15 Underrated State Parks in the US

15 Underrated State Parks in the US . Brittany Go use We’re all big fans of our National Parks. When we pull off that bumper to bumper traffic line of cars that snakes its way to sunrise, or felt you were walking in single file behind a group of tourists, it’s easy to understand how the enchantment disappears, as quickly as they can disappear from your line of vision!

And while our National Parks undoubtedly come with the allure you are craving, it is important that to know there is a set of jewels within this country where you aren’t likely to bump shoulders. Underrated State Parks .

It turns out that some of the country’s most striking views are not designated as National Parks , rather they are silently sleeping with one eye open within the parks our government missed. Those parks are : our most underrated State parks. Where views are just as incredible but traffic jams include large animals! It’s time to ditch the timed entry stickers and outrageously priced trinkets, in favor of true adventure!

Why State Parks Are the Ultimate Travel Hack

The math doesn’t really add up in 2024 the national parks had just under 332 million visitors , while the U.S . Is now home to almost 9,800 state parks with over 14 million acres of terrain to explore in between. Underrated State Parks

Don’t even try to get in on the crowd. Smart travel doesn’t get any more efficient or enjoyable than taking advantage of America’s state parks with the same awe inspiring potential for discovery in a local context and less of the parking headaches , costly fees and crowded feeling of a famous national park. Underrated State Parks .

15 Underrated State Parks That Deserve the Spotlight

After digging through the country, the data and everything in between, we found a group of truly phenomenal parks that just happen to get overshadowed. From desert vibes to mountain peaks to Pacific panoramas, here’s our dream trip through the underdogs you’ll want to hit ASAP.

1. Custer State Park South Dakota (The Wildlife Wonder)

If there is a park that never fails to surprise newcomers then it is none other than Custer State Park. Nestled amidst the stunning backdrop of the Black Hills, this park takes a backseat to Mount Rushmore but it is surely a much better adventure. Measuring over 71,000 acres, Custer State Park is one of the biggest in the country. What is more fascinating about it? Underrated State Parks .

The fauna. Make a trip to the Wildlife Loop Road, you would land in the midst of a free roaming herd of more than 1,300 bison , apart from elks , prongs and cunning coyotes. The cutest feature are the “begging burros” of this park. You just might see them nudging their heads in your vehicle.

• Be sure to see: Needles Highway. At just 14 miles in length, this engineering marvel features many switchbacks and passes and includes two tunnels drilled straight through granite . Underrated State Parks .
• Best Time to visit: Late spring through early fall. At that time , you should see abundant wildlife , the temperatures will be very pleasant and road conditions will most likely be optimal. Underrated State Parks .

2. Palo Duo Canyon State Park Texas (The Southern Showstopper)

.Sure, you might immediately picture Arizona as the state for canyons. But just 30 minutes west of Amarillo, TX, there’s the second-largest canyon in the U.S. Palo Duo Canyon State Park is a vast , deep cut in the earth with layers of bright red, orange and lavender rocks that just screams Utah. Underrated State Parks .

(Yes, this is called the “Grand Canyon of Texas.”) . Take your pick of hiking trails, try some mountain biking or hop on a horse for a ride all with few tourists to battle thanks to the uncrowded Texas Panhandle. Underrated State Parks .

• You May Like: The Lighthouse Trail to The Lighthouse , a200 foot hoodoos that the park calls its Mascot. Underrated State Parks .
• Tip: Pack your cameras for sunrise or set as the canyon walls appear to burst into flames. Underrated State Parks .

3. Cathedral Gorge State Park Nevada (The Alien Landscape)

Zion National Park is awesome, but how about those Nevada slot canyons? A must see is this incredible, under-the radar park that’s straight out of sci-fi: “There are more than 100,000 native fossils. It feels like a trip to another world,” one visitor wrote online.

It instead offers sloshing river and erosion rock towers instead of Utah’s crimson rock. The canyons “tall spires created from erosion can get from the canyon floor high in to the Sky ,” is a way one visitor. Underrated State Parks .

• Don’t Miss: The Moon Caves (the name is largely an oxymoron, these are essentially giant hollowed out features created by erosion in the soft rock). Underrated State Parks .
• Pro Tip: Campgrounds tend to be largely open, which makes it prime astrophotography viewing with not a single light anywhere to be seen. Underrated State Parks .

4. Valley of Fire State Park Nevada (Fire on the Rocks)

Craving the dazzling hues of the Southwest but looking to escape the throngs of Utah’s “Mighty 5” parks? Make a pilgrimage to Valley of Fire State Park. This remote desert escape, just 45 minutes from the flashing lights and glitz of the Las Vegas Strip, is a world apart. Underrated State Parks

Known for its radiant red Aztec sandstone structures which seem to radiate light, this park is becoming increasingly popular but still offers some welcome solitude to walk the Fire Wave or marvel at Elephant Rock. Underrated State Parks .

Visitors will also find prehistoric petroglyphs etched in rock by members of the Basket maker Culture and the Ancestral Pueblo peoples some 2,000 years ago . Underrated State Parks .

• Don’t Miss : The White Domes Trail , which offers a little bit of everything slot canyons , colorful rock formations and historical ruins. Underrated State Parks .
• Best Time to Visit : Fall and spring , as summer temperatures can be brutal. Underrated State Parks .

5. Dead Horse Point State Park Utah (The Better View?)

It’s a hefty claim, but a lot of visitors will tell you the view from this state park’s lookout a little over 10 miles outside the main park of nearby Canyonlands is more epic. Get a thrilling peek at the Colorado River carving a path 2,000 feet into the earth. Underrated State Parks .

The main viewpoint at Dead Horse Point gives a glorious 180 degree view of Canyonlands and because it’s a certified International Dark Sky Park, you’ll get phenomenal starry sky views to go with those glorious sunrises or sunsets. Underrated State Parks .

• Don’t Miss : The visitor center , which doubles as an art gallery showcasing local artists . Underrated State Parks .
• Where to Stay : They offer not just standard campsites but also yurts for glamping . Underrated State Parks .

6. Silver Falls State Park Oregon (The Crown Jewel)

While we all know Oregon has Crater Lake as its main feature, many consider this park only a 90 minute drive to an hour away from Portland and Salem to be the “crown jewel” of the state park system. You’ll get your fill of tropical rainforest atmosphere there.

The Trail of Ten Falls is the main attraction. This 7.2 mile hike takes you to ten stunning waterfalls and the best part is that you can walk behind four of them . It’s an experience that rivals the famous Niagara Falls “Journey Behind the Falls” but without the tacky commercialization . Underrated State Parks .

• Don’t Miss : South Falls, the most popular waterfall in the park and for good reason. Underrated State Parks .
• Accommodations : You can stay at the historic Silver Falls Lodge or book a private cottage at Smith Creek Village . Underrated State Parks .

7. Black Rock Mountain State Park Georgia (Appalachian Beauty)

The Great Smoky Mountains are the most visited national park for a reason but those crowds can be intense . Black Rock Mountain State Park in Georgia offers the same breathtaking views and biodiversity without the traffic . Underrated State Parks .

As Georgia’s highest state park, it offers expansive views into North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee . The cove forests here are just as lush as those in the Smokies, and the fall foliage is absolutely spectacular . Underrated State Parks .

• Don’t Miss : The walk in campsites that offer a more remote , immersive experience . Underrated State Parks .
• Best Time to Visit : Fall for the leaf peeping, but spring is gorgeous too for wildflowers. Underrated State Parks .

8. Hocking Hills State Park Ohio (The Midwest Miracle)

People often drive right through Ohio, assuming it’s all just farmland. They are missing out on Hocking Hills State Park, one of the most beautiful spots in the Midwest . This park is a geological wonderland carved by glacial meltwater thousands of years ago, leaving behind massive caves, deep gorges, and thundering waterfalls . Underrated State Parks .

You can hike through the recessed caves of Old Man’s Cave, feel the spray of Cedar Falls, and stand under the massive rock shelter of Ash Cave . It feels like you’ve stepped into a fairy tale. Underrated State Parks .

• Don’t Miss : Devil’s Bathtub a strange , swirling basin carved out of the rock .
• Pro Tip : The trails can be steep , so wear appropriate shoes . In winter , the icicles forming along the cliffs are a spectacular sight.

9. Franconia Notch State Park, New Hampshire (Eastern Drama)

This might sound like a California obsessed fantasy, but don’t let your West Coast reverie cause you to overlook Franconia Notch State Park. This state park , an epic , imposing mountain pass through the White Mountains, is practically dripping with that same type of mountain peak drama that you find in Yosemite.

You’ll find glacial lakes, steep granite drops and water carved gorges . The Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway offers stunning views of the area and the Flume Gorge is a family friendly walk through a natural chasm .

• Don’t Miss : The Basin , a large granite pothole formed by glacial meltwater.
• Best Time to Visit : Fall for the spectacular foliage but summer offers great hiking weather.

10. Camden Hills State Park Maine (Coastal Views for Days)

Acadia National Park gets all the glory but just 70 miles away lies Camden Hills State Park, offering nearly the same coastal views without the need for crowded shuttles . Spanning over 5,000 acres, this park offers breathtaking views of Penobscot Bay .

Hike up Mount Battie for a vantage point that rivals Acadia’s Cadillac Mountain . You can wake up to the sounds of the sea and explore oak and ash woodlands full of birds .

• Don’t Miss : Driving or hiking to the top of Mount Beattie for sunrise.
• Accommodations : The park offers camping spots and cozy cabins.

11. Itasca State Park Minnesota (The Headwaters)

Itasca State Park Minnesota’s oldest state park is surprisingly peaceful. Here is the genesis of the 2,500 mile river to the Gulf of Mexico: the mighty Mississippi. At first it’s a little disarming but the feeling of standing at the river’s mouth, you won’t soon forget that headwaters is quite the feeling, and one that feels both spiritual and humbling. What will you see at Itasca This mix of pristine, old growth pine forests, clear lake and abundant wildlife is ideal for those who like to canoe, fish, or hike and want a break from the crushing, and let’s face it, maddening hordes in the parks of western America.

• Don’t Miss : Actually walking across the rocks to cross the Mississippi River on foot.
• Best Time to Visit : Summer , when the park is lush and green.

12. Natural Bridge State Park Virginia (The Ancient Arch)

Natural Bridge State Park In Shenandoah Valley Natural Bridge, a 215-foot natural limestone arch was once owned by Thomas Jefferson. The scale is awesome and will definitely have you humbling yourself as you walk under it. This amazing natural wonder in the Valley is so grand; you’ll want to look at it for a while. Also beyond the bridge is Natural Bridge park offering hiking trails that takes you past a 30-foot waterfall with a Monacan Indian village depicting some of the area’s native people.

• Don’t Miss : The “Drama of Creation” light and sound show about the formation of the bridge (check seasonal schedules).
• Pro Tip : This is a great stop on a road trip , as it’s right off the highway.

13. Gulf State Park Alabama (Beaches and Biodiversity)

While most think of white sand and packed crowds when it comes to the Gulf Coast likely with thoughts of Destin or PCB Gulf State Park provides a much calmer, nature focused option. With more than six and a half miles of powdery white sand beaches , this state park is any nature-lover’s paradise. Beyond the shore, more than 28 miles of multi-use trails crisscross dunes, marshes and coastal forests, while the longest pier on the Gulf (1,540 feet!) provides excellent fishing access ; rent a bike or simply enjoy peace without spring break antics.

• Don’t Miss : The Hugh S. Brandon Backcountry Trail, a paved trail system perfect for biking and wildlife viewing.
• Accommodations : They have a modern, eco-friendly lodge right inside the park.

14. Calaveras Big Trees State Park California (Giants of the Sierras)

If the giant sequoias of Yosemite and Sequoia National Park call you, this often unseen oasis may pique your interest. At this relatively small and accessible park along the Stanislaus River you can roam under the shadows of these gentle behemoths (including the ‘Emperor’) without tripping over thousands of your best friends.

In summer this tranquil sanctuary within the Sierra Nevada provides refuge in the heat. Even the North Grove of Calaveras offers a relatively smooth and well trodden hike suitable for almost everyone, an excellent day’s excursion for any residents in the Bay Area and Sacramento.

• Don’t Miss : The “Discovery Tree” stump the first giant sequoia documented by Western explorers.
• Insider Tip : Visit the South Grove for a more rugged , less traveled experience.

15. Brown County State Park Indiana (The Little Smokies)

If you just can’t get down all the way to the Great Smoky Mountains then head a bit further north instead to this Brown County State Park in Indiana ; this park nicknamed the “Little Smokies” is filled with hilly terrain just about a world away from surrounding farmlands.

It’s a massive park with panoramic vistas, thick forests, and incredible fall colors . The park is a haven for artists and photographers and the nearby town of Nashville, Indiana, is a charming artsy community full of galleries and shops .

• Don’t Miss: Hesitation Point for one of the best views in the park.
• Accommodations: The rustic Abe Martin Lodge is a classic spot for a stay .

Planning Your Off the Grid Adventure

Best Times to Visit

• Spring/Fall : Generally the best times for desert parks (like Valley of Fire or Dead Horse Point) to avoid extreme temperatures.
• Summer : Ideal for mountain parks (Black Rock Mountain, Franconia Notch) or northern parks (Itasca, Custer).
• Winter : Southern parks like Gulf State Park or Palo Duo can be very pleasant.

Packing Essentials for State Parks

• Your “America the Beautiful” Pass? Wait. This pass is only for federal lands. Most state parks charge their own, very reasonable, entrance fees. Be prepared to pay a small fee at the gate.
• Bring Cash : While many state parks take cards , having cash is handy for small town campgrounds or local vendors.
• Download Offline Maps : You will lose service in many of these parks, especially in the West. Download Google Maps offline or have a physical map.
• Check the Rules : Some parks close at sunset unless you are camping. Others don’t allow off road driving. Always check the park’s official website.

Summary

There are an abundance of amazing spots scattered across the USA you just don’t need to push and shove your way through them to find ’em. When you bypass the masses by traveling through some of the most underrated state parks in the United States you are saving yourself both headaches and quite a few dollars. Not to mention uncovering a side of America that’s both more serene and just as stunning.

How many will you be adding to the top of your travel hit list?

Are there any state parks that you know should be included in this roundup that we missed? Drop a comment below and share your hidden gem! Be sure to share with someone you know looking to get to and from their next state of mind.

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