National and State Parks

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

By Joseph Richard Francis 1 hour 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 hours 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 11 hours 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 14 hours 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 22 hours 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 1 day 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 1 day 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 2 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 2 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 2 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 2 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 2 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.

Sunrise in Acadia National Park observed from the top of Cadillac mountain.

By Tara Dupuis 2 days ago

One Of Acadia's Best Scenic Drives Leads To The Highest Mountain Peak On The Eastern Seaboard

This quick scenic drive requires a little planning and a timed entry permit during the busy season, but the hassle is worth it for the views from the top.

The Meramec riverfront at Robertsville State Park, Missouri, with trees lining the water

By Anahid Akkam 3 days ago

Under An Hour From St. Louis Is A Former Farm That's Now A Stunning State Park With Trails, Fishing, And Boating

You don't have to travel far from the Gateway City to discover a gorgeous state park with hiking, fishing, and camping, the perfect St. Louis day trip.

A covered platform on Lake Dense in North Carolina

By Judith Barnes 3 days ago

Between Greenville And Knoxville Is North Carolina's Scenic Mountain Lake With Fishing And Forest Views

Nestled within North Carolina's DuPont State Recreational Forest, this serene lake retreat offers beautiful views, lots to fish up, and a hike through nature.

A house and barn at Weir Farm National Historical Park in Connecticut

By Kate Mothes 3 days ago

10 Of The Most Underrated National Parks, Monuments, And Historic Sites In New England

Explore under-the-radar National Park Service sites across New England, from artistic estates to historic homes, monuments and wild landscapes.

Lake of the Ozarks surrounded by land full of dense trees and buildings in Camden County, Missouri

By Makayla Maxwell 3 days ago

Forget Florida, Retire To This Ozark Escape In Missouri With Lake Fun, Charming Destinations, And State Parks

Instead of retiring in Florida, active seniors should consider this county in Missouri, which boasts lake activities, charming communities, and state parks.

A view over the fall foliage from a rocky ledge in Brimfield State Forest in Brimfield, Massachusetts

By Nally Preseault 3 days ago

Between Springfield And Worcester Is New England's Scenic State Forest With Trails, Fishing, And Ponds

Take a moment to relax in nature on a scenic hiking trail, cast a line for bluegills in a pond, and let time slow a little in this Massachusetts forest.

Red kayaks on calm water surrounded by forest at Nolin Lake State Park, Kentucky

By Anahid Akkam 4 days ago

Just Beyond Mammoth Cave Is Kentucky's Peaceful State Park With A Scenic Lake Beach And Primitive Camping

This Kentucky state park is a lakeside retreat with a beach, primitive camping, boating, fishing, wooded trails, waterfalls, and plenty of outdoor adventures.

A scenic curvy road winding through the colorful trees during autumn in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

By Tosh Bene 4 days ago

The Best Scenic Drives With Idyllic Nature Views In Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Whether you're looking to hike along babbling creeks or explore historic structures, these are the most beautiful drives in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Wooden stairs on a hiking path in the yellow forest of Turkey Run State Park in the autumn

By Rachel Means 5 days ago

Indiana's 7 Scenic Nature Walks That Show Off The Best Of Turkey Run State Park

As one of the first state parks in Indiana, Turkey Run boasts idyllic walks through gulches and forests, and these are the best routes to explore.

Fields of flowers amid rolling green hills with a country church in Forêts National Park in France

By Jen Theriault 5 days ago

France's Newest National Park Is A Forest Getaway With Trails And Rare Wildlife Just A Few Hours From Paris

This enormous park was created in 2019 to protect swaths of medieval forests and rare wildlife, and is criss-crossed with hundreds of miles of trails.

Mist floats above the water near a floating cabin at Bayou Segnette State Park.

By Eva Johnstone 6 days ago

The Closest State Park To New Orleans Is A Nature Retreat With A Wetland Trail, Wave Pool, And Fishing

This spot offers a NOLA stay unlike any place else, with cabin rentals that float on the bayou while alligators swim around, and a welcoming campground.

A foggy evening in the pines at Panola Mountain State Park in Georgia.

By Eva Johnstone 6 days ago

Georgia's State Park Just Half An Hour From Atlanta Is A Recreation Hub With Camping And Scenic Lakes

Just a short drive from the hustle and bustle of ATL sits a delightful state park with gorgeous lakes and camping as it was meant to be.

A lake surrounded by trees and a rock cliff face in Freetown-Fall River State Forest.

By C. M. Ramsburg 7 days ago

Between Boston And Newport Is New England's Scenic State Forest With Trails, Fishing, And A Splash Pad

New England is home to some of the most beautiful woods in the country, and one state forest sandwiched between Boston and Rhode Island is a can't-miss spot.

Rocky shores of Table Rock Lake at Table Rock State Park, Missouri

By Neha Maheshwari 7 days ago

Missouri's State Park In Branson Is A Scenic Outdoor Escape For Camping, Trails, And Fishing

Get away from it all with the ultimate lakeside retreat at this Missouri state park, featuring full-featured campsites, fishing, boating, hiking, and much more.

An elevated view of a lake surrounded by a sloping rim, with an island out in the water and trees in the foreground

By Zoe Baillargeon 8 days ago

Tucked Away In Crater Lake National Park Is A Scenic Drive Highlighting Some Of Oregon's Highest Mountain Peaks

Crater Lake National Park has a lot of beautiful mountain views for guests to take in, and you can see a lot of them on this drive around the park.