10 State Parks > National Parks, Experts Say

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Goblin Valley State Park

Visit Goblin Valley State Park in Utah for a unique, less crowded experience than Zion NP. Discover strange, colorful sights with red hoodoos, known as 'goblins.'

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Silver Springs State Park

"Explore Silver Springs State Park in Florida for captivating wildlife and crystal clear waters. Take a mesmerizing glass-bottom boat tour, recommended by nature photographer Jeremy Janus."

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Deception Pass State Park

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Deception Pass State Park in Northwest Washington: stunning islands, dramatic cliffs, turquoise waters, craggy beaches, 77,000 ft of saltwater shoreline

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Cloudland Canyon State Park

Cloudland Canyon State Park, Georgia: Mountainous park with cliffs, caves, canyons, waterfalls, creeks. Perfect for adventure seekers. Comparable to the Grand Canyon.

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Smith Rock State Park

Smith Rock State Park, Oregon: 650-acre nature playground with trails, wildlife. Adam Marland calls it a "nature-built playground." Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

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John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

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John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo, Florida, is America's first underwater state park, preserving the unique living coral reef of the Atlantic Ocean.

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Custer State Park

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Custer State Park: 71,000-acre gem in South Dakota's Black Hills. Known as "Little Yellowstone" with abundant wildlife, including second largest bison herd.

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Silver Falls State Park

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"Silver Falls State Park in central Oregon: smaller but stunning with 10 waterfalls, a nature store, and fewer crowds than other Pacific Northwest parks. Must-visit detour!"

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Moran State Park

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"Discover Moran State Park in Washington: 5,424-acre gem for camping, hiking, and exploring CCC structures. Unforgettable destination with diverse activities!"

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Humboldt Redwoods State Park

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Humboldt Redwoods State Park, California, rivals Redwood National Park with its stunning views. It boasts the largest old-growth forest of coast redwoods, including the famous Rockefeller Forest.