For many travelers, national parks are the holy grail of nature exploration – vast, iconic, and bursting with breathtaking landscapes. However, in the shadow of these behemoths lie lesser-known gems that rival their federal counterparts in splendor and serenity: state parks.

1. Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Texas – Dubbed “The Grand Canyon of Texas,” Palo Duro offers a maze of canyons and rugged beauty that beckon hikers, horseback riders, and campers to explore its depths.

2. Custer State Park, South Dakota – With its roaming bison herds, granite peaks, and clear blue lakes, Custer is a wildlife enthusiast’s dream. Its scenery easily competes with nearby Mount Rushmore National Memorial.

3. Dead Horse Point State Park, Utah – Offering views that rival the nearby Canyonlands National Park, Dead Horse Point showcases dramatic overlooks of the Colorado River and the intricate canyon country for which Utah is famous.

4. Minnewaska State Park Preserve, New York – Nestled in the Shawangunk Mountains ridge this park is replete with stunning waterfalls, crystalline lakes, and hardy mountain foliage. It’s a sanctuary for climbers, swimmers, and hikers alike.

5. Fall Creek Falls State Park, Tennessee – Home to some of the highest free-falling waterfalls in the eastern United States and replete with lush forested trails ideal for all levels of nature lovers.

6. Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada – Just an hour away from Las Vegas lies a landscape ablaze with red Aztec sandstone outcrops nestled among gray limestone mountains. The vibrant colors create a painterly effect that rivals any artist’s palette.

7. Silver Falls State Park, Oregon – Known as the “crown jewel” of Oregon’s state parks system with its 10 majestic waterfalls along the Trail of Ten Falls offering one of the most captivating hiking experiences in the Pacific Northwest.

8. Antelope Island State Park, Utah – Set within the Great Salt Lake, this island haven provides panoramic views of vast open landscapes alongside opportunities to spot local wildlife such as bison and antelope.

9. Devil’s Lake State Park, Wisconsin – Surrounded by 500-foot bluffs providing extraordinary views above a 360-acre lake that invites kayakers and rock climbers to indulge in its natural playground.

10. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California – The largest state park in California offers visitors a chance to explore vast desert terrain dotted with oases providing one-on-one encounters with California’s desert landscape without the crowds often found at Joshua Tree National Park nearby.

State parks present a compelling argument for being part of every pro traveler’s adventure list — they offer spectacular natural beauty often without the crowds or cost associated with national parks. Whether you’re seeking solitude or a rugged escapade into America’s diverse landscapes; venture off the beaten path to these unsung sanctuaries where epic memories await.