The Best State Parks for Hiking—And Why These Trails Stay With You

Google Maps recently revealed the most popular U.S. state parks for hiking this summer, based on the number of reviewers mentioning hikes. The list features jaw-dropping canyons, lush forests, and unforgettable waterfall trails. If you’re searching for the best state parks for hiking, this curated roundup is a great place to start.

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Julie and I have explored a few of these firsthand—and we’re thrilled to see two of our favorites make the cut. Others are now firmly planted on our bucket list. Let’s dive in!

🗺️ Quick Look: Top 10 State Parks for Hiking

Before we dive into trail details and personal stories, here’s a snapshot of the top 10 state parks for hiking—according to Google Maps reviewers this summer.

Rank	State Park	Location
1	Devil’s Lake State Park	Wisconsin
2	Starved Rock State Park	Illinois
3	Palo Duro Canyon State Park	Texas
4	Watkins Glen State Park	New York
5	Valley of Fire State Park	Nevada
6	Turkey Run State Park	Indiana
7	Bear Mountain State Park	New York
8	Letchworth State Park	New York
9	Cloudland Canyon State Park	Georgia
10	Smith Rock State Park	Oregon

From coast to canyon, these parks deliver unforgettable trails, scenery, and moments worth the trek. Let’s take a closer look at what makes each destination special—and why hikers continue to rave.

🥇 Devil’s Lake State Park, Wisconsin

Towering quartzite bluffs frame a crystal-clear lake, creating one of the Midwest’s most iconic hiking destinations. Trails like Balanced Rock and East Bluff offer steep climbs, sweeping views, and a surprising sense of wilderness just minutes from civilization. Expect stone staircases, forested ridges, and a rewarding summit—especially if you’ve watched the sunrise from the bluff.

🥈 Starved Rock State Park, Illinois

Canyon country in the heart of Illinois. With 13 miles of trails winding past waterfalls, sandstone cliffs, and mossy canyons, Starved Rock feels like a hidden world carved by water and time. The park’s namesake bluff delivers panoramic river views, while trails like Wildcat Canyon offer dramatic drops and seasonal cascades.

🥉 Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Texas

Known as the “Grand Canyon of Texas,” Palo Duro stuns with its red rock layers, hoodoo formations, and vast desert vistas. The Lighthouse Trail leads to a towering rock spire and offers one of the most photogenic hikes in the Southwest. Expect rugged terrain, blazing sunsets, and a sense of scale that humbles even seasoned hikers.

🏞️ Watkins Glen State Park, New York

Step into a gorge of waterfalls and stone bridges that feels straight out of a fantasy novel. The Gorge Trail winds past 19 waterfalls in just two miles, with tunnels, staircases, and misty cascades around every bend. It’s one of the Finger Lakes’ most beloved hikes—and for good reason.

We’ve visited Watkins Glen State Park twice—and both visits were unforgettable. The first time, it was raining. But the Gorge Trail was so mesmerizing, we didn’t care. We hiked above, below, and behind waterfalls, getting splashed by rain or cascades the entire way. It was magical.

A year later, we returned under dry skies. While the falls weren’t quite as powerful, the stone bridges and towering canyons reminded us how special this place is—rain or shine.

Want a closer look at the Gorge Trail and our rainy-day adventure? Read our full Watkins Glen guide here.

🔥 Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada

A surreal landscape of red sandstone, petroglyphs, and sculpted rock formations. Trails like Fire Wave and White Domes Loop showcase the park’s vibrant geology, while short walks to Atlatl Rock and Mouse’s Tank reveal ancient carvings and desert beauty. It’s like hiking through a living painting.

🌳 Turkey Run State Park, Indiana

Indiana’s most rugged and beloved park, Turkey Run, surprises with deep ravines, sandstone cliffs, and creekside trails. The famous Trail 3 features ladders, narrow canyons, and the iconic Punch Bowl—a natural amphitheater carved by water. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure kind of place, perfect for hands-on exploration.

🏔️ Bear Mountain State Park, New York

Just an hour from NYC, Bear Mountain offers a mix of Appalachian charm and Hudson River views. The Perkins Memorial Tower hike rewards with 360-degree vistas, while the Appalachian Trail cuts right through the park. Expect forested climbs, historic bridges, and a surprising sense of escape.

🌊 Letchworth State Park, New York

Dubbed the “Grand Canyon of the East,” Letchworth features towering cliffs, roaring waterfalls, and 66 miles of trails. The Gorge Trail connects the park’s three major falls—Upper, Middle, and Lower—with scenic overlooks and forested paths. It’s a place where geology meets grandeur.

Letchworth State Park offers a beautiful mix of forested trails and canyon overlooks. The park boasts dozens of waterfalls, but the three main showstoppers leave a lasting impression. After a morning hike, we enjoyed lunch at the Glen Iris Inn before heading back out to explore more trails. It’s a place that blends natural beauty with peaceful charm.

Want to see why Letchworth left such a lasting impression on us? Explore our full post with trail insights and favorite spots.

🌄 Cloudland Canyon State Park, Georgia

Perched on the edge of Lookout Mountain, Cloudland Canyon delivers dramatic views, deep gorges, and cascading waterfalls. The Waterfalls Trail descends into the canyon via steep staircases, while the West Rim Loop offers panoramic overlooks. It’s one of Georgia’s most photogenic and rewarding hikes.

🧗 Smith Rock State Park, Oregon

A mecca for climbers and hikers alike, Smith Rock rises from the high desert with sheer cliffs and winding river trails. The Misery Ridge Trail is a steep but stunning climb, offering views of the Crooked River and the park’s iconic spires. It’s where sport climbing was born—and where hikers find solitude and scale.

🧭 Two Bonus Picks We Think Deserve a Spot

While not on Google’s list, these two parks have earned a special place in our hearts—and we believe they belong in any conversation about top hiking destinations.

Hocking Hills State Park, Ohio

Growing up near Hocking Hills, I didn’t fully appreciate its beauty until I got older and began exploring other state and national parks. Now, I realize how special it truly is.

The park features seven distinct hiking areas with stunning sandstone cliffs, recess caves, and seasonal waterfalls. Trails wind past stone and wooden bridges, stairs, and tunnels. Some even lead to hidden gems like secret waterfalls. It genuinely stacks up well against many national parks we’ve explored.

Want to see why Hocking Hills still takes our breath away? Start with our video, then explore our full guide with trail highlights and hidden gems.

Custer State Park, South Dakota

Custer State Park offers top-notch scenic drives, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing. We saw as much wildlife here as we’ve seen in any national park.

Trails wind through forests and under towering granite spires, with scrambles that reward you with panoramic views. As you breathe in the scent of pine and admire the rugged landscape, you feel truly alive.

Ready to explore one of South Dakota’s most scenic parks? Start with our video, then read our Custer guide with trail tips and wildlife sightings.

🏞️ Cloudland Canyon & Valley of Fire: Bucket List Beauties

We’ve long had Valley of Fire and Smith Rock on our radar—their fiery landscapes and dramatic trails have called to us for years. But this list was an eye-opener. Thanks to fellow travelers and outdoor enthusiasts, we’ve now added Cloudland Canyon and Turkey Run to our must-see lineup.

We love how shared experiences spark new adventures. Our bucket list is always evolving, and we can’t wait to explore these parks firsthand and add our own stories to the mix.

🗳️ Your Turn: Share Your Hiking Favorites

We’d love to hear from you!

Take a moment to vote in our three quick polls below. Let us know which parks you’ve hiked—or which ones are still on your bucket list.

Please vote once per poll to help keep things fair for everyone.

🧳 Final Thoughts

Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, scrambling up canyon walls, or soaking in forest solitude, these state parks deliver unforgettable hiking experiences. 

This list reshaped our own bucket list—and we’re eager to hit the trail again. We hope it sparks fresh ideas for your next adventure, too.

Got a favorite park we didn’t list? Whether you’ve hiked it or it’s still on your bucket list, we’re glad you’re exploring with us.

🌄 Keep Exploring

If you love trails with a twist, check out our roundup of spooky trail names—perfect for fall hikes with a little mystery.

Or dive into history on the Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail, where a nearly mile-long walk through a 19th-century railroad tunnel offers a one-of-a-kind hiking experience.

Featured image credit: Photo credit: kwiktor via Deposit Photos