National and State Parks

Landscape view of the West Texas region near Chinati Mountains State Natural Area

By Tara Dupuis 17 min ago

Texas' In-The-Works Park Near Mexico's Border Is Anticipated To Be A Total Remote Desert Mountain Paradise

The state is currently finalizing the park's public use plan, which is expected to include miles of hiking trails, camping, and excellent stargazing.

Lights from the Star Train in Ely, Nevada, with a starry sky above

By Reannon Muth 1 day ago

The Nevada 'Star Train' Near Great Basin National Park Is A Unique Way To See The Lower 48's Darkest Night Skies

For stargazing in one of the darkest spots in the country, hop aboard this 2.5-hour train ride across Nevada, accompanied by expert "Dark Rangers."

two men in cowboy hats walk towards an erupting geyser in the backdrop

By Kusumita Das 1 day ago

America's 10 Geysers That Are Best-Kept Secrets From Tourists

There are more geysers than just Old Faithful. You've likely never even heard of most of them. These geysers are well worth viewing -- and have fewer crowds.

Man-made Kendall Lake with its historic Kendall Lake Shelter and lush trees in Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio

By Nally Preseault 1 day ago

Cuyahoga Valley National Park's Largest Artificial Lake Is An Ohio Gem With Wetland Trails, Fishing, And Wildlife

This 12-acre lake in Cuyahoga Valley National Park was created in the 1930s and has since become a destination for fishing, hiking, and wildlife spotting.

Forest, Lake Winnipesaukee, islands, and mountains, as seen from Mount Major State Forest in Alton, New Hampshire

By Nally Preseault 2 days ago

Two Hours From Boston Is New Hampshire's State Forest With Scenic Trails And Mountain Views

This New Hampshire state forest with mountain and lake panoramas has scenic trails to an old stone hut which draw hikers from Boston and beyond.

High mountains loom above the clear waters of the Königssee

By Joseph Richard Francis 2 days ago

One Of The Cleanest Lakes In Germany Is A Quiet Bavarian Paradise Surrounded By Scenic Mountains

Tucked in the Bavarian Alps in the southeast corner of Germany, this crystal-clear lake has been a go-to getaway destination for generations.

The rocky and flat-top Grand Mesa in Colorado towering over green fields and trees with a river nearby

By Ben M Stower 2 days ago

Goodbye Rocky Mountain, So Long Golden Gate: This Colorado Mesa Bursts With Lakes, Outdoor Fun, And Less Crowds

This area doesn't leap to mind unless you know it, but its grand vistas, year-round activity options, and outstanding campgrounds make it the perfect getaway.

The sun setting behind the mountains at Oxbow Bend Overlook in Grand Teton National Park

By Barry Peacock 2 days ago

The 10 Most Breathtaking Sightseeing Spots In Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming is a gorgeous mix of big skies, towering mountains, and breathtaking trails. Here are the best spots to see it all.

Lake at Double Trouble State Park, with a dirt path and green vegetation in the foreground, blue water in the center, and pine trees on the far shore, under a cloudy blue sky

By Jess Simms 3 days ago

Under 2 Hours From Philly Is New Jersey's Once-Thriving Agricultural Village That's Now Part Of A Scenic State Park

Less than two hours from Philadelphia, this former New Jersey company town is now part of a state park with cranberry bogs, scenic trails, and a ghost town.

Yellow flowers alongside Lake Bistineau with cypress trees and Spanish moss in the background.

By Brandy Jo Hastings 3 days ago

Louisiana's Enchanting Lake State Park Is A Woodland Wonder With Camping, Fishing, And Trails Near Shreveport

Enjoy a serene state park where you can stroll through mossy oaks, camp in mystical woods, or fish in an enchanting lake in Louisiana.

View of lake bordered by trees and tall grass at Split Rock Creek State Park in Minnesota

By Danno Wise 4 days ago

Minnesota's Premier State Park Under An Hour From Sioux Falls Is A Lake Paradise To Camp, Fish, And Boat

Home to one of the only lakes in this corner of The North Star State, locals flock to this state park for endless outdoor fun in every season.

Sandy beach area at Givhans Ferry State Park, South Carolina

By Neha Maheshwari 4 days ago

This State Park Outside Charleston Is South Carolina's Scenic Escape For Swimming, Fishing, And Boating

Cast a line, take a dip, paddle along a serene river, or spend the night beneath the stars, all without having to go far from South Carolina's city life.

Ariel view of Wood Buffalo National Park

By Rene Bennett 4 days ago

The World's Largest Beaver Dam Is Tucked Away In Canada's Largest National Park

The largest beaver dam in the world, roughly double the length of the Empire State Building, is a feat of nature that's best seen from the skies.

Swamp surrounded by greenery at Okefenokee State Park, Georgia

By Ben M Stower 6 days ago

This Georgia State Park With Wetland Trails, Fishing, And Dark Skies Is Undergoing More Than Just A Name Change

A newly renamed Georgia state park is getting major upgrades while preserving its wetland trails, paddling, fishing, wildlife, and famously dark night skies.

A trail winding between the trees in Redden State Forest in Georgetown, Delaware.

By Nally Preseault 6 days ago

Under An Hour From Rehoboth Beach Is Delaware's Largest State Forest With Fishing And Scenic Nature Trails

Walk along a scenic nature trail or enjoy a serene day of fishing at the biggest state forest in Delaware, just a short drive from Rehoboth Beach.

By Will Suphan 6 days ago

England's First National Trail Is A Nearly 270-Mile Hike Through Mountains, Moorlands, And 3 National Parks

The first national trail in England showcases some of the country’s most iconic natural scenery, passing peaks rising out of rugged moorlands.

High Street lined with old buildings in Grantown-on-Spey, Scotland

By Nikolai Arto 6 days ago

Hidden In The UK's Largest National Park Is A Small Town With Highland Trails, Tasty Eats, And Fishing

This welcoming Scottish town offers pinewood trails, riverside adventures, abundant wildlife, renowned fishing, hearty local food, and plenty of whisky.

Colorful fall foliage along a calm lake at Barry's Bay Public Park in northeastern Ontario

By Tosh Bene 7 days ago

The Gateway To Algonquin Park Is Ontario's Breathtaking Madawaska Valley Escape Surrounded By Dazzling Lakes

Escape into Ontario's nature on foot, car, or motorcycle, and experience its beautiful lakes and stunning views during the day, or stop and stay overnight.

Cabrera Island in Mallorca, Spain, from atop a castle.

By Kirtana Menon 7 days ago

Spain's Largest National Park Is An Underrated Mediterranean Gem With Ethereal Blue Waters And Underwater Forests

To enjoy turquoise waters and underwater marine forests, secure a permit to visit Spain’s largest national park on a pristine Mediterranean island.

Swan River feeding into Flathead Lake near Wayfarers State Park Unit, Montana

By Danno Wise 7 days ago

Montana's Underrated Lake State Park In Flathead Valley Has Camping, Fishing, Swimming, And Nature Walks

This state park unit offers access to the largest natural freshwater lake in the West, which is amazingly clear and clean for swimming, plus camping and hiking.

The Castle Rock Flowage during sunset with cloudy skies at Buckhorn State Park, Wisconsin

By Anahid Akkam 7 days ago

Between Green Bay And Rochester Is Wisconsin's State Park With Camping, Hiking, And Water Activities

This sprawling Wisconsin state park invites visitors to camp beneath the trees, follow easy trails, paddle through wetlands, and fish along the shoreline.

Road surrounded by water in Big Bend WMA

By Jean Chen Smith 8 days ago

Florida's Gulf Coast Nature Escape Has Trails, Fishing, And Paddle Boating An Hour From Tallahassee

This area has dozens of miles of coastline in one of the most remote and wild regions in the state, with multi-day paddling trails, rivers, and hiking trails.

Sandstone cliff and rolling foothills at Medicine Lodge Archaeological Site, Wyoming

By Anahid Akkam 8 days ago

Nestled In Northern Wyoming Is An Archaeological Site With Ancient Native American Rock Art And Outdoor Recreation

This remarkable landscape in Wyoming preserves thousands of years of Indigenous history alongside ancient rock art, wildlife, camping, fishing, and more.

Green mountains and rivers surround the Welsh town of Abergavenny

By Joseph Richard Francis 8 days ago

'The Gateway To Wales' Is A Charming Medieval Town With Tasty Eats, National Park Proximity, And Mountain Views

This delightful medieval town near the border with England is known as much for fantastic food as for its history, mountain walks, and scenery.

People walk along the harbor in Solva, Wales

By Joseph Richard Francis 8 days ago

This Charming Welsh Village Inside A National Park Is A Gem With Coastal Vibes, Fresh Seafood, And Camping

If you've long dreamt of exploring a gorgeous Welsh village within the boundaries of a spectacular coastal national park, this is the place for you.

The Columbia River in the Pacific Northwest.

By Barry Peacock 9 days ago

8 Of The Most Underrated National Parks And Monuments In The Pacific Northwest

There's a lot to see in the Pacific Northwest. If you've already seen the big attractions (or just want smaller crowds), check out these underrated spots.

A rocky river lined with fall foliage in Sandisfield State Forest in the Berkshires of Massachusetts

By Nally Preseault 9 days ago

Sandwiched Between Hartford And Albany Is New England's Breathtaking Forest With Lake Fun And Scenic Trails

Swim, fish, or explore a man-made lake, walk a forest trail, or just take a few minutes to take in the beautiful views of this Massachusetts state forest.