Our curiosity got the better of us and we made the turn and stumbled upon a truly unique and hidden gem nestled just minutes from the parks along the banks of the Vermilion. We were lucky enough to run into the owner and she graciously gave us a tour of their event facilities used for weddings and corporate gatherings, set amongst the remains of a 19th-century brickyard. The property is a stunning blend of rugged history and modern comfort.

Down the hill from the beautiful refurbished brickyard, the team at Aramoni is installing safari-style tents set to open in August of 2021, for those that prefer to lounge in the lap of luxury. These spacious, semi-permanent tents provide a climate-controlled environment complete with king-sized beds, private bathrooms, and hardwood floors. What truly sets Aramoni apart is the service: En-suite dining is offered as part of the food and beverage program spearheaded by the on-site director of hospitality and renowned chef, Cleetus Friedman.

Enjoy wine tastings and cooking demonstrations with other guests, take part in morning yoga sessions, or kick up your feet in the privacy of your tent and enjoy views of the river while sipping your favorite cocktail. If you prefer to enjoy the great outdoors whilst being pampered, Camp Aramoni is the perfect fit.

Brightwood Inn: Charming Bed And Breakfast

This charming bed and breakfast backs up to Matthiessen, and 2nd- and 3rd-floor rooms offer excellent views of the nearby state park. Brightwood Inn is even tucked back off the highway for added privacy. Choose between their nine unique guest rooms, including one three-room suite on the third floor if you desire additional space and are not opposed to stairs. The ground floor includes two guest rooms, one of which is wheelchair accessible.

Upon waking, make your way down to the breakfast room for fresh fruit and muffins before enjoying a hot breakfast served to your table there or in the spacious library or on the back patio. Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day, and a hot, hearty meal is my idea of the true bed and breakfast experience. Peruse their collection of books or saunter into the gathering room to interact with other guests. While there, select one of the many available games or movies to enjoy in the privacy of your room.

Fox River Resort: Family-Friendly Fun

Fox River Resort lies 30 minutes northeast of the parks but provides a great base if you plan to not only enjoy the parks but make a day trip to the Windy City as well. Years before I was even aware of the beauty of Starved Rock, my wife and I stayed at Fox River Resort. We were looking for a quiet getaway within reach of Chicago as part of our “babymoon” before welcoming our first child into the world.

This family-friendly resort is an ideal location if you are bringing along young children, especially those who enjoy the water. Canoes and paddleboats are available for rent to enjoy on the Fox River. Head over to either the indoor or outdoor swimming pools for a quick dip or to splash around with your family. Best of all is the on-site Pirate’s Cay Indoor Waterpark that offers up hours of enjoyment for all ages between the lazy river and water slides. Entrance to the water park is not included with your stay.

Most units are two bedrooms with a full kitchen and living room, sleeping up to six people, though smaller units for four without kitchens are also available. The kitchens and room to spread out make Fox River great for an extended stay in the area within reach of both the parks and the greater Chicago area. After a long day of hiking, relax on the covered patio or unwind with your partner in the tub.

Camp In Or Near The Parks

If you prefer to camp or arrive in an RV, there are a few great options nearby. Staying on-site has its obvious advantages, and Starved Rock offers 129 electric-equipped sites allowing you to keep your car parked for the duration of your stay. Sites go fast, so reserve online up to six months in advance. Matthiessen offers first come, first served campsites for those with horses, conveniently located near the horseback trails. Both parks prohibit alcohol, so keep this in mind if you plan to imbibe.

Cozy Corner Campground is located across the street from the main entrance to Matthiessen, and only minutes south of Starved Rock, making it a convenient base for exploring both parks. New to the scene, Pleasant Creek Campground includes primitive tent campsites, water and electric hookups for RVs, as well as cabins near Oglesby.

Whether you are looking for a cozy hideaway, a family-friendly hotel, or a luxurious glamping experience, the Starved Rock area has something for everyone.

Now is the perfect time of year to visit state parks. With the long days and warm weather, it’s a great time to get outside and explore. You can go near or far, but sometimes the best places to visit are right in your own backyard. If you’re like me, you’re dreaming of far away and exotic places to go. But we have to remember to check out things right in our own city and state. I had visited Platte River State Park from time to time back in the day, but somehow I hadn’t been there for years. There were always other things to see and do. I recently decided it was time to go back to Platte River State Park and see what was new. Now that I’ve been back, I’m kicking myself for ignoring the park for all these years. The park is very well-maintained and quite a gem. 

Summer is, of course, the perfect time of year to visit state parks. I’m usually a hotel-type girl, but I’m trying to release my inner camper and experience nature more deeply. If you want to get out in nature and explore the sights and sounds of the outdoors, a visit to a state park is just what you need. I spend so much time online that sometimes I forget to head out into the real world. One thing I do try to make time for is walking outside. I love to walk and find that walking outside really clears my mind. It’s so peaceful to hit the trail and listen to the birds singing and feel the wind blowing through my hair. Nebraska has a lot of state parks, and I was super excited to visit one of the premier parks near where I live, Platte River State Park. 

Located between Omaha and Lincoln, Platte River State Park is about 15 miles south of 1-80 on Highway 50, near the town of Louisville. Since it’s so close to both Omaha and Lincoln, there are tons of things to do near the park. You could absolutely combine a stay in the park with a few days in the Omaha and Lincoln area. The Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Space Museum and the Wildlife Safari Park are close by, and Mahoney State Park is less than 10 miles away. There are also quite a few restaurants to try very near Platte River State Park. One popular dining option is Round The Bend Steakhouse, less than 10 minutes from the park. If you’re up for new experiences, you might like to try their beef fries. 

We visited recently and explored all the fun things to do at Platte River State Park. Here are the best things we discovered.

1. Stay In One Of The Glamping Cabins

Oh my goodness, the newish glamping cabins would be such a total treat for someone like me who thinks I like to camp, but really wants to glamp! The glamping cabins here are absolutely beautiful and are stocked with everything you could possibly need for your stay. It’s like you’re camping but with every possible amenity you could want. 

You’ll have a nice comfy bed, an indoor bathroom, a full kitchen including a full refrigerator, microwave, cooktop, Keurig coffee maker, plus a firepit and grill outside. You’ll have plenty of privacy to enjoy the sounds of nature from your deluxe accommodations. The glamping cabins are even stocked with robes and slippers to make you feel extra pampered. You do need to book a minimum of 2 nights to stay at the glamping cabins and they are very popular, so you’ll want to plan ahead. They’re also on the more expensive side — around $175 per night — but that could be well worth it for a little glamping getaway. 

2. Climb The Observation Tower

I can’t lie; I was a little nervous when I saw this tower. While I was driving out to Platte River State Park, I had already committed to myself that I would climb the tower. I had climbed it years ago, but this is now and I’m more ahem “mature” now! Even though it looked a little daunting, it truly wasn’t a bad climb. I think the fact that the steps are broken up into groups of maybe 8-10 steps helps. That way you stop at a landing and get a breather before going up the next set of steps. I took pictures every few landings so I could compare the lower views with the view at the top. The views are beautiful and totally worth a trip to the top. 

3. Reserve Other Lodging 

In addition to the glamping cabins, there are quite a few other options for accommodations within the park. Platte River State Park has 31 rustic camper cabins and 21 more modern cabins. 

The camper cabins are private cabins that share a central shower and bathroom building. Each cabin has a refrigerator and freezer and a fire grate for outdoor cooking. Linens are provided, but campers bring their own silverware, dishes, and pretty much everything else they need. Some of the camper cabins have heating and air conditioning, and some don’t. 

The modern cabins have more amenities like heating and air conditioning, indoor bathrooms, and kitchenettes with all the supplies. They also include a picnic table, fire ring, and most everything else. 

If you want to tent camp, you can do so at the park. There are numerous full-service 50-amp sites that are 20 feet wide and 50 feet long. The camping area also has a shower facility and modern bathrooms, along with picnic tables and fire rings. 

4. Go Hiking And Biking 

If you love to get outside and go hiking or biking, this park with over 10 miles of hiking trails has you covered. The trails are especially popular with mountain bikers because of some really cool features like the log ride, the launch pad, and the wall ride. The trails range in difficulty from easy to very difficult, so there’s a trail for everyone. I did some hiking here and the trails were pretty wide and very well marked. It was so nice to be able to hike in the shade of the trees! It’s at least 15 degrees cooler than in the direct sunlight. Make sure you hike down to the waterfalls. The trail is near the base of the observation tower, and it’s a short hike to the falls.

5. Roger G. Sykes Outdoor Heritage Education Complex

Have you always wanted to try archery or trap shooting? You have a great chance at the outdoor shooting sports complex within the park. This complex offers the opportunity to learn new skills with archery, rifle range, trap range, and pellet range. It’s all in a family-friendly atmosphere that focuses on safety. The complex is open May–December. When we were there we saw lots of targets lined up ready for practice. They also had an axe-throwing area that looked pretty fun.

6. Dinner At Walter Scott, Jr. Lodge and Restaurant

Unwind with a meal in the air-conditioned dining room at Walter Scott, Jr. Lodge and Restaurant. The restaurant is open Thursday–Sunday and serves breakfast (including a breakfast buffet on weekends) and lunch. They also have a Friday night all-you-can-eat pizza and pasta buffet. The most popular time to eat there is on Saturday night for their famous steak night. You’ll have your choice of buffalo, raised from the herd at Fort Robinson State Park, or beef. Either way, you can’t go wrong. Steak night also includes potatoes, veggies, and all-you-can-eat dinner rolls and salad. What a meal! 

7. Jenny Newman Lake For Paddleboating And Fishing

For a fun afternoon, you can rent paddle boats to tour Jenny Newman Lake, then grab some fishing gear and try your luck at catching a fish or two. Owen Landing is lakeside and has fishing gear that you can borrow if you left yours at home. Owen Landing also has a concession stand, so if you’re hungry, you can order a hot dog or a pretzel and relax at one of the tables overlooking the lake. This is exactly what I did the other day and it was fun to munch on a hot dog while I watched the kids trying to bait their hooks. Inside the concession area is also a small camp store that sells the necessities like hamburger buns, charcoal, and other must-haves for camping. If you’re feeling like a sweet treat, grab an ice cream cone while you’re there! 

8. Explore On Horseback 

Platte River State Park offers guided horseback riding. What a fun way to experience the park! The park’s experienced wranglers show you the ropes before you hit the trails. For instance, if you’re a total newbie like me when it comes to horses, they’ll show you how to get on the horse safely and what to expect during the ride. There is no cantering or anything like that allowed on the ride. They made it very clear that the horses are to go at a walking pace only. When I was there, there were lots of excited kids and adults who couldn’t wait to hit the trail.

The string of subtropical islands stretching 125 miles west from Florida between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean are known as the Florida Keys.   

Many people do not realize that the Keys are home to ten state parks. Each has something unique to offer and provides expansive scenery and wide-open spaces. It is easy to find some solitude in all the parks, and the outdoor recreational activities are plentiful.

Some of the best and most secluded beaches are found in Florida’s state parks. The state parks in the Keys are rich with fascinating Florida Keys history, underwater sea life, and coastal landscapes. 

Each park is only footsteps from Florida Bay’s aquamarine waters to the west and the turquoise hues of the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Let’s look at the various highlights of each of the state parks that the Keys have to offer.

Note: Florida Keys & Key West hosted my stay in the Keys. All opinions are my own.

1. Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park

Key Largo, Mile-Marker (MM) 106

Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park is the northernmost park in the Keys. It has one of the United States’ most extensive tracts of West Indian tropical hardwood hammock. At 2,805-acres, it has more than 6 miles of shaded and often paved trails, accessible to both bikes and wheelchairs.  

Eighty-four protected species call this state park home. A self-guided nature trail includes signs with information regarding the ecosystem and wildlife in the park. 

Tips:

• Be aware that tidal saltwater may cover parts of the trail.
• Take insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants due to mosquitoes. 
• There is an entrance fee, and you must have the correct change. 

2. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

Key Largo, MM 102.5

Key Largo’s John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park was the first undersea park in the United States, and it encompasses about 70 nautical square miles.

The coral reefs and marine life bring most visitors to the park. You can enjoy the view of the reef from a glass-bottom boat tour or get a closer look by snorkeling or scuba diving. The Christ of the Abyss (or Christ of the Deep) statue is located at Key Largo Dry Rocks.  

There is also kayaking, paddle boarding, and fishing. Visitors can walk on short trails and swim at the beach.

RV owners and tent campers will enjoy the 47 full-facility campsites.

Tips:

• Beach wheelchairs are available without cost.
• If you plan to fish, saltwater fishing licenses are required. (This is true for all parks in the Keys.)

3. Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park

Islamorada, MM 84.9

Formed by fossilized coral called the Key Largo Limestone, Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park is a 300-acre park whose quarry was used to produce exquisite pieces of decorative stone, known as Keystone, until the 1960s. 

The land was owned by the railroad, which used the stone in building the Florida Keys Over-Sea Railroad.

When visiting the park, you can walk along eight-foot-high quarry walls and see cross-sections of ancient coral as you learn about the quarry and the part it played in Florida’s history.  

Winding through a fossilized reef, you will find a little over a mile of trails. There are five short self-guided tours. 

Tips:

• Conditions are often hot and sometimes buggy.  
• Picnic tables are available, but most do not have shade. 

4. Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park

Islamorada, MM 77.2

In 1919, a wealthy Miami chemist, William Matheson, purchased the tiny island of Islamorada and built a home that included a windmill for electricity and a cistern for rainwater. This 287-acre park, known as Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park, offers a rare look at island-style living in the Upper Keys during the 1930s. The hideaway he built is currently the visitor center on the island. 

The only way to get to this state park is by boat or kayak. (Rentals from Islamorada operators.) The island is home to protected insects, birds, and endangered plants. There are also some mysterious ruins and Native American cultural sites. 

Tips:

• If planning to visit, choose a day with mild winds.
• Leave a float plan that includes your destination and planned return time with someone.
• Wear clothes and a hat that provides sun protection. Fabrics that are lightweight and quick-drying are best. 
• Pack food, water, and a garbage bag for any trash.
• No pets are allowed.

5. Indian Key Historic State Park

Islamorada, MM 78.5

Another park only accessible by boat, Indian Key Historic State Park, is an eight-acre island developed by John Jacob Houseman.  

In the 1800s, it was the site of a wrecking empire of salvaged cargo from shipwrecks. Housman’s empire included dwellings, a store, cisterns, a hotel, and warehouses. It became the Keys’ second-largest community for a while and the first Dade County seat in 1836.   

Native Americans attacked the island in 1840, and all the structures on Indian Key except one building were destroyed. Only one stone foundation remains. 

Visitors enjoy sunbathing, swimming, fishing, and hiking on the island.  

Due to storm damage, the boat ramp is closed. The only way to currently visit is via kayak. Watch for dolphins and manatees during your journey to and from the island.  

Tip: Swim at your own risk. There are no lifeguards.

6. San Pedro Underwater Archaeological Preserve State Park

Islamorada, MM 85.5

The San Pedro, a 287-ton Dutch-built ship that sank in 1733 sits encased in coral, stones, and ballasts off Indian Key. It is the highlight of the San Pedro Underwater Archaeological Preserve State Park.   

In only 18 feet of water, the San Pedro is a perfect location for beginning scuba divers or snorkelers to enjoy a fun day on the water. Over ten different species of coral and 65 species of fish have been documented on the site.

Tips:

• Be sure to bring lots of fluids and sunscreen when visiting this park. 
• This is an excellent site for underwater photographers.

7. Long Key State Park

Long Key, MM 67.4

In the early 20th century, Long Key State Park was once a favored luxury destination for the rich and famous. It was destroyed in 1935 by a Labor Day hurricane, and it never reopened.

Long Key is now a tranquil haven for swimming, bird-watching, kayaking, snorkeling, fishing, or simply relaxing on the beach. There are two hiking trails to explore. A designated location on the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, you may see some rare birds. I recommend kayaking along the natural shoreline in the clear, shallow waters. Bring your kayak or rent from the ranger station.  

Covered pavilions with tables for picnics are located near the water. This beautiful state park also offers primitive camping along the Atlantic Ocean.

This state park has many accessible amenities, including ramps and beach wheelchairs. 

Tips:

• Restrooms have cold outdoor showers only.
• Pets are welcome. 
• There are several geocaches on the island. 
• The park is an excellent place for stargazing.

8. Curry Hammock State Park

Marathon, MM 56.2

Curry Hammock State Park is a 1,000-acre park in Marathon with miles of natural coastline. It sits halfway between Key Largo and Key West. It is an ideal place to paddle board, kiteboard, and kayak in secluded, protected waters.

Hikers will enjoy the 1.5-mile-long nature trail. Bicycles are welcome on roads and the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail, providing easy access to and from Marathon.

Areas are designated for swimming and snorkeling. 

There are 28 sites available for RV and tent camping. Restrooms include solar-powered hot showers.

A picnic area with a playground is available.

Tips:

• Helmets are recommended for all cyclists.
• No motorized boats are allowed. 
• Leashed pets are welcome. 

9. Bahia Honda State Park

Big Pine Key, MM 37

An award-winning beach with soft sand, warm, shallow water, and excellent snorkeling make this 500-acre park in the Lower Keys a top family getaway. Bahia Honda State Park also has campsites, cabins, and concession operations.

When the famed Over-Sea Railroad was completed in 1912, it helped to transform the remote Bahia Honda Key island into a popular tropical destination. The Over-Sea Railroad Bridge provides stunning views, and visitors are welcome to hike to part of the original trestle railroad structure.

Bahia Honda State Park is a nesting ground for sea turtles and great for bird watching. The park has beaches on both the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. You can enjoy magnificent sunsets, balmy sea breezes, clear waters, and palm-lined beaches.  

There are snorkeling excursions available, and you can also rent kayaks and snorkeling gear. You may see soft corals, small coral heads, and tropical fish. 

You can ride bicycles on the park’s paved roads only.

The camping sites available on the oceanside accommodate large RVs. All have water, a picnic table, a grill, and electricity. The camping sites on the bayside are non-electric.  

Tips:

• If camping, please note the sites on the water have little shade.
• Campers must fit under the Bahia Honda Bridge (six feet, eight inches).
• Pets must be leashed.  
• Avoid swimming near the Bahia Honda Channel due to swift currents. 

10. Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park

Key West

Florida’s southernmost state park is the 56-acre Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park. Built in the mid-1800s, Fort Zachary Taylor was one of 47 forts constructed to defend the nation’s southeastern coastline.  

This National Historic Monument houses the most extensive collection of Civil War armament in the world. Interpretive panels explain how the fort played important roles in the nation’s history. On the third weekend of every month, re-enactments and historic demonstrations occur as part of the living-history program.

The shallow and clear water around Fort Zachary offers excellent swimming and snorkeling in the Keys. There are concession stands with food and refreshments, plus a gift shop.  

Biking is permitted along the shore past the fort and beside the Key West Shipping Channel.

The park operates as a day park from 8 a.m. till sunset each day.  

Wondering what it looks like? Check out the live beach cam and enjoy the view. 

Most amenities at Fort Zachary are accessible, and beach wheelchairs are available at no cost.

Tips:

• Water shoes are recommended if you plan to enter the water.
• Snorkeling equipment available for rent at the concession stand. 
• There are no lifeguards on duty.

You can find more information about each park and about the Florida State Park Pass that provides free entry into all the state parks on the Florida State Parks website. 
You can learn more about the Florida Keys and the parks on the visitor information site. 

Texas is home to some of the most ruggedly beautiful wilderness in the Southwest. You’ll discover diverse flora and fauna across Texas forests, canyons, and rivers, all protected by Texas Hill Country state parks. On a trip to the Texas Hill Country, you can take a swim in cold spring waters, go horseback riding across rolling plateaus, hike the rugged canyons, wade in babbling creeks, and tube, kayak, or float in rivers and lakes. Plus, you’ll find some of the best fishing available for Guadalupe bass, large and smallmouth bass, catfish, perch, and more.

This summer, to beat the heat, let’s explore the top five Texas Hill Country state parks near beautiful lakes.

1. Guadalupe River State Park

When I think of Guadalupe River State Park, I look forward to tossing in a tube and floating down the Guadalupe. Located 30 miles north of San Antonio, Guadalupe River State Park is west of Canyon Lake. The park backs up to Honey Creek State Natural Area, a Nature Conservancy-protected area only open for official tours on Saturdays. No pets are allowed here.

You can camp in the Cedar Sage or Turkey Sink camping areas; there are 85 shady spots for campers and RVs with water and electricity hookups. The Wagon Ford Walk-In Tent Area offers nine sites for primitive tent camping, with sites 90 and 91 being closest to the river. Daytime picnic tables are located right on the river, with plenty of parking space. Pets are allowed on 6-foot leashes. Besides tubing, you can canoe, kayak, paddle, fish, swim, and bike. Family fun includes geocaching, hiking, rock climbing, and stargazing along the scenic river.

The picturesque river flows over four natural rapids and is lined with giant bald cypress trees and two steep limestone bluffs. Hike in the forested bottomland or along trails lined with oaks and junipers that fill the upper limestone plateau.

If you like bird-watching, hike through the woodlands that provide a nesting habitat for the endangered golden-cheeked warbler. Watch for wildlife like deer, gray foxes, coyotes, skunks, opossums, raccoons, bobcats, armadillos, and other smaller animals. You can download a field checklist featuring several hundred bird species.

The Texas State Parks Store in the Headquarters Building at the entrance sells ice, firewood, T-shirts, camping accessories, and books.

Pro Tip: Did you know that the Guadalupe River is one of the top 100 trout streams in America? It is also the southernmost trout stream in the United States. The bag limit is one trout over 18 inches caught with an artificial fly or lure per day. The river is stocked each winter by Trout Unlimited and Texas Parks & Wildlife. Because public access is limited, the best way to fish in the Guadalupe River is to float on a stable raft with room for two anglers and a guide. Book your date well in advance, since dates fill up fast during the winter months. There is no summer fishing for trout.

2. Pedernales Falls State Park

Pedernales Falls State Park comprises 5,212 acres situated along the banks of the Pedernales River, with 6 miles of river frontage flowing over giant slabs of limestone in Blanco County, 30 miles west of Austin. The river can be turbulent, but most of the time, you’ll find it tranquil, a great place to relax and commune with nature. In drought conditions, the river may not be flowing at all. But at other times, you’ll need to watch for flash flood warnings.

Fun Fact: Pedernales is pronounced with an extra r: PUR-der-nal-ehz. The name comes from the Spanish word for the flint rocks characteristic of a riverbed.

Make your reservations online in advance and print out your voucher, since there’s no  way to pay at the gate. The park has a new access gate with time-controlled codes to limit traffic, but this gorgeous place is always busy with visitors floating, kayaking, and rafting.

You can camp at one of 69 sites featuring electricity and water, fire rings with grills, and shaded picnic tables, and there is a clean new bathroom and shower facility nearby. Campsites 11 and 13 are very deep and set back from the road, with lots of space between neighboring sites. Reserve your spaces ahead of time, since they book from one to five months in advance. You can also hike 2 miles to 20 primitive campsites with chemical toilets; no pets or ground fires are allowed in this area.

Pedernales Falls is a great mountain-biking destination, with more trails than you can hit in a day. Most of the courses look like old ranch roads-turned-park roads. You’ll see wildlife like deer, foxes, squirrels, roadrunners, and armadillos.

Pro Tip: The Texas State Parks Pass ($70) is good for one year and includes unlimited access to 89 state parks for you and your guests, as well as discounts on camping (with some restrictions), deals on park store purchases, and equipment rentals. Check out the Texas Parklands Passport for seniors, veterans, and those with disabilities.

Kids can become Junior Rangers and earn badges that grant access to the Junior Ranger Activity Journal.

Download a trail map here with access to more than 40 miles of trails.

3. Inks Lake State Park

This Texas Hill Country gem, located an hour northwest of Austin, boasts colorful pink granite hills, sparkling water, and astounding sunsets. Inks Lake State Park offers 22 cabins and nearly 200 lakeside campsites with playgrounds at the picnic and camping areas.

Spend the day swimming, boating, waterskiing, fishing, or scuba diving. Rent paddleboats, canoes, kayaks, life vests, and paddles at the park store. Besides camping, you can enjoy backpacking, geocaching, picnicking, or hiking (there are 9 miles of trails through shady forests and across rocky hills).

The Devil’s Backbone Nature Trail features waterfalls, scenic views, a wildlife-viewing station, and one of the state’s best-kept secrets: the Devil’s Waterhole swimming hole, where Spring Creek meets the lake. The pink rock formations are Valley Springs gneiss, metamorphic granite rocks almost a billion years old. These gneiss rocks support rare microhabitats for unique plants, wildflowers, grasses, mosses, lichens, and ferns.

Fish for sunfish, catfish, and bass at the two fishing piers, where you’ll find fish-cleaning stations and boat ramps. You do not need a fishing license to fish from a pier or the shore in a Texas state park.

Pro Tip: Be sure to visit the 150-acre Inks Dam National Fish Hatchery, bordering the Colorado River between Inks Lake State Park and Longhorn Caverns State Park. You’ll see 30 ponds — ranging in size from a quarter of an acre to 1.5 acres — raising Gulf Coast striped bass and paddlefish along with a population of the endangered Clear Creek gambusia.

4. Hill Country State Natural Area

You can explore more than 5,000 acres of tranquil creek bottoms, rugged canyons, and picturesque plateaus on this former Hill Country ranch northwest of San Antonio. Hill Country State Natural Area offers multiuse trails for horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking, and backpacking. You’ll find only primitive camping here at walk-in or hike-in campsites with vault toilets, but no showers or running water.

A lodge that sleeps nine is available with a kitchen and bathroom. Horse stalls are located nearby. Horseback riders can reserve an equestrian campsite or the group camp with a barn, nine stalls, water for horses, and a vault toilet, but no showers.

Nearby Bandera, the “Cowboy Capital of the World,” offers dude ranches, rodeo events, and kayak and tube rentals on the Medina River.

5. Blanco State Park

Take a cool dip in the spring-fed Blanco River just an hour west of Austin at Blanco State Park. The park parallels a mile-long stretch of river where you can swim, fish, paddle, or boat. Come for a picnic lunch, afternoon swim, or weekend camping adventure. 

Fish for largemouth and Guadalupe bass, channel catfish, sunfish, and — during the winter — rainbow trout stocked by Texas Parks & Wildlife. Remember, you don’t need a license if you fish from the shore in a state park.

For camping, choose from 29 sites with electricity, water, shade shelter, fire rings with grills, and nearby restrooms. The off-season runs from November through February.

You’ll find lots of red-eared slider turtles here, basking on logs and rocks. You’ll also see green herons, cricket frogs, Gulf Coast toads, leopard frogs, and squirrels. Other wildlife include deer, cottontail rabbits, and gray foxes. Four bats species also call the park home: Mexican free-tailed, Eastern red, cave myotis, and tricolor.

A Texas state park visit offers just about everything you’d want from a trip to the Texas Hill Country: hidden swimming holes, rolling hills, wooded canyons, spring-fed rivers, and magical sunsets, all in a place where time slows down and life is just a bit sweeter.

Ohio is known for its 75 beautifully diverse state parks located throughout its stunning landscapes. From the shores of Lake Erie to the southern rolling Appalachian hills, you will find you can hike, explore, and relax in some of Ohio’s premier outdoor destinations. I have enjoyed these state parks since I was a young girl and now as a grandma, and I continue to go back time and time again to enjoy the beauty with grandkids or for personal times of solitude. That is the thing about Ohio: Her treasures are vast, and it takes a lifetime of exploration to find and curate them all! Along the way, there are ones that have come to the top of the list that call me back.

1. Maumee Bay State Park

Northwest Ohio

Located in the northwest corner of Ohio by Toledo and situated right on the shores of Lake Erie, Maumee Bay State Park offers you all the amenities that you could want in a lakeshore destination. Maumee Bay has one of the Great Ohio Lodges, where you can find stunning views from the lakeside rooms and fantastic dining on the lake. Just outside the Lodge doors, you will find a two-mile boardwalk hiking trail that is wheelchair accessible out to the shores and around the marsh areas, where there are plenty of excellent birdwatching opportunities. Year-round you can find screech owls, cardinals, and blue jays. We saw deer crashing on our most recent hike and active muskrats swimming beside us. When you are at Maumee Bay, you are surrounded by plentiful opportunities to kayak small inland lakes, enjoy an adventurous experience out on Lake Erie, golf on the acclaimed golf course, rent a bicycle, or fish in the walleye capital of the world on your boat or hired charter.

Pro Tip: Spring birding is at its finest in mid-May, when you can see migrating warblers and shorebirds as they make their flight north. You will want to plan because the campground and Lodge fill up fast due to all the bird enthusiasts.

2. Geneva State Park

Northeast Ohio 

While this park is small, coming in at only 698 acres, it truly reflects the character and charisma of Lake Erie and hosts the beautiful Geneva on the Lake Lodge. It is there you will find yourself surrounded by the serene skyline of Lake Erie, which will have you romantically inspired and sitting with a glass of wine waiting on one of the stunning sunsets that this area is known for. I enjoy walking the paved walkways along the shores from the Lodge, where I can traverse to the lake and look for sea glass (glass that has been discarded at sea or the seashore, broken into pieces, and smoothed by the erosive action of sand and water, often used in making jewelry) on the beach or enjoy the panoramic views.

Staying at Geneva on the Lake Lodge is the best way to enjoy the lake vibe. Here, you can take advantage of their wine shuttles through Ashtabula’s wine country plus the bike and golf cart rentals, or check out the zipline adventure park for the adrenaline lover.

Pro Tip: While not in the state park, just outside the entrance is “the strip” that runs through the heart of Geneva on the Lake where families have enjoyed food, fun, and memory-making for over 150 years. 

3. Alum Creek State Park

Central Ohio 

Alum Creek, one of Ohio’s hidden gems, is tucked into the urbanized heart of the central part of the state in Lewis Center, Ohio. Crisscrossed with flat, level trails for hiking, various mountain biking opportunities for all skill levels, and a full-service marina, you will find yourself immersed with ample opportunities for outdoor fun. If you are feeling young at heart, take a walk through the Storybook Trail and enjoy the sounds of nature as you read the book along the way. I love to rent a pontoon boat for the day to explore the reservoir, have a picnic on board with the family, and jump into the cool waters for a swim. It is invigorating!

This park offers everything I love about the outdoors coupled with the perfect location to explore around central Ohio. Just minutes from the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, you can use this state park as a base camp for an ideal stay in Columbus. You can stay at Alum Creek on one of the campsites or in the Camper cabin. Camping here is a summer tradition for our family, and sitting by the campfire with smores in hand while taking in the evening sounds is always worth returning for year after year.

Pro Tip: Alum Creek has the largest body of inland water in Ohio and has 3,000 feet of sandy beach; rent a kayak, stand up paddleboard, or relax on the shores to grab some sun.

4. Hocking Hills State Park

Southeast Ohio

Most people you meet in Ohio will tell you that their favorite state park is Hocking Hills, which means it is one of the busiest. While you will find yourself surrounded by some of Ohio’s most beautiful geography and waterfalls, the trails here can be somewhat challenging. However, you can find two ADA-accessible paved trails located within Hocking Hills State Park: Ash Cave and Conkles Hollow Gorge Trail. These trails offer everything people come to the Hocking Hills region for, and they’ll make it easy for you to see what draws the crowds here. You’ll find lush green flora and fauna, strikingly tall cliffs, and gently flowing waterfalls.

When I am up for a more challenging hike, I tackle the Old Man’s Cave trail from the Hocking Hills Visitor Center. The visitor center is fantastic and gives you a glimpse into how this area was created and its stunningly diverse ecosystem. When I am feeling adventurous and looking for stunning views from the edge of the cliffs, I find myself climbing over 150+ stairs to the Conckes Hollow Rim Trail. The views from the rim are worth the trek, and the breezes off the horizon keep you cool in the summer months.

I live for the moments when I can come to spend the day climbing stairs, traversing rocks, and enjoying the coolness found in the gorges within Hocking Hills.

Pro Tips: Please note that parking at any of the trails within Hocking Hills can be congested and frustrating, so go early in the morning for the best parking opportunities on weekends. Also, this is more than a day trip destination; plan to stay three or more nights to enjoy all the trails and beauty. Stay up by Logan, Ohio, for easy access to food and evening activities. 

5. Shawnee State Park

Southwest Ohio

Ohio’s Appalachian foothills are located on the banks of the Ohio River, and here is where you find this park nestled into what many call the Little Smokies. As an outdoor enthusiast, this park offers everything the nature lover in me desires to see on a weekend away.

The modern Shawnee State Park Lodge has a rustic feel that overlooks some of Ohio’s most breathtaking views of her hardwood forest and has one of the premier barbecue smokehouse restaurants around. A stay here should never be short because the amenities seem unlimited. 

Outdoor adventure here is plentiful, and the hardest decision you will have to make is to determine what you are up for when planning your day! If you enjoy the opportunity for long, arduous hikes, the Little Smokies will provide you with that; however, if you’re into more relaxing activities, you can swim at the beach, play a round of disk golf on the Black Bear course, or fish for some of Ohio’s plentiful panfish.

Pro Tip: Fall is the best time to come and explore the depths of color along the lush hillsides, enjoy a fire on the deck of Shawnee State Park Lodge, or drive the scenic Ohio River Byway.

No matter where you find yourself in one of Ohio’s free state parks, you will be surrounded by some of the best that the Midwest offers in the outdoors. Whether it is that glass of wine on the beach, a fishing trip for walleye, a walk on a sandy beach, a hike through the gorges, or a trip to the Little Smokies, Ohio’s State Parks will take you by surprise as you enjoy everything they have to offer.

It may come as a surprise to some, but southern Arizona is not only about saguaro cacti and desert sunsets. Somewhat unexpectedly, the arid region also features several pretty lakes and wetland areas teeming with migratory birds. Add in majestic mountain ranges and fascinating historic sites, and you have the makings of a wonderful southern Arizona state parks road trip.

In all, Arizona has 31 state park units. While much of the tourist attention goes to high-profile spots like Sedona’s Red Rock State Park and the Phoenix-area Lost Dutchman State Park, the parks near the southern Arizona community of Tucson, along with those in the southwestern corner of the state, shine brightly as well.

I recently road tripped through the southern reaches of the state and camped at Arizona’s state parks along the way. I was surprised to find a number of southern park beauties that seemed to be fairly unknown to the rest of the state. I especially love the notion of oases in the desert and gravitated to the lakes set amidst the harsh landscape. The historic parks, with their stories of early military feats, also piqued my interest.

Based on my travels and information from Arizona State Parks & Trails, here are seven gorgeous state parks to visit in southern Arizona.

1. Patagonia Lake State Park

Beaches in Arizona are admittedly few and far between, and for a sandy little swimming beach less than a half-hour drive northeast of the Arizona/Mexico border town of Nogales, locals flock to Patagonia Lake State Park.

Considered a hidden treasure of southeastern Arizona, Patagonia Lake is a manmade body of water created by the damming of Sonoita Creek. The 265-acre lake cuts a vivid blue swath through the region’s brown and amber hills.

Along with swimming, which is popular throughout the warm-weather months, Patagonia Lake offers boating, fishing, waterskiing, picnicking, and bird-watching. Its unique arched bridge that rises over a lake channel is a great place to spot birds in the reeds along the shoreline, or just enjoy the warm breeze.

For a unique place to stay in the area, the park features a 105-site campground and seven camping cabins with beautiful views of the lake. Information on the park admission fee is available here.

Pro Tip: For other things to do in the area, see How To Spend A Day In Quirky Patagonia, Arizona and The Best Things To Do In Historic Nogales, Arizona.

2. Sonoita Creek State Natural Area

Located downstream from Patagonia Lake along the lower Sonoita Creek, the Sonoita Creek State Natural Area is its own entity within the Arizona State Parks system and has an identity of its own as a world-class birding area.

The lower Sonoita Creek, a perennial tributary of the Santa Cruz River, has a well-developed riparian forest that fosters a great diversity of birds and other wildlife. The Sonoita Creek State Natural Area consists of thousands of acres and includes a trail easement that connects it to Patagonia Lake State Park.

The Sonoita Creek State Natural Area has been designated an Important Bird Area by the National Audubon Society. “If you are a bird watcher you may hit the jackpot here,” the state’s website says. During the spring migration from late January through early April, a guided bird walk could yield sightings of more than 60 species, and the complete bird list consists of more than 300 species. A list of recently sighted birds (as of March 2021) is available here. One of the most sought-after birds is the elegant trogon, which might be seen between November and March. Ducks, rails, raptors, and flycatchers are commonly sighted.

Other animals in the area include creek squirrels, coatis, raccoons, skunks, deer, snakes, javelina, jackrabbits, and an occasional bobcat or mountain lion.

Pro Tip: The Sonoita Creek State Natural Area’s visitor center is located within Patagonia Lake State Park, and entry fees for the lake include the use of the natural area.

3. Buckskin Mountain State Park

A water experience of a different sort is available near the southwestern corner of Arizona at the stunning Buckskin Mountain State Park. The southernmost of the string of state parks along the Colorado River Corridor, Buckskin is known to command one of the finest views along the Parker Strip, an 18-mile stretch of river between Parker Dam and Headgate Dam.

At Buckskin, the stretch of blue Colorado River water is bordered by rugged mountains on both the Arizona and California sides. The park offers mountain hiking, boating, waterfront camping, picnic areas, and basketball and volleyball courts. Entry to the park requires a fee.

Pro Tip: For ideas on things to do on a drive from Phoenix to the nearby Lake Havasu City, see Phoenix To Lake Havasu City: A Road Trip To Arizona’s West Coast. 

4. Catalina State Park

With the Santa Catalina Mountains beckoning in the distance, and canyons and seasonal streams dotting the landscape, Catalina State Park provides a delightful respite in the Tucson area.

The park’s 5,500 acres provide miles of equestrian, birding, hiking, and biking trails that wind through the park and into the nearby Coronado National Forest.

Located within minutes of the Tucson metro area, Catalina State Park makes a convenient place to camp while exploring the city and its iconic national park, Saguaro National Park. The state park features 120 campsites that have electric and water and are either tent or RV ready. The campground is located in the shadow of the Santa Catalina Mountains and offers spectacular dusk and dawn views.

Pro Tip: To learn more about car camping in Arizona’s state parks, see my article Car Camping At Any Age: 11 Things You Need To Know.

5. Tubac Presidio State Historic Park

From military conquests to ranching endeavors to mining claims, the Tubac Presidio State Historic Park runs the gamut of early Arizona history.

The story of New Spain’s presidios (forts) is a unique one, according to the park’s website, and Tubac’s primary purpose is to preserve the ruins of the oldest Spanish presidio in Arizona — San Ignacio de Tubac, established in 1752. Tubac is one of few such sites that remain, and its “historic significance is heightened by the rarity of presidio sites,” the website says.

Today, a walk through the Tubac Presidio State Historic Park includes not just the history of the New Spain fort but also of the people who came afterward to live and work in the region. Along with the ruins of the fort, the park preserves one of the oldest territorial schoolhouses, and it exhibits the hand press used to print the first newspaper of Arizona, The Weekly Arizonian, published in Tubac in 1859.

The park website notes that over the centuries, six governments have existed at Tubac: New Spain, Mexico, the United States, the New Mexico Territory, the Confederate States, and the Arizona Territory (State of Arizona).

Pro Tip: The Tubac Presidio State Historic Park is just one aspect of the artsy community of Tubac. For other things to do there, see Art And History In Tubac, Arizona. 

6. Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park

For most, the name Tombstone conjures up images of the Wild West and the gunfights that occurred there. Certainly, Tombstone is known mostly as the site of a bloody gunfight that occurred at the O.K. Corral Livery & Feed in 1881, killing three and wounding three others. The legend of the shootout has lasted through the centuries and spawned numerous Hollywood movies.

But a deeper understanding of the town and the region is available at the Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park, housed in the 1882 structure that served as the Cochise County Seat for decades before the seat was moved to nearby Bisbee in 1931.

The handsome red-brick courthouse, with its cupola-style observation tower and lacy gingerbread cresting, changed hands a number of times before it was converted into a museum in the mid-1950s. It was then transferred to the state as one of Arizona’s first operational state parks in 1959.

Today, the old courthouse houses information on the gunfight at the O.K. Corral, but it also has artifacts from Tombstone’s mining past, including a saloon and gaming room, a period sheriff’s office, and a period lawyer’s office and courtroom. Outside in the courtyard is a reproduction gallows — “the site where many convicted murderers met their fate,” according to the park’s website.

Pro Tip: For more on Tombstone, see The Best Things To Do In Historic Tombstone, Arizona.

7. Colorado River State Historic Park

Located in the far southwestern corner of the state, the Colorado River State Historic Park near Yuma commemorates the site of an old U.S. Army supply depot that operated between 1864 and 1883. The purpose of the depot was to store six months’ worth of supplies for the forts in the area, according to the park’s website.

Although the depot site has been used by other government agencies over the years, five original buildings remain on the park grounds. Four of the historic buildings contain exhibits on military history, as well as the history of the Bureau of Reclamation’s construction of major irrigation works in the Yuma area during the early 1900s. The park’s visitor center features an exhibit on the military history of the Yuma Quartermaster Depot and includes a model depicting the depot’s appearance in 1872. Park admission information is available here.

Pro Tip: For other Arizona state parks worth checking out, see my article 8 Arizona State Parks That Belong On Your Bucket List.

Everyone has seen rainbows — and maybe even double rainbows. But have you seen a moonbow?

It’s a fairly rare phenomenon that requires a number of weather and astronomical conditions to align perfectly. When those conditions are just right, you’ll see a white moonbow arcing across the night sky.

There are only a handful of places around the world where moonbows, sometimes called lunar rainbows, occur regularly. Cumberland Falls State Resort Park in Kentucky is not only one of those places, it’s one of only two places in the U.S. where you can see a moonbow.

How Moonbows Are Formed

A moonbow is formed the same way rainbows are formed. When light shines on water droplets hanging in the air, light passes through the droplet. The light then bends, or “refracts,” reflects off the back of the droplet, and exits the water droplet after refracting again, a Farmer’s Almanac article explains.  

In the case of a moonbow, the moon’s light is refracted by water droplets hanging in the air. Moonbows are rare because they require those hanging water droplets, a full or nearly full moon low on the horizon, a clear night with few clouds, and very dark skies.

Moonbows aren’t colorful like rainbows because light from the moon is nowhere as bright as light from the sun. Consequently, the colors of a moonbow are too weak “to be picked up by the color-detecting cells in our eyes,” the Farmer’s Almanac article notes. That means we see a white moonbow because when all the visible colors combine, it creates what we see as white light.

Cumberland Falls

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, near Corbin, Kentucky, sits just outside the Daniel Boone National Forest. Although the park is known for its bird-watching and memorable hiking trails, near the park’s waterfalls is one of the two places in the U.S. where you can see a moonbow.

Since it’s just outside a national forest, the park is dark at night. Plus, the mist caused by water plunging over the Cumberland Falls hangs in the air. In the days before, during, and after a full moon — if the sky is clear — you’ll see the moonbow.

To help plan your visit, the park even publishes a calendar of when the moonbow will occur. You can find that calendar here.

By the way, if you’re wondering where else moonbows regularly occur, it’s a short list of locations. They are Yosemite Falls at Yosemite National Park in California, Victoria Falls in Africa, and in the cloud forests of Costa Rica. 

Know Before You Go

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park is open. Please note that facemasks must be worn in Kentucky State Parks while in indoor public places as well as outdoors when it’s not possible to maintain social distance from people who are not part of your group. More details can be found here.

Related Reading:

• 8 Best Hikes In Scenic Kentucky
• 7 Of America’s Most Stunning Waterfalls
• What It’s Like To Experience Yosemite’s Incredible Firefall In Person

Weather in Nebraska is always a question mark, and this year is no different. This spring, we’ve had a wide range of temperatures. Lately, it’s been anywhere from 40 degrees to 75 degrees.  This past weekend we had absolutely gorgeous weather! I decided to take advantage of a warm and beautiful sunny day to get outside and explore. I felt like going somewhere different, so I headed out for a day trip to Mahoney State Park, one of the premier state parks in Nebraska.  

Eugene T. Mahoney State Park is a very large, 700-acre state park located in the eastern part of Nebraska, halfway between Omaha and Lincoln and right off Interstate 80. The park is open year-round with plenty of things to see and do every month of the year. Completed in 1991, it’s actually the first Nebraska state park that was designed for year-round operation.

You can do a day trip to Mahoney like I did recently, or you can spend a few nights or weeks here. The park admission is around $6 for a day pass or $30 for an annual season pass. Some people may not want to pay admission, but believe me, there is so much here, it’s totally worth it. You won’t be disappointed! 

From Omaha, I drove West on 1-80 to exit 426. It took me about 25 minutes to get to the park.  Once I got there, it was time to explore this massive park. 

I hadn’t been to Mahoney in a while and was blown away by all the different things to do. You could stay here a week and have no trouble doing different activities every single day.

1. Go Horseback Riding

I started my day off at the stables to see the horses. Trail rides are such a cool thing to offer at a state park! You can do wrangler-guided trail rides from May to October for only about $25 per person, and kids between 3 and 9 can do pony rides for less than $10 per person. I was there right before May, so a little too early to go for a trail ride, but I still walked over to the stables and arena area to see the beautiful horses. The horses were just waiting at the fence and seemed so happy to have extra attention from visitors. There were quite a few other horse lovers there with me. 

2. Head To Baright Lake And Owen Marina

From the horse arena, I ventured over to Baright Lake and Owen Marina. You can fish the stocked Baright Lake from the banks of the lake or from the bridge. And, if you don’t have your fishing equipment, you can borrow a fishing rod from the marina for free!  

If you want to get out on the water, you can rent a paddleboat at the marina for a relaxing way to explore the lake. If you’re hungry afterward, grab a snack and a drink from the marina. For more fishing, there’s also another larger stocked fishing lake within the park, CenturyLink Lake.

3. Hike The Trails

There are over 6 miles of trails and plenty of paved walkways to explore here. It was a little early in the season to see a lot of flowering plants, but I still enjoyed walking along the trails, taking in the beauty of the native grasslands. I know the park is even prettier during the late spring, summer, and fall. 

4. Go To A Show At The Theater

The Denman and Mary Mallory Kountze Memorial Theater holds live performances in summer and winter. The melodramas are a fun way to spend an evening.

4. Golf: Mini Golf, Disc Golf, Or Driving Range

I saw families playing on the disc golf course and more families trying their luck on the 18-hole mini-golf course. Speaking of golf, I checked out the driving range at Mahoney to get in some practice before golf season. If you want to hit the driving range but didn’t bring your clubs, no worries, because they actually rent clubs here at the John R. Lauritzen Driving Range. 

5. Play Outside  

The park has just about everything you could want if you were a kid. I saw kids playing on the very large outdoor playground by the theater, and on another smaller playground and basketball court up by the marina. The marina also has all kinds of sporting equipment available for park guests to borrow free of charge, including horseshoes, footballs, soccer balls, bocce balls, tennis balls and racquets, and everything you need for a softball game. Mahoney also has sand volleyball courts, softball fields, and tennis courts. Plus, there’s an indoor climbing wall at the Activity Center and an outdoor, 70-foot-high observation tour to climb. 

6. Rent Bikes

The park is really huge, and there’s no way you can see it all on foot. Many people were biking through the park, and I noticed they rent bikes right at the park. This is super convenient for anyone that wants to explore on two wheels but doesn’t want the hassle of transporting their own bike. The bike rentals are self-service, so it’s really easy to walk up and choose your own bike to rent for a few hours or a day. And all the bikes look new, so you don’t have to worry about getting a bike that will break down mid-way through your ride.

7. Go Ape At The Ropes Course

After walking some of the trails, I decided to go check out the other areas of the park by car. One of the newest and most popular additions to the park is the Go Ape Ropes Course. These aren’t just quick zip line courses where you go up and are done in 20 minutes. These epic courses are anywhere from one to three hours in length!  

Go Apes Ropes Course is an independently owned and operated ropes course where you can take your pick of three different zip lining and ropes courses. No matter what you choose, you’ll be literally gliding through the trees and forests of the park. These adventures are a ton of fun and not for the faint of heart! If you’re prepared to climb up into the trees and put forth physical effort while making your way through the obstacle courses, you’ll be rewarded with super cool views of the park and the satisfaction that you conquered the course! There are minimum age and height requirements that vary according to the course you select. There’s also a maximum weight limit of 285 pounds. Prices range from about $15 up to around $50 per person.

8. Swim

One thing we’ve enjoyed many times throughout the years at Mahoney is their aquatic center. The aquatic center includes an awesome wave pool, a regular swimming pool with a zero-depth entry area, and two water slides. It’s a great time for a very reasonable price. The wave pool is super powerful, so beware! I wasn’t prepared for how strong those waves are. Plus the wave pool gets really crowded, so it’s easy to get squished. It’s really, really fun, but keep a hold on any younger kids with you! The slides are also surprisingly fun for a lower-budget waterpark slide. And, even though it’s busy, the lines really weren’t too long. The pool area is open Memorial Day weekend through mid-August.

9. Camp

Mahoney has many different options for accommodations within the park. There are plenty of tent campsites along with RV camping spots, over 50 different cabins, and rooms in the main lodge. 

We’ve stayed at the Mahoney cabins several times, and they’re very nice. Some state parks have what I would consider primitive or rustic-type cabins. The cabins at Mahoney are not that. They’re all super modern, with bathrooms, fully equipped kitchens, and of course, air conditioners! Most of the cabins have two bedrooms. There are even some with four bedrooms and also a couple six-bedroom cabins, which are great if you’re having a big group or family reunion. You can also stay in one of the 40 guest rooms at the Peter Kiewit Lodge. The rooms in the lodge are more like hotel rooms with each having two queen beds and a mini-fridge. Prices for lodging start around $100 per night for the lodge rooms and reach up to around $200 per night for most of the two-bedroom cabins. The larger cabins will cost more since they sleep so many people. 

10. Enjoy Winter Activities

In the winter, there’s no shortage of things to do, like ice skating at the ice rink, sledding, ice fishing, cross-country skiing, and winter hiking.

Pro Tips: Book your cabin as early as possible because they fill up extremely fast! And while you’re in the state, consider

• 10 Best Hikes In Scenic Nebraska
• 11 Fabulous Ethnic Restaurants To Try In Omaha
• 9 Fantastic Chocolate Shops In Nebraska

Piney woods, gently sloping hills, and freshwater kettle ponds grace 1,900 acres at Nickerson State Park in Brewster, Massachusetts. It is difficult to believe you are a short, walkable distance to Cape Cod Bay when all the beautiful woodlands surround you. Situated on the northern shore of the Cape just before the land bends northward, Brewster offers visitors a great location for exploring the eastern portion of Cape Cod.

Camping at Nickerson State Park is a fun, nature-driven experience. The park offers over 400 campsites for tents, RVs, and trailers. They even have yurts available to rent, allowing you to camp without lugging tons of gear. Featuring hiking, boating, swimming, fishing, and offering easy access to the Cape Cod Rail Trail, Nickerson State Park has plenty of options for enjoying a nature-driven vacation. Campers who have visited know, with the limited amount of spaces and the opportunity for enjoying the great outdoors, the spots fill up quickly. Reserve your camping spot early for the best selection.

Spend the day enjoying the park if you are more of a “hotel stay” type of vacationer. You can enjoy everything Nickerson State Park has to offer; it provides a nice change of pace from the crowded Cape beaches. There is a daily parking fee charged from Memorial Day weekend through November with in-state and out-of-state rates.

Things To Do In Nickerson State Park

Vacationing at Cape Cod’s Nickerson State Park is an opportunity to unplug, slow down, and let Mother Nature’s embrace lull you to a peaceful inner state. You can be as active or as laid-back as you desire.

The park is a wonderful spot to enjoy a sunrise camp stove coffee while the sun illuminates the lake and the birds fill the air with their morning songs. At the end of your day, bond with your family and friends over a s’mores-filled campfire as the night sky twinkles with starlight.

Hiking Trails

The hiking trails at Nickerson run the gamut from paved paths to wooded treks through the woods and around the ponds. There are many popular hikes around the park, and 12 different hikes are rated and reviewed on AllTrails. You will definitely find a hike that suits your skillset.

Little Cliff Pond hike wraps 1.7 miles around this delightful kettle pond. The easy hike is mostly flat, but there are a few gentle hills to test your legs.

Rated as a difficult 8.5-mile, out-and-back hike, Nickerson State Park Long Trail will wander you through the park’s wooded areas. The path is reasonably well marked and takes you by offshoot trails that provide views of the lakes.

For a beautiful summer afternoon hike, head out on the Higgins Pond Loop Trail. The easy to moderate 2.2-mile hike around the lake offers beautiful views of the water. There are some hills to challenge your workout, along with the usual roots and rocky path obstacles.

Beach

Cliff Pond is the largest pond in Nickerson State Park, clocking in at 204 acres. It is a kettle pond or kettle hole lake carved by the glaciers. With a beautiful beach and surrounded by a shady forest, this unique swimming hole will bring you back to childhood memories of lake swimming. Whether you hike over or drive (there are limited parking spots), you will enjoy swimming in the cool, clear water.

There are eight freshwater ponds at Nickerson State Park to explore. Each visit to the park’s water features offers a different experience.

Boating

There are many boating options available at the park, from motorboats and stand-up paddleboards (SUP) to canoes and kayaks. You can tote your own equipment giving you the freedom to enjoy the water on your time and terms. Alternatively, there are rental options all along the Cape to help you enjoy your on-the-water fun.

Boating is allowed on the ponds with a few restrictions. Cliff pond has a 10 HP maximum engine limit. However, electric motors are allowed in Flax Pond. Both ponds have boat ramp access.

For a person-powered experience, rent a kayak or SUP from Lea’s Boat Rentals. The outfitting company is run by ambitious college students and operates on a first-come, first-serve basis. Located steps from the water, Lea’s is the easiest rental option for the Park.

Biking Around Cape Cod

Nickerson State Park offers over 10 miles of paved bike paths. The center trails loosely form a figure-8 that winds you around the wooded park, offering peeks of the lakes.

The path also connects to the Cape Cod Rail Trail (CCRT), a well-maintained, 25-mile-long paved path enjoyed by bikers and hikers alike. The path runs from Yarmouth to Wellfleet and crosses through scenic areas of the Cape. You will pass through quiet residential areas, cranberry bogs, and sections of the National Seashore. The trail is mostly flat and you will see many riders on cruisers, which are perfectly suitable for the CCRT.

There are many bike rental options along the CCRT. Brewster Bike is a good option with its proximity to Nickerson State Park.

Sleep In A Yurt

A traditional yurt is a portable, round tent used by nomadic groups in Central Asia. At Nickerson State Park, it is a fun and interesting camping experience. Renting a yurt is perfect if you don’t own a tent. You only have to bring some basic camping gear and you are ready to rough it.

The yurts at Nickerson State Park sleep four people. They are equipped with a table, chairs, and bunk beds (no linens). Happily, they offer electricity and water hookup. Many of them are located in fully shaded areas to keep you cool at night. A large percentage of the yurt rentals are ADA accessible. You can book a yurt rental at Reserve America. Nickerson is a popular camping destination, so booking early is suggested.

Fishing For Trout

Nickerson is home to eight freshwater kettle ponds. Some are stocked with trout for your fishing enjoyment. If you have never tasted fresh-caught, pan-fried trout, you are in for a tasty angler’s dinner. Alternatively, the Higgins Pond catch-and-release fishing program may be more to your liking, and you can find a fish and chips dinner at a local restaurant.

There are a large number of bait and tackle shops around the Cape. Cape Days has an extensive list; you will surely find one that has exactly what you need to outfit your fishing adventure at Nickerson State Park.

John Kelley Memorial

Every fan of the Boston Marathon has heard the legendary John Kelley. He ran in the race from Hopkinton to Boston 61 times and won it twice. The Hyannis John Kelley Half Marathon is typically held on Memorial Day weekend in his honor. I have run this race, and you need to know, the Cape is not as flat as you would expect. However, the race has beautiful scenery and is a fun way to spend a day.

Nickerson State Park has a John Kelley memorial plaque to honor his contribution to the art of running. Hopefully, it will inspire you to take to trail as a runner or a walker.

Park Ranger-Led Programs

Ranger and staff-led programs focusing on natural and cultural history and highlighting the environmental features are held intermittently throughout the summer. You will find rangers leading tours, workshops, and presentations around the park and at the amphitheater. A check-in with the ranger on duty will allow you to explore what is happening during your stay.

Camping In Nickerson State Park

Camping at Nickerson State Park allows you to escape the hectic beachgoers buzzing around the Cape in a hurry to get somewhere. The laid-back, nature-driven vibe in this secluded haven is perfect for a camping adventure filled with lazy days sprinkled with bursts of physical activity.

Nickerson offers over 400 campsites for your fresh air enjoyment. Many sites have water views overlooking one of the kettle ponds, and most sites allow pets. In addition to the yurt rentals, there are sites for pop-ups, tents, and back-in sites. You can book your Nickerson State Park campsite at Reserve America. Nickerson State Park is a popular camping destination, so booking early is suggested. There is a 14-cumulative-day occupancy limit at the park.

If you are craving some outdoor relaxation time where you can soak up nature’s gifts, spending some time camping at Nickerson State Park is the perfect prescription.

Pro Tip: Sections of the park can be used for group day use, and the park may be closed to visitors, be sure to check their website or call for closure updates.

If you are looking for other Cape Cod activities, check out our Weekend Getaway To Cape Cod: The Best Things To See And Do. The beaches are amazing, and we have two articles about enjoying additional fun in the sun time: Cape Cod National Seashore: The 7 Best Experiences and The 11 Best Beaches On Cape Cod.

In the heart of January, the morning was a bit chipper with cold as my friend Emily and I wandered up the trail at Frozen Head State Park in Wartburg, Tennessee, and the densely-forested trail was gray with early morning mist.

A stream burbled over small rocks and quaint waterfalls along the still-verdant wilderness, and it was easy to imagine that we were exploring this wild hidden trail along Tennessee’s Cumberland Mountains as it looked centuries ago.

We were on the nearly one-mile Panther Branch Trail to hunt for waterfalls. The dirt path, riddled with loose rocks and exposed root, traveled upwards at a steady incline to connect to the .5-mile Emory Gap Trail, and we were taking the hike at a fast clip.

After a challenging year and a month of a rough and problem-laden move to a new home, I had escaped with my friend to Tennessee for some much-needed nature therapy. I had visited Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Gatlinburg the year before and fell in love with the rolling, almost-unbelievably beautiful nature of Tennessee, so I knew I wanted to return.

When I was invited to explore the state’s oft-overlooked state parks as a hosted guest, I jumped at the chance. For a week, Emily and I drove through the central areas of Tennessee as we sought out long hikes and hidden waterfalls.

With 56 designated state parks and 85 state natural areas, we had plenty of parks to choose from. Because we only had a week to get away, we narrowed our trip down to six Middle Tennesee parks, but the ones we chose were heart-breakingly splendid in their unspoiled wildness.

Frankly, you can’t spit without hitting postcard-perfect forest areas or hidden waterfalls in this state. And while our initial plan wasn’t to go waterfall hunting, that’s what we ended up doing.

In the brief time we had to explore the wilds, these are the six state parks we discovered.

1. Pickwick Landing State Park, Counce

Traveling east from Oklahoma to Tennesee, our first state park was Pickwick Landing State Park, roughly 100 miles east of Memphis. Technically, it’s located in the western part of the state, but it was the first one we hit as we made our way towards central Tennessee.

We arrived at night to stay at the newly-remodeled Lodge Pickwick Landing with its spacious rooms and lovely balconies overlooking the water.

Pickwick Landing State Park is surrounded by 1,000 acres of natural beauty and is famous for its water sports, like swimming, fishing, boating, and more, but the friendly hills offer a chance for some nice hiking as well.

In fact, as we walked along the relatively easy, 2.8-mile Lake Trail, I tried barefoot hiking for the first time. Emily was already a fan of feeling the dirt under her naked toes, so I gave it a try as well, despite the cold morning. The trail has some mild elevation and stellar views as it winds along the Pickwick Lake shore, but the rocky trail did make for some sore heel bruises at the end of the hike.

The park also has a marina, camping, and cabins available for use, including 48 sites with electrical and water hook-ups, and an indoor and outdoor swimming pool at the lodge.

If you are a fishing enthusiast, Pickwick Landing is famous for its smallmouth bass and Tennessee River Catfish, and the lake is home to several large fishing tournaments year-round.

The park also offers up a challenging golf course surrounded by trees with water found on eight holes.

2. Cumberland Mountain State Park, Crossville

After my inaugural barefoot hike at Pickwick Landing, Emily and I loaded up for the four-hour drive to Cumberland Mountain State Park in Cumberland County, Tennessee. After getting a speeding ticket in Waynesboro (slow down on the hill entering the town), we arrived to stay in one of the deluxe cabins at Cumberland Mountain State Park, which also has 11 historic Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) cabins available.

The park and the Cumberland Plateau, which extends down from western New York to central Alabama, are located just minutes off I-40, but you’ll feel as if you’ve traveled back in time.

One of the architectural achievements of the CCC, Cumberland Mountain State Park was a part of the New Deal-era Cumberland Homesteads Project, which helped relocate poverty-stricken families on the Cumberland Plateau to small farms centered on what is now the Cumberland Homestead community. This 1,720-acre park was built to provide recreation for the 250 families who homesteaded on the Cumberland Plateau.

We squeezed in a .85-mile hike on the Cumberland Plateau Trail that weaves along the bucolic stream before the sun set that day, waking up to find a fine layer of snow on the ground the next morning.

Despite the snowy start, we tackled the 2-mile Byrd Creek trail to the 5.9-mile Overnight Trail for our hike of the day, joined by a second Emily who lived in the area. While the 2-mile Byrd Creek Trail has some steep elevation at points, it’s a soothing journey along the verdant and green Byrd Creek with its ridiculously green wild rhododendron bushes that burst with flowers in the spring and summer.

The nearly-six mile Overnight Trail was a challenge, to be honest. With steep, rocky inclines and some rickety bridges, it’s not for the faint of heart or those looking for a mild hike. It’s worth it, though, as you weave up the sides of mountains and across streams. The distant serenade of cows punctuates the deep silence as you skirt pasture land and pass through dense forest. Hiking poles are a good idea on this hike.

When you connect back to Byrd Creek Trail to return to the visitor center parking lot, it’s best to retrace the first leg of the trail instead of the loop back. The loop doesn’t end in the parking lot but about a mile further down, and we navigated a rather tricky and dangerous creek crossing to get back to the original trail.

Cumberland Mountain State Park is home to a golf course, boat rentals, RV campsites, and backcountry camping. It’s also famous for its birding as herons, belted kingfishers, and ducks winter over in the area.

Pro Tip

The restaurant at the park was closed, but Crossville is close enough to run into town for food. The Grinder House coffee house is a delight, with its curated coffees and tasty burger and sandwiches (I recommend the Reuben!), which were a delicious treat after eight miles of hiking. The Pour House Bistro and Wine Bar is a great dinner option for unique dishes like a spicy Korean rice bowl, fish and chips, and shrimp ‘n’ grits.

3. Ozone Falls State Natural Area, Rockwood

After our morning hike at Cumberland Mountain, we still had half a day to explore the nearby Ozone Falls State Natural Area, roughly a 30-minute drive along winding country roads from Cumberland Mountain State Park.

You do not want to miss this park! This 43-acre natural area’s gem is the 110-foot Ozone Falls that plunge over a sandstone cap rock into a deep-blue pool. You can even walk right to the edge of the falls, but be aware that the stone near the falls can be slippery and dangerous. However, the small rugged trail that leads to the falls offers great views of both the falls and the plunging valley.

This was the waterfall that introduced us to the waterfall obsession we had for the rest of the trip. The area is so pretty that it was included in the 1994 Disney film The Jungle Book.

Pro Tip

Your map app will try to take you to a parking area that doesn’t exist. You’ll see the parking for the park right off of the main road, and there is additional parking across the street, near a railroad bridge. Don’t follow the navigation on your phone, or you’ll end up at someone’s private property.

4. Frozen Head State Park, Wartburg

The next day’s Tennessee de-stressing marathon began in the densely-forested, dripping with waterfalls mountain splendor of Frozen Head State Park. We only had a few hours that morning to explore the more than 24,000 acres of wilderness that was named for the more than 3,000-foot peak in the Cumberland Mountains.

Honestly, I wish we had been able to spend several days here. The Emory Gap Trail we chose paralleled a creek that sang with small waterfalls as we hiked the easy, in-and-back dirt path toward Debord Falls and Emory Gap Falls. The trail to Emory Gap Falls is another three-fourths of a mile from Debord Falls and is a bit more steep and rocky.

Emory Gap Falls is definitely worth the hike, and if you are comfortable with hopping and climbing around boulders, you can get pretty close to the waterfall.

Frozen Head is actually famous for the internationally notorious Barkley Marathon ultramarathon, which includes a “fun run” of 60 miles and the normal course of 100 miles. Every year, 40 runners register and they have a 60-hour timespan to finish either course. It’s a wild race with several documentaries made about it.

Pro Tip

If you have the time, the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area encompasses 125,000 acres along the free-flowing Big South Fork of the Cumberland River and its tributaries. With scenic gorges, sandstone bluffs, and more outdoor recreation than you can shake a stick at, it’s a popular place for locals and visitors alike to explore.

5. Pickett CCC Memorial State Park, Jamestown

Driving up to Pickett CCC Memorial State Park, I had little idea that this tiny state park on the border of Kentucky would be among my favorite parts of the trip. Nestled in the 19,200-acre Pickett State Forest, this park is also a Silver-tier International Dark Sky Park that has an astronomy field just a few miles outside of the park.

Editor’s Note: We love looking up at TravelAwaits. Here’s more on stargazing.

The park also pays homage to the CCC workers who built the 10 hiking trails, the five rustic cabins, the ranger station, the recreation lodge, and the 12-acre lake at the park. But before we even drove into the park, we pulled into the parking lot for the astronomy field, which is part of the Pogue Creek Canyon State Natural Area. We ventured down a trail to immense sandstone bluffs and cliffs that form multiple rock houses and sandstone formations. From the road, you can’t imagine the absolute geological beauty of the area, and the overlook of the canyon and gorge is well worth the hour or so hike.

Pickett CCC Memorial Park was home to some of my favorite small hikes of the trip, including the 1.6-mile Hazard Cave trail, which leads to a massive sandstone overhang that a small farm could fit into. The 1-mile Natural Bridge Trail is a popular path that is easily accessed by the highway, too, and every trail makes you feel as if you’ve somehow wandered into a tropical land.

Green rhododendron bushes line the paths that skirt along hidden little creeks and sandstone bluffs. Thompson Creek opens up to a wider section where we saw an otter dipping in and out of the water as it played.

The trails range from easy to steep and rocky, and it’s best to keep one of the free trail maps with you, as the trails can be a little confusing to follow.

Pro Tips

If you’re in the mood, a 30-minute drive will bring you into Jamestown, where you’ll find the Simply Fresh restaurant. Don’t let the fact that it’s attached to a gas station deter you from eating here — we had one of the best ribeye steaks I’ve had in a while.

The Highland Manor Winery on South York Highway in Jamestown is Tennessee’s oldest winery and produces several varieties of award-winning wines. Try the white Muscadine Select and the seyval blanc when you drop by for a tasting.

6. Fall Creek Falls State Park, Spencer

Fall Creek Falls State Park is Tennessee’s largest and most visited state park, and it’s easy to see why. With more than 26,000 acres, Fall Creek Falls has one of the highest waterfalls in the eastern U.S. Fall Creek Falls is 256 feet high and plunges down like an unstoppable force.

But it isn’t the only waterfall in this wild, untamed area. The whole area is lush with cascades, gorges, waterfalls, streams, and lush stands of virgin hardwood timber.

Fall Creek Falls has 20 cabins, located directly on Fall Creek Lake, which are known as the “Fishermen Cabins.” They gave us an exquisite view of the lake every morning. There are also 10 one-story, two-bedroom cabins known as the “Landside Cabins,” as well as 222 campsites (92 with sewer connections) in five different areas. Be aware that all cabins and campsites book up quickly, so make reservations in advance.

While you can drive to the overlook of Falls Creek Falls, we took the roughly 1-mile Overlook Trail from the Nature Center. The view will take your breath away.

You can also take a trail to the base of the falls, which is rather difficult and treacherous in areas. You’ll traverse over wildly rocky terrain and over boulders that are constantly slick. The journey back from the base of the falls is incredibly steep, but standing in the roaring mist of this giant waterfall will make you feel alive.

There are 56 miles of hiking trails around the park and three mountain biking trails to explore, so you’ll find a trail that’s perfect for you. The park also has one of the most challenging 18-hole golf layouts tucked into the densely forested woodlands of the Cumberland Plateau.

Pro Tips

Don’t miss a chance to try some local brews at Happy Trails Brewing Co. in nearby Sparta. Founded by Trey and Jessica Upchurch, the brewery offers a wide selection of locally-crafted beers and munchables that are sure to fill you up. And if you want the absolute best mac and cheese you’ll ever have the pleasure of tasting, hit up The Tavern Grill in Sparta.

Related Reading:

• 8 Stunning Must-See Waterfalls In Tennessee
• The Most Beautiful Hikes In Tennessee
• How To Spend A Weekend In Pigeon Forge

There’s a reason why Indiana’s Brown County State Park is so popular. Well, actually, there are 16,000 reasons. That’s how many acres are in the state park, which is Indiana’s largest.

Brown County — near Nashville, Indiana — has been called the “Little Smokies” because its hills with steep slopes, narrow ridges, and sometimes-foggy ravines remind people of the Great Smoky Mountains. It’s also now known as a historic district — having recently been added to the National Register of Historic Places.

The park, which is a little over an hour south of Indianapolis and just under 90 minutes from Louisville, Kentucky, is famous for magnificent views in the fall as tree leaves change color. Then again, Brown County is also well-known for the 70 miles of horse trails, 18 miles of hiking trails, and 30 miles of trail for mountain biking that make their way through the heavily wooded landscape.

Here’s a rundown on the eight best experiences at Indiana’s Brown County State Park.

1. Brown County State Park Inn (Abe Martin Lodge)

Brown County State Park opened in 1929. Abe Martin Lodge — and the nearby cabins — were built in 1932 using stone and oak timbers that were cut inside the park. The lodge has two large lobbies with fireplaces, a dining room, and 36 rooms. Another 54 rooms are in the new addition.

The lodge also features an indoor aquatic center, complete with a swimming pool, waterslide, fountains, and a whirlpool with a waterfall.

2. Brown County State Park Cabins

There are two types of cabins at Brown County State Park. The first type is what’s called “Family Housekeeping Cabins.” The park has 20 of these two-story cabins, which can each accommodate eight people. Two of these cabins are wheelchair accessible.

The other type of cabin is rustic. Built in 1932, these 24 cabins are motel-style rooms. Each cabin has either two or four units, and some of the units have connecting doors that can be unlocked to create a suite of two rooms.

Pro Tip: These rustic cabins are “sleeping cabins” and do not have kitchen facilities.

3. Brown County State Park Camping

Brown County State Park offers a number of camping options in different campgrounds. For instance, there are 401 electric (Class A) campsites across three different campgrounds. Of those, 17 are wheelchair accessible.

For those interested in tent camping, the park also has 28 non-electric (Class B) campsites.

Finally, Brown County State Park has a separate campground for people who bring horses. The Horsemen’s Campground has 118 electric (Class A) campsites — and each has a tie-up for six horses. The Horsemen’s Campground also has 91 primitive (Class C) campsites with tie-ups for six horses.

Pro Tip: An annual horse tag is required for each horse.

4. Hiking

Brown County State Park has 18 miles of hiking trails, with trails ranging from “Easy” to “Rugged.” For instance, Trail 1, which begins at the Abe Martin Lodge, is a “Moderate” 0.9-mile hike through the woods.

On the other hand, the 3-mile Trail 9 is “Rugged.” It begins at the Taylor Ridge campground, follows the top of the ridge, descends into a valley, follows a stream, and then loops back.

5. Horseback Riding

There are two ways to ride horses at Brown County State Park. The first is to visit the park’s Saddle Barn, which offers guided trail rides, pony rides, and hayrides.

Visitors can also explore the park’s 70 miles of bridle trails — through steep, forested hills — riding their own horses. While the park has campgrounds for visitors with horses, it also has day-use parking spots.

Pro Tip: A horse tag is required to access Indiana DNR property.

6. Mountain Biking

Bikers will be happy to learn Brown County State Park has nearly 30 miles of trail with 400 feet of elevation-change for mountain biking. The trails, ranging from “Beginner” to “Expert,” traverse hills and ravines — and even cross streams.

Note: Following trail courtesy, mountain bikers yield to runners, hikers, and equestrians.

7. Fishing And Boating

Brown County State Park has two lakes, so it’s no surprise the park is known for boating and fishing. Ogle Lake is 17 acres in size, while Strahl Lake covers 7 acres. Fishing and ice fishing are allowed at both lakes.

Pro Tip: An Indiana state license is required for fishing.

Boats are not allowed on Strahl Lake. However, non-motorized boats such as canoes, and boats with electric trolling motors, are allowed on Ogle Lake.

Pro Tip: Ogle Lake does not have a boat ramp. Also, a DNR lake permit is required.

8. Other Activities

Brown County State Park also has tennis courts, playgrounds, and a nature center — as well as an outdoor Olympic-size swimming pool, plus a wading pool. You can check here for information about pool use fees.

The park is also home to the 75-foot Lilly Lookout tower donated by the Lilly Family (Eli Lilly Pharmaceuticals) in 1942.

Know Before You Go

Brown County State Park is currently open. More information about entrance and activity fees, as well as hours of operation for various activities, may be found here. Check here for public health and safety information.

Related Reading:

• 9 Beautiful Hikes In Indiana
• 7 Best Golf Courses For The Money In Indiana