The 11 best American state parks for hiking

These locations are perfect for all those looking to spend time in nature.


When you try to plan the perfect hiking trip, it may be easy for your mind to immediately go to one of themany national parks This sprinkles the United States, but although the sites administered by the federal government are certainly worth a visit, they are far from the only option to go outside. There is alsomore than 10,000 state parks This provides more than 40,000 miles of trails nationally, according to the National Association of State Park Directors. And in many cases, this can facilitate the visit and access the nature you are trying to live. Read more to see what American state parks say they are the best for hiking.

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

1
Snow Canyon State Park (Utah)

Alacatr / Istock

It is not a secret for anyone that Utah is full of natural beauty. But experts say that a less known place is an ideal place to take the path.

"Hidden in the shadow of Zion’s immensely popular Zion National Park is one of the best most random state parks in all of the United States ... and most go right in front!"Sophie Clapton, a travel and writer expert forWe dream of traveling, recountBetter life. "Snow Canyon State Park is a country of wonders of historical and geological wonders."

"The park offers dozens of hiking trails of all distances, which leads to everything, lava tubes with slot canyons with petroglyphs and pictograms. The most notable, however, is a large area of ​​petrified sand dunes Who can be explored by foot, "she said. "This swirling and textured landscape of petrified sand is not like any other that you will find in the United States"

2
Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park (California)

A trail in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
Istock / Ron and Patty Thomas

California's impressive redwood forests attract crowds of eager visitors every year, but the Jedediah Smith Redwoods state park offers a unique way to experiment with the hiking.

"The park represents more than 10,000 acres of incredible beauty, and the best way to explore it is through one of the 17 hiking trails located there", "Rae Miller, co -owner ofCouple of escape, recountBetter life. "You will find everything, short and easy trails like Stout Memorial Grove Trail or Simpson-Reed Trail which are lower than a mile to the difficult track of 17 miles of Hatton in Hiouchi in Mill Creek Trail."

She adds that the homonymous trees of the park must be seen in person to be believed, many of which have thousands of years and up to 350 feet high. "You will feel an incredibly tiny hike through the huge groves of redwoods. Climb on the boy scout tree trail if you want to discover some of the oldest and larger trees. It really presents what makes this place one of the place Best American state parks for hiking, "she says.

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

3
Kodachrome Basin State Park (Utah)

A view of colorful cliffs at Kodachrome Basin State Park
Istock / Dan Richards

Natural beauty of any place can be improved by the way its colors improve and play each other. An Out West location offers many opportunities to take everything from the path.

"The Kodachrome Basin State Park in southern Utah is one of the best state parks that you have never heard of. Its 2,240 acres are filled with canyons, ridges and arrows reddish stone framed by a bright blue sky ","Steve Prohaska, travel expert and founder ofSee the best places, recountBetter life.

There are also many options that are suitable for all capacity and duration levels. "Hike on the 1.7 mile sentinel path to see the natural giant arc of Shakespeare and the panoramic views of the large national staircase-escalanting monument. The 6-thousand panorama path will take you to the big Ballerin arrow, to the strange hoodoos of the hat shop, and the fresh cliff -bounded cave. In Kodachrome, you will have hiking trails and a breathtaking view of those some of the national parks, but without crowds Tourists in the National Park, "said Prohaska.

4
Silver Falls State Park (Oregon)

silver falls state park in oregon
Dee Browning / Shutterstock

National parks are often famous for their natural monuments, such as Old Faithful or El Capitan. But experts point out that some parks administered by the state have unknown wonders.

"I would recommend consulting Silver Falls State Park, east of Salem, Oregon, who is known as the" Crown jewel "of the state of state of Oregon", explainsJessica Schmit, Owner ofUproot traveler. "It is especially famous for its ten Falls trail, where you can hike along an 8.5 mile path and see 10 incredibly unique waterfalls, up to 170 feet high."

"What makes this park really special is that because of the geological composition of the region, four of the waterfalls have large caves behind them, allowing you to hike behind the scraps!" She adds. "If you are not up to 8.5 miles, this loop trail can also be done like a` `choose your own adventure '', hikeing so much or also falls as you wish . "

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5
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park (California)

McWay Falls at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Istock / Picturelake

Big's breathtaking natural beauty has made a destination for the list of buckets for anyone traveling along the Californian coast. Of course, experts say that the region's state park offers one of the best hiking opportunities you can find in the state.

"I love to visit Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park because to get there, you have to drive an emblematic road 1 with an amazing coastal view on one side and a mountain view on the other", "Brittanie Harbick, co-host ofTravel travel podcast, recountBetter life. "It is an ideal place for hiking, and depending on the path you choose, you can get coastal and forest views."

"One of my favorite trails in the park is the Pfeiffer Falls trail because the hike folds in the Sequoias forest. Before the waterfall, there is an extension bridge for pedestrians to cross, above the Canyon, offering a breathtaking view of the gigantic trees before approaching the 60-foot Pfeiffer falls, "she says.

6
Waimea Canyon state park (Hawaii)

A view of Waipoo Falls in Waimea Canyon State Park
Shutterstock / Mnstudio

From its immaculate beaches to its brilliant volcanoes, it is impossible not to feel natural beauty during the visit of Hawaii. But in addition to well -known national parks, those who seek to make the most of their time on the track could also consider adding a state park to their list.

"Nicknamed the" Grand Canyon of the Pacific ", Waimea Canyon is one of the most popular hiking destinations in Hawaii", explainsTrysta Barwig, travel expert and founder ofThis travel dream. "This 10 -mile long and 3,600 feet deep canyon is a hiker paradise, offering kilometers of trails with a breathtaking view of its red and orange cliffs and the green tropical forest that covers its slopes."

She explains that there is no shortage of trails to choose, going from easy and accessible to more difficult. "One of the most popular trails is the Canyon Trail in Waipoo Falls, a moderate round trip of 4 miles leading to a superb 800-foot waterfall overlooking the canyon. It takes about two to three hours to finish."

"For an easy hike, try Cliff Trail, a 1.8 mile loop that offers a view of the canyon and its cliffs that you can finish in about an hour. And if you are looking for a more difficult hike, the Kukui Trail is a Randon-round trip of 5 miles which takes approximately 3.5 to 4 hours to finish. This path is steep, with a drop in altitude of 2,000 feet on the canyon floor, "suggests Barwig.

Read this then:The 10 less crowded American national parks in 2022.

7
Valley of Fire State Park (Nevada)

striped landscape of
Whisper

Some destinations are simply visually amazing that they must be seen to be believed. And for all those who seek to take a break in nature during a visit to Sin City, the experts say that there is a local option not to be missed.

"Valley of Fire State Park, just 45 minutes from Las Vegas, is incredible for hiking, with more than a dozen trails leading you to the incredible orange and red formations of the park," explains Schmit. "Make sure to hit the fireflow path, where you will cross the desert floor to a breathtaking sandstone formation of pink, white and orange whirlpools. The White Domes Trail is also beautiful, where you can make your way Through a narrow slit canyon and climb the two rocky domes for scanning views of the park below. "

8
Dead Horse Point State Park (Utah)

A view of the Colorado River in Dead Horse Point State Park
Istock / Agustavop

Although the size has nothing to do with what is designated in a state park, some really magnificent sites are among the smallest. A Utah park makes very manageable to obtain many tourist visits to the trail without overwhelming visitors.

"Movies Film Cult ClassicThelma & Louise could know Dead Horse Point State Park more from the famous final scene of the film. But the park has about seven relatively easy miles of trails offering a spectacular view of the canyon floor below where the Colorado river flows, "Ashley Tepen, co-founder ofHellotrail outdoor adventure website, recountBetter life.

"There is also a daily event that you may not want to miss." If you plan your day right, you can attend one of the most picturesque sunsets. Just make sure you arrive at the park for a while before, hiking to one of the western overlogez, taking a seat and letting nature do the rest, "she said.

9
Ka'ena point state park (Hawaii)

A view of a sign for Ka'ena State Park in Hawaii
Istock / Ejjohnshotography

In the direction ofAloha state With your trailer trailer boots? Experts say there is a destination that you should not let go.AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

"Ka'ena Point State Park is one of the best hiking places in Hawaii," said Barwig. "The isolated park is located at the northwest tip of Oahu and offers a breathtaking view of the ocean and the neighboring islands. The park also houses various native plants and animals, which makes it a great place for lovers of Nature. The incredible contrast between the lush greenery, lava rocks and the deep blue ocean are something that you will not want to miss. "

And there are more than incredible views and landscapes. "Although it is not always guaranteed, the Ka'ena point trail hike gives you a chance to spot the spectacular fauna. Keep your eyes open, and you might have the chance to see! Just a few Creatures that call for this place at home. And if you visit the winter months, you could even have an overview of the humpback whales gambling in the distance, "she said.

Read this then:7 state parks that have even more to do than national parks, say the experts.

10
Golden Gate Canyon State Park (Colorado)

A picture of Golden Gate State Park at sunset
Shutterstock / David Spates

Even if it is perhaps not as well known as its neighbors in the National Park, Golden Gate Canyon State Park offers some of the best trails in a place synonymous with hiking. And according toDan Meyer, founder and director ofTravel planning company Back & Pack, its 42 miles of trails make a visit very much.

"You can really get lost in the tranquility of the desert there, locate an incredible fauna, or simply enjoy a picnic in one of the many beautiful places by the road," he saysBetter life. "The forest is very virgin, and you can have a breathtaking view of the Colorado rockies, including several of the same mountains you see in the Rocky Mountain National Park. I particularly recommend the Trail connect, a moderate hike of 2, 5 miles with a panoramic view of the divide continental. It is absolutely magnificent in the fall. "

Meyer explains that the park has many advantages compared to other local options. "Golden Gate offers all the major activities that you expect from a well -known national park - ROKING, FISHING, HIGHT, CAMPING - but I think it is one step ahead because of its accessibility. The park only 45 Minutes of Denver, and fewer people know it, especially outside the staters! - So the crowd tends to be lighter. In short, Golden Gate offers a similar mountain experience at the most famous Rocky Mountain National Park, But that does not require as much advanced planning, and it does not see with some of the headaches of the larger crowd, "he said.

11
Tallulah Gorge state park (Georgia)

bridal veil falls in tallulah gorge state park, georgia
Jayl / Shutterstock

Anyone based on the East Coast knows that there is no shortage of options when it comes to hiking. But a state park offers a wide range of trails in the middle of breathtaking landscapes.

"Tallulah Gorge is a depth of 2 miles long and 1,000 feet in the Blue Ridge mountains in the North of Georgia,"Erin Moreland,,travel blogger and owner of super simple salty life, saysBetter life. "The Tallulah Gorge state park has more than 20 miles of perfect trails for hikers who want to see the six different cascades in the whole park. The trails are well marked and have different levels of easy to painful to painful , according to the Hiker Age and Level of Competence. "


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