Best less -known American parks of American, women who were in the 50 states

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Best less -known American parks of American, women who were in the 50 states

2025-05-05T13: 03: 01Z

I have traveled in the 50 states and I love to explore the less known state parks in the country.
The Letchworth State Park in New York and Matthiessen's state park in Illinois have magnificent waterfalls.
Utah's state park of Kodachrome Basin has the impression of entering another world.

National parks have never been so popular, with record visits in 2024. I understand why so many people flock to these emblematic landscapes to see some of the most Breathtaking landscapes in the country.

However, after having traveled solo in the 63 American national parks and the 50 states, I discovered that some of the most amazing and underestimated places are not part of the national park system – they are state parks.

These hidden gems offer the same beauty, adventure and the same solitude, often without crowds, reservations or hassles allow you to visit visits to the National Park. Here are some of my favorites.

Devil's Lake State Park in Wisconsin has something for everyone.

Devil's Lake is my favorite Wisconsin state park.

Emily Hart

Despite being the most visited state park in Wisconsin, I find that many people I talk about do not know Lake Devil's in Baraboo. However, this is my favorite of the 50 Wisconsin State parks.

In my opinion, the East and West Bluffs trails of the park offer some of the best panoramic views in the Midwest. In addition, massive rock formations – like Balanced Rock and Devil's DOORWARD – make it a favorite for hikers and rock climbers.

Beyond the cliffs, the park offers kayaking, swimming and peaceful picnic areas by the lake, making it a perfect destination all year round.

The Letchworth State Park in New York is home to superb waterfalls.

A curved bridge on the trees and a waterfall. — The Letchworth State Park is often called “Grand Canyon in the East”.

Jim Vallee / Shutterstock

Often nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of the East”, Letchworth State Park is a natural wonder where the Genesee river sculpts through a deep throat, creating three superb waterfalls framed by imposing cliffs.

With 66 miles of hiking trails, panoramic overhangs and endless outdoor leisure opportunities, Letchworth is a paradise for nature lovers.

The park is particularly magical in the fall, with its vibrating fall foliage, making it one of the most spectacular destinations for the development of leaves in the northeast.

Coopers Rock State Forest in Virginia-Western is the ideal place to watch the sunset.

Emily stands at an overhang near a river and mountains covered with trees at sunset. — Coopers Rock State Forest offers a magnificent view.

Emily Hart

Another of my favorite states for outdoor leisure states. Its state park system is full of gems, but I still recommend visiting Coopers Rock State Forest.

I love hiking in this park or simply enjoying a sunset at Coopers Rock Overlook, which offers a panoramic view of the cheat river gorges.

The park also has many unique rock formations dispersed in the forest along the kilometers of picturesque trails.

Matthesen's state park in Illinois is magic.

A waterfall in a canyon covered with foam. — Matthesen's state park has magnificent waterfalls in cascade.

Joseph Hendrickson / Shutterstock

Matthiessen's state park is a hidden gem known for its dramatic canyons, cascades in cascade and imposing forests, creating an amazing and almost magical landscape.

With peaceful trails and fewer crowds than the Rock Starved state park nearby, Matthiessen is an essential visit to nature lovers in the Midwest. I particularly like to visit in the fall to enjoy the changing foliage.

Visit the Utah Kodachrome Basin State Park resembles another world.

Emily stands next to a large formation of fine red rock. — The Kodachrome Basin State Park is known for its high thin rock formations.

Emily Hart

When visiting the Utah, many travelers aim to see one (or all) National parks “mighty five”. However, UTAH also houses 46 state parks – my favorite is the Kodachrome basin.

At just over 20 miles from Bryce Canyon National Park, the Kodachrome basin feels like entering another world.

The less congested landscape is an amazing mixture of red, orange and yellow shades, and striking “sand pipes” – high rock arrows for the park.

Hiking, camp or crossing the rock formations of this jewel park hidden for a peaceful adventure.

Eldorado Canyon is one of my favorite state parks in Colorado.

Emily stands in opinion and looks at a stream flowing between rocks and trees. — Eldorado Canyon is one of the best climbing destinations in the country.

Emily Hart

With four large national parks and more than 40 state parks, Colorado is known for its outdoor leisure. However, I discovered that, apart from the inhabitants, many people do not know one of my favorite places to visit – Eldorado Canyon State Park.

Only 9 miles outside Boulder, the park is known for its dramatic canyon views, climbing and panoramic hiking trails. Its imposing golden sandstone cliffs make it one of the most climbing destinations in the United States, with more than 500 routes.

Visitors can also choose to ski or snowshoes to cross winter months.