Snapshot
- A U.S. state park getaway is a multi-day outdoor trip to a state-run park, delivering national-park scenery and adventure without the crowds of famous parks.
- Chase waterfalls at Watkins Glen in New York, Ricketts Glen in Pennsylvania, Cloudland Canyon in Georgia and Julia Pfeiffer Burns in California.
- Spot wild animals at Assateague in Maryland and Grayson Highlands in Virginia for wild ponies, Blue Spring in Florida for manatees and Catalina in Arizona for desert birds.
- Take in canyon panoramas at Texas's Palo Duro, the Grand Canyon of Texas and Utah's Dead Horse Point, a dark-sky stargazing spot above the Colorado River.
- Pick a hikers' park for the trail itself: Watkins Glen's Gorge Trail under 19 falls, Ricketts Glen's Falls Trail past 21 or Grayson Highlands' link to the Appalachian Trail.
The best outdoor getaway might be closer than you think. Here are 10 U.S. state parks ready when you are.
Ask any U.S. park ranger, and they’ll likely agree. National parks get all the hoopla, but they’re not the end-all. Countless state parks offer scenery and adventure just as impressive as their famous counterparts.
Across the United States, more than 10,000 state parks protect everything from waterfalls and wild ponies to glassy springs and red-rock canyons. Better yet, state parks offer experiences that deserve far more than a quick stop for a day pass.
Spanning the rugged cliffs of the West to the often-overlooked shores of the East Coast, these ten U.S. state parks belong at the top of your outdoor getaway list.
Ten State Park Getaways in the U.S.
State parks are often the best-kept secrets in the country. It’s time to pack the cooler, fuel up the car and pick a direction. Your next U.S. state park getaway starts with one of the below.
1. Watkins Glen State Park — New York
Located in the heart of the Finger Lakes region, Watkins Glen State Park feels like stepping into a fantasy novel. The crown jewel is a two-mile gorge where the water descends 400 feet, past 200-foot cliffs. You can hike the famous Gorge Trail to walk over and under 19 cascading waterfalls.
2. Ricketts Glen State Park — Pennsylvania
If you love the sound of rushing water, this northeast state park is paradise. The Falls Trail system leads hikers through old-growth timber and down deep shale ravines to view 21 beautiful waterfalls. The tallest, Ganoga Falls, drops a dramatic 94 feet.
3. Assateague State Park — Maryland
Situated on a barrier island, Assateague State Park sits right between the Atlantic Ocean and the Sinepuxent Bay. Visitors flock here to see the legendary wild ponies that roam the sandy beaches and salt marshes. The Maryland state park is also an exceptional spot for beach camping, sunbathing and ocean kayaking.
4. Grayson Highlands State Park — Virginia
Near Virginia’s two highest mountains, Grayson Highlands State Park boasts sweeping vistas of alpine peaks and meadows. The biggest draw for hikers is the herd of wild ponies that grazes along the high-country trails. The park serves as a scenic gateway to the famous Appalachian Trail.
5. Cloudland Canyon State Park — Georgia
Located on the western edge of Lookout Mountain, Cloudland Canyon State Park features a deep gorge sculpted into the mountain by Sitton Gulch Creek. You can stand on the rim for breathtaking views of the sandstone cliffs or hike down a rugged staircase to the canyon floor to find two spectacular waterfalls.
6. Blue Spring State Park — Florida
As a designated manatee refuge, this crystal-clear spring stays a constant 72 degrees year-round. During the winter months, hundreds of West Indian manatees seek warmth in the spring run. Visitors can walk the boardwalks for easy wildlife viewing or rent a canoe to paddle the calm waters.
7. Palo Duro Canyon State Park — Texas
Known as the Grand Canyon of Texas, this is the second-largest canyon system in the United States. The rugged landscape stretches for 120 miles and features vibrant layers of orange, red and yellow rock. Palo Duro Canyon State Park is a premier location for mountain biking, horseback riding and exploring historic stone cabins.
8. Dead Horse Point State Park — Utah
Perched 2,000 feet above a gooseneck bend in the Colorado River, Dead Horse Point State Park provides one of the most photographed vistas in the American Southwest. The dramatic canyon views easily rival those of nearby national parks. At night, the high elevation and clear desert air make it a certified dark sky park for stargazing.
9. Catalina State Park — Arizona
Sitting at the base of the majestic Santa Catalina Mountains just outside Tucson, this desert oasis is a haven for hikers and birdwatchers. Catalina State Park features desert plants, giant saguaro cacti and seasonal streams. Over 150 bird species nest in the area, making it a wildlife paradise.
10. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park — California
This stretch of the Big Sur coastline delivers pure California drama. The signature highlight of Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is McWay Falls, an 80-foot waterfall that drops directly onto a sandy beach in a turquoise cove. Granite cliffs and ancient redwood groves line the trails, offering a quintessential coastal outdoor getaway.
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