The National Park system was established in 1916 by the federal government to protect our nation’s remarkable natural beauty. State parks were formed with the same concept, but on a smaller scale and run by the state in which they reside. All these parks are America’s playgrounds.
While national parks have the blockbuster fame, state parks are the cool indie bands of the outdoor world.
Most of us have or will visit one of these parks in our lifetime. We are fortunate they’re at our disposal to enjoy a break from modern infrastructure.
With over sixty national parks and 9,000 state parks, you’re sure to find one you’ll love.
National Parks
Hiking is usually at the top of visitors’ lists. Reaching a breathtaking viewpoint, taking it all in, and heading back down is a fulfilling days work. Always pack water, snacks, and a good excuse to stop every 20 minutes.
The popular Yosemite, Grand Canyon and Yellowstone National Parks are well known for their trails, but many other national parks offer beautiful hikes ranging from easy strolls to challenging backcountry treks.
Massachusetts’ Cape Cod National Seashore park has the Beech Forest one mile loop along a pond of the same name. Tours are provided including Provincetown’s lighthouses, Wood’s End and The Race Point Light House. More information here: Beech Forest Loop
Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historic Park has a unique 1.7 mile Billy Goat Trail over rocks and along a cliff above Mather Gorge.
If forest bathing is on your list, Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway in Wisconsin boasts the 2.8 mile Trego Nature Trail running parallel to the upper Mississippi River through a variety of woodland.
There are hundreds more hikes. Best place to find the one for you is on their website here.
For a more sedentary activity, wildlife watching is popular. Bison, Elk, even bears live in the parks. Take binoculars to view them from afar for safety. Identifying Yellow Belly Sap Suckers, American Goldfinches or the Common Loon bird species can entertain for hours. Here’s the link to a good pair of inexpensive binoculars
Fishing is a top activity at Maine’s Acadia National Park where patient rodmen land brook trout, small mouth bass, and mackerel. The Florida Everglades yield redfish, blue gill, sunfish and dozens of other species. Before casting your rod, a tour of the area is a good way to scope out the best spot. There are numerous options. Here is a popular tour: Narrated Bus Tour of Arcadia National Park.
Accommodations at national parks run the gamut from roughing-it in a tent to lodges and cabins for those who like walls. The latter provide beds, heat, showers, and the creature comforts of home. As do RV’s, but on a more hands-on, empty your own waste, the dinner table is also your bed kind of way.
Tents allow you to be one with nature, zipped into your sleeping bag, enjoying all the great outdoors has to offer. There’s also “glamping” which is one step up, providing fancy tents with beds, electricity and actual toilet instead of an outhouse.
No matter what your sleeping arrangement, take time to step outside at night and gaze at the gazillion stars in the sky.
Here are a few fun facts about our country’s national parks:
• The largest national park is Alaska’s Wrangell-St. Elias at 13.2 million acres! It’s larger than Yellowstone National Park, Yosemite National Park, and Switzerland combined.
• Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis, Missouri is the smallest at 192 acres.
• The most visited national park is the Great Smokey Mountains National Park located on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee with over 13 million visitors in 2023 — three times more than the Grand Canyon. Here is a great book for your trip…100 Things to See in the National Parks.
State Parks
On average we spend 93% of our time indoors. It’s time to get outdoors. State parks are a great way to connect with nature if you don’t have a lot of time. They’re usually closer to home. Hiking, fishing, and camping abound in these smaller parks, too.
State parks tend to be less crowded, especially in peak season.
If you desire waterfalls, Silver Falls State Park in Oregon has ten along it’s 8.6 mile trail. No need to go it alone. There is a waterfall hiking tour through unique geologic formations. You’ll explore four to six waterfalls and see South Falls’ amphitheater and hike the up-and-down trails that make up the canyon, encountering wildflowers, lichens, and fantastic rock formations. More information here.
South Dakota’s Custer State Park has great scenic drives. But, it’s also one of the best places in the country for wildlife viewing. Instead of navigating the roads yourself, a good option to see the four-legged locals is on a Jeep tour. Spot buffalo, pronghorn, prairie dogs on the Custer Park safari and hiking tour.
If spelunking sounds appealing, Hocking Hills State Park in Ohio has rock formations and caves to hike through.
Choose a park close to home for a fun day trip.
I live in San Diego where we have 13 state parks. During this month’s culture trip I explored six. Each had something different. Border Field State Park has a 2,500 acre estuary where Black-necked Stilts and Ridgeway Rails roost.
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park is situated on ancestral land of the Kumeyaay Indians. California gained the land following the Mexican American War. The 29-acre location has original buildings to tour. If you’re looking for a more immersive experience, Keri Belisle, one of the areas best tour guides, hosts San Diego Old Town Tales, Tacos, and Tequila small group tour. It is wonderful! Here’s the link.
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve and State Beach in Del Mar has bluffs with views for miles of the pacific coast. The 2,000-acre reserve is named for the Torrey Pine tree, the nation’s rarest pine. It’s only found here and on Santa Rosa Island off the coast of Santa Barbara. Six trails lead visitors among the trees. Guided hikes along with a stop at Cabrillo National Monument with commentary along the way is available on the Beaches and Bluffs tour.
Here are a few fun facts about our country’s state parks:
• Niagara Falls is the oldest state park in the US, established in 1885.
• Adirondack State Park is the largest with about six million acres.
• California has the most state parks with 270. New York is next with 215.
There is no shortage of activities and fun in our national or state parks. This is your invitation to explore and enjoy Mother Nature!
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Culture Trip: Twelve Countries, Twelve Traditions.
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