Trails offer so many activities, from accessing waterways and biking to horseback riding and birdwatching in the woods, and the most popular trail activity is hiking. Spending time outdoors, getting exercise and experiencing fabulous nature adventures can all be done on our nation’s trails. Below find state parks where you can get out for a full day and enjoy nature to the max.
F. D. Roosevelt State Park, Georgia
F.D. Roosevelt State Park is the largest state park in Georgia and a hiker’s paradise. Backpackers find these rolling mountains a perfect place to come to get out of the hustle and bustle of city life. There are over 9,000 acres to explore. Forty miles of hiking trails will allow you to explore to your heart’s content. The Pine Mountain Trail is a trail system with a number of loop connections. You will see a Blue Blaze which indicates the main trail and the side trails and loop connections marked with White Blazes. The longest loop connections, such as Big Poplar Loop, make great full day hikes.
Mueller State Park, Colorado
Hiking the 50 miles of trails in Mueller State Park gives you some rare beauty in conifer pine forests, spruce trees and acres of aspens. As you go you may see bobcats, hawks, and fox but you will want to make an effort to view the local elk herd if at all possible. The scenic landscape is ideal for a day hike through the forests and the spring-fed meadows. Bring your camera as the opportunities for incredible shots are around every bend.
Inks Lake State Park, Texas
The Hill Country of Texas offers a state park that you simply can’t miss this summer. There are shady forests and pink granite rocky hills to hike over, and the 9 miles of trails will keep you at it all day. Pecan Flats is a shorter self-guided trail that is ideal for the entire family. This is the time to enjoy the outdoors and soak up the sun.
Lake Norman State Park, North Carolina
Lake Norman State Park offers some hiking that is sure to make your day as pleasant as can be. The Lake Shore Trail is a scenic hike of three miles roundtrip but with extensions can extend your adventure to 6.3 miles roundtrip. You trek along the lakeshore on a moderate hike on natural surfaces, wildflowers blooming all around. An elevation gain of 511 feet is easily tolerated. If you arrive early you will get to see wildlife, including deer and hawks.
Recommended: Experience Outdoor Exercise on State Park Biking Trails
Jericho Mountain State Park, New Hampshire
ATV riding on the trails of Jericho Mountain State Park has been the park’s main attraction, but hiking holds a place of popularity as well. All along the way as you hike through one of the newest parks in New Hampshire, you will find scenic outlooks to enjoy. Take a Jericho Mountain Tract Trail Map with you so you can plot your course. Don’t miss Jericho Falls, a gorgeous 22-foot waterfall. Be sure to ask a park ranger how to get there as it doesn’t show up on the maps. Of the 26 trails in the park, go for the Mount Cabot Loop, a 10.4 mile difficult trail that takes an estimated 6 hours and 20 minutes. For an easier go, you can take the Lake Loop Trail which winds around Jericho Lake with connector trails attached.
Ohiopyle State Park, Pennsylvania
Rugged beauty and a unique ecosystem exist in the 20,500 acres of Ohiopyle State Park. Surrounded by water and in particular the Youghiogheny River Gorge which runs through its heart, you’ll see flora that you can find nowhere else. Take off on the Ferncliff Peninsula Trails and slowly hike the easy to moderate four interconnected trails to enjoy your day in nature.
Blackwater River State Park, Florida
Blackwater River State Park offers a landscape not many people experience in a lifetime. The river itself has a pure sand bottom with huge white sandbars. You can move through floodplains and then through pine flatwoods. Explore the Juniper Creek Trail which passes through the park, but continues on about 7.5 miles through Blackwater River State Forest. You can time your out-and-back hike to last as many hours as seems fit for a good full-day hike.
Lake Lowndes State Park, Mississippi
Visit Lake Lowndes State Park for a unique hiking experience on the out-and-back and loop trails. The 150-acre Lake Lowndes offers some great views and you can picnic nearby before embarking on your hiking adventure. The Opossum Nature Trail takes you around the lake on a 5.6 mile loop, with some of the hike done on the park road. Add on the Lake Lowndes Loop Trail and you get a total of 6.2 miles. Beautiful wildflowers abound and it is a wonderful opportunity for some landscape shots, so bring your camera.
Check with your Local Government Organization
Many policies have been established to counter and control the coronavirus outbreak. State and local officials have been taking decisive action to stop the spread. The policies vary by state, sometimes to a great degree. When you book a reservation, make sure to review the park and state’s latest rules and regulations prior to your visit..
For COVID-19 updates, please visit our Impacted Park List and Reservation Guide for the latest information.