#State Parks

When you’re on a road trip throughout the U.S., be sure to check out nearby state parks. Some of them give the national parks a run for their money. What’s the best state park you’ve ever been to? #stateparks #exploreeverywhere

Northern California. Redwood National and State Parks. These are tallest trees on Earth. No photo does it justice, this is a must visit! 📷 by: @wanderingcreator_meghana

The National Parks Conservation Association (@npcapics) protects America’s treasured landscapes, preserving the beauty, history, and freedom they represent. From wildlife to iconic places like Yellowstone National Park, NPCA defends our national spirit. These parks reflect America’s resilience, vastness, and promise. By supporting NPCA, you help protect the land that unites and inspires us. Stand for our heritage. Donate today. #outdoors #nature #yellowstone #nationalpark #usa

10 Epic NY State Parks you should visit in 2025 ⤵️⁠ ⁠ ⁠ 📍𝐋𝐞𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤⁠ 🚗 5.5h from NYC⁠ ⏰ Between April & October⁠ 🥾 ⁠Known as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” offers breathtaking views of stunning waterfalls and dramatic cliffs along the Genesee River.⁠ ⁠ ⁠ ⁠📍𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐦𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐁𝐥𝐮𝐟𝐟𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤⁠ 🚗 5h from NYC⁠ ⏰ All Year⁠ 🥾 This park features unique, dramatic clay formations towering above the shores of Lake Ontario.⁠ ⁠ ⁠ 📍𝐁𝐮𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐤 𝐅𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤⁠ 🚗 ~4h from NYC⁠ ⁠ ⏰ Spring (March-May) for best waterfall scene⁠ 🥾 Home to 10 amazing waterfalls that are full cascading through the steep valley toward Cayuga Lake.⁠ ⁠ ⁠ ⁠⁠📍𝐍𝐢𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐚 𝐅𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤⁠ 🚗 6.5h from NYC⁠ ⏰ Spring (March-May) & Fall (Sep-Oct)⁠ 🥾 Breathtaking views of the iconic waterfalls, along with thrilling experiences like the Maid of the Mist and Cave of the Winds.⁠ ⁠ ⁠ ⁠📍𝐑𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐭 𝐇. 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤⁠ 🚗 4h from NYC⁠ ⏰ Spring for Best flow⁠ 🥾 This park boasts stunning waterfalls, including the 115-foot Lucifer Falls, and scenic hiking trails through gorges and woodlands.⁠ ⁠ ⁠ 📍𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐚 𝐋𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤⁠ 🚗 5h from NYC⁠ ⏰ Spring, Summer & Fall⁠ 🥾 Beautiful waterfront views, perfect for relaxing or boating on the largest Finger Lake.⁠ ⁠ ⁠ 📍𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐨 𝐅𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤⁠ 🚗 4h from NYC⁠ ⏰ Spring for Best flow⁠ 🥾 Home to a stunning 167-foot waterfall, surrounded by picturesque trails perfect for hiking and photography.⁠ ⁠ ⁠ 📍𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐋𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤⁠ ⁠🚗 ~4.5 hrs from NYC⁠ ⏰ All Year, best in Summer⁠ 🥾 2 striking glacial lakes with vibrant emerald waters, perfect for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding.⁠ ⁠ ⁠ 📍𝐓𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐜𝐤 𝐅𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤⁠ 🚗 4h from NYC⁠ ⏰ All Year, favorite in Spring & Fall⁠ 🥾 showcases the awe-inspiring 215ft Taughannock Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls east of the Rockies. ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ 📍𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐆𝐥𝐞𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤⁠ 🚗 4.5h from NYC⁠ ⏰ Spring & Fall⁠ 🥾 With stunning gorge, featuring 19 waterfalls and scenic stone bridges along its winding trails. ⁠ ⁠

It’s impossible to list all the wonders of 63 national parks in a 30-second reel. But the great thing about our parks is that you get to experience them for yourself and make your own “best of” memories, which will of course be different from ours. If you’d like information on how we visited all the parks, trails we hiked and places we stayed, we go into much greater detail on our national park podcast, Dear Bob and Sue. Check out our 150 episodes where we talk about the national parks and other remarkable public lands, scenic drives, hiking trails, wildlife encounters and camping exploits. A labor of love for 4 years and counting. ❤️

🍁Peak foliage now in Watkins Glens⁠⤵️⁠ ⁠ New York’s prettiest state park, Watkins Glen State Park, is nestled in the heart of the Finger Lakes Region with 19 waterfalls and gorges that are sure to amaze anyone.🍁⁠ ⁠ This park has been on my bucket list for so long but I always skipped it during summer due to insane crowds! This Fall I finally visited at sunrise and fell in love with this enchanted land filled with waterfalls, moss covered walls and innumerable steps amidst all the peak fall foliage!⁠ ⁠ ⁠ If you are near this region, VISIT NOW as Fall is the most magical time to hike in this State Park 🍂⁠ ⁠ ⁠ ⁠𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐕𝐄𝐋 𝐓𝐈𝐏𝐒⁠ ⁠ ✦ Watkins Glen State Park is open year round from dawn to dusk⁠ ⁠ ✦ There is a small admission fee to enter the park ($10), which helps with maintenance and conservation efforts.⁠ ⁠ ✦ Trail Information:⁠ - 𝐆𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐥: This is the main attraction with 832 steps, a stunning trail that winds through the gorge. Expect to get wet, as you’ll walk beside waterfalls. It’s open until mid-late October.⁠ - 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐥: Offers a higher, drier path with equally breathtaking views.⁠ ⁠ ✦ Fall is a popular time to visit, so go early in the day to avoid crowds, preferably at sunrise.⁠ ⁠ ✦ The most beautiful spots to visit are:⁠ - Rainbow Falls⁠ - Cavern Cascade⁠ - Glen of Pools⁠ - Suspension Bridge ⁠ - Frowning Cliff ⁠ - Lily Pond⁠ ⁠ ✦ Don’t forget your camera; the park offers fantastic photo opportunities with the colorful foliage and waterfalls.⁠ ⁠ ✦ Stay on designated trails, wear appropriate footwear, and be cautious of slippery rocks.⁠ ⁠ ✦ There are restroom facilities and a gift shop near the park’s entrance.⁠ ⁠ ✦ If you have more time, explore the charming town of Watkins Glen, visit wineries, or head to Seneca Lake or Ithaca for more scenic views.⁠ ⁠ ⁠ Video clips are taken on 22nd Oct 2023.⁠ ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ 📍Watkins Glens State Park, Finger Lakes, New York, USA⁠ ⁠ ⁠ Find more such travel tips, itineraries and adventure @globetrottingsu⁠✨⁠ ⁠.⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ #watkinglens #fallinnewyork #newyork #fingerlakes

Don’t skip this park! Custer State Park in South Dakota is one of those places where the landscapes and wildlife leave you in awe every single turn. Here’s a quick guide to help you plan your trip 👇 🦌 Wildlife Loop Road 🟢 An 18 mile scenic drive where you’ll likely spot bison, pronghorn, prairie dogs, and wild burros 🟢 Early morning or evening gives you the best chance to see wildlife up close ⛰️ Cathedral Spires Trail 🟢 1.6 miles roundtrip with moderate difficulty 🟢 Leads to dramatic granite spires and sweeping views 🟢 A must for photographers and climbers alike 🌲 Sylvan Lake 🟢 Known as the “crown jewel” of Custer State Park 🟢 Great for kayaking, paddleboarding, or a relaxed walk on the 1 mile Sylvan Lake Shore Trail 🟢 Trailhead for Black Elk Peak, the highest point in South Dakota at 7,244 feet (7 miles roundtrip hike) 🛣️ Needles Highway 🟢 A 14 mile scenic drive with sharp turns, tunnels carved through granite, and incredible overlooks 🟢 Do not skip the Needles Eye Tunnel, one of the most iconic spots in the park 📅 Best Time to Visit 🟢 Late spring through early fall for open roads and best hiking conditions 🟢 September brings cooler temps and fewer crowds, plus prime wildlife viewing during the bison rut ✨ Pro Tip 🟢 Start your day early to avoid traffic on scenic drives and have trails mostly to yourself

Sure, you already knew Chicago was awesome. But did you know how amazing the rest of Illinois was, too? 5 mind blowing state parks you won’t believe are in Illinois 🪨 Giant City State Park, Makanda 🏞️ Matthiessen State Park, Oglesby 🌿 Ferne Clyffe State Park, Goreville 🧭 Starved Rock State Park, Oglesby 🥾 Cave-In-Rock State Park, Cave-In-Rock Which ones are you exploring in 2025?

Olympic National Park may be the most diverse and beautiful National Park in the United States….here are 7 spots you don’t want to miss when visiting👇 📍Olympic National Park Washington State - Hike to Sol Duc Falls, the most beautiful waterfall in Olympic NP (1.6-mile easy hike) - Rialto Beach and hike to Hole in the Wall (3.3-moderate hike along Rialto Beach) - Hoh Rainforest Bonus- Hike to Cape Flattery, the most NW point in the contiguous US (1.2-mile easy hike) although not actually part of the park. - Hike to Marymere Falls (1.8-mile moderate hike) - Hike to Devil’s Punchbowl (2.4-mile easy hike via Spruce Railroad Trail at Lake Crescent) - Tree of Life at Kalaloch Beach Outdoors * Adventure * Travel * Hiking * Hikes at Olympic National Park #pnw #olympicnationalpark #travel #washingtonstate #moody

The other side of the USA 🥰🌳🦌 You’ll find some of the most incredible national parks you’ll ever see!

Have you been to any of these National Parks?? 📍Grand Teton National Park 📍Great Smoky Mountain National Park 📍Yosemite National Park 📍Yellowstone National Park SEND to someone you want to go to a National Park with this year! 🙌🏻 #nationalparksusa #nationalparktrip #grandtetonnps #yellowstonepark #roadtripusa

Let’s just pick a park and go!🏃🏻🌲🏞️ Parks included in the video: • Redwoods National & State Parks • Mount Rainier National Park • Glacier National Park • Grand Tetons National Park #makememories #experiencesoverthings #pnw #hiking #camping #nature #naturetherapy #optoutside #washington #oregon #california #roadtrip #travel