The Best State Parks To Visit For Pristine Hiking Adventures, According To Outdoor Explorers

The United States is known for its spectacular national parks, including Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona and Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. While these spots may fill visitors with awe, they aren't the only interesting outdoor destinations in the U.S. In addition to 63 national parks, the country boasts a whopping 9,817 state parks that protect approximately 20 million acres of land, according to America's State Parks. These locations offer some of the best hiking around, even if they are the lesser-known gems of America's park system.

As seasoned hikers, we were interested in identifying the best state parks with excellent walkways and trails. Using our experience looking for the best places to put our own hiking boots, we got busy researching. We scoured sites like Reddit, Yelp, Tripadvisor, and Google reviews for recommendations from other adventurers and outdoor explorers. By analyzing these results, we identified state parks with extraordinary trails. We based our selection on the quality of the scenery at each location, as well as the variety of trails available for people of different levels.

Upstate New York is a romantic getaway destination, but that doesn't mean the region lacks activities for outdoor adventurers. Situated just minutes north of the town of Portageville,  Letchworth State Park offers miles of rugged hiking trails. The park's most challenging path is the infamous Finger Lakes Trail, which runs through 24 miles of stunning wilderness. Folks who love running water will perhaps feel drawn to this trek. Describing the scenery on the r/backpacking subreddit of Reddit, one traveler shared, "... the trail also crosses a million small streams, ravines, and gullies that drain into the gorge, which makes for some understated and beautiful topography."

Although the Finger Lakes Trail may represent a fun challenge for some, not everyone wants to commit to such a long hike. Folks who are interested in a shorter walk may prefer to tackle the .5-mile Gardeau trail or the 2.25-mile Smokey Hollow loop. Alternatively, you can just stroll from the parking lot to a viewpoint overlooking the park's stunning waterfalls. As one explorer put it on Tripadvisor, "The falls are magnificent! The park itself is amazing. Very clean. Easy walking trails. The biggest sites are just steps away from the parking lots." Due to the diverse range of trails at this destination, it's definitely one of the best state parks for hikers of all skill levels. Grab your friends and family, pile into a car, and enjoy whichever part of Letchworth suits you best.

One of the best state parks for hikers is a mountainous paradise characterized by rocky peaks and wild brush. Nestled in the hills just outside the town of Bend, Oregon, Smith Rock State Park provides visitors with gorgeous scenery and well-groomed trails. While the challenging Misery Ridge Loop crawls along 4 miles of mountain ridges and riverbeds, the easier Chute walk stretches over just .1 miles of terrain. Folks looking for something in between might also consider the gorgeous 1.6-mile Canyon Trail, which will lead you to local fauna. Writing on Tripadvisor, a hiker who took this last option gushed, "That was amazing ... We took all sorts of photos, watcher rock and boulder climbers, and [went] up to the edge of the river and watched River Otters, which was really cool."

This particular option is also popular among adventurers with children. As another Smith Rock State Park visitor shared on Tripadvisor, "We have 3 younger kids, so we opted not to do the Misery Ridge Trail ... so instead we did a combination of the Canyon Trail and the Rope-de-Dope-Trail. It was a short hike, but the entire time, [we] had amazing views of the canyon and rock formations." Regardless of which path you choose, Smith Rock State Park will provide you with a unique way to experience some of Oregon's most spectacular geography.

If you think that the Grand Canyon is the only place to see dramatic red cliffs and magnificent views, think again. Providence Canyon State Park in Lumpkin, Georgia, offers all of the above, enticing hikers from all around. With its plunging valleys and rustic walking trails, Providence Canyon State Park has earned itself the nickname "Georgia's Little Grand Canyon." To explore this unique site to the max, take on one of the park's challenging walks. 

Intrepid hikers may enjoy the Backcountry Trail, a 7-mile loop that overlooks six canyons. Previous visitors even recommend this trail for aspiring trekkers, claiming that it's one of the best state parks for backpacking newbies. One even took to Reddit's r/GeorgeCampAndHike subreddit to write, "It is perfect for a beginning backpacker. One small hill to climb. Only two things to be aware of. 1. Water on canyon floor will get shoes wet and possibly muddy. 2. There are wild boars there."

For a more moderate walk, you can always opt for the 2.5-mile Canyon Trail, which will guide you directly into the canyons and their scarlet soil. This hike is perfect for anyone looking for an unusual experience in the American Southeast. As one traveler commented on Yelp, "[Visitors to the South] ... are not expecting deep red clay and some rather steep trails into the canyon. But that is indeed what you are seeing and it is beautiful. Please don't miss out [on] ... this place!"

One of South Dakota's best-kept secrets is Custer State Park, a 71,000-acre protected area in the jaw-dropping Black Hills region. Here, hikers can trek across many miles of diverse landscapes, each with their own piece of historical significance. The 4.7-mile Barnes Canyon Trail, for example, begs visitors to follow in the footsteps of people of centuries past. By walking along Dry Creek, adventurers can trek the very path that loggers and miners once used. The Cathedral Spires Trail, meanwhile, offers a challenging 3-mile out-and-back that overlooks striking old rock formations known as needles.

Although some of these hikes can be difficult, previous visitors laud Custer State Park for its range of options. As one such traveler wrote on Tripadvisor, "The best state park I've ever been to. Lots of short hike opportunities ... The wildlife loop is a must. Many 'bison red dogs' and buffalo walking around your car (stay in and don't try to feed them)." A second visitor agreed with this assessment in a second Tripadvisor post. Applauding the park's outdoor activities, this person wrote, "The scenery is spectacular and [there] are numerous hiking and gentler walking trails for all levels of fitness. Plenty of opportunities for spotting wild life as well as horse riding, various sports or just sitting in the sun." Ultimately, Custer is one of the best state parks for hikers who want to explore more than just one trail.

The Sunshine State may be renowned for its pristine beaches and warm weather, but Florida locals know it's also full of nature preserves. Big Lagoon State Park, about a 25-minute drive from the town of Pensacola, is one such hotspot. As far as trails go, it's one of the best state parks for hikers. Blue Lagoon's charm can be partially attributed to its system of boardwalks that stretch out over natural wetlands. Five short walkways guide visitors to attractions like a viewpoint over Long Pond or an observation tower that overlooks the lagoon. Two longer, natural paths offer hikers the chance to tackle a 3.5-mile trail, called the Sand Pine Loop, or a shorter, 2-mile adventure, known as the Estuary Trail.

Previous visitors write that the boardwalks at Big Lagoon State Park provide an excellent glimpse into nature. Reflecting on their state park experience on Google reviews, one hiker revealed, "The observation tower gives a wonderful view of the bay, and there are boardwalks where you can look down into the water and see crabs and fish." This visitor was hardly the only one to see nature up close on their walk. Another Google reviewer shared, "We walked the Sandy Pine Trail Loop (3.5 miles) and boardwalk sections ... As we were walking, we saw several small birds, an armadillo, and a swamp rabbit." Just keep in mind that the park is currently closed for camping.

Michigan is full of breathtakingly beautiful beaches, and Leelanau State Park is home to a few of them. Located less than an hour north of Traverse City, this stunning nature preserve offers some of the state's most panoramic views of Lake Michigan. To appreciate them to the fullest, embark on one of the Leelanau-Cathead Bay trails. The 2.2-mile Lake Michigan trail is especially beautiful, as hikers can stop at an observation point that overlooks one of the most scenic parts of the lake. Folks hoping for a longer hike can try to link it with the 3-mile Mud Lake Trail, depending on the time of year.

Overall, previous visitors say that Leelanau is one of the best state parks for hikers. As one guest wrote on Google reviews, "Beautiful location on the pinkie tip of Michigan. Some good hiking trails and ... amazing beaches. Great for a bit of solitude ..." If you don't want to hike on one of the official trails, though, you can always opt for a stroll on the beach. Per a second Google reviewer, "Grand Traverse lighthouse at the end of the peninsula. Nice walk on a rocky beach. Watch your footing." As an added bonus, Leelanau's trails are open during the wintertime for anyone interested in snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. 

Why gaze upon one mountain range when you can see three? At Nevada's Washoe Lake State Park, visitors can catch views of the Virginia Mountains, the Sierra Nevada, and the Carson Mountains. The stunning sight of these peaks is made all the more dramatic by the deep blue shade of Washoe Lake, which sits in the middle of it all. To soak up these landscapes to the max, check out one of the park's eight hiking trails. The North Loop climbs over 3.4 miles of sandy trails that overlook the lake. To extend your hike, take the East Loop, the longest trail in the park, clocking in at 3.8 miles. It's much shorter when you join it from the North Loop trail. 

Afterward, feel free to set up camp on-site. In the words of one adventurer on Google reviews, the park is a "Great spot to camp or RV. Numerous hiking trails, wild horses, and beaches by the lake to unwind." If you're in the mood for a shorter hike, check out Deadman's Creek Trail. Although this pathway is just .6 miles long, it reaches a maximum grade of 28%, so be prepared to sweat. Hikers say that the effort necessary to complete this trail is worth it. Writing on Google reviews, one traveler shared, "... at the top is a small gazebo with amazing views. The trail follows part of the Deadman's Creek then ascends the hillside. Highly recommend hiking in the spring if visiting Washoe Lake State Park."

High Point State Park is one of the few state parks where you can go hiking almost as far as you want. Located in Wantage, New Jersey, this park is part of the famously tricky Appalachian Trail. Spanning 2,190 miles along the Atlantic side of the United States, this iconic path is a trekker's paradise. If you're committed to staying within the bounds of High Point State Park, you can hike up to 9 miles of the trail. However, folks willing to take their trek to the next level are more than welcome to take the path either north or south.

Of course, not everyone is interested in taking on such a major challenge. Luckily, High Point State Park offers short trails that may be more appealing to day visitors. The 2-mile-long Cedar Swamp Trail includes boardwalks, which are great for kids. Meanwhile, the more moderate Old Trail will take you just .5 miles up a pleasant old carriage road. As one hiker put it on Google, "Beautiful views, rich history, trails for all levels of experience. Nice lakes and playgrounds make it a great day for picnics for couples and families!" 

Moderately challenging trails are also available for those looking for a quicker challenge. Describing the 3.5-mile Monument trail, one Google reviewer explained that it's "... quite rocky and involves considerable elevation, but it's good exercise and overall, the beautiful view makes every step worth it!"

Hikers who like their trails with a side of history should consider checking out McKinney Falls State Park in Austin, Texas. Spanning the edge of the scenic Onion Creek, this park provides visitors with a fascinating web of trails — some of which have existed in some form for centuries. The 3.1-mile-long Homestead Trail, for example, crosses sections of the Camino Real, a 400-year-old footpath between Mexico and Louisiana. It also covers the ground that enslaved people once walked while building the ill-fated McKinney homestead. The historical element of the park has fascinated past hikers, including one who wrote on Google, "Bonus: there are trails, ancient rock shelters, and even ruins of a historic homestead to explore. It's nature, history, and camping magic all rolled into one."

Interestingly, human history is not the only way to connect with the past at McKinney Falls State Park. The park also offers plenty of ways to learn about the history of the natural world. The .6-mile Rock Shelter trail curves past Old Baldy — a 500-year-old cypress tree. Additionally, previous hikers who have trekked down to the Lower Falls report discovering fossils. As one adventurer shared in the r/TXoutdoors subreddit of Reddit, "I swam mostly at the lower falls there, and there are actually tons of fossils in the water right there! I don't know the types, but there were mostly shells, some were actually pretty big."

To catch a glimpse of natural beauty without straying too far from a bustling city, hike at Natural Falls State Park. Located on the Oklahoma-Arkansas border just an hour's drive from Tulsa, this state park makes for an easy day trip for many Oklahomans. It's also less than an hour's drive from Fayetteville, Arkansas. In that sense, Natural Falls is the perfect spot for folks in search of a multi-state adventure.

Hiking opportunities at Natural Falls State Park tend to be short and sweet, although you can link several trails for a longer walk. The 1.1-mile Fox Den Trail will lead you through a gorgeous protected forest, while the Dripping Springs Trail of the same length will allow you to view a stunning 77-foot-tall waterfall. If you just want to see the falls, though, you can stroll there straight from the parking lot. In the words of one Google reviewer, "The trail to the falls is short, but there are other trails available. You cannot get into the water, but it's a beautiful sight nonetheless."

The best part is that the trails at Natural Falls State Park are exceptionally well-marked. This makes it one of the best state parks for hikers of all levels. Writing on Yelp, a second traveler shared, "While in the area, we looked at the map & found this state park for a quick day adventure. [A 10-dollar] parking fee. Clear paths to follow, great sites, informative signs posted throughout."

Different travelers enjoy hiking trails of various lengths and levels of difficulty. As a result, putting together this list of the best state parks for hikers posed a unique challenge. To identify state parks with broad general appeal, we choose destinations that offer everything from long hikes to short walks. Most of the destinations above provide visitors with paths that barely reach 1 mile in length, in addition to a selection of multi-hour treks. Overall, we hoped that this would allow avid and recreational hikers to find state parks that appealed to their specific needs.

We also strove to include state parks that offered diverse landscapes. While Custer State Park and Smith Rock State Park shed light on North America's gorgeous mountain ranges, Washoe Lake State Park and Leelanau State Park allow visitors to explore some of the region's most beautiful lakes. Letchworth State Park, McKinney Falls State Park, and Natural Falls State Park boast spectacular waterfalls. Big Lagoon State Park, meanwhile, guides travelers through Florida's wetlands. Providence Canyon State Park represents one of the most unique geological phenomena in the American Southeast, and High Point State Park provides access to the iconic Appalachian Trail.