The park also provides opportunities for hiking, camping, and playing in the fresh water of Lake Shelby.

Only a 20-minute drive from Anchorage, this vast green space is one of Alaska’s most accessible.

It’s also one of the largest state parks in the country.

The Pier at Gulf State Park

Getty Images

There’s even a seasonal cafe where it’s possible for you to rest your legs between activities.

Whichever park you choose to explore, you’re bound to see some of the world’s tallest trees.

Silver Sands State Park Connecticut

Thisstate parkcomprises acres upon acres of dunes, beach, and woodlands.

a pond and mountains in Chugach state park

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

Strolling along the boardwalk is a breezy way to explore the marshland and shoreline.

Walk out to the Point Overlook to see where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean.

Learn about the native flora and fauna at the Seaside Nature Center.

Lost Dutchman State Park, east of Phoenix, Arizona.

Getty Images

Or rent a bike for free and cycle the Loop trail that circumnavigates the park.

Other activities include birding, hiking, picnicking, swimming, and scuba diving in Blue Hole Spring.

With a permit, you’re free to even make the memorable descent to the gorge floor.

A Wide Trail Winds Through The Tall Redwoods of Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park

Ron and Patty Thomas/Getty Images

Either way, don’t miss the park’s iconic suspension bridge.

Breathtaking natural features include freshwater caves, lava tubes, sea arches, a blowhole, and tropical forest.

One of the park’s more unusual offerings is disc golf.

Map in Eldorado State Park

Christopher Larson/Travel + Leisure

And if you happen upon a white-tailed deer or a bald eagle, the effect is only magnified.

In the summer, rent a kayak at the campground and see the park from the Illinois River.

When you need a break, cool off in the shade of Backbone Cave.

Silver Sands State Park deck point of view towards Kidd’s Treasure

Bob Gundersen/Getty Images

If you’re feeling up for it, take on the 20-mile hike around the circumference of the park.

Assateague State Park Maryland

This park sits onAssateague Island, a barrier island off theMaryland coast.

Theone-of-a-kind destinationis best known for its wild horses, often spotted running along the beach.

Light filters through Jug Hole, Ichetucknee Springs State Park in Florida.

Jennifer Idol/Stocktrek Images/Getty Images

Hike to the top to get beautiful views of the wilderness, up to 90 miles out.

Long trails outfitted with shelters accommodate backpackers.

Further inland, there are more than 90 miles of hiking trails leading to waterfalls and scenic viewpoints.

Waiʻanapanapa State Park in Maui, Hawaii

Getty Images

In the winter, powderhounds flock to the Porcupine Mountains for skiing, snowmobiling, and more.

But what really makes this park special is the fact that it contains the headwaters of theMississippi River.

you’re able to even walk on rocks across a shallow part of the water.

Waterfall From Cliff At Starved Rock State Park

Nicola Patterson/EyeEm/Getty Images

Archeological digs in the park indicate that it was inhabited by Indigenous peoples as long ago as 7000 B.C.E.

Today, parkgoers come to hike, fish, camp, swim, picnic, and boat.

Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park Missouri

The terrain inJohnson’s Shut-Ins State Parkis both stunning and surprising.

Boathouse and fisherman at Backbone State Park in Iowa

Getty Images

Makoshika State Park Montana

Ever dreamed of traveling to Mars?

You’ll get a similar effect a lot closer to home atMakoshika State Park.

The sea of sandstone is speckled with 2,000-year-old petroglyphs.

Waterfall At Cumberland Falls State Park In Kentucky

Getty Images

And where the ground isn’t covered by rock, you might see petrified trees.

A scenic byway connects the east and west entrances.

Along it, there are places to pull over and see cool rock formations or go for hikes.

Rainbow forms over Sandy Stream Pond, Baxter State Park, Maine

Getty Images/Cavan Images RF

you’ve got the option to descend into the gorge on a two-mile boardwalk loop.

The aptly namedIsland Beach State Parkis a 10-mile piece of land separating Barnegat Bay and the Atlantic.

Find your favorite beach-related activity here, be it fishing, swimming, windsurfing, or kayaking.

Mount Greylock is a 3,489 feet mountain located in the northwest corner of Massachusetts and is the highest point in the state.

Getty Images

A volcano erupted millions of years ago, spewing rocks and boulders across the landscape.

Colt State Park Rhode Island

Colt State Parkoffers some of the best ocean views inRhode Island.

In the winter, you’re free to cross-country ski and snowshoe right next to the sea.

Sunset on Lake Itasca, Itasca State Park, United States of America

John Elk III/Getty Images

If you’re lucky, you might even spot a bison.

It’s located on the Texas Panhandle, hundreds of miles from the much-busier Grand Canyon.

Goblin Valley State Park Utah

See the otherworldly, mushroom-shaped rock pinnacles that giveGoblin Valleyits name.

Close up of river water running over walks

Getty Images

There are no marked trails within the three-square-mile area, so you might roam among the gnomes freely.

Go after dark for next-level stargazing thanks to a lack of light pollution.

The park provides easy access to hiking and great picnicking spots.

Smith Falls State Park waterfall and wooded walkway

Emilie Bouvier/Nebraska Tourism

“The notch” also attracts cavers and climbers alike.

Rogers Recreation Area and Jefferson National Forest.

Trails range from less than a mile to just over three miles.

Dramatic Valley of Fire State Park Landscape Views

Paul Massie/Getty Images

For a memorable jaunt, walk the Grayson Highlands stretch of the Appalachian Trail.

In addition to stunning scenery, the park also has plenty of hiking, biking, and fishing.

Devil’s Lake State Park Wisconsin

Thelargest state park in Wisconsinis also one of the most stunning.

Aerial View Of City Of Rocks State Park, Hurley, New Mexico, United States

Parker Hill/500px/Getty Images

The glacier-formed Devil’s Lake is surrounded by impressive bluffs and woodland.

Enjoy a soothing soak at the free public bathhouse or hike through the park’s trails looking for bison.

Large rock formation is the namesake of Chimney Rock State Park in Lake Lure, North Carolina, USA.

Getty Images

Waterfall as seen through Arched Bridge

David Arment/Getty Images

Oswald West is a very popular State Park, Great beach as well as hiking opportunities.

Getty Images

Park visitors cross a small bridge over the Mill Gut shellfish management area at Colt State Park in Bristol, Rhode Island

Lane Turner/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

Pond with rolling hills in Custer State Park in South Dakota

Melissa Kopka/Getty Images

The Big Cave, Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Martina Birnbaum/EyeEm/Getty Images

Winding road through boulders at Smugglers Notch State Park Vermont

Getty Images/Collection Mix: Subjects RF

A beautiful Spring day overlooking the beach at Deception Pass

Getty Images

Kayaking at Devil’s Lake State Park in Wisconsin

Alisha Bube/Getty Images