National and State Parks

Pactola Reservoir in Black Hills National Forest, Pennington County, South Dakota

By Christy Nicholson 4 hours ago

Forget Florida, Retire To This Midwestern Escape With Affordable Living, National Park Fun, And Mountain Views

For retirees who prefer mountains to Florida’s coast, a South Dakota county with access to many national parks is an affordable option in the Midwest.

The village of Tende sits on a ridge among the French Alps

By Joseph Richard Francis 12 hours ago

Inside A National Park Is France's Alpine Gem Commune With Mountain Beauty, Trails, And Fairytale Charm

A small French township sits dramatically along a rocky mountain in a national park, perfect for hikers and visitors seeking fairytale charm.

Visitors on Pike Lake Beach at sunset in the Kettle Moraine State Forest in Hartford, Wisconsin

By Nally Preseault 1 day ago

Under An Hour From Milwaukee Is Wisconsin's Darling Forest Lake With Camping, Fishing, And Boating

Nestled within a vast protected forest, this lake is a local gem for woodsy camping, cruising by boat, and casting a line for a variety of gamefish.

Take nothing but pictures... leave nothing but footprints. Sign at Tuzigoot National Monument reminds visitors of Leave No Trace ideology

By Kate Mothes 1 day ago

National Park Rangers Wish Visitors Would Follow These 7 Rules

Park rangers know a lot. But these seven principles are particularly important to ensure safety and sustainability when visiting a national park.

Elevated view of Castlerigg Stone Circle with mountains in background

By Rene Bennett 2 days ago

Forget Stonehenge, Visit Britain's Dreamiest Stone Circle With Mountain Views Inside A National Park

Instead of the overrated Stonehenge, history buffs and outdoor adventurers should visit a prehistoric stone circle in a national park with mountain views.

By David McElhinney 2 days ago

England's Preserved Shipbuilding Village Is A Charming Hidden Escape Inside A National Park With River Cruises

This English hamlet with a curious name is a time machine to a different time, tucked neatly within one of the country's most magnificent national parks.

Aerial shot of Lewes' town sprawl including houses, railway lines, parking lots, medieval streets and surrounding green hillsides and forests

By Ben M Stower 2 days ago

Near The English Channel Coast Is A Charming Town Inside A National Park With Medieval Streets And Antique Shops

This leafy English town offers castle panoramas, vintage clocks, and sprawling flea-market finds, with old pubs and riverside paths inviting visitors to linger.

Grant County Courthouse in downtown Sheridan, Arkansas

By Audrey Simons 2 days ago

Outside Little Rock Is A Southern City With Civil War History, A Museum, And Festival Fun

If you're seeking respite from the hustle and bustle of Little Rock, this charming nearby city offers Civil War heritage and fabulous festivals.

A boat docked next to forested banks at Fishtrap State Park in Kentucky

By Eva Johnstone 2 days ago

Kentucky's Wildlife-Filled State Park Has A Scenic Lake And Forest For Fishing, Boating, And Birding

The Bluegrass State is one of the most underrated in the country, and gorgeous spots like this wildlife-packed lake state park are Kentucky at its best.

Traffic goes through the center of Stokesley, England

By Rory Buccheri 3 days ago

Next To Middlesbrough Is A Scenic Market Town With Victorian Streets, Quaint Shops, And National Park Access

For a slice of North Yorkshire charm and easy access to some of the most delightful works in the North East of England, this town near Middlesbrough awaits.

Coniston Water in the Lake District National Park, England, with blue waters and mountains in the background

By Anahid Akkam 4 days ago

Between Keswick And Lancaster Is A Lesser-Known Lake Inside A National Park With Scenic Fishing Spots And Trails

This English glacial lake offers picturesque angling and woodland walks, with boat rentals, waterfall hikes, making it perfect for a quick getaway.

Waves lap the shore of Moonstone Beach in Cambria, California

By Audrey Simons 4 days ago

Over Two Hours Away From Bakersfield Is A West Coast Beach With Ocean Views, Wildlife, And A Boardwalk

Known for its gemstone-strewn shores, abundant wildlife, colorful tide pools, and boardwalk atop the bluffs, this beach is an absolute must-visit.

Steps leading from Urft Dam down into a reservoir surrounded by forest in Eifel National Park, Germany

By Rene Bennett 4 days ago

Near The Belgium-German Border Is An Unspoiled Forest Wilderness Brimming With Wildlife And Idyllic Lakes

Spot wildcats, red deer, and rare black storks while hiking in this national park in western Germany, which is also home to a dam and an abandoned village.

Lake surrounded by lush trees and green reeds with clouds in the blue sky Kentucky Ridge State Forest

By Olivia Typaldos 5 days ago

Between Lexington And Pigeon Forge Is A Scenic State Forest With Fishing, Wildlife, And Nature Walks

In Kentucky, close to the border of Tennessee, sits one of the most beautiful, barely touched spots of woodland that's home to great fishing and hiking.

Steep steps on the Bright Angel Trail in Grand Canyon, Arizona

By Hillary Louise Johnson 5 days ago

This Crucial Grand Canyon Warning From Park Rangers Is Way Too Often Ignored By Tourists

While many visitors shrug off park rangers' warnings, this is an important factor to take into consideration when hiking in the Grand Canyon.

Baker Lake with evergreen trees along the shoreline and Mt. Baker in the distance.

By Danno Wise 5 days ago

This Crystal-Clear Pacific Northwest Lake Is An Artificial Gem With Mountainside Beaches, Swimming, And Fishing

Visitors can't get enough of this lake's Caribbean-like waters, abundant year-round fishing, and gorgeous beaches with the North Cascades overhead.

By Kate Mothes 6 days ago

11 Things That Will Get Confiscated If You Bring Them Into A National Park

While national parks might seem like stretches of wilderness away from regulations, they do have rules -- including rules about what you can and can't bring in.

The entrance of a foliage-covered trail in Virginia's Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest

By Nally Preseault 7 days ago

Between Roanoke And Richmond Is Virginia's Largest State Forest And It's A Scenic Fishing And Boating Paradise

The forest contains a state park and two reservoirs, ideal for a quiet spot in the woods where you can disconnect, cast a line, and stay awhile.

A mountain rises above a glistening lake seen through some trees

By Joseph Richard Francis 7 days ago

Wales' Largest Natural Lake Is A Fishing Paradise Nestled In A Mountainous National Park

Wales is a real wonderland for lovers of natural scenery and outdoor adventure, and you'll find all that and more at its largest natural lake.

A steep ridgeline on top of Sauk Mountain in Washington's North Cascades

By Hillary Louise Johnson 7 days ago

9 Scenic US Destinations Where You Should Probably Avoid Solo Hiking

A solo hike can be peaceful and rewarding, but some locations aren’t worth the risk. Avoid venturing out by yourself on one of these trails around the U.S.

Devils Racetrack, a red dirt mountain biking trail in Baker Creek Preserve

By C. M. Ramsburg 7 days ago

Minutes From Downtown Knoxville Is Tennessee's Scenic Nature Preserve Packed With Mountain Trails And Biking

With 100 acres for hiking and biking, this scenic nature preserve in Knoxville, Tennessee, offers a fun way to get active and enjoy nature in the big city.

A view point overlooking expansive, shrub-dotted hills at Kickapoo Cavern State Park

By Eva Johnstone 8 days ago

Forget Badlands National Park, Visit This Less-Crowded Destination For Scenic Camping And Breathtaking Caves

This Texas state park you've never heard of features rugged landscapes, exceptional rural, dark-sky camping, hiking trails, and a unique cave to tour.

Trees and other greenery in Chattahoochee Bend State Park

By Audrey Simons 8 days ago

One Of Georgia's Largest State Parks Is A Woodland River Paradise With Trails, Camping, Wildlife, And Kayaking

A favorite among kayakers in Northern Georgia, this massive state park pairs tranquil waters with cozy cabins, woodsy hikes, and stunning wildlife.

Mirrored reflection of autumn foliage on Echo Lake at Camp Plymouth State Park, Vermont

By Anahid Akkam 8 days ago

Vermont's Lakeside State Park Offers Cottage Stays, Water Recreation, And A Swim Beach

A Vermont state park offers lakeside recreation and summer-camp vibes. Enjoy swimming at a pristine beach while staying at a quaint cottage.

A trail cuts through the thick woods at Don Robinson State Park

By Eva Johnstone 8 days ago

Missouri's Less-Crowded State Park With Cliffside Waterfalls And Woodland Trails Is Under An Hour From St. Louis

Missouri's marvelous natural scenery is on full display at this tranquil state park, just a short drive from the hustle and bustle of St. Louis.

A big beach surrounded by high coastal hills in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park

By Joseph Richard Francis 8 days ago

Along One Of The UK's Best Coastlines Is A National Park With Fresh Seafood, Gorgeous Beaches, And Scenic Cliffs

Wonderful Wales is home to one of the most magnificent stretches of coastline in Europe, where you'll find a national park to fall in love with.

Rock formations in Chiricahua National Monument

By Kristin Conard 10 days ago

America's Next National Park May Be This Arizona Destination Filled With Otherworldly Landscapes

This Arizona site has been a national monument since the 1920s and features one-of-a-kind rock formations and varied ecosystems, making it a unique destination.