4 State Parks Worth A Visit

Across the country, national parks seem to get all the visitors. But that’s a shame, because some of the most pristine and beautiful landscapes can be found in the lesser known—and much less frequented—state parks. We want to share our top picks of 4 state parks worth a visit.

While national parks have their place, there’s so much to explore in the U.S. state park system. So, whether you just want a virtual stay-cation exploring in your own neck of the woods or you’re planning a road trip across the country, these are 4 state parks that should be on your radar.

Devil’s Den in Arkansas is home to wooden and stone structures, caverns, and all types of rock formations. There are ample hiking and mountain biking trails, and if you enjoy water activities, consider renting a boat for the afternoon and fishing out on Lake Devil in the center of the park.

Eldorado Canyon, one of Colorado’s many state parks, is just outside of Boulder. The canyon this park is named after is one of the most beautiful in the entire state. Imagine hiking beneath towers of sandstone or taking an all-day hike through one of Eldorado’s many climbing routes. Because it’s so close to Boulder, consider exploring the city after you take in the beauty of the canyon.

Kentucky’s Cumberland Falls—one of just a few places around the globe where you can see “lunar rainbows”—is located within the state park of the same name. Lunar rainbows, or moonbows, occur when the light of the moon catches the mist from a waterfall in the evening. Before you settle in to view this iconic phenomenon, consider hiking one of Cumberland’s many trails or booking a rafting trip along the Cumberland River.

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is a land of lakes and wilderness. At Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, you’ll find over 60,000 acres of dense old-growth pine, miles of rivers and creeks, and several pretty waterfalls. This state park offers over 90 miles of hiking during the summer months and doubles as a ski resort once the snow flies.

Now that you know about these 4 state parks worth a visit, which state park will you venture to for your next getaway?