Last year, America's national parks received more than 330 million visitors, with places like the Blue Ridge Parkway and Golden Gate National Recreation Area seeing roughly 15 million visitors. With more well-known destinations welcoming millions of adventurers, you may be wondering which national parks are better to visit if you're looking to beat the crowds. Let's head to Congaree National Park in South Carolina to uncover a hidden gem of the National Parks System that only has about 160,000 visitors yearly.
Open 24/7/365, Congaree National Park can be found just a half-hour outside of the city of Columbia in South Carolina.
Established as a national park for over 15 years now, Congaree is the only national park that you'll find within the Palmetto State, and it's free to visit!
Congaree National Park has more than 20 miles of hiking trails, but the most famous area to hike through is along the 2.4-mile-long Boardwalk Loop Trail.
Taking you past epic waterfront views, the trail features the largest group of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest that you'll find in North America.
From the tops of the trees to the bottom of the floodplain, you can find all sorts of wildlife everywhere you look. You'll want to keep an eye out for things like wild pigs and armadillo.
As you're making your way through the park you might notice visitors floating their way through the Congaree River, a popular place to go canoeing and kayaking.
Because the park features a floodplain forest, you'll sometimes find that the boardwalks here may be flooded, making for a unique walk through the woods.
With head-turning wildlife and some of tallest trees in the Eastern United States, don't let another year go by without exploring one of our country's most underrated national parks!
Before you begin your adventure at Congaree National Park it's always a good idea to stop by the Visitors Center, which has plenty of maps and restrooms that you can use during operating hours.
To learn more about why Congaree National Park is so amazing, click here!
What's your favorite natural getaway in the beautiful state of South Carolina? Tell us all about your picks in the comments.
Many people revel in the summer heat as a respite from cold winters. Yet, sometimes the heat can get to be a bit much and you might want a brief visit to winter in places where you can beat the heat. There are several places in the United States where snow remains through most if not all of the summer! If you’d like to get some summer skiing in or simply enjoy the chill before you head back to warmer climates, check out these 10 incredible spots where you can still find snow in summer.
North Cascades National Park in Washington has such a gorgeous landscape all through the year. Below the 4800-foot elevation, you’re surrounded by lush green forests and pristine blue lakes. Above that, you’ll start reaching the snowpack, and further up there’s continuous snow. It’s a good idea to have sturdy boots, hiking poles, a traction device, and an ice axe. if you want to climb past 5,000 feet. It seems to be a place where winter never leaves.
While this may not be naturally occurring snow, you can ski year-round at Big SNOW American Dream in New Jersey. You can even take beginner lessons to get you ready for the real deal. The eastern states may not keep much snow around, but there are more indoor snow facilities in the works like Fairfax Peak in Virginia. Bearfire Resort in Texas appears to be on hold, however, Pigeonforge Snow in Tennessee is up and running!
If you’re looking for some summer skiing, Beartooth Basin in Wyoming is the perfect place. Depending on the previous winter’s snowfall, this beautiful basin often has snow up until July with nine ski trails, some with big air and rail features. Hill space is available for rental for ski racing and mogul training as well as freestyle camps. The 600-acre area has a couple of steeper slopes with a 50-degree gradient. Now that’s fun!
There are tall peaks within the lush Inyo National Forest that have snow throughout the year and locals love to come here for summer skiing and ice climbing. Others love to camp and hike below the snow level to simply take in the breathtaking views. Imagine kicking back with a fishing rod and looking up at these majestic California mountains!
You’ll find the Arapahoe Basin in Summit County, Colorado. As the Arapahoe Basin Resort says, “We are now open for not winter!” You’ll find year-round skiing here with challenging terrain, friendly service, ski and snowboard rentals, and excellent instructors. If you’ve missed the snow and want some time on the slopes, this is where to go. If skiing isn’t your thing, there are also wildflower hikes, Mountaintop Yoga, bike trails, and more.
This national forest is one of the very few places in New England where you can still see snow in the summer. The Tuckerman Ravine is the spot for snow and sometimes it’s even good enough for skiing. It’s comprised of a glacial cirque and it’s often good for skiing up into July! It’s known as a rugged and challenging area, but if you can make the trek, you’re in for a sunny snowy adventure!
It’s no surprise that Alaska might still have some snow hanging around during the summer. One of the top places to go is the Alyeska Resort where you can take tram rides, hiking and biking trails, and eat at delicious restaurants with lovely views of the surrounding snowcapped peaks. The idyllic beauty of this area may make you think you’ve been transported to Switzerland. There’s a lot going on here all year long, so get up here!
Mount Hood is a true gem in Oregon. You can see the snowy peak from many miles away and it’s always such a spectacular sight. While the Mt. Hood Ski Bowl is the ultimate winter skiing and snowboarding place in Oregon, during the summer it has tons of activities like scenic airlift rides, tubing hills, mini golf, pedal karts, climbing walls, and more than enough other activities to easily fill a weekend. All of it within view of that beautiful snowy mountaintop.
It figures that a state named after mountains would have a few that still wear their snowy caps into the summer. The aptly named Big Snowy Mountains may not have summer ski slopes, but there’s still enough to appreciate and enjoy the beauty of. If you’re in for a real adventure, you can take a strenuous 23.5-mile hike to the Ice Caves which are filled with ice all year. The highest peak reaches 8,681 feet and snow can last into June.
This is more of an honorable mention as the snow is synthetic. Liberty Mountain uses a substance called Snowflex which emulates the texture of real snow. You can ski and snowboard throughout the year here and the surface is slick enough to ski on yet soft enough to break your fall. Tubing is available as well as Olympic trampolines and 3,500 acres of hiking trails. If you’re just too far from actual snow, this is certainly the next best thing.
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Have you ever been summer skiing, snowboarding, or simply admiring the views at any of these fantastic locations where you can still find snow in summer? What’s your favorite place in the nation for summertime snow? Let us know about your experiences and favorites in the comments. If you like snow tubing but can’t get near a peak, try a bit of river tubing at these iconic spots:
While national parks get most of the press, each state offers at least a few state parks that rival their big-league cousins in beauty, diversity, and scale. From lovely, sandy coastal parks to striking, mountainous landscapes, America is full of parks that represent the unique beauty that each state has to offer. Check out the best of the best state parks in the U.S. to visit.
One of the best state parks to visit in Alabama is located in Woodville, and visiting this park feels like stepping into another world. Wander through stalagmite forests and past a "frozen" waterfall of stone. The park is also home to "Goliath," a 45-foot tall and 243-foot wide stalagmite. It is one of the largest in the world. Tours last about 90 minutes and will take you through approximately a mile and a half of the spectacular caverns.
Located in the Togiak National Wildlife Refuge in southwest Alaska, this park has the distinction of being the most remote in the country. Needless to say, it's a great place to go if you need to get away from it all. Visitors can take advantage of the great fishing, hunting, and hiking opportunities the park has to offer, as well as explore the beautiful and vast tundra of the Nushagak lowlands. This is one of the most beautiful USA state parks.
Head to the eastern side of the Whetstone Mountains and experience some of the largest cave formations in the country. The caverns are home to colonies of bats, and the caves are considered to be "live" and still undergoing formation processes. Above ground, this park is a great location for fishing, hiking, camping, birding, and star-gazing. Learn about touring Kartchner Caverns State Park.
Situated in the beautiful Ozarks, this state park is awash in beautiful flora and enchanting waterfalls. If you're looking for spectacular hiking trails in Arkansas, you will love the scenic Yellow Rock Trail, which offers some of the best views of the park. The park also offers 17 cabins and many different campsites for overnight visitors.
California is filled with natural wonders, but its redwood forests definitely rank amongst the most enchanting. If you're looking for "state parks near me" in Northern California, this one won't disappoint! Head to Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park and check out the world's largest coast redwood, which stands 340 feet tall and is 20 feet in diameter.
Featuring more than 5,000 acres of diverse ecosystems, this state park offers a little bit of everything. With over 55 miles of hiking trails, great biking areas, plenty of campsites, and even Geocaching opportunities, Mueller may be the most full-featured park in Colorado. Visit the Mueller State Park web page for more information.
Located in East Lyme, this state park is a great summertime destination. With plenty of rocky coastline to explore and lots of sandy spots to spread your towel, there's an endless amount of seaside fun to be had here. And with 710 acres of land, including marshes and forests, this place will keep you busy for multiple visits. It's one of the best parks in Connecticut.
Head to Lewes to check out one of the oldest state parks in the country. Cape Henlopen State Park was set aside for public use during colonial times, and contributed to the war effort during World War II. Today, this is a great place for beach days, fishing, and ecological tours. Find out more about Cape Henlopen State Park in Delaware on the Delaware State Parks website. This has to be one of the most beautiful American state parks.
Located near Marianna, this state park offers plenty of above-ground and subterranean activities that are sure to please. Book one of their cave tours to learn about the park's spectacular caverns, or check out some of the beautiful kayaking and biking areas. And don't forget to play a few rounds on the park's scenic nine-hole golf course. It's the perfect place to go if you're looking for things to do outside in Florida.
This park is full of gorgeous waterways and cascades. Lovers of beautiful waterfalls and complicated capitalization shouldn't miss L’Eau d’Or Falls. The park also offers a few waterfalls that are perfect for sliding down and swimming. The surrounding mountainside is also a great place for some woodland hiking. One thing's for sure—Tallulah Gorge State Park in Georgia is one of the best state parks in the USA.
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Take a look at this video of Tallulah Gorge State Park from @OnlyInYourState:
Imagine if the Grand Canyon were carpeted in lush, green foliage and the sound of tropical wildlife echoed between its ridges? That's what you get with Waimea Canyon State Park. Featuring some pretty incredible hiking and even more stunning views, this Kauai treasure is not to be missed.
Head on over to the Island Park caldera in Yellowstone to experience one of the best state parks in Idaho. Harriman's 11,000 acres are filled with majestic cranes, swans, and moose. There are plenty of fly-fishing and horseback trail opportunities, not to mention lots of spots from which to watch the sun rise over the misty caldera.
In addition to a colorful name, this state park offers over 2,630 acres of canyons, waterfalls, and gorgeous hiking trails. This is an especially lovely place to visit during the autumn in order to catch the turning leaves at their best.
This state park is actually a popular wedding destination, no doubt due to the marvelous scenery. In addition to gorgeous sites, visitors can check out the park's many awesome fishing and swimming holes or rent a quaint camper for a peaceful woodland overnight stay.
Situated in McGregor, Pikes Peak State Park is perhaps the most scenic of Iowa's 85 state parks. Including thousands of acres of pristine wilderness and sparkling waterways, the jewel of this park is Bridal Veil Falls. Visitors can also head to the 500-foot tall bluff overlooking the Upper Mississippi River for a gorgeous aerial view of the park.
Located just a hair north of Scott City, this park offers stark canyon landscapes, beautiful grassy prairie land, and sparkling natural springs. Visitors can also check out the El Quartelejo Ruins, which were abandoned by a group of Pueblo native people in 1706. For even more historical immersion, guests should head over to the Steele Home, a late 19th-century homestead that has been preserved inside and out. Scott State Park is one of the best state parks in Kansas.
While technically a National Forest and not a state park, this area of Kentucky deserves a spot on this list. Situated in both Slade and Stanton, it is all about the trees. Check out the Swift Camp Creek Overlook (pictured) for a stunning view of the park and its beautiful foliage. Rock climbing at the Roadside Crag is also a great option for those looking for a bit of a challenge. Biking and canoeing opportunities abound, and the wildlife is known to be particularly friendly and curious. Learn about Daniel Boone National Forest on the U.S. Forest Service website.
Named for Lake Chicot, this beautiful park is as diverse as it is enchanting. A stroll through the cypress swamps and a stay at the lovely lakeside cabins are not to be missed. The Louisiana State Arboretum is situated right next door to this park, which makes learning about the local flora and fauna easy and fun.
Acadia National Park gets a lot of attention in Maine, but Mt. Blue State Park is equally beautiful. At 8,000 acres, it's the actually the largest state park in Maine. The park is named from the blue spruce trees that cover the slopes of Mount Blue, and has some of the best hiking trails around. Visitors can also take advantage of the park's sandy beaches, camping sites, and many scenic picnic areas. Mt. Blue State Park is one of the best state parks in Maine.
There are over 2,188 acres of rugged and beautiful wilderness to explore at Elk Neck State Park. You can also find some of the best hiking trails in Maryland here. Hiking trails vary in difficulty and length, but even casual explorers will find a path they can tackle here. There are 250 campsites and 15 cabins on offer for those wishing to stay overnight. Visitors should be sure to visit the Turkey Point Lighthouse, which is especially picturesque at sunset. Read more about Elk Neck State Park on the Maryland Park Service website.
21. Massachusetts: Mount Greylock State Reservation
This gorgeous park is centered around majestic Mount Greylock, whose striking 3,489-foot high peak towers over the rest of the park. With over 70 miles of hiking trails in Massachusetts that are perfect for hiking, mountain biking, skiing, snowshoeing, and even snowmobiling, this park is a treasure in all seasons. Visitors should also be sure to stop by Bash Bish Falls, the tallest waterfall in the state.
Located in Detroit, this 982-acre island is an unexpected green refuge in an otherwise stark urban landscape. First opened in 1904, the park offers a greenhouse filled with fascinating plants, a lush botanical garden, and an enchanting lily pond. If you're lucky enough to swing an invitation, be sure to check out the Belle Isle Yacht Club, which is the largest of its kind in the country. The club's Mediterranean-style villa is equally lovely viewed from afar. Learn more about Belle Isle in Michigan on the Belle Isle Conservancy website.
23. Minnesota: George H. Crosby Manitou State Park
The George H. Crosby Manitou State Park is special for many reasons. This was the first park in the state to be designated especially for backpackers, and the park remains a backpack-only area. The Manitou River runs through a 1.1 billion-year-old volcanic gorge, and waterfalls tumble along the entire length of this valley. It is one of Minnesota's least visited parks, which means that guests will have even more of the area's natural beauty to themselves.
Tishomingo State Park ranked among the top 100 family campgrounds according to Reserve America, and has earned many other honors and awards. The staggering rock formations and ferny valleys of this park make it feel like something out of a prehistoric age. It's a great place for fishing, hiking, climbing, and learning about life in the 19th century. This park has also been named one of the "Top 25 Romantic Spots" by Reserve America, so you know there's some real magic in the air here.
In addition to offering prime fishing and boating on Buteo and Clearfork lakes, this beautiful park is full of easy to moderate difficulty hiking trails. To get the best view of the park without too much trouble, try the 0.9-mile Discovery Trail. Equestrians will also be delighted to know that the park offers an expansive McAdoo Trail System designed specially for horseback riding. Learn about Knob Knoster State Park on the Missouri State Parks website.
Glacier and Yellowstone may get all the press, but Makoshika is actually Montana's largest state park. Makoshika State Park is situated on Montana’s Dinosaur Trail, where the fossil remains of 10-12 dinosaur species have been discovered. Beautiful rock formations and red rock badlands make this place a striking departure from the everyday. It is one of the best parks in Montana. The park also has some great hours: it is open for exploration 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Located near Ashland, this park was voted the best park in the state by Reserve America. With over 700 miles to explore and year-round natural beauty, that's an honor it definitely deserves. Visitors can take advantage of the park's trail rides and get a taste of equestrian fun.
Located in Overton, the red sandstone formations of Valley of Fire State Park were formed over 150 million years ago by the eroding forces of wind and water. Petrified wood and Anasazi native petroglyphs can be found throughout the park, with some of these being as old as 3,000 years old. This place is also home to some of the most spectacular hiking trails in Nevada. Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada is one of the most stunning American state parks.
You'll certainly want to take a scenic drive through Valley of Fire when you visit. Take a look at this video by @OnlyInYourState:
Head to this state park and lose yourself (metaphorically) in over 6,000 acres of pristine wilderness. With plenty of thunderous waterfalls, streams and mountains, this park is a great place to get in touch with nature.
This place deserves much more attention than it gets. Though technically partially in New York, the New Jersey side of Palisades is about 12 miles long and offers more than 30 miles of trails. The Palisades Cliffs are a National Historic Landmark, and the historic Women's Federation Monument is also located on the park grounds. Learn more about Palisades Interstate Park on the New Jersey Palisades website.
Located near Roswell, this lake is famous for its bafflingly beautiful lakes. Aquatic plants lend the waters a mystical blue-green tint, which makes them appear to be bottomless. In reality, most are a mere 19-40 feet deep! Visitors are welcome to swim and scuba dive. Learn more about Bottomless Lakes State Park in New Mexico on the EMNRD website.
If you visit just one state park in New York, make it this one. Visitors can explore the park's six million acres (you read that correctly) completely free of charge. Hitch a ride on the Adirondack Scenic Railroad, climb the 46 peaks of the park's mountains, or attend one of the park's many yearly maple syrup festivals. It's the ideal park to visit when you're looking for things to do outside in New York. Learn more about Adirondack Park on the Visit Adirondacks website.
Conveniently located near Danbury, this state park gives visitors over 20 miles of hiking trails to explore and plenty of rock climbing opportunities. You can also take a dip in many of its beautiful waterfall pools. Learn more about Hanging Rock State Park in North Carolina on the NC Department of Parks and Recreation website.
Head here for miles upon miles of terrific hiking, excellent backpacking areas, and great equestrian trails. This park's badlands are also some of the most impressive in the region. Little Missouri State Park is one of the most beautiful state parks North Dakota.
This may be Ohio's most popular state park, and the reasons are numerous. Hocking Hills offers plenty of waterfalls, caverns, and incredible hiking trails to explore. Old Man's Cave and Cedar Falls (pictured) are two of the park's most beloved attractions, but the entirety of the park is worthy of a full survey.
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Take a look at this video of Hocking Hills State Park from @OnlyInYourState:
With 1,300 acres of picture-perfect forest and riverways, this state park is a year-round delight. Beavers Bend is a great place to try your hand at fly-fishing and learn about the local wildlife. The park's nature center operates various campfire programs along the banks of the Mountain Fork River that are perfect for families looking to get to know the native landscape. Learn more about Beavers Bend State Park in Oklahoma on the Travel OK website.
The sheer cliffs and warmly colored stones of this park make for an epic backdrop to any nature outing. Experienced hikers should check out Misery Ridge Trail, which takes visitors past some of the most stunning scenery in the preserve. This park is also known for its excellent stargazing, so camping is a great option. Visit the Smith Rock State Park on the Oregon State Parks website for more information.
This stunning park covers over 8,500 acres and boasts sparkling streams, peaceful woodland glades, and plenty of tranquility. National Geographic Traveler magazine ranked Cook Forest State Park as one of the top 50 state parks in the country.
Head to Jamestown for some stunning ocean views and plenty of coastal picnic spots. This state park boasts a historic lighthouse, a fascinating aquarium, and absolutely killer seaside walking trails. Stroll along the shore long enough, and you might just discover one of Beavertail's hidden beaches. You'll also see why it's considered one of the best state parks in Rhode Island. Learn more about Beavertail State Park on the Rhode Island State Parks website.
This is the most visited state park in the state, and you know more than a million visitors per year can't be wrong. Hunting Island offers more than 5,000 acres of pristine seaside and salt marsh environments. Fishing and boating are popular activities, but simply wandering the 10 miles of trails leading around the island is a more than rewarding way to spend a day in this park.
Custer State Park is one of the biggest state parks in the country, so you definitely won't run out of things to do and see here. Between wandering through rolling fields of bright sunflowers, catching some sun by the placid waters of Sylvan Lake, and even cliff jumping from the park's beautiful rock formations, there's something here for everyone. If you're looking for things to do outside in South Dakota, you have to come here. The park has also been named one of the world's Top Ten Wildlife Destinations. It's one of the best state parks in the U.S.
One of the best times to visit this park is during the spring when the preserve's many flowers are in full bloom. The park's purple rhododendrons are particularly stunning, but Roan Mountain's fall foliage almost rivals the flowers in vibrancy and beauty.
Drive on over to this Canyon and check out some of the most majestic red rock formations in the state. This place looks positively Martian, and many of the scarlet valleys are made even more striking by the lush greenery that blooms during the springtime.
This park is spread over 3,064 acres of wilderness, and contains the beautiful Jordanelle Reservoir. It's a perfect place for kayaking, canoeing, large craft boating, and fishing. The area is also a good spot to spy some graceful mule deer.
With a whimsical name and a convenient location between Stowe and Jeffersonville, this state park is filled with nooks and crannies to explore. Check out Bingham Falls (pictured) for an incredible photo and swimming opportunity, or investigate the caves and boulders scattered throughout the park.
There's no better way to get to know the natural beauty of Virginia than a trip through Shenandoah River State Park. With over 1,600 acres, 5.2 miles of river shore, and endless sporting opportunities, this park is just brimming with promise and adventure. As a bonus, Massanutten Mountain lies just to the west and Shenandoah National Park is to the east.
47. West Virginia: Cass Scenic Railroad State Park
When it comes to this state park, the journey is everything. This park offers scenic railroad trips from Back Allegheny Mountain all the way to Bald Knob. At its highest point, the railroad climbs to over 4,700 feet. Visitors should dress warmly and plan to spend between two and five hours touring the park. Learn about Cass Scenic Railroad State Park on the West Virginia State Parks website.
This state park is pretty huge, and full of things to do. Springtime brings hiking, camping, and fishing opportunities galore. This is also the best time of year to head to two of the park's stunning waterfalls: Lower Wallace Falls and Middle Wallace Falls. The park has two tent camping sites available, and several cabins that can be rented. Visit the Wallace Falls State Park page on the Washington Parks website for more information.
This park stretches across 4,000 acres and draws over a million visitors a year. Though with so much space to roam, you might not ever run into another guest during your explorations. This park is known for its fiery fall foliage, and bunking down at one of the park's 400 campsites provides the most immersive natural experience and best chance of catching a spectacular sunrise. Find out more about Peninsula State Park on the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources webiste.
When you feel like combining a natural outing with a spa trip, this is the perfect destination. Located in Thermopolis, this park offers a free bathing house that is maintained at 104-degrees as well as gorgeous Tavertine Terraces that are made of calcium carbonate. Herds of bison also roam the park's beautiful grounds.
Are you as enchanted by the best state parks in the U.S. as we are? What do you think of this list of state parks to visit in America? Which state parks in America are closest to your heart and why? Let us know in the comments!
While visiting a state park anywhere in our beautiful country, you'll most likely go for a hike. If that's the case, take a look at our Ultimate Hiking Packing List for everything you need, and make sure you download the AllTrails+ app to guide you on the trails. If you decide to go camping at any of the state parks across America and need new gear, take a look at the selection of tents, sleeping bags, and more from our friends at REI.
