National and State Parks

Walkway along the canal at Holyoke Heritage State Park, Massachusetts during sunset

By Rene Bennett 6 hours ago

New England's Once-Thriving Industrial Center Is Now A State Park With Canal Walks And A Nostalgic Carousel

This unassuming pocket near the Connecticut River once produced more paper than anywhere else in the world — today, it is a scenic piece of history.

Water sprays off the Whale-Tail Fountain in downtown New London, Connecticut, on a sunny summer day

By Robert Isenberg 12 hours ago

Forget Cape Cod, Visit This Less-Crowded Connecticut Gem With New England Charm, State Parks, And Beaches

If you're looking for the beach fun of Cape Cod but want to avoid the crowds, you can head to this Connecticut county with quieter-but-still-lively towns.

A red truck drives on a single-lane paved road through vibrant golden fall foliage at Brown County State Park, Indiana

By Tori Jane 14 hours ago

Indiana's Highly Underrated County To Retire Is A Scenic Nature Escape With Parks And A Charming Town

You may not think of Indiana when pondering retirement, but this scenic gem with parks and a charming town sits at the top of counties to retire in for 2026.

By Reannon Muth 22 hours ago

The 6 Worst National Parks To Visit With Seniors Or Young Children

The U.S. National Parks System provides a wide range of activity for all ages, but some parks present a bit of a challenge for children and seniors.

A log cabin and picnic benches in Pillsbury Point State Park

By Eugenia Lazaris 1 day ago

Iowa's Smallest State Park Is An Urban Gem With Scenic Lake Views And A Dark History

Small in size but big in charm, Iowa's smallest state park is a fascinating juxtaposition of gorgeous waters and brutal history.

Towering redwood trees on a misty day on Lady Bird Johnson Grove trail in Redwood National Park, California

By Neha Maheshwari 2 days ago

Hidden Inside Redwood National Park Is The Coastal Tree Grove That Looks Straight Out Of A Fairy Tale

One of Northern California's most memorable outdoor escapes rewards curious travelers with an atmospheric setting that feels like it's out of a storybook.

View of shoreline with cliffs and wildflowers at Bean Hollow State Beach

By Danno Wise 2 days ago

This Scenic West Coast Beach In California Is A Lesser-Known Gem For Fishing, Wildlife, And Ocean Views

Nestled on the San Mateo County coast, this wildly underrated beach is known for its colorful tide pools and wide-open shores with minimal crowds.

A replica of old Monroe at the visitors center of the River Raisin National Battlefield Park

By Keith Langston 2 days ago

Between Detroit And Toledo Is Michigan's Lesser-Known National Park With A Historic Battlefield And Trails

The defeat at this site later became a rallying cry for American forces during the War of 1812, and the battlefield is preserved with a small national park.

By Audrey Simons 3 days ago

Washington's Former Coal Mining Town Is A Fast-Growing City Outside Seattle With Lakes And Nearby State Parks

This burgeoning Seattle suburb is a boon for nature adventures, fringed by forests and protected wilderness areas brimming with lakes, rivers, and rapids.

An aerial shot of lakes and green mountains in Killarney National Park, Ireland

By David McElhinney 3 days ago

Nestled On The Edge Of Ireland's First National Park Is A Vibrant Town With Outdoor Fun, Views, And Shops

Cozy pubs, traditional music, and colorful shops: There's lots to love about this Irish town, which is right by a national park with a castle, lake, and falls.

A gate leading to a church surrounded by rolling fields in Hawkshead village, Cumbria

By Heather Cole 4 days ago

Between Lancaster And Keswick Is A Medieval Village Inside A National Park With Lake Fun, Shops, And No Cars

This village in the Lake District National Park has country pubs, craft stores, and a 15th-century courthouse — and you can also ride a Victorian steam train.

A view of Bavaria Forest National Park with pine trees, green meadows, and a lake

By David McElhinney 5 days ago

Tucked On The Czech Border Is A German National Park With Rustic Forests, Mountain Trails, And Rare Wildlife

Rare wildlife can be spotted from the mountain trails traversing this picturesque national park in Germany, tucked into a forest that stretches into Czechia.

Acres of dry fields and homes surround Porterville, California

By Eva Johnstone 5 days ago

Between Fresno And Bakersfield Is A Sequoia Gateway With Idyllic Nature Escapes And Tasty Restaurants

Stop in town, grab a bite to eat, and stay awhile while exploring the nearby sequoia forests, beautiful lakes, and more this Central Valley town has to offer.

Mountains and trees from an overlook in Kaniksu National Forest.

By C. M. Ramsburg 5 days ago

Nestled On The Border Of Idaho And Montana Is A Secluded National Forest With Mountain Lakes And Unique Wildlife

This exquisite region in Northern Idaho is known for its ancient trees, incredible array of wildlife, and vast glacial lakes famous for trophy-sized fish.

Exterior of of Rutherford B. Hayes' home surrounded by trees at Spiegel Grove in Ohio

By Rene Bennett 6 days ago

Under An Hour From Toledo Is Ohio's Scenic State Park With Presidential History, Trails, And Fairytale Views

An Ohio estate once home to a U.S. president offers a walk through 19th-century history, with a preserved mansion, family tomb, and garden paths.

Waves roll into Narragansett Beach in Rhode Island as the sunset casts a stone structure in an orange glow

By Robert Isenberg 6 days ago

Forget Cape Cod, Visit This Less-Crowded East Coast Escape With Fresh Seafood, State Park Fun, And Beaches

Cape Cod might get the lion's share of attention, but this gorgeous East Coast escape offers a serene getaway with heaps of oceanside delights.

A snowy street view of Banff, Alberta, located inside Banff National Park in Canada

By Hillary Louise Johnson 7 days ago

9 Charming Towns In North America That Are Hidden Inside National Parks

From remote communities inaccessible by road to thriving towns with thousands of residents, you'd be surprised how many people actually live in national parks.

A grassy meadow with wildflowers at Navarino Wildlife Area

By Eva Johnstone 7 days ago

Less Than An Hour From Green Bay Is Wisconsin's Outdoor Escape With A Nature Center And Scenic Trails

This expansive wildlife area is great for wildlife and bird watching, particularly during the spring and fall when thousands of sandhill cranes visit.

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

By Tara Dupuis 7 days 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 8 days 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 8 days 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 8 days 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 9 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 9 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 9 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 9 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 10 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.