8 state parks that are even better than national parks, say the experts

This summer, you may want to travel to one of these magnificent parks instead.


If you save for an outdoor adventure, there is a good chance that you are considering part of theemblematic American national parks For your next vacation. Yellowstone, Yosemite or Zion can be at the top of your list - they could have appeared on your list of buckets since you were a child, in fact. But what you may not realize is that the United States also offers spectacular state parks, many of which could be even more interesting destinations for your next excursion. Read the rest to find out which state parks Travel experts are actually better than large national parks.

Read this then:The 10 best national parks that must be on your list of buckets.

1
Gobblin Valley State park

goblin valley state park in utah
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If you book a trip to Utah and are looking for a less congested alternative to Zion National Park, look no further than Goblin Valley's state park. This hidden gem is different from any other Utah valley, according to the Park website, offering different "strange and colorful"The sites. Red hoodoos - thin rocks formed formed by erosion - are dispersed in the park and are often called" goblins ","Carly Brown, owner and author oftravel blog Look for Serenity LLC, saysBetter life.

"The unique landscape really gives the impression that they were on the surface of another planet," she said.

And this can be the perfect option if you take a family vacation, according toChristina grance,,editor To live a wilder life. "The bizarre landscape of Goblin type Hoodoos and rocky sandstone training is an experience of another world than children and young people will appreciate," she explains.

Children will also benefit from the 2.4 mile hike in the Gobblin lair or having "the most epic game of Hide and Go" in the Gobelins valley, she says.

2
Silver Springs state park

silver springs state park in florida
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Are you looking for a destination on the east coast? You may want to checkSilver Springs state park in Silver Springs, Florida. The appeal here is the wildlife and crystal waters, which you can observe when you make one of the famous boat trips from the Park Park.

AccordingProfessional photographer Jeremy Janus, turquoise waters are "fascinating", whether you are a paddleboard, kayak or make a boat trip.

"I would say that Silver River Run is a must on the list of buckets, because it is an easy driving but absolutely breathtaking," he said. "There are tons of cypresses that also surround the river, which are incredible with the way the lights and shadows intervene on and through them."

Read this then:Yellowstone National Park will no longer let visitors do this.

3
Cloudland Canyon state park

cloudland canyon state park in georgia
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Just north of Florida, you can find another beautiful state park in the Géorgie mountains. Cloudland Canyon State Park is a destination for adventurers, offering different cliffs, caves, canyons, waterfalls and streams to explore. If the Grand Canyon is just a little out of reach in terms of travel,Rebecca DEITSCH, fromtravel blog Day Trip Queen, suggests that you can't really go wrong with this Georgia park.

"Cloudland Canyon is not as tall as the Grand Canyon, but in a way that makes it even more fun, because you can explore it more easily!" Explains Deitsch. "I recommend hiking on the West Rim Loop trail to get the view, then connect to the Cascades path, which will take you to the heart of the canyon with two waterfalls."

Are you looking to spend the night? Déitsch suggests reserving a cabin on the west edge for a "comfortable and calm getaway in nature".

4
Smith Rock State Park

smith rock state park in oregon
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Located in the center of Oregon and spread over 650 acres, Smith Rock State Park. You can explore different trails and fauna in this park, whichAdam Marland,,Travel photographer and writer Because we dream of traveling, describes as "a playground built by nature".

"Climbers, hikers, photographers and anyone with love for our natural world compete in this small but lesser but less but less," he said.

You will be responsible for small parking costs, but entry into the park is free, confirms Marland, which means that this trip will not break the bank if you have a budget. "Hiking trails for all the capacities are available, with a flat and pleasant walk along the twisted river to the aptly named rise of the crest of misery which goes directly to the top for panoramic views on the top desert from Oregon, "he said.

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5
Custer state park

custer state park in south dakota
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Another rival in the National Park is Custer State Park, a gem of 71,000 acres nestled in the black hills of southern Dakota.

"This amazing state park is often called" Little Yellowstone "for a good reason", "Grant Sinclair,,travel blogger Of our life filled with errors, says. "Located at the southern end of the Black Hills, this park has tons of wild animals, including the second largest herd of Bison in the United States".

Caitlin Dismore,,travel blogger Travels from the twin family, recommends taking a panoramic road on the needle highway, Iron Mountain Road or the road to Loop Wildlife, which will take you through tunnels and hairpin turns.

You will not want to miss Lake Sylvan, one of the five in the park either, she saysBetter life. "He has a swimming beach, hiking trails, a lodge with a restaurant, a canoeing and paddle rental and fishing possibilities," explains Dismore.

6
Silver Falls State Park

silver falls state park in oregon
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Another Oregon state park to make the list, Silver Falls was one of the most frequently recommended by our experts.

"Although it is difficult to compete with the monoliths which are Olympic, Mount Rainier or even Crater Lake, I absolutely think that travelers should make a detour to visit Silver Falls State Park in the center of Oregon,"Hannah Ashcraft,,travel blogger For moderately adventurous, says, adding that the park compensates for its smaller size thanks to 10 waterfalls, a natural store managed by volunteers and the simple fact that it is less often visited than other national parks in the northwest of the Pacific .

Marland agrees, noting that Silver Falls is described as the "jewel of the crown" of Oregon's state parks. "Visitors will follow the Silver river as it crosses an enchanted forest that looks like a postcard for the northwest Pacific," he explains. "The most popular and remarkable hike is the track of ten falls; a 7.8 -thousand getaway revealing 10 breathtaking waterfalls along the trip."

And if you are waiting for time to cool to make your next trip, this park is a perfect choice. "Silver Falls is better visited in the fall, when the golden golden colors transform the landscape into seasonal beauty," adds Marland.AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

Read this then:Yellowstone National Park managers emit a new alert on an "unpredictable" threat.

7
Moran State Park

moran state park in washington
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Another state park not to be missed isMoran State Park in the state of Washington. Covering 5,424 acres, this state park is a unique destination that offers campsite, hiking trails and structures that were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression.

"Moran State Park is in the islands of San Juan off the coast of Washington, so this park presents a unique landscape which cannot be found anywhere else in the United States", "Laura Witt, the blogger behind the siteAmateur adventure journal, recountBetter life.

You can admire the views of the island and the mountain here, taking advantage of the large spaces without the crowds that flock to the national parks of the Washington state, explains Witt. "A trip to the Moran State Park is not complete without seeing the panoramic view of the Mount Constitution, the highest point of the San Juan Islands," she said. "On a clear day, Vancouver, Mount Baker and Mount Rainier are all visible, but the view of here is beautiful even a cloudy day."

8
Humboldt Redwoods State Park

humboldt redwoods state park in california
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To complete this list, Humboldt Redwoods State Park in California. AccordingTodd Sarouhan, owner oftravel site Go visit San Diego, the views of this state park compete with those from the neighboring Redwood National Park.

"It houses the Rockefeller forest, the largest ancient forest of coastal redwood in the world," he explains. "And let me tell you that nothing in the National Park is compared to driving through the avenue des Giants in the Humboldt state park."

You can take the whole family to camp to one of the humboldt 250 campsites , head to the hiking trails, or go fishing at the south fork of the EEL river, says the Park's website. Overall, there is no shortage of Humboldt Redwoods. "This is the third park of California State Park System, and a final competitor for your list of buckets if you like outdoor," adds Sarouhan.


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