The 11 Best
State Parks to Visit in the USA in 2026
With more than 6,500 state parks covering over 14 million acres, the
USA’s state park system is rich in natural beauty yet often overlooked. From
whitewater rivers and wild coastlines to red-rock deserts and ancient forests,
these parks offer outstanding scenery, fewer crowds and memorable outdoor
experiences. Here are 11 standout state parks to add to your 2026 travel wish
list - from East to West.
Baxter State Park, Maine
A true wilderness experience, Baxter is home to Mt Katahdin - Maine’s
highest peak and the northern end of the Appalachian Trail. With hundreds of
miles of trails and limited infrastructure, it’s raw, remote and unforgettable.
visitmaine.com
Ohiopyle State Park, Pennsylvania
Southeast of Pittsburgh, Ohiopyle is a hub for outdoor adventure, with 14 miles of the Youghiogheny River Gorge offering some of the best whitewater boating in the US. Visitors can also explore waterfalls, forest trails and the Great Allegheny Passage. Free entry.
VisitPITTSBURGH.com
Castlewood State Park, Missouri
Just outside St Louis, Castlewood offers bluff-top views over the
Meramec River, historic trails and excellent hiking and cycling. Easily reached
from the city and free to enter.
explorestlouis.com
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Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park, Tennessee
Only 20 minutes from Memphis, this park combines Mississippi River
views, forest trails, swamp paddling and sandy river beaches - a wild contrast
to the city’s music scene.
memphistravel.com
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, Florida
Near Naples, this peaceful park is known for its pristine white-sand beach, calm Gulf waters and spectacular sunsets. Ideal for shelling, paddleboarding and wildlife spotting.
paradisecoast.com
Big Basin Redwoods State Park, California
California’s oldest state park protects towering ancient coast redwoods just over an hour from San Francisco. Gentle loop trails and waterfalls make it ideal for an easy nature escape.
visitcalifornia.com
Deception Pass State Park, Washington
Less than two hours from Seattle, this dramatic coastal park spans two
islands and features rugged cliffs, saltwater shorelines, tidal pools and
iconic bridges dating from 1935.
stateofwatourism.com
Tryon Creek State Natural Area, Oregon
Minutes from downtown Portland, this urban escape offers forest
trails, creekside walks and cycling routes across 658 acres - Oregon’s only
state park within a major city.
travelportland.com
Eldorado Canyon State Park, Colorado
Near Boulder, this park is famed for dramatic red-rock cliffs, hiking
trails and world-class rock climbing, all set against sweeping canyon views.
colorado.com
Red Rock State Park, Arizona
In the heart of Sedona, this park offers scenic, easy-going trails
through red-rock landscapes, plus guided walks led by naturalists for deeper
insight into the region.
visitarizona.com
Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada
An hour from Las Vegas, Valley of Fire dazzles with fiery red sandstone formations, ancient petroglyphs and scenic desert hikes such as the Fire Wave and White Domes.
travelnevada.com
Please email travelpr@blackdiamond.co.uk for more information or
to enquire about a press trip.