Viewing wildlife in their native habitat is not only pleasurable, but educational as well. A recreational activity in many state parks all over the country, observation of animals in the woods, marshlands or desert has been a wonderful and fulfilling pastime. Families bring along their binoculars or telescopes or simply listen for animal sounds as they are enjoying the outdoor environment. Here are some parks where you can enjoy wildlife viewing along with many other activities.
Victoria Bryant State Park, Georgia
The nature trails within Victoria Bryant State Park take you through a hardwood tree forest and along a beautiful stream. As you go, keep your eye out for wildlife as they eat from the food plots along the trail. You will certainly find a number of species of plants, birds and reptiles. Fishing is an activity here in the park as well, and you can fish one of the two small ponds available for casting a line. Discover a relaxing and natural environment in this 502-acre park.
Grayson Highlands State Park, Virginia
Breathtaking mountain views of Mount Rogers and Whitetop Mountain, year-round access to the Appalachian Trail, mountain streams with superb trout fishing opportunities and facilities for horse camping make Grayson Highlands State Park a great destination for any outdoor enthusiast. Hikers on the highlands trails are likely to encounter wild ponies that were introduced to the park in 1974. Please remember to enjoy the beauty of the ponies but do not feed them.
Snow Canyon State Park, Utah
Snow Canyon State Park is open and offers plenty of fun for those who love the outdoors and scenic adventures. The activities here include nature studies and wildlife viewing, hiking and lots of photographic opportunities. With 18 miles of trails through the landscapes of Navajo sandstone and lava rock, you are sure to see some unusual wildlife, like the protected desert tortoise. Enjoy the towering sandstone cliffs and colorful canyons. Five miles of equestrian trails make it a great place to bring your horse.
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Buescher State Park, Texas
You will find a diverse environment in Buescher State Park, with many flowering plants, oaks, pines and grassland. It is a true wildlife haven with around 250 species of birds as well as raccoons, bobcats, armadillos, rabbits and white-tailed deer. A favorite to spot in the trees is the large pileated woodpecker. The lake is a great spot for fishing, and you might hook a bass, catfish or perch. Of course, hiking and biking are a lot of fun in this park, with interpretive trails to give you something of an education along with the outdoor experience.
Sinks Canyon State Park, Wyoming
At the base of the southern Wind River Mountains in Wyoming, you will find Sinks Canyon. A beautiful state park, it is currently open for camping to Wyoming residents. This state park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, such as black bears, bighorn sheep, moose and golden eagles. You might even come upon a porcupine as you explore the hiking trails. With an elevation of over 6,000 feet, this state park will have you breathing that fresh air from the start. Combine your wildlife viewing with other recreation such as fishing, rock climbing, mountain biking and photography.
Bald Eagle State Park, Pennsylvania
The heart of Pennsylvania offers a wonderfully diverse park of 5,900 acres โ the Bald Eagle State Park. Here you will find a large lake surrounded by fields, wetlands and forests in which wildlife thrive. This park is the ideal spot to see all sorts of wildlife such as woodchucks, rabbits, squirrels and monarch butterflies. You might catch a glimpse of porcupines and turkeys in the oak forests on Bald Eagle Mountain. Where the wetlands meet the woods, white-tailed deer and red-winged blackbird will be found. Bring your camera as youโll want to catch those elusive snapping turtles when they come out to sun. You will also want to get a photo of the bald eagles when they make an appearance.
Stephen C Foster State Park, Georgia
At Stephen C Foster State Park, discover the natural wonders of cypress rising from the dark swamp waters. Paddle the waters in canoes, kayaks or motor boats, seizing the opportunity to see the wildlife that resides here. You will see all the animals that make their home in this refuge, including turtles, black bears, herons, alligators, woodpeckers and deer. The park is the west entrance of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. Itโs truly a monumental site to visit.
Beaver Island State Park, New York
In the upper Niagara River, on Grand Island, you will discover a state park that offers so many recreational opportunities that you may have trouble working out enough time to fit it all in. Launch a canoe or a kayak, bike the trails, fish or swim. Bring a picnic to enjoy as you enjoy wildlife viewing. The main interest here in wildlife is the waterfowl. With 950 acres to explore, you certainly wonโt be bored.
Pomona State Park, Kansas
For wildlife viewing, it would be difficult to find a better place than Pomona State Park. On its 490 acres, you might see bobcats, coyotes, raccoons, beavers, foxes or rabbits. There are 40 bluebird boxes provided in the park so youโll view many songbirds. Discover a mix of woodland, lakeside and grassland environments where your excitement as an outdoor enthusiast will expand like never before.
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.