The United States's national parks are true treasures, offering beauty and untamed wonders that draw people from far and wide. Beyond admiring the landscapes from your car or lookout points, these places are like natural playgrounds with adventure opportunities.
These state parks, with their smaller crowds and lesser-known landscapes, deserve their share of the spotlight. Here are some of the top parks to jumpstart your outdoor adventures.
Sam Houston Jones State Park offers three hiking trails that guide visitors through its lush surroundings, which include tree-filled lagoons connected to Lake Charles' Calcasieu River. The park proudly hosts over 70 acres of longleaf pines, an ancient southern pine species, and actively participates in the educational Longleaf Legacy Project to restore the local forests. The park is also a haven for wildlife, with turtles, alligators, otters, raccoons, and nearly 200 bird species, making it a top birdwatching destination in Louisiana. With its many waterways, the park is a popular spot for water sports, and it offers affordable campsites and glamping options. Click here for more details.
Valley of Fire State Park, famous for its 40,000 acres of vibrant red Aztec sandstone rocks, is home to ancient petrified trees and petroglyphs over 2,000 years old. Located in the Mojave Desert, this park is a geological wonderland, with sandstone formations dating back to the Jurassic period. It's Nevada's oldest and largest State Park, just 80 kilometres northeast of Las Vegas, making it an ideal day trip to escape the city's hustle and bustle. Drive through the park at sunset to witness a natural spectacle as the sun's rays create a fiery illusion on the rocks. Click here for more details.
Castle Rocks State Park, located amidst pinyon trees on Smokey Mountain's slope in Cassia County, Idaho, boasts rock formations that date back 2.5 million years. This park holds a rich history, with historic trail crossings, 20th-century ranching, and even remnants of Native American pictographs. The challenging terrains of Castle Rocks draw thousands of rock climbers annually, while experienced hikers can enjoy panoramic views along the California National Historic Trail. The steep landscape is perfect for year-round mountain biking and offers cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice-climbing opportunities during winter. Castle Rocks is also a great destination for family outings, with archery practice under the guidance of park rangers and fishing for Chinook, Salmon, Steelhead, or Trout for enthusiastic anglers. Click here for more details.
Located at the southern base of the Appalachian Mountains in Northeast Alabama, Desoto State Park offers a year-round display of natural beauty. It features vibrant fall foliage with stunning sunset hues, springtime blossoms of pink and purple rhododendrons, and lush green forests in the summer. The park provides 40 kilometres of hiking trails, and a short drive away, you'll find Alabama's tallest waterfall, Grace's High Falls, standing at 133 feet, in Little River Canyon. Hikers may even have the chance to spot bears feeding in the river below, as there are regular reports of black bear sightings. Visitors can choose between cosy lodge cabins with kitchens and fireplaces or a more rustic camping experience nestled in the woods for overnight stays. Regardless of accommodation, park guests often gather around campfires, enjoying s'mores and singing classic country music songs. Click here for more details.
Little Missouri State Park boasts some of the state's most rugged and picturesque badlands. The park offers more than 45 trails, and horseback riding is recommended to explore them. The eight-kilometre Park Loop is among the park's popular trails, perfect for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure. Don't forget your binoculars, as the park is a haven for unique wildlife, including mule deer, bobcats, and golden eagles. After a day of adventure in the badlands, you can spend the night camping under the stars in rustic comfort. Click here for more details.
