National and State Parks

The Königsstuhl, the tallest of Jasmund National Park's chalk cliffs, pictured against the forest and sea

By Kirtana Menon 1 hour ago

This Gorgeous German National Park Is A UNESCO Gem With Scenic Beaches, Coastal Cliffs, And Ancient Forests

Take a moment to explore what nature has to offer at Germany's smallest national park, filled with white chalk cliffs, stunning views, and miles of hiking.

Grand Teton mountain range in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, in autumn

By Kate Mothes 6 hours ago

Unwritten Rules You Should Know Before Visiting Grand Teton National Park

Following these unwritten rules will ensure you get the most value and the least hassle from your trip to Wyoming's stunning Grand Teton National Park.

A paved trail next to a sandy beach at McLaughlin Eastshore State Park State Seashore.

By Eva Johnstone 15 hours ago

Under A Half Hour From San Francisco Is California's Former Landfill That's Now A State Park With Coastal Vibes

What was once a landfill of construction debris in California is now a gorgeous state with excellent views of the famous San Francisco Bay.

Oconto riverbank surrounded by lush green trees and grassy areas at Copper Culture State Park, Wisconsin

By Anahid Akkam 19 hours ago

Half An Hour From Green Bay Is A Historic State Park In Wisconsin With Easy Trails And A Museum

This small Wisconsin state park pairs easy riverside trails and prairie scenery with ancient archaeology, Indigenous history, and a fascinating museum.

A woman sits on a Jeep on a national park road

By Kristi Roe-Owen 24 hours ago

Travelers Agree That These Are The Scariest Drives In U.S. National Parks

Long winding roads, no guard rails, and steep turns. These drives through America's national parks have some of the most seasoned drivers afraid.

Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District National Park

By Heather Cole 1 day ago

England's Dreamy Town In The Lake District National Park Has Shops, Tasty Restaurants, And Endless Outdoor Fun

This picturesque town has long captivated visitors to the LDNP with its variety of nature-based activities, top-notch restaurants, and curious shops.

Gorgoeus sunrise view of the Great Smoky Mountains with mist and pine trees from atop Kuwohi

By Rebekah Winters Barton 1 day ago

10 Tips From Park Rangers For Enjoying Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most widely visited national park. To make the most of your experience, check out these ranger tips.

A wooden pier at Sakatah Lake State Park in Minnesota, with views the lake and a lush shoreline in the distance.

By Melanie Johnson 2 days ago

Under Two Hours From Minneapolis Is Minnesota's Underrated Lake State Park With Fishing, Boating, And Trails

This quiet park sits on its namesake lake and features old-growth forest trails with a popular rail-trail that leads to a charming town just a few miles away.

Tall trees grow around a pasture at Greenwell State Park in Maryland.

By Eva Johnstone 2 days ago

Maryland's Pretty Peninsular State Park Offers Scenic Bayside Trails, Fishing, And Kayaking

The Old Line State shines bright at this gorgeous state park with some of the finest bayside trails and fishing adventures in Maryland.

Grasmere lake and village in the Lake District National Park

By Heather Cole 2 days ago

Between Keswick And Kendal Is A Charming Village Inside A National Park With Mountain Views, Shops, And Wildlife

This Lake District village offers the stunning lake and mountain views you'd expect, historic sites, a charming, walkable village, and endangered red squirrels.

An aerial view of Robin Hood's Bay village by the coast

By Will Suphan 2 days ago

Between Middlesbrough And Bridlington Is A Village Inside A National Park With Coastal Vibes And Quaint Shops

Nestled inside a national park, this little-known village between Middlesbrough and Bridlington has coastal vibes, quaint shops, and cozy pubs.

Aerial view of Lake Tahoe during late summer

By Joe Orovic 3 days ago

Lesser-Known Nature Destinations That Could Pass For Lake Tahoe

If Lake Tahoe's crowds or location on the West Coast doesn't suit you, try one of these dupes across the U.S. offering similar views and recreation.

Scenic views over rolling green fields leading out to the Potomac River at Chapman State Park in Maryland

By Jen Theriault 3 days ago

An Hour From Washington, DC Is Maryland's Historic State Park With Scenic Wetlands, River Views, And Trails

This Maryland historic state park contains a 17th-century manor house with ties to the founding fathers and trails that explore scenic river and wetland views.

Crowd at Mather Point at the Grand Canyon

By Joe Orovic 3 days ago

Skip The Grand Canyon — Visit These 10 Underrated Midwest Alternatives Instead

While the Grand Canyon is a one-of-a-kind destination, these spots in the Midwest offer similar thrills as the national park without all the crowds.

A dramatic sandstone cliff towering over a narrow road at Clear Creek Metro Park near Columbus, Ohio.

By Melanie Johnson 4 days ago

About An Hour From Columbus Is A Scenic Ohio Park With Dramatic Cliffs, Trails, And Fishing

Escape Ohio city life and enjoy a serene getaway in a nearby Metropark filled with gorgeous cliff views, fish to catch, and trails winding through nature.

Coastal meadows clump along the clifftops at the Mendocino Headlands State Park

By Joseph Richard Francis 4 days ago

Northern California's Salt-Washed State Park Is A Stunning Coastal Paradise With Secluded Beaches And Hikes

Just a few minutes from town, visitors can walk to bluff-top trails and secluded sandy coves that are blissfully quiet, depending on the season.

A jagged cliff covered in forest rises from the Pacific Ocean at the Cape Arago State Park

By Joseph Richard Francis 4 days ago

Oregon's Wave-Smashed Coastal State Park Has Epic Cliff Walks, Wildlife Viewing, And Secluded Coves

This out-of-the-way spot on the South Coast offers fantastic whale and sea lion watching, tide pooling, and a few lovely trails with Pacific outlooks.

Swampy scenery at St. Bernard State Park

By Audrey Simons 4 days ago

Louisiana's Swampy State Park Next To New Orleans Is A Gorgeous Sprawl Of Forests And Lagoons

Embrace the swampy side of the Bayou State at this gorgeous sprawl of wetlands and wildlife located just a short drive from the madness of New Orleans.

Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park in Kansas

By Joe Orovic 4 days ago

Kansas Is Changing Its State Park Fees November 1 — And Campers Are Losing A Popular Permit

Facing a budget shortfall and no other funding, the state's commission made a tough decision to increase fees across the board and eliminate some options.

The Grand Canyon viewed from the Bright Angel Trail

By Hillary Louise Johnson 5 days ago

What Nobody Believes About The Grand Canyon Until They See It For Themselves

Photos can't capture the true scale of the Grand Canyon. Here's what visitors don't understand about this natural wonder until they experience it.

View of a blue lake with rocky desert cliffs in the backdrop under a blue, slightly cloudy sky

By Zoe Baillargeon 5 days ago

The Longest And Largest Artificial Lake Entirely In Oregon Is A Secluded Desert Escape With Fishing And Boating

If you want to embark on a Western escape that will take you away from it all, you can head to this Oregon reservoir that is only partially accessible by road.

A man stares at a tablet in Monument Valley, Utah, as the sun peeks over the horizon

By Robert Isenberg 5 days ago

Why Tourists Should Avoid Bringing This Popular Electronic Device Into National Parks

There's an item the National Park Service has banned from its parks since 2014 — and for good reason. Here's why you should avoid bringing this item along.

View from Big Badlands Overlook at Badlands National Park in South Dakota

By Joe Orovic 5 days ago

Forget Florida, Retire To This Landlocked Midwest Region With Roaming Bison, Scenic Lakes, And Outdoor Fun

This often-overlooked region of the United States is home to thousands of lakes, state and national parks, and low prices suitable for adventurous retirees.

Small wooden footbridge on a dirt hiking trail winding through massive redwood trees, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, California

By Kate Mothes 6 days ago

9 Tips From Park Rangers For Enjoying Redwood National And State Parks

Get ranger-backed tips for visiting Redwood National and State Parks, from scenic drives and permits to winter weather, beach safety, and hidden trails.

Green grassland and rolling hills under a blue sky at Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge in North Dakota

By Rachel Means 6 days ago

2 Hours From Fargo Is North Dakota's Scenic Escape With Lake Views And Unique Wildlife

Escape to rolling hills and endless grasslands in North Dakota, where you can witness migratory and mating birds, explore nature, and get away from it all.

By Audrey Simons 6 days ago

South Dakota's Shady State Park Near Sioux Falls Is Perfect For Camping, Hiking, And Biking

About an hour from Sioux Falls, this wooded South Dakota getaway offers shady trails, campsites, and plenty of space for hiking, biking, and a relaxed weekend.

North and South Window arches at Arches National Park in Utah

By Rene Bennett 6 days ago

Forget Delicate Arch, Arches National Park's Family-Friendly Hiking Trail Has Fewer Crowds And Scenic Views

The park contains more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches, so if you feel crowded out at Delicate Arch, there are plenty more to explore.