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The best lesser -known US national parks, a woman who has been to all 50 states

2025-05-05t13: 03: 01z

  • I have traveled to all 50 states and love to explore the lesser -known state parks of the country.
  • There are proud waterfalls in Letchworth State Park in New York and in Matthiessen State Park in Illinois.
  • The State Park of the Utah Kodachrome River basin feels to enter the other world.

National parks have never been more popular, with a record visit in 2024. I understand why so many people are afraid of these iconic landscapes to see the most breathtaking landscape in the country.

After all 63 US national parks and all 50 states of solo travel I have discovered that some of the most stunning and undervalued places are not part of the National Park system – they are state parks.

These hidden gems provide the same beauty, adventure and loneliness, often without a crowd, booking or the trouble of visits to the National Park. Here are some of my favorites.

There is something for everyone at Wisconsin Devil's Lake Nature Park.


Emily sits on rocks near the lake, with foliage in the background.

Damn lake is my favorite Wisconsin Nature Park.

Emily Hart

Despite the fact that he is the most visited state park in Wisconsin, I find that many of the people I am talking to do not know Barabo's Devil Lake. But this is my favorite Wisconsin from 50 state parks.

In my opinion, the Park East and West Bluff's trails offer the best panoramic views of the central west. In addition, massive rock forms change – like Balance Rock and Devil's Doorway – for both hikers and climbers.

Further from the cliffs, the park offers kayak, swimming and peaceful lake picnic areas, making it an ideal year-round destination.

The Letchworth Nature Park in New York is home to stunning waterfalls.


A curved bridge above the trees and waterfalls.

Letchworth State Park is often referred to as the East Great Canyon.

Jim Vallee/Shutterstock

Often the nickname “East's Great Canyon” is the Letchworth Nature Park a natural miracle, where the Genese River carves through a deep gorge, creating three stunning waterfalls framed by rising cliffs.

66 miles for hiking trails, picturesque views and endless leisure activities are a paradise for Letchworth for nature lovers.

The park is particularly magical in the autumn, with its lively autumn page, which makes it one of the most prominent leaves foundations in the northeast.

Coopers Rock State Forest West Virginia is an ideal place for sunset tracking.


Emily stands near the sunset near the river and the trees covered with trees.

Coopers Rock State Forest offers gorgeous views.

Emily Hart

West Virginia is another for spending my favorite leisure time. The system of this country park is full of gems, but I always recommend visiting Coopers Rock State Forest.

I like to hike in this park or just enjoy the sunset in Coopers Rock Overlook, which offers panoramic Cheat River Gorge.

The park also has many unique stone traits that are scattered through picturesque paths throughout the forest.

Matthiessen State Park in Illinois feels magical.


A waterfall in a canyon covered with a moss.

Matthiessen Nature Park has proud cascading waterfalls.

Joseph Hendrickson/Shutterstock

Matthiessen State Park is a hidden pearl, known for its dramatic canyons, cascading waterfalls and towering forests, creating a stunning, almost magical landscape.

Matthiesen is mandatory for mid-western nature lovers with peaceful trails and less crowded Rock Nature Park than nearby hunger Rock Nature Park. I especially love to visit the foliage changing in the fall.

Visiting the National Park of Utah Kodachrome River basin is a feeling as if you were going to another world.


Emily stands next to a high thin red rock.

The Kodachrome River River River Park is known for its high thin stone forms.

Emily Hart

When visiting Utahi, many travelers aim to see one (or all) state of their own “Mighty way” national parksTo. But Utah also has 46 national parks – my favorite is the Kodachrome pool.

A little more than 20 miles from the Bryce Canyon National Park is known to the Kodachrome pool, as if it were completely in the other world.

A less crowded landscape is a fabulous blend of red, orange and yellow tones, and striking “sand pipes” high, thin stone lengths of which the park is known for.

Hike, camp or drive through this hidden gemstone park for a peaceful adventure.

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


Emily stands with a view and looks at a stream that runs between rocks and trees.

The Eldorado Canyon is one of the most popular climbing destinations in the country.

Emily Hart

With four major national parks and over 40 state parks, Colorado is known for leisureTo. However, I have found that many people outside the local people do not know about one of my favorite places – Eldorado Canyon Nature Park.

Out of only 9 miles of Boulder, the park is known for its dramatic canyon views, rock climbing and picturesque hiking trails. Its talling golden sandstone cliffs make it one of the best climbing destinations in the US, over 500 routes.

Visitors can also choose cross -country skiing or snowbrush during the winter months.

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