7 state parks that have even more to do than national parks, say the experts

You will not find a shortage of activities, tourist sites or fauna during exploration here.


American national parks are famous for their beauty and breathtaking views. The Grand Canyon is an essential wonder for many, just like Old Faithful inYellowstone National Park. People spend days exploring these parks, taking everything to see and do. But if you hope to avoid the crowd, you may want to opt for a state park instead.

The only real differences between the two are in charge and what theEarth can be used for, according to Virginia Wesleyan University. As indicated by their names, the state parks are supervised by the governments of the States, whileNational parks are supervised by the American federal government. The fields of the State Park can also be sold if they are deemed necessary by a government government, while the land of the National Park is preserved and cannot be affected.

Given this, do not forget the state parks, as some have even more to do than their national counterparts. Read more to find out which seven travel experts from state parks recommend and why you could reconsider your holiday plans.

Read this then:The last 5 national parks that you should add to your list of buckets.

1
Anza-Borrego DeRet State Park, California

anza borrego state park
Ron and Patty Thomas / Istock

A state park filled with adventure is the state park of the Anza-Borrego desert in California, which is a pleasant gas if you also want to visit San Diego or Los Angeles,Chris Emery, editor oftravel blog Greatist, says.

The largest California state park is not the type to neglect.

"Few people outside South California have heard of it, but it's really a remarkable place," said Emery. "The most famous national park in southern California, Joshua Tree National Park, attracts all the attention, but Anza-Borgo certainly competes with the number of places to explore and things to do. ""

There is a lot to do in this state park. This is part of the Sonora desert and is home to more than 200 species of wild flowers, explains Emery. ApartCatch a view of fauna- Including America's mouflons, red lynxs and lizards - There is also a list of laundry activities.AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

"The park measures 915 miles square and includes hundreds of hiking trails, dirt roads and four -wheel drive roads to explore," explains Emery. "There are hikes for people of all capacities, including canyons with narrow slot to sloters who are really fun. A hike even has Amerindian petroglyphs on a rock in the middle of the trail."

Emery also notes that Anza-Borreg is a Dark Sky International Park, which means that it has some of the best stars. There are also several campsite and even the hotels to choose in Borrego Springs nearby.

2
Snow Canyon State Park, Utah

snow canyon state park
Alacatr / Istock

If you are looking for a state park that has more to doandis a well -maintained secret, look no further than Snow Canyon State Park.

"[This park] houses slit canyons, petroglyphs, lava tubes, natural arches and one of the greatest natural wonders of Utah in its petrified sand dunes - is that most people never heard of it! "Adam Marland,,Travel photographer and blogger Because we dream of traveling, tellsBetter life.

This state park is often overlooked thanks to its proximity to other large Western parks, which you have probably heard of, he says.

"On the left in the large shadow thrown by Zion National Park, most visitors lead right next to the landscapes of the incredible desert and the night sky filled with stars that are in Snow Canyon," explains Marland. "Those who make the detour ofSaint GeorgeHowever, will discover a paradise of fascinating natural characteristics. This includes one of the canyons with slot to the most beautiful and accessible UTAH in Jenny's Canyon, as well as an underground world in the butterfly lava tubes. ""

However, something that you will not want to miss in this park is the petrified sand dunes.

"Here, braided stone flows like water throughout the region, appearing as if a sand river was suddenly frozen," explains Marland. "In the distance, Tiger Striped Rock adds color and texture to distant hills, creating a scene like none that you will discover elsewhere in the world."

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3
Park Wilderness of the State of the Nāpali coast, Hawaii

napali coast national park
The World Traveler / ISTOCK

If you are able to venture into the Hawaii islands, you may want to skip the Hawaiian volcano national park in favor of the Wild Park of the State of the Nāpali Coast on Kaua'i.

"With its steep lush green ocean cliffs, the Nāpali coast is renowned as one of the most beautiful places on the earth", "Michael Barker, websiteALOHA secretsExplain. "Isolated beaches, secret waterfalls and lush tropical jungles, it is a majestic place - and with its accidental land, it is even more intact than many national parks."

This state park has some of the most unique opportunities, especially if you are ready to raise the Kalalau trail. It is not an easy task, and you have to get a state pass in advance, but the long trip is worth it.

"Along the way, you will meet beautiful beaches like Kalalau beach, isolated between the Ocean cliffs, only accessible from the trail or by boat," explains Barker. "You will also meet majestic waterfalls like Hanakapii Falls overflowing at 500 feet in the valley." He adds that many opt to finish the 22 -mile hike in several days.

But for those of us who are not ready for a trek, Barker notes that there are also boat trips along the coast, which offer excursions in apnea.

"Without the bustle of the mass of people who live in many Hawaiian beaches, tropical fish and turtles that swim the waters are abundant and prosperous," he said. "No matter how you appreciate the wild park of the state of the Nāpali coast, it will be a trip to remember."

4
Natural Bridge State Resort Park, Kentucky

natural bridge state park kentucky
Ehrlif / Istock

While Kentucky can be famous for Mammoth Cave National Park, if you are heading east, you will come across the Natural Bridge State Resort park. Located in the Red River Gorge region, this park is full of activities, and according toJami Dale, of thetravel blog Coeliac travel pack, this state park is a rival worthy of its national counterpart.

"The hike to the natural bridge is one of the most famous in the state," explains Dale, referring to the sandstone arc from which the park takes its name. According to the Kentucky tourism website, this arc wastrained over millions of years And measures 75 feet long and 65 feet high.

If you don't want to hike, you can take a look at the sky for a magnificent view of the natural bridge.

"There are also several hikes in the arches and sandstone waterfalls," explains DaleBetter life, adding that you can do climbing, kayaking or trying the zip line on the gorges of the Red River. At La Tyrolean, however, you will have to go to a neighboring site outside the park.

Read this then:The 8 best American national parks for people over 65, say the experts.

5
Custer State Park, southern Dakota

sylvan lake custer state park
DC_Colombie / Shutterstock

If you want a state park that shame nearby national parks, book your next trip to Custer State Park in the southern Dakota. At 71,000 acres, it is one of the largest state parks in the country and offers unrivaled options to be "one with nature".

"There is a hyper-special landscape by the needle highway and the Iron Mountain motorway, as well as tons of opportunities to see fauna, like the bison for which the park is known", "Lindsay Harvey, of thetravel site Called to wander, tellsBetter life.

If you choose to drive on the wildlife loop, this "you also put in contact with hundreds of bison, deer, elbitis, antelope and meadow dogs, among others," said Harvey.

But beyond the fauna, there is no shortage of things to do at the Custer State Park.

"There is a spectacular extinct and several great lakes for paddleboarding, swimming, kayaking or fishing," explains Harvey, adding that hikers did not want to miss trails like those of Black Elk Peak, cathedral arrows and cathedral arrows and cathedral arrows and cathedral arrows and cathedral arrows and From the little Devils tower.

6
WEAKI WACHEE Springs State Park, Florida

kayaker weeki wachee state park
Michael Warren / Shutterstock

Appointed by the Indians Seminole, Weki Wachee means "little spring" or "winding river", according to the website of the State Park. Located on the west coast of Florida, spring - in fact a naturally formed underwater cave - is so deep that no one has ever found the bottom.

This natural wonder "is an essential visit to any Florida traveler", "Steve MORROW,,travel expert and founder of Paddle sur, tellsBetter life.

Water activities reign supreme at Weeki Wachee, namely kayak, paddleboarding and water slides at Buccaneer Bay. The real WEKI WAKEE draw, however, is the sirens. Summergés at 16 feet below the surface of the spring, these "sirens and siren" perform shows using diving technology.

Mermaid shows can be the main attraction of the park, but you may prefer a boat visit through the sources, known as Morrow, which is "an excellent way to see the natural beauty of the region". Even better, a visit will not break, he adds.

"The best part of Weki Wachee is that it is cheaper and less congested than a national park," says Morrow. "So, if you are looking for an ideal place to enjoy outdoor activities and discover the culture of Florida, add Wachee Springs State Park to your list."

Read this then:8 state parks that are even better than national parks, say the experts.

7
Silver Falls State Park, Oregon

silver falls state park
Silvrshootr / Shutterstock

Head to the Oregon Cascade mountains and discover Silver Falls State Park, which should not be missed, even if you died to explore the National Park to Crater Lake. There is no shortage of things to do here, including hiking, cycling, fishing, swimming and, of course, checking waterfalls.

"The Oregonians largely consider the Silver Falls state park as the jewel of the crown of the state parks,"Sophie Clapton,travel blogger We dream of traveling, says. "It is the House of the Incredible Ten Falls Trail, a 7.8 -mile path that leads hikers through a beautiful tropical forest passing 10 majestic cascades along the way."

More than 9,000 acres of tropical forest desert is protected in Silver Falls, explains Clapton, and along the ten fall track, you will also go down in a stream while walking along a larger canyon.

While hiking, don't forget to take a moment and observe the trees, which, according to Clapton, is part of a "forest wrapped in Douglas mist, green ferns, lichen and the foam."


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