Did you know that there are actually over 8,000 state parks that span across the U.S? Some of them are really popular but there are other ones that deserve more recognition than they currently receive.
That’s why blog, SavingSpot , created a map of all the underrated state parks that are worth visiting and I’m going to highlight a few of them for you.
This map showcases 50 of the most highly-rated state parks that also get a low amount of visitors.
They’ve been selected because of their great features and unique environments.
Once parks were selected, a team set out to find the most picturesque location in each park.
They then used that location as an inspiration for a unique illustration for that park.
Alabama’s DeSoto State Park sits atop Lookout Mountain and offers 25 miles of trails, gorgeous views, waterfalls, and 1930s hospitality buildings.
This park has won TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence.
Alaska’s Kachemak Bay State Park offers varied landscapes from rock and sand beaches to glaciers and mountain forests.
Animals such as otters, seals, black bears, wolves, and even whales can be found there.
Connecticut’s Hammonasset Beach State Park spans across two miles of beach where you can enjoy swimming, diving, fishing, and boating.
There’s also plenty of biking and mountain biking trails.
Georgia’s Providence Canyon State Park is known as the “Grand Canyon of Georgia” and one of the state’s seven wonders.
The eroded canyon walls show millions of colorful mineral sediments.
Indiana’s Shades State Park comes with a stunning view of the Devil’s Punchbowl formed where small creeks eroded and created a cavity in the ground.
Great spot to cool off.
Iowa’s Maquoketa Caves State Park welcomes you with a fantasy-like setting due to a network of limestone caves.
The biggest one being Dancehall Cave at 1100 feet with lighted pathways.
Maine’s Camden Hills State Park offers unique views from Mt. Battie and that’s what makes this park special.
The best time to visit is fall for the stunning autumn colors.
Missouri’s Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park is a nature’s waterpark.
Its geological rock formations created various chutes and gorges (‘shut-ins’) between the slippery surfaces. Awesome way to cool off after rock-climbing.
Montana’s Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park is named for its explorers and features a giant limestone grotto.
You’ll need ample time to explore its caves and avoid flying bats.
Texas’ Davis Mountain State Park offers amazing night’s sky views and various photography opportunities you can take from a 30-million-year-old volcanic rock.
Other attractions include Adobe buildings and fireplaces.
Utah’s Goblin Valley State Park may have people staying away from visiting due to its unusual name.
But there are no goblins here, just some troll-shaped sandstone hoodoos hee, hee.
Wyoming’s Curt Gowdy State Park is an outdoor lovers’ playground with its vast hiking, biking, and horseback trails.
One trail even allows you to shoot archery targets while riding.
