Source: The Points Guy
Summary
With the increasing crowds in U.S. national parks, some travelers are turning to state parks for similar natural wonders and outdoor activities. Seven state parks are highlighted as alternatives to popular national parks, including Calaveras Big Trees State Park in California, Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area in Colorado, Grandfather Mountain State Park in North Carolina, Coral Pink Dunes State Park in Utah, Catalina State Park in Arizona, Silver Falls State Park in Oregon, and Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada. These parks offer stunning vistas, hiking, biking, rafting, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
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The escape is carefully planned.
State parks are being rediscovered as alternatives to crowded national parks. Giant sequoias can be found in Calaveras Big Trees State Park, while Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area offers whitewater rafting and scenic drives. Grandfather Mountain State Park boasts fall foliage and waterfalls, and Coral Pink Dunes State Park is a haven for sandboarding enthusiasts. Catalina State Park is home to saguaro cacti, and Silver Falls State Park features 10 waterfalls. Valley of Fire State Park offers red rock canyons and slot canyons. As one traveler noted, “I’m not sure what’s more exhausting, the hike or the Instagram post about the hike.”
