While the debate over entry fees for America's famed national parks continues, a quieter, often more accessible alternative awaits discovery. Across the United States, state parks protect some of the country's most breathtaking landscapes, frequently without charging an admission fee. These unsung heroes offer everything from thundering waterfalls and deep gorges to rare wildlife and even fairytale castles, all with the significant advantage of far smaller crowds.
A Nation of Hidden Natural Treasures
The diversity of these parks is staggering. Visitors can explore a dramatic gorge system in Ohio, hike past 22 waterfalls in Pennsylvania, or witness a unique 'black water' cascade in West Virginia. Arkansas offers a park sprawled across an entire mountain summit, while in Missouri, an extraordinary natural waterpark has been carved through ancient volcanic rock. From natural sandstone arches to cinematic river panoramas, the beauty on offer is world-class, and for the day visitor, it's often completely free. It's worth noting that while entry is typically free, charges usually apply for overnight camping or cabin stays.
Twelve Parks You Won't Want to Miss
Hocking Hills State Park, Ohio: Southwest of Logan, this 2,356-acre park is a landscape of woodland, cliffs, and waterfalls. Its 25 miles of trails lead to iconic features like Old Man's Cave and the 700-foot-wide Ash Cave. Wildlife includes wild turkeys, coyotes, and eagles. Camping starts from around $25 per night.
Ricketts Glen State Park, Pennsylvania: This 13,000-acre park in northeastern Pennsylvania is a waterfall haven, boasting 22 cascades including the 94-foot Ganoga Falls. The famous Falls Trail passes 21 of them. Kayaking is popular on Lake Jean, and campsites are available from around $15.
Blackwater Falls State Park, West Virginia: Named for its signature 60-foot cascade, tinted dark by tannins, this park in the Allegheny Mountains offers around 20 miles of trails. In winter, it features a unique 'magic carpet' sled run. Campsites start from approximately $30.
Natural Bridge State Resort Park, Kentucky: The centrepiece here is a magnificent 78-foot sandstone arch perched high above the Red River Gorge. Visitors can hike or take a sky lift to view it. The park is also a habitat for the rare Virginia big-eared bat.
Fall Creek Falls State Park, Tennessee: Located north of Chattanooga, this park is home to one of the eastern US's tallest free-fall waterfalls, plunging 256 feet. The 30,000-acre area features several other waterfalls and over 30 miles of hiking trails.
Mount Magazine State Park, Arkansas: This unique park occupies the entire summit of Arkansas's highest peak at 2,753 feet. Accessed by car, it offers cliff-top views and is a haven for butterflies, including the state's Diana fritillary.
Ohiopyle State Park, Pennsylvania: A mecca for white-water enthusiasts on the Youghiogheny River, this 20,500-acre park also features the scenic Cucumber Falls. Bald eagles are often spotted soaring above the gorge.
Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park, Missouri: The main attraction is a series of chutes and plunge pools in the Black River, carved through volcanic rock, creating a natural waterpark. The park also offers trails with panoramic views.
Petit Jean State Park, Arkansas: Perched atop Petit Jean Mountain, this park's star is the 95-foot Cedar Falls. Trails lead to waterfalls, unique rock formations, and sites containing Native American rock art.
Starved Rock State Park, Illinois: About 90 miles from Chicago, this park features 18 stunning sandstone canyons and is a wildlife mecca, with species ranging from bald eagles and herons to river otters and coyotes.
Pikes Peak State Park, Iowa: The highlight here is the sweeping 500-foot bluff overlook, offering a movie-poster panorama of the Mississippi River Valley. The view is especially spectacular during autumn.
Ha Ha Tonka State Park, Missouri: This park boasts a distinctly fairytale atmosphere, thanks to the ruins of an early-20th-century castle on a bluff. Other features include a colossal sinkhole and a huge natural stone arch. It is for day use only, with no camping.
An Inspiring Alternative for UK Travellers
For British travellers seeking an authentic American wilderness experience away from the well-trodden and often overcrowded national parks, these state parks present a compelling alternative. They offer the same grandeur and natural diversity but with a greater sense of solitude and discovery. The fact that so many are free to enter makes them an exceptionally valuable option for those planning an extensive road trip or outdoor adventure across the United States. The next great American landscape might not be in a national park at all, but in one of these spectacular, and generously open, state preserves.
