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All in State Park
These massive dunes of red-tinted sand are a quite the geologic coincidence. It may not be terribly obvious to people who have spent time around “normal” quartz sand dunes that those in Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park are not the same color, but they are. The pink hued sand here is fairly typical of northern Arizona and Southern Utah, but it is normally not collected into towering dunes.
Some of the greatest views available at a state park can be found at Dead Horse Point. A nearly 360 degree view of the precipitous canyons that make Canyonlands National Park so spectacular, the Colorado River, and the La Sal Mountains can be found at the end of UT-313, roughly forty minutes from Moab, Utah. The magnificent views and peculiar name make this state park a local favorite. You may see Dead Horse Point T-shirts and hoodies in Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. The park got its name form the narrow end of the mesa. Cowboys would herd wild horses toward the cliffs, where they would be cornered between fences and the sheer cliffs. The most docile would be broken and tamed, and for reasons unknown, the rest were left for dead.
A valley full of unusual rock formations that you can climb on. Hike the scenic trails or freely explore the fairytale-esque hoodoos that give this park its name.
An enormous 78ft long, 65ft. tall, rock arch hidden in forest in North-East Kentucky. Natural rock arches are usually associated with the Southwest, but there are over 150 arches within a five mile radius of the park. This area was heavily logged in the late nineteenth century but the lush forest here today shows how resilient nature can be. The park was originally a private tourist attraction owned by L&N Railroad but was donated to the state in 1926 and became one of Kentucky’s four original state parks later that year.
The world famous Niagara Falls is the largest waterfall in the world, in volume of water. The mighty Niagara River plunges 160 feet over the Niagara Escarpment in spectacular fashion and must be seen to be appreciated.
The centerpiece of the park is a natural bridge that stands over a 393ft long, 183ft tall, and 150ft wide tunnel. It is believed to be the largest travertine bridge in the world. The tunnel is so large it feels more like a cave. Pine Creek runs through the tunnel and creates a grotto oasis that has become a popular swimming hole for Arizonans looking to escape the summer heat. A small stream runs along the top of the bridge that plummets over its southern end.
It’s hard to believe these weren’t built just to be used as backdrops for sci-fi films. Out of all of the rock formation I’ve ever called “otherworldly”, these cliffs are the most. The combination of sheer walls between layers of bulbous sandstone makes these cliffs look like they were made by someone who doesn’t quite know what cliffs should look like.
Nevada’s first and largest state park is almost completely unknown outside of the state, but it deserves the recognition of a national park. This is one of the last truly hidden gems. This small state park is still relatively popular so finding parking spots requires patience, and taking a photo without a stranger in it can be a challenge, but this park is more than worth the short drive from Las Vegas. This is an absolute must do if you’re in/near Las Vegas. It is less than an hour outside of Las Vegas and full of incredible natural features. You can see a few sights in an afternoon or take the entire day. It is worth every minute you spend in the park. You would never imagine there were so many treasures within a state park.
The ghostly remains of a sixty room turn-of-the-century mansion stand guard over the Lake of the Ozarks in central Missouri.
Being within an hour’s drive from both Rochester and Buffalo, this is a popular getaway destination for many Western New Yorkers. Three spectacular waterfalls, a glorious gorge, and miles of hiking trails make for an excellent escape from the hustle and bustle. Letchworth Gorge is the most dramatic in the region and is often referred to as the Grand Canyon of the East.
Perhaps the most photogenic state park in the United States (after Niagara Falls), the Glad Creek Grist Mill looks like it was plucked straight from a storybook. The wood sided mill, the stone abutments of the bridge over the creek, the rusted water wheel, and the burbling rapids make it nearly impossible to take a bad picture. Merely 100ft away is a set of cascading waterfalls. Besides being your typical state park with camping, fishing, hiking, and boating, there isn’t a lot to do here, besides enjoy the sights of the mill and Glade Creek. The park itself isn’t necessarily worth a trip to (Nearest city is Charleston, WV, 67miles away) but a myriad of attractions along the way make this a great addition to a Saturday getaway.
The San Juan River cuts deep here and nearly doubles back on itself in multiple locations. This spectacular sight is only a few minutes off of Rt. 261 in Utah and is only 45 minutes from the famous Monument Valley. If you’re in the area and have a little time to spare, the views here are incredible.
The original bridge constructed in 1882 was the highest and longest railway bridge in the world. The bridge was replaced in 1900 by the current viaduct, spanning 2052 ft. across the gorge, 301ft above Kinzua Creek. Commercial service over the bridge was ended in 1959 and it was sold to Kovalchick Salvage Company to be dismantled, but after laying eyes on the bridge for the first time Nick Kovalchick said “there will never be another bridge like this.” and could not bring himself to demolish it. The bridge was purchased by the state of Pennsylvania in 1963 and subsequently became a state park. The Knox and Kane Railroad took passengers on sightseeing trips through the Allegheny Forest and over the Kinzua Bridge from 1987 to 2002, when the bridge was closed due to concerns of the trestle collapsing in high winds. Less than a year later, the soaring steel structure was torn to the floor of the ravine by a F1 tornado. The ruins were left as they fell as a display of the power of mother nature. In 2011 a boardwalk and observation platform were built around the remaining railroad tracks, offering enormous views of the gorge below. A steep and strenuous hike down to the base of the bridge leads from the visitors center.
