State Parks that Could Be National Parks
With nearly 7000 state parks, there are so many protected places to explore, and many don’t draw the crowds of the national parks. But I’ve been thinking (and researching) about which state parks could really compete on the same level of grandeur as the national parks. To be consistent in scale, I’ve arbitrarily picked 20,000 acres as a cutoff point. I’ve come up with my top five (plus one bonus).
1. Custer State Park, SD:
The Black Hills has it all—mountains, prairies, lakes, waterfalls, scenic drives of impossible granite spires, and wildlife viewing to compete on the level with Yellowstone. 71K acres. Best Hike: Black Elk Peak (plus spur trails to Little Devil’s Tower and Cathedral Spires).
3. Valley of Fire State Park, NV:
This Mojave Desert showcase features incredible sandstone formations that glow fire red at sunset, plus 2000 year old petroglyphs. 40K acres, 27mi of trails. Best Hike: Fire Wave/Seven Wonders/White Domes Loops.
4. Baxter State Park, ME:
The terminus of the Appalachian Trail ends on 5267ft Mount Katahdin, surrounded by peaks, lakes and forests. It’s Maine at its epic best. 210K acres, 215mi of trails. Best Hike: Mt Katahdin Summit.
5. Adirondack Park, NY:
Although technically not a state park, this is the largest protected area in the lower 48 states (including the national parks). Loaded with scenic lakes (including Lake George, Lake Placid), waterfalls, hiking trails and epic fall foliage viewing. 6M acres, 2000 mi of trails. Best Hike: Indian Head/Rainbow Falls Loop Trail
6. (Honorable Mention): Big Bend Ranch State Park, TX:
Adjacent to its more famous (and busier) neighbor, this park boasts rugged mountain and desert scenery along the Rio Grande. 311K acres, 238mi of trails. Best Hike: Closed Canyon Trail)
What do you think? Have you visited any of these yet? Would you add a State Park to this list?