Known as the "Grand Canyon of the East," Letchworth State Park lives up to the hype. In a way, it's like the Grand Canyon meets Niagara Falls, as the park's enormous gorge is dotted with a series of impressive waterfalls. 

The 7-mile Gorge Trail runs along much of the gorge's rim and has plenty of scenic overlooks and opportunities to hike down (or up) to the falls. There are also several bathrooms, snack bars, and restaurants along the way. 

If you prefer a more isolated and facility-free trek, head to the lesser-visited Finger Lakes Trail. During a recent 15-mile hike along it, I only ran into one person.

Watkins Glen State Park is about an hour-and-20-minute drive from Letchworth, so it's easy to get both in on the same trip. In fact, both parks are often featured on lists of the best state parks in the country.

Watkins Glen is much smaller and has fewer hiking trails than Letchworth, but it packs a pretty punch of beauty along its short, main trails. 

The two-mile main trail follows the glen's stream, which generates 19 waterfalls as it dives down 400 feet. The path winds over and under waterfalls through refreshing sprays of water.

Because you can start and finish the walk at various places, you can walk a distinct route each way.

Like the national parks, Watkins Glen State Park has a ton of options for tent camping and RVs.

However, since you're only 10 minutes from the city of Watkins Glen, you could easily go the hotel and restaurant route instead.

Montana's largest state park, Makoshika State Park, is also the most unusual.

Come for the out-of-this-world badland formations and stay for the fossilized remains of prehistoric creatures.

Makoshika comes from the Lakota phrase meaning "bad land" or "bad earth," and here, mudstone and sandstone badlands stretch across over 11,500 acres.

Mushroom- and Mars-like formations shoot up from the land like orange, gray, and rust-colored stone tents in a fossilized fairy forest.

The delightfully distinctive landscape also makes it a pristine place for photography lovers.

South Carolina is loaded with photo-worthy locations, but the most-photographed natural wonder in the state is the exquisite Table Rock State Park.

Nestled along the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this underrated state park is basically a huge chunk of metamorphic rock that geology nerds and happy hikers can both get excited about. 

The challenging seven-mile Table Rock Trail hike requires visitors to climb more than 2,000 feet in elevation, but the epic views at the top are well worth it. 

My favorite feature, however, might be the adorable accommodations inside the park. Think rustic wood cabins with fireplaces, flannel bedspreads, porches with rocking chairs, and full kitchens, so you don't need to leave the park if you don't want to.

If hiking isn't your thing, you can also explore the park by kayak, raft, or even hot-air balloon.

Kachemak Bay State Park was declared Alaska's first state park in 1972, and its mountains, forests, beaches, glaciers, and ocean are home to an astounding number of wildlife species. 

Sea otters, seals, porpoises, and even whales make frequent appearances along the bay, as do eagles and the ever-popular puffins.

Inland dwellers include moose, mountain goats, coyotes, wolves, and black bears, which you might be lucky enough to spot while hiking or skiing.

The park's remoteness helps preserve its ecological diversity and wilderness status, and its limited access points mean the park receives fewer visitors than other parks on the list.

Since there are no roads into the park, you'll need to fly or water taxi in from Homer, Alaska. If you plan to head into the backcountry, be prepared and bring a satellite device.

Tettegouche State Park is about an hour north of Duluth, Minnesota. 

Hiking along the waterfront trails of Tettegouche reminded me of the jagged cliffs of Acadia National Park in Maine — but with far fewer tourists.

Lake Superior is so vast — and can get so whipped up on a windy day — that it really feels like the Atlantic Ocean. The crashing waves provide even more ambiance to the already astonishing scenery.

The park also has a range of trails, from the short-and-sweet waterfront walk to Shovel Point with 300 steps to climb (but plenty of scenic overlooks to stop at) to the over 300-mile Superior Hiking Trail.

Not to throw shade on Acadia, which truly is a stunning national park, but Baxter State Park is basically its lesser-known and lesser-visited cousin.

Like Acadia, Baxter has amazing hiking, but it can also claim both Maine's highest peak, Mount Katahdin, and the terminus of the Appalachian Trail.

Head out on the northernmost end of the Appalachian Trail or tackle the Knife's Edge Trail, where you hike along the peak's ridge and feel like you're at the top of the world.

If hiking isn't your thing, you have 200,000 acres of parkland to wander around at your own pace, taking in tranquil lakes and gushing waterfalls while watching for hawks, eagles, and even black bears.

Because the park's main priority is preserving wilderness, it lacks paved roads, running water, and electricity, so you can really enjoy an off-the-grid experience.

In my opinion, Custer State Park is the most beautiful park in South Dakota. This stunning 71,000-acre park is a wildlife wonderland in the middle of the rolling Black Hills.

My family spent several days exploring the park, and while the hiking was great, the highlight of our weeklong trip was the buffalo jeep safari tour. 

Hundreds of buffalo wandered the hills, lazily sauntering in front of and around the open-air vehicle. Many of them were only a few inches from us.

Hawaii has some of the most stunning scenery in the country, so it's no surprise that its state parks are also jaw-droppingly beautiful.

Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park takes its name from the pali, or cliffs, that rise thousands of feet above the Pacific Ocean and create deep and narrow valleys punctuated with waterfalls.

Like many of the most remote and well-preserved wilderness areas, the park is not accessed by bridge or road. Rather, you need to either hike the coast or take a boat in.

Once you're in the park, you'll have more than 6,000 acres of remote beaches, lush valleys, and forested cliffs to explore by foot, kayak, or snorkel.

If you're looking for spectacular scenery and dreamy desert views without the crowds of nearby Arches National Park, head to the lesser-known Dead Horse Point State Park. 

Its desert canyons and woodlands very closely resemble the Grand Canyon, and the immensity of this park is the sort of thing you need to see to believe.

Hike along red-rock trails and down into deep canyons, bike the thrilling single-track Intrepid Trail System, or simply just look up for some world-class stargazing.

Dead Horse Canyon is an official International Dark Sky Park. On a clear night, you can see thousands of sparkling stars illuminating the desert landscape.

Canyonlands, located outside Moab, Utah, is the state's largest national park. However, it's spread out over four districts with no bridges or roads connecting each one inside the park.

Some districts even require high-clearance, low-range four-wheel-drive vehicles to access them. In other words, this park is less accessible to the average visitor.

For an experienced adventurer, this park would likely be a favorite. However, for the average visitor or family on vacation, there might be less to enjoy because of the park's remoteness and rugged terrain.

In my opinion, Bryce Canyon National Park in Southern Utah is the state's most unique park. It's known for its otherworldly landscape of tall, thin rock formations called hoodoos, which were sculpted by wind and water erosion.

Although I love the park and have visited it multiple times, it ranks lower on the list due to sometimes-limited accessibility.

Bryce Canyon has an average elevation of 8,000 feet above sea level. Because of this, the weather can vary greatly. Winter weather can often lead to road and trail closures, and in the summer months, the park can see fierce thunderstorms and lightning.

I think everyone should visit Bryce Canyon at least once in their lifetime — doing so just takes a little more preparation and planning than some other parks.

Out of all the Utah national parks, I've visited Arches the most. It holds a special place in my heart, but has become very crowded in the last several years.

As the second-smallest park in Utah, the increased crowds are more noticeable, leading to timed-entry reservations being necessary to enter the park from April 1 to July 6 and August 28 to October 31.

Despite that, the landscape is truly iconic, and there are plenty of trails accessible to hikers of all levels.

Zion National Park was one of the most-visited national parks in 2023, and it's easy to see why.

From the legendary Angels Landing hike (which requires a permit) to the unique Narrows hike through the Virgin River surrounded by steep canyon walls, there's only one word to describe Zion — magnificent.

The only downside is that the park's popularity leads to heavy crowds in the summer months.

If you're looking for a park to visit in Utah, my No. 1 recommendation is always Capitol Reef. As the second least-visited park in Utah (behind Canyonlands), this park is somewhat more remote and, in my opinion, unique.

Spend a day hiking, taking a scenic drive, and even picking fruit at the historic Fruita orchards.

The park is also known for its striking geological features, including the Waterpocket Fold — a nearly 100-mile-long "wrinkle" in the Earth's crust that has created deep canyons, ridges, and cliffs that are stunning to explore.

I also recommend staying after sunset for incredible stargazing — the park was designated an International Dark Sky Park in 2015.

There really is nothing quite like the Grand Canyon. Standing at the edge of the 278-mile-long canyon is truly a humbling experience.

The perspective from above on the rim (or from below, if you're hiking) is a reminder of the vast natural world and how small we really are.

The breathtaking views are unlike any you'll find elsewhere — especially at sunrise and sunset — with a diverse ecosystem, abundant wildlife, and lots of recreation opportunities. Grand Canyon National Park is a destination that must be seen to be understood.

In my opinion, the Midwest doesn't always get the credit it deserves. In fact, many people still refer to it as "flyover country," insinuating that there's not much to do or see in this part of the US.

However, the Midwest is full of incredible natural beauty, and places like the Great Lakes are definitely worth visiting.

Although it's a large area, the five interconnected freshwater lakes (Lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario) boast some of the most breathtaking surrounding landscapes.

From the idyllic Isle Royale National Park in Lake Superior to the majesty of Lake Michigan in downtown Chicago, this region offers something for everyone.

From Creole architecture to widespread live music, street art, and delicious food, New Orleans has a soul that I haven't found anywhere else in the US.

The many festivals and celebrations, including Mardi Gras, set the city apart and help make a visit to New Orleans an experience unlike any other.

New York City is truly a cultural center, not just for the US but for the entire world. The city boasts diverse neighborhoods, world-class art and museums, and an energy you won't find anywhere else.

Long the symbol for the American dream, the city's historical significance in the US and beyond can't be overstated.

As a cultural, fashion, financial, and media hub, there is always something new to see in NYC.

Although I love New Mexico as a whole, I truly believe there's nowhere else in the US quite like the northern part of the state.

From its stunning natural beauty and wide-open spaces to unique art and cultural experiences, there's always something new to explore in this area.

The tourist areas of Santa Fe and Taos offer ample opportunities for shopping, museums, art galleries, and restaurants. But if you're looking for a lesser-known spot, I recommend checking out the Ghost Ranch retreat center, where visitors can spend a day hiking or horseback riding.

California is home to some of the country's most beautiful and awe-inspiring landscapes, but even with all it has to offer, Yosemite National Park stands out.

In my opinion, Yosemite's iconic granite cliffs are among the most impressive natural formations in the world. The park is also home to some magnificent waterfalls and the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, where visitors can walk among over 500 of these trees.

During the winter months, a pass is still required to visit the park, even if no one is manning the entrance. Luckily, though, the rates are typically cheaper than they would be in the winter months.

Entrance passes can be purchased online via the National Parks Service website.

Many of the park's roads are closed in the winter, making for great opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Since our boys were young, we've loved strapping on cross-country skis or snowshoes to travel along Going-to-the-Sun Road for a couple of miles until we reach the bridge that crosses McDonald Creek.

In this section of the park, we pass through an area of dense, old-growth western hemlock and western red cedar that feels like the forests of the Pacific Northwest.

Just keep in mind that if you decide to travel to higher elevations, you need to be prepared for changing winter conditions, and be familiar with avalanche safety.

If you want to explore the area with a knowledgeable guide, head to the Apgar Visitor Center for one of the ranger-led snowshoe outings held weekends from the end of December to the middle of March.

If you don't have your own snowshoes, you can rent a pair for $2.

This is a fantastic opportunity to learn about the park in the winter and look for signs of wildlife in the snow.

One of my most important pieces of advice is to not take the winter lightly when visiting Glacier. There is little or no cell service throughout most of the park, and the weather can quickly switch from idyllic to a blizzard.

Leave your cotton clothing at home, and instead opt for wool, alpaca, or synthetic fabrics that wick away sweat. Wear multiple layers, including a wind-breaking outer layer, a hat, and gloves.

Also, remember to fill your gas tank or charge your electric vehicle before entering the park, as you will not have the opportunity to do so once you get inside.