National parks get all the attention, but state parks often offer equally spectacular views with a fraction of the crowds. Here are hidden gems worth the detour.
Midwest Gems
Devils Lake State Park, Wisconsin
The quartzite bluffs rise 500 feet above a crystal-clear lake, creating views that rival any mountain state. Fall colors here are exceptional.
Turkey Run State Park, Indiana
Deep sandstone canyons carved by glacial meltwater create an unexpected landscape in the Midwest. The canyon rim overlooks are spectacular.
Starved Rock State Park, Illinois
18 canyons with seasonal waterfalls and dramatic sandstone formations. The Illinois River valley views surprise first-time visitors.
East Coast Escapes
Cloudland Canyon State Park, Georgia
1,000-foot deep canyon on Lookout Mountain with cascading waterfalls and rim-to-rim views that feel more like the Southwest than the Southeast.
Seneca Rocks, West Virginia
This 900-foot Tuscarora quartzite fin is the East Coast's most dramatic rock formation. The observation platform offers stunning panoramas.
Southwest Surprises
Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Texas
The second-largest canyon in the United States, with colorful rock layers rivaling the Grand Canyon. Far fewer visitors, equally stunning.
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, Texas
A massive pink granite dome rising from the Hill Country. Summit views stretch for miles in every direction.
Why Choose State Parks?
- Lower entry fees (often $5-10 vs $35 for national parks)
- Fewer crowds, especially on weekdays
- Often closer to home for day trips
- Less restrictive rules (many allow dogs, drones, etc.)
- Supporting local park systems