Visiting state parks in the US shows you some of the country’s iconic landscapes, so if you are looking for some quiet, family-friendly parks to explore serenity and beauty, then you need to check out these underrated state parks.
Exploring new places is a fun activity that should be on everyone’s list, and you definitely do not need to be worried about the locations you visit, especially in the USA.
We have a list of the top five underrated State parks you can explore when you visit the US.
Luckily for you, there are over 63 national parks and 429 national park sites that would take you a lot of time to navigate.
See a list of the top five underrated state parks you can visit during your vacation in the USA.
Top 5 Most Underrated State Parks in the US: Editorial Picks
Blackwater Falls State Park
This park is located in the Canaan Valley area of West Virginia. You can visit Blackwater Falls, Almost Heaven Swing and Sign, Albert Falls, Douglas Falls, and Kennedy Falls at the park.
For lovers of sunsets, Lindy Paint is a good spot to watch the sunset. You can also drive through the park to have different perspectives of the entire park.
The trail to see the Fall is only 0.4miles but is still considered a moderate hike due to the amount of stairs one has to climb to get to and from this beautiful fall.
The Blackwater park is wheelchair accessible and animals are allowed into the park but they must be on leash at all time.
It is free to get in to the park and there are small store available to buy food from.
Cathedral Gorge State Park
Another state park worth visiting is located in Nevada, three hours away from Las Vegas. It has unique landscapes formed from erosion, craving to form a cave-like bentonite clay.
The main hike in the park is a 4-mile loop trail coupled with really nice campgrounds that offer beautiful views of the park. There are also Moon Caves, Juniper Draw, Miller’s Point, Eagle Point, Natural Trail, and Hawk Ridge Trail.
It is an endlessly fun park to explore, with hidden spots, nooks, and crannies that spice up your park experience.
To enter this park, you need to pay $10 per car or $5 if you have the Nevada plates.
Stony Brook State Park
Located in Danville, this park is a gorgeous spot to hike, and it has breathtaking waterfalls along the gorge trail.
The gorge trail in the park takes you to a big waterfall worth seeing. Camping here gives you a superb feeling for your vacation because of the beautiful scenery around the Stony Brook State Park. The campground offers 125 tents and trailers sites and eight cabins.
Although the park is not new, you still get to experience the freshness of the facility and less crowded.
Apart from hiking, the park has a playground suitable for kids and adults to play tennis, swim in the stream-fed pool.
There are also comfort stations and a concession stand opened seasonally. To enter the park, $9 is paid per vehicle.
Valley of Fire State Park
A day trip to Las Vegas should make you visit the Valley of Fire State Park. Located less down one hour from Las Vegas in the beautiful city of Nevada.
This park is opened throughout the year and all days of the week from sunrise to sunset although it is advisable not to visit during summer because of the temperature.
Hiking is a fun activity that should be engaged in at the Valley of Fire State Park. The beautiful hike is an easy 2.3mile loop that brings you to the famous fire wave,pink slot canyon and amazing colors of crazy hill.
Scenic Drive is another activity offered at the park. You get the enjoy the breathtaking view of colorful rock formations when you drive round the park all the way to the end.
Although pets are allowed, they need to be on leash at all times. Do well to bring along plenty of water to stay dehydrated and also wear appropriate protective gears like sunscreen and sun glasses with proper hiking shoes for people that plan to hike.
To enter the park, Non Nevada resident wil pay $15 per vehicle while Nevada residents will pay $10 per vehicle.
Robert Treman State Park
This park is home to beautiful gorge and many waterfall that you can wade or swim in including a 70ft Lucifer falls that you can view from above, below or side, then the Enfeild falls, a fun swimming hole in summer months and a beautiful locations to have a picnic.
Located in the heart of Finger Lakes Region, It is a four hours trip away from New York City and a perfect spot for a vacation getaway.
There are 12 additional Waterfalls, fine dinnings including wineries, breweries, farm-to-table restuarants in the park that you get to enjoy.
Entry into the Park is free with an Empire pass but if you do not have one, you can pay $7 per vehicle.
Tips for Visiting State Parks in America
For any activity we engage in guidance is paramount including visiting and exploring new places. Below are lists of tips to follow when visiting state parks in the US.
- Make sure not to leave tracks
- Put on comfortable shoes and appropriate clothes that can aid any activity or protect you from any weather condition
- Take along a suncreen, sunglasses, hat and plenty of water for the dry seasons.
- Learn the rules of the park.