National and State Parks

A woman walks in solitude through a California coastal redwood forest

By Hillary Louise Johnson 4 hours ago

Forget Muir Woods, Visit These 10 Less-Crowded Destinations For Stunning Views Of California Redwoods

It's hard to appreciate the majesty of California's redwoods when the forests are overrun with crowds, like at Muir Woods. Visit these parks instead.

Rock bluffs with trees along the rim at Kingsland Bay State Park, Lake Champlain, Vermont

By Anahid Akkam 5 hours ago

Vermont's Historic State Park On Lake Champlain Features Easy Trails, A Swim Beach, And Water Recreation

Vermont may be small, but it is home to a lot of natural beauty, including at this state park, where you can go for a pleasant hike or get out on the water.

Thick trunks of trees with filtered sunlight in Gifford Pinchot National Forest

By Will Suphan 23 hours ago

Next To Mount Rainier National Park Is Washington's Giant Forest With Scenic Waterfalls And An Active Volcano

Bordering Mount Rainier National Park is another Washington escape. A massive forest offers trails to stunning waterfalls and even an active volcano.

By Garrett Martin 1 day ago

Oklahoma's Charming Black Mesa Gateway Is A Panhandle City With Local Eats And Outdoor Adventure

Explore Boise City, Oklahoma, a gateway to Black Mesa with local restaurants, unusual history, roadside statues, and outdoor adventures in the scenic panhandle.

A rustic log cabin nestled between pines in the snow in Wilsonia

By Eva Johnstone 2 days ago

California's Alpine Gem Village Inside A National Park Has Historic Landmarks, Trails, And Nearby Camping

High in the mountains of the Golden State is a gorgeous village straight out of a romantic Christmas movie, with scenic camping and hiking trails to boot.

The ultra-blue waters of Lake Allos appear through stands of trees in the fall

By Joseph Richard Francis 2 days ago

The Largest High-Elevation Lake In Europe Is A French National Park Beauty With Mountain Trails And Clear Waters

It doesn't get much more spectacular than a shimmering high-altitude lake with crystal-clear waters located high up in the magnificent mountains of France.

Sunset over the water in Voyageurs National Park behind the Ash River Visitor Center

By Stephen Hanson 3 days ago

Not Grand Canyon, Not Yosemite: These Two National Parks Are The Least Likely To Disappoint In The US

If you want to avoid disappointment, skip the more popular U.S. national parks and head to these two underrated parks with scenic water adventures.

Druid Arch in Utah's Canyonlands National Park's Needles District

By Hillary Louise Johnson 4 days ago

Forget The Grand Canyon Rim-To-Rim, This Hike In Utah's Canyonlands Is Easier And Just As Epic

Instead of hiking the Grand Canyon from rim to rim, opt for a less intense (but still challenging) route through Utah’s otherworldly Canyonlands.

A small river surrounded by green rolling hills and ancient stone walls in England's Yorkshire Dales

By Grae Gleason 5 days ago

Patrick Stewart Loved This Remote English Escape Surrounded By Waterfalls And Rolling Hills

It's easy to see the appeal of this pastoral corner of England, with its green hills, ancient stone walls separating farmland, and countless walking routes.

A scenic view of the Clark Fork River at Beavertail Hill State Park in Montana

By Dave Bowling 5 days ago

Western Montana's Lesser-Known State Park Is A Scenic Riverside Escape With Fishing, Camping, And Hiking

It's only 65 acres, but this Western Montana state park on Interstate 90 packs a punch. Check out this lesser-known spot with fishing, camping, and hiking.

View across Milton Reservoir and forested shores in California

By Rene Bennett 5 days ago

Goodbye Lake Tahoe, So Long Big Bear: Visit This Less-Crowded California Paradise Inside A National Forest

Hemmed in by the towering evergreens of Tahoe National Forest, this relatively unknown lake offers the beauty of the Sierra Nevadas without the crowds.

The view from atop Hound Tor in Dartmoor National Park, surrounded by green fields at sunrise

By Tori Jane 5 days ago

Between Plymouth And Exeter Is An Abandoned Medieval Village Inside A National Park With Ruins And Scenic Views

Accessibly only by a moderate hike, this humble medieval village was made up of only a few longhouses, but it sat in magnificent countryside.

A hiker on Cadillac Mountain overlooking islands, ocean, and forest in Acadia National Park, Maine

By Ben M Stower 6 days ago

This Popular National Park Removed 30 Signs And People Aren't Happy About It

Due to recent national park changes across the U.S., a popular destination has taken down many informative, historical signs, and visitors are upset.

Stairs to Temple Mound A at Crystal River Archaeological State Park

By Stephen Hanson 7 days ago

Between Tampa And Gainesville Is An Archaeological Park With Native American History, Fishing, And Trails

This Florida park is an underrated gem that offers tranquil waters for fishing, scenic hiking trails, and interesting outdoor archaeological finds.

Scenic Drive through the red and orange rocks of Capitol Reef National Park, Utah

By Kaylee Giacomini-Moran 7 days ago

The Most Breathtaking Scenic Drives Through The American Southwest

From winding mountain roads to endless desert highways, these unforgettable routes reveal the wild beauty and surprising contrasts of the American Southwest.

Müritz National Park, Schweingarten Lake

By Nikolai Arto 8 days ago

Germany's National Park Treasure Ideal For Outdoor Fun Is Part Of The 'Land Of A Thousand Lakes'

Germany is home to some famous and well-preserved forests, and you can explore the landscapes at this national park in the northeast corner of the country.

View of Rothbury and the surrounding countryside

By Kira Reinke 8 days ago

Next To Northumberland National Park Is A Small Market Town With Shops, Tasty Eats, And Outdoor Fun

Home to one of England's most intriguing homes, this town is both a historic time capsule and a gateway to England's least populated national park.

An aerial view of Withypool, in Exmoor, England, on a spring day

By Joe Orovic 8 days ago

Between Barnstaple And Doniford Is A Village Inside A National Park With Quiet Charm, Fishing, And Scenic Hiking

This Somerset village has easy access open countryside, a hidden stone circle, a world-famous ancient bridge, and miles of walking paths connecting it all.

Aerial view of the landscape in one section of Everglades National Park in Florida

By Rosheda Stephenson 8 days ago

8 Tips From Park Rangers For Enjoying Everglades National Park

Park rangers know a thing or two about national parks, and they've got some fabulous tips for exploring the wonders of Florida's Everglades National Park.

Two tents set up on a campsite at Maquoketa Caves State Park

By Brandy Jo Hastings 8 days ago

What To Know Before Camping At Maquoketa Caves State Park

Iowa's Maquoketa Caves State Park is a popular camping destination, but there are some critical things to know to ensure a smooth camping trip here.

Lake Aeroflex in Kittatinny Valley State Park

By Danno Wise 9 days ago

Forget The Jersey Shore, Visit This State Park With New Jersey's Deepest Natural Lake, Fishing, And Trails

This scenic New Jersey state park offers a wide range of outdoor recreation activities, including fishing on the state's deepest natural lake.

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

By Christy Nicholson 9 days 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 10 days 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 10 days 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 10 days 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 11 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 11 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.