A Biologist Reveals 6 ‘Hidden Gem' State Parks In The U.S. — Some Are Better Than National Parks

Forbes

6 hours ago

As economic uncertainty grips the nation, budget-friendly travel is back in vogue. Here are a few ... More tips on how you might swap out your national park visit for a more affordable state park option.
There are over 6,000 state parks in the United States. That's a whole lot more than national parks, of which we only have 63.
Sure, national parks garner most of the attention – but there's no getting around the fact that they're pricier, farther away, and more crowded than state parks.
As a biologist who specializes in herpetology (the study of reptiles and amphibians), here's my list of must-visit state parks – selected for the natural beauty of the site as well as the wildlife and, particularly, the herpetofauna that might be found there.
I've arranged this list into six U.S. geographical regions so that, odds are, at least one of these parks isn't more than a few hours drive from your home.
New England: Robert H. Treman State Park (Ithaca, NY)
Waterfalls cascade through the scenic gorge at Robert H. Treman State Park.
Okay, this might not technically be in New England, but it's worth the drive for even those who live in the top corner of Maine.
Robert H. Treman State Park in Ithaca, New York, is a sanctuary of rugged beauty, renowned for its dramatic landscapes and tranquil ambiance. The park's pièce de résistance is Enfield Glen – a deep, narrow gorge carved by glacial waters, where visitors can explore nine miles of trails that meander past a dozen enchanting waterfalls. The most iconic of these is Lucifer Falls, a 115-foot multi-tiered cascade that empties into a lush, wooded ravine. A stone staircase with over 200 steps leads hikers close to the falls, offering breathtaking views of the gorge below.
The park's diverse trails cut through hemlock forests, past moss-covered rocks, and along the serene Enfield Creek. In summer months, which is the time I would recommend going, visitors can enjoy swimming in the stream-fed pool.
With its combination of scenic vistas, rich geology, and serene atmosphere, Robert H. Treman State Park offers a quintessential Finger Lakes experience for all who visit.
Midwest: Warren Dunes State Park (Sawyer, MI)
Lake Michigan meets the sand hills at Warren Dunes State Park in southwest Michigan.
Though not rich in wildlife, Warren Dunes State Park is perfect place to combine a quad-burning dune hike with a great lakes cold plunge – something that will leave you feeling rejuvenated for weeks.
Warren Dunes State Park, located along the eastern shore of Lake Michigan near Bridgman, Michigan, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure. The park's towering sand dunes, including the prominent Tower Hill rising 260 feet above the lake, provide panoramic views of the shoreline and surrounding landscapes. Visitors can explore over six miles of hiking trails that wind through diverse ecosystems, from dense forests to open dunes and tranquil interdunal wetlands. The park's three miles of pristine beach along Lake Michigan's shoreline invite relaxation, swimming, and water sports, while the dog-friendly areas allow pets to enjoy the beach as well. For those seeking a more immersive experience, the park offers camping options as well.
Southeast: Ichetucknee Springs State Park (Fort White, FL)
Crystal-clear water flows through a shaded cypress forest at Ichetucknee Springs State Park.
Tucked away in northern Florida, Ichetucknee Springs State Park offers a glimpse into the state's wilder, more tranquil side. Its crown jewel is the spring-fed Ichetucknee River – crystal-clear, cold, and shaded by old-growth cypress. On a summer morning, few experiences rival floating down this glassy waterway in an inner tube, surrounded by fish, wading birds, and waving eelgrass below the surface.
The park protects over 2,000 acres of longleaf pine forest, wetlands, and limestone springs, and its trails offer quiet, shaded walks year-round. But it's the water that draws most people here, for tubing, snorkeling or paddling the six-mile designated run. The springs stay a brisk 72°F year-round, making them a refreshing retreat from the Florida heat.
Despite its popularity, the park rarely feels overrun, especially if you arrive early. It's an easy place to unplug – no cell phone, no crowds, just flowing water and the sounds of the forest. If you're looking for a Florida state park that rivals the serenity and natural beauty of any national park, Ichetucknee delivers.
Southwest: Dead Horse Point State Park (Moab, UT)
The Colorado River winds 2,000 feet below the cliffs of Dead Horse Point State Park.
Often overshadowed by nearby Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, Dead Horse Point offers equally jaw-dropping views without the crowds. The overlook of the Colorado River, winding 2,000 feet below, is one of the most iconic vistas in the Southwest. The park's trails lead across red rock cliffs, piñon-juniper woodlands, and high-desert mesas with panoramic views in every direction that glow gold and orange at sunrise or sunset.
Despite its proximity to some of Utah's busiest attractions, Dead Horse Point feels surprisingly peaceful. A well-maintained trail system loops past multiple scenic viewpoints, and the park is a designated International Dark Sky Park, making it ideal for stargazing after a day of hiking. It's a perfect base for travelers who want classic red rock scenery in a quieter setting.
West Coast: Limekiln State Park (Big Sur, CA)
Redwoods and rugged coastline meet at Limekiln State Park along California's Big Sur coast.
Big Sur is one of the most dramatic stretches of coastline in the United States, but it can also be one of the most crowded. That's what makes Limekiln State Park such a hidden gem. Tucked along Highway 1 beneath redwood-shrouded cliffs, this small coastal park offers the best of Big Sur in a more relaxed and intimate setting.
From a single trailhead, you can hike to a 100-foot waterfall, wander through cathedral-like redwood groves, or explore the remnants of 19th-century limekilns hidden in the forest. Cross Highway 1 and you'll find a quiet, rugged beach framed by sea stacks and coastal bluffs, with the chance to spot sea otters bobbing in the surf.
Limekiln is compact, but that's part of its charm. Campsites are nestled under redwoods beside a creek, and at night the sound of the ocean mixes with the rustling canopy above. For a Big Sur experience that feels less hectic and more connected to the landscape, Limekiln is hard to beat.
Pacific Northwest: Silver Falls State Park (Salem, OR)
Misty trails, waterfalls and old-growth forest define the landscape of Silver Falls State Park.
Tucked just 30 miles southeast of Salem, Oregon, Silver Falls State Park is often called the 'crown jewel' of Oregon's park system, and it earns the title. The Trail of Ten Falls loops through mossy forest and basalt canyons, leading visitors past and even behind a series of dramatic waterfalls, including the 177-foot South Falls. It's one of the only places in the country where you can literally walk behind a waterfall without getting soaked.
The park's old-growth forests, scenic bridges, and fern-lined paths make it feel more like a national park than a state park. With its mix of easy and moderate trails, accessible campsites, and year-round beauty, Silver Falls offers a full Pacific Northwest experience without the crowds or costs of the region's better-known wilderness areas.
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