America’s Great State Parks

Amazing

STATE PARKS to visit this summer

BY: MARGARET MURRAY

State parks across the United States are typically established by a state to preserve a location on account of its natural beauty, historic interest, or recreational potential. These parks are managed at the State level as opposed to the federal level as in the National Park System.

The United States has over 10,000 state parks that span more than 18 million acres

across the country. These spaces have become invaluable these last two years when borders were closed and people scrambled to follow their wanderlust. These parks have become extensions of our own back yards providing both exciting adventures as well as peaceful reflection experiences. State parks have some of the most beautiful landscapes and very often are much less busy than the National parks. With thousands to choose from the list is endless so here is a tiny sampling of some of the most popular. Get out the hiking boots and hit the trails!

Jedidiah Smith Redwoods State Park - California

Jedidiah Smith Redwoods State Park contains the most old-growth redwoods per acre in California, and in fact seven percent of all old growth redwood trees in the world. The park is located just inland from Northern California’s rugged coastline and near the banks of the Smith River. The almost spiritual track of dense ancient redwood forest is best for hiking, forest bathing and swimming, with 20 miles of hiking and nature trails offered in this lush rainforest. The park was named for Jedediah Strong Smith, who in the 1820s became the first white man to explore the interior of northern California. Marvel in the incredibly humbling experience of standing at the base of an old growth redwood tree as you walk through misty ferns and ancient greens.

Harris Beach State Park – Oregon

Harris Beach State Park is a Pacific Northwest coastal paradise located on Oregon’s rugged south coast. This beautiful park is known for birdwatching, whale watching and beach combing. Sandy beaches are divided by rocky cliffs. Tide pools are home to an abundance of marine life for tide pool exploring. You will spot seals swimming off-shore as impressive wave’s crash around you. This is also home to Bird Island, a National Wildlife Refuge where you will find puffins, Aleutian Canada Geese and terns. In the spring and fall seasons be watching for the migrating gray whales. Bird Island, also referred to as Goat Island, is Oregon’s largest off-shore island. There are campgrounds and yurts available for visitors and the park is suitable for year round camping.

Custer State Park – South Dakota

Custer State Park, one of the country’s top wildlife parks is comprised almost 100,000 acres located in the Black Hills of South Dakota. The park draws comparison to Yellowstone National Park when it comes to spectacular scenery and abundant wildlife. The park is home to a large variety of wildlife including Antelope, elk, and nearly 1300 bison offering visitors the chance to have close encounters with these permanent residents. Trail rides, scenic drives, bike rides and safari tours are perfect ways to explore this impressive South Dakota attraction. Enjoy water recreation in Custer State Park’s lakes, and appreciate panoramic views of the Black Hills with incredible vantage points of Mount Rushmore.

Cheaha State Park – Alabama

Cheaha State Park is a publicly owned recreation area located in northern clay and southwestern Cleburne counties in Alabama. It is the oldest state park in Alabama dating back to 1933. It is located on the southernmost tip of the Appalachian mountain chain. Almost three thousand acres of granite bounders and ancient trees sitting high above sea level. This woodsy retreat and lush waterfalls offer miles of hiking paths to sink your hiking boots into. The park is surrounded by the Talladega National Forest and has all the comforts you need including a restaurant serving burgers and stone baked pizzas. You can rent stone cabins or opt for the campground. There are also two fascinating museums within the park. The Native American history museum and the Civilian Conservation Corps.

Devil’s Den State Park – Arkansas

Devil’s Den State Park nestled in the Lee Creek Valley was selected as a state park site in the 1930s. The Civilian Conservation Corps used native materials to build the park’s rustic-style wood and stone structures that mirror the surrounding natural beauty. It now stands as one of the most intact CCC sites in the U.S., with a legacy you can see in its trails and buildings. The park is built for year round recreation with trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding leading to the surrounding Ozark National Forest. There are also cabins and campsites ranging from modern to primitive to suit your individual wants. Fossils of coral and crinoids can be found along the banks and within Lee Creek at Devil’s Den State Park. The renowned Ozark Mountain Biking Festival is held here each spring.