Travel Tips

State Parks Vs. National Parks

I’m a big fan of visiting our national parks as an affordable getaway, but in the summertime it seems like everyone else has the same idea. But what if you could find a similar but less crowded experience by visiting a state park?

Sure, you may have heard of the sandstone arches at Utah’s Arches National Park. But you know what else is in Utah?

Kodachrome State Park, which features massive red sandstone chimneys, and just ten miles away is a rare double arch known as Grosvenor Arch.

And while the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known for its wildflowers, there are plenty of other small-scale options.

Try De Soto State Park in Alabama, which offers guided hikes and campfire talks.

Check out the 314-acre wildflower reserve at Raccoon State Park in Pennsylvania which is in bloom through the end of August.

After all, there are nearly 6,000 state parks in our country. Chances are that a great experience available right in your own backyard.

For more outdoor experiences, check out our National Parks travel section.

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