The best state parks in the U.S.

Set within the Black Hills, South Dakota’s oldest and largest park dates back to 1912 and has many resident animals. Nearly 1,300 bison often roam throughout its 71,000 acres. It’s also possible to see pronghorn antelope, elk, mountain goats and burros. What’s really a nature showstopper is the annual Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup, which takes place on the last Friday in September. On this day, the public can watch horseback riders and park crews collect and then corral this bison herd to balance their population and the park’s available rangeland forage. Animals aside, Custer State Park offers scenic drives, trails, and bike rides, especially from May through early November; try ice fishing and snowmobiling in winter.

Best for: Not only can you see abundant wildlife, but you can also learn more about the park’s bison herd at the Bison Center. The Needles Highway, a 14-mile route passing spruce and pine trees and needle-looking granite formations such as the Needle’s Eye, is an awesome leisurely drive.

Time Out tip: Can’t make it to the Buffalo Roundup in person? You can watch it via live streaming through this webpage or via the park’s Facebook page. In terms of planning a trip to Custer State Park, summer is always a draw. However, in the fall, especially late September through October, the park is a bit quieter and its fall colors are fantastic.

Visiting this state park off of State Highway 24 makes you feel like you’ve stepped onto Mars or another planet. Its name comes from the almost mushroom-looking rock formations made of Entrada sandstone, which is shaped over time by geological forces such as uplift and erosion caused by wind and water. See them amid the Valley of Goblins, an about three-square-mile, free-roaming area that maps might divide into three separate sections. Other wonders include Goblin’s Lair, a 70-foot natural sandstone chamber on the park's east side that can be rappelled into with a pre-acquired permit; tour companies offer excursions. Also, there’s a very popular hiking trail to the Lair that does not involve rappelling, that is about three miles round trip.

What’s also cool is that it’s also been officially designated as an International Dark Sky Park.

Best for: This park’s fascinating rock formations, particularly its numerous hoodoos that resemble mushrooms, make for a great photo backdrop.

Time Out tip: Those who like canyoneering can repel Goblin's Lair, an 89-foot natural sandstone cave on the park’s east side. Take a short hike to reach this spot, but get a backcountry permit from the visitor center beforehand, as they can sell out quickly.

This cluster of protected forests, prairies, beaches and grasslands along Northern California’s coast—along with five visitor centers—feels like a wonderland unto itself. Overall, this park's grouping comprises Redwood National Park and three state parks, all having their distinct characteristics. To start, the Grove of Titans trail in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park features 1,300 feet of elevated walkway running through some of the most remarkable sections of old-growth coast redwood forest. Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park is about half old-growth forests. The Big Tree Wayside at Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is home to record-breaking redwood trees in terms of height, especially with "the Big Tree" having a height of 286 feet and a diameter of 23.7 feet. Check out the ranger-led free programs, often involving guided walks, campfire tours, and junior ranger outings.

Best known for: If you’re a fan of California’s redwoods, this is your happy place. Walk among these giants via various trails or drive slowly along the 10-mile-long Howland Hill Road linked to Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park.

Time Out tip: Visitors to the parks’ Gold Bluffs Beach and Fern Canyon need to book a required advance reservation in order to drive to Fern Canyon via Davison Road on select dates between May and September. Reservations are not required to hike in using the James Irvine Trail.

Within the White Mountain National Forest, this park was once the home to the famous Old Man of the Mountain, or also known by the Abenaki as the “Stone Face.” This face-looking rock unexpectedly collapsed in May 2003, but this mountain pass that straddles part of Interstate 93 is known for additional highlights. Go on a two-mile self-guided loop to the Flume Gorge, a natural chasm at the base of Mount Liberty with waterfalls and historic covered bridges. Take a ride on the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway, heading up this mountain to over 4,000 feet in elevation, where you can take in five states and Canada on clear days. Other stop-worthy spots range from The Basin, a glacial pothole and waterfall, to the Old Man of the Mountain Historic Site. Go swimming at Echo Lake Beach or perhaps rent a kayak or paddle boat.

Best for: Take in the incredible mountains and the Basin. The park is also linked to a section of the Appalachian Trail. Hikers should purchase a HikeSafe Card.

Time Out tip: Plan ahead and save some money by buying advance tickets online to both the tramway and the Flume Gorge; in-person sales cost more and can sell out quickly. Online reservations for the beach are also available.

Located on the easternmost peninsula within the Continental U.S., Quoddy Head State Park is known for having the West Quoddy Head Lighthouse and the Quoddy Channel, which splits the United States and Canada. The candy-striped lighthouse is currently undergoing restoration, and once complete, it will again welcome visitors for tours; check its website or contact park staff directly for updates. The park contains five miles of trails that can be challenging, like the four-mile Coastal Trail, a round-trip route with the end reward of reaching a beach. In the summertime, park goers can also do some wildlife viewing, with the opportunity to spot humpback, minke and finback whales offshore, along with many bird species, including eider, gannets, black-bellied plovers and purple sandpipers. Note: this park is open to the public from sunrise to sunset daily, May 15 through October 15.

Best for: Being situated along the Quoddy Channel, which dissects the U.S. and Canada, the lookout points are spectacular. You can even see the red cliffs of Grand Manan Island in New Brunswick.

Time Out tip: Even in the summertime, it can get chilly here, so be sure to bring layers. Also, since the park is along a coastline, be careful with your footing amid bogs and rocky cliffs.

Sitting atop a hill that’s surrounded by the Connecticut River, it’s easy to see why this woodsy estate turned state park in East Haddam was an enticing location for stage actor, director and playwright William Gillette to build his retirement home. Best known for portraying Sherlock Holmes, Gillette had his 24-room, medieval-castle-looking house completed for a $1.1 million price tag with elegant design fixtures and modern amenities for the time. A train enthusiast, Gillette added a quarter-scale, narrow-gauge railroad around his 122-acre property. Nowadays, self-guided walking trails follow much of this old railroad bed and come across picnic areas, ponds and river views.

Best for: Marvel at this striking stone estate based on what’s referred to as the 7th Sister Hill. Apparently, Gillette also entertained noteworthy guests such as Charlie Chaplin and Albert Einstein, who came up via his private railroad, so definitely visit when the castle is open for tours.

Time Out tip: Interior tours of the castle are available via advanced ticket purchases from Memorial Day through Labor Day and then on weekends through Columbus Day. Holiday tours happen in November and December. Park grounds are open daily, year-round, from 8am until sunset.

Located just an hour northeast of Las Vegas, Nevada’s oldest and largest state park encompasses over 40,000 acres of striking red Aztec sandstone formations that appear to blaze under the sun. Their overall existence is both a history and a science lesson. Formed from shifting sand dunes during the Jurassic period, these majestic landscapes are interspersed with ancient petroglyphs carved by Native American cultures over 2,000 years ago. Visitors can explore various trails leading to natural wonders such as the swirling Fire Wave, the iconic Elephant Rock, and the historic Atlatl Rock, which features accessible petroglyph panels. The park also offers two campgrounds equipped with amenities like fire pits, water, and picnic tables, providing a comfortable base for stargazing and sunrise hikes. 

Best for: This park makes a great day excursion away from Sin City. Its location in the Mojave Desert is a prime spot for its topography of natural arches and ancient rock carvings.

Time Out tip: The park’s visitor center contains exhibits on the region's geology, ecology, and history. It’s best to visit between October and April, as temperatures are cooler.

Niagara Falls itself is recognized around the world as a major natural attraction, but these majestic waters are also linked to a state park. In fact, Niagara Falls Park has quite a history as the oldest state park in the United States (established in 1885). Its origin story resulted from concerned citizens worrying about the environmental impact resulting from surrounding mills and factories and pushing for legislation to protect these falls for years to come. Designed by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, also known for NYC’s Central Park, this park provides front-row views of the falls and miles of scenic hiking trails, concession stands, a visitor’s center and picnic areas and immersive falls-viewing experiences like the Cave of the Winds.

Best for: If you haven’t seen Niagara Falls, do so! 

Time Out tip: Be sure to book a ticket for the Maid of the Mist, a longtime boat tour bringing passengers along the American side of the falls and then close to the Canadian side.

No matter the season, this southeastern Ohio state park that’s about 45 minutes from Columbus continues to remain picturesque with towering cliffs, sandstone formations, thrilling waterfalls, and hemlock-shaded gorges. Find impressive ice formations in the wintertime or springtime wildflowers in bloom or vibrant fall foliage. As for hikers, Hocking Hills State Park has seven major trails of various levels, distances, and scenery, including the accessible Ash Cave Gorge. It's most difficult yet rewarding 4.5-mile Whispering Cave Trail sports what’s referred to as the "swinging" Hemlock Bridge along with the second largest cave in the region with a 105-foot seasonal, cascading waterfall. Other key sites extend to include iconic sites like Old Man’s Cave, Ash Cave, and Cedar Falls offer scenic hikes through hemlock forests and rocky passageways.  

Best for: Those who enjoy seeing waterfalls and caves will get a kick out of the Old Man Cave, a recess cave that’s amid a hiking trail.

Time Out tip: Make time as well for the Conkles Hollow Nature Preserve, a deep rocky gorge with two trails; a portion is wheelchair accessible. Areas of the park can get muddy so don sturdy footwear.

Even if you haven’t visited this park on the Oregon Coast’s edge, you’ve likely seen it on the big screen. This park, with an amazing outlook toward the Pacific Ocean and spanning nine miles of coastline, has been the backdrop in films including Twilight, The Goonies, Point Break, and Kindergarten Cop. You’ll see information signs on them and other points of view extending to Haystack Rock, a sea stack in Cannon Beach, and the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse. Wander amid Sitka spruce forests and along a network of hiking trails, including the Clatsop Loop Trail, a two-and-a-half-mile-long historical loop. It partly follows the Corps of Discovery route, which is the Lewis and Clark Expedition military unit that trekked through the present-day park. Or spend time on the sand at Indian Beach.

Best for: If you’re a movie buff, this park shows why it is a popular filming backdrop.

Time Out tip: The park has signs marking these movie locations as part of the Oregon Film Trail; look for other signs indicating safety precautions.

Roughly a 20-minute drive east from downtown Anchorage to this southcentral Alaska park that is rich in wildlife and topography, such as lakes, glaciers, and vegetation. Chugach State Park, whose moniker is the tribal name for the Indigenous people of Alaska’s Upper Cook Inlet region, is also linked to an extensive trail network and bursts in August and September with a blueberry crop. Its surrounding areas aren’t too shabby either, bordering the nearby village of Eklutna and the town of Girdwood, which is the location of Alyeska Resort. It's also bounded on the north and west by the Alaska Range, and on the east by the Chugach and Wrangell Mountains and Prince William Sound.

Best for: Due to its city proximity, this state park is great for a convenient day trek for hikers and bikers and those interested in potentially seeking Alaskan wildlife.

Time Out tip: Forty minutes from downtown Anchorage, the Eagle River Nature Center is a gateway to the park, which has trails and programming.

Named for the man who was instrumental in establishing this Grand Junction area park’s five distinct sections, this state park is called the “string of pearls” and parallels the Colorado River. It’s easy to see why through its network of trails and parks, including Corn Lake, Red Rocks Lake, and Island Acres. They are wonderful for pursuing Colorado water activities such as fishing, SUPing, floating trips, birdwatching, and swimming, plus lakeside hiking. Birdwatchers can also delight in potentially spotting more than 200 species found within this area. Nature lovers will also be pleased to  

Best for: This park provides a wonderful way to experience activities on the Colorado River.

Time Out tip: If you’re planning to go on the Colorado River, check the park’s boating regulations, be mindful of water levels and currents, and wear safety gear.

Located 45 minutes away from downtown Houston, Brazos Bend State Park is where visitors can do just about everything from hiking and biking to picnicking, fishing, geocaching and even horseback riding. With over 37 miles of trails and some accommodating wheelchairs, consider bringing your rod and tackle to the park’s fishing pier. There’s no need to have a fishing license in Texas state parks. Trails circle lakes, connecting with each other and heading into the hardwood forest. It’s possible to reserve an all-terrain wheelchair for use in the park; contact in advance. The park also has a nature center but look to the stars at the George Observatory, which is part of the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Purchase tickets online before your visit; a park day pass is also required. 

Best for: This park has many activity options that can please just about any outdoor interest!

Time Out tip: This state park is a wildlife habitat home to a population of American Alligators, so please exercise caution when using these important tips.