The United States is home to 63 national parks, but despite that number there are quite a few states without a national park. So what is there to do in a state that doesn’t have national park? Luckily, there are plenty of equally if not more impressive (and probably less crowded) alternatives ranging from national seashores to state parks and other wilderness areas. Check out the complete list below of states without national parks and what you should do there instead!
Alabama
Looking for a great waterfall hike in the deep South? Hike to DeSoto Falls in DeSoto State Park, Alabama! A national monument worthy of a visit is Russell Cave, a prehistoric shelter where you can learn about Southeastern anthropological and archeological history. For Gulf Shore adventures, paddle through the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta, one of the richest biodiversity pockets in North America.
Connecticut
Gillette Castle State Park in Connecticut is where you’ll find family-friendly history and architecture shrouded in natural beauty. The Appalachian Trail passes through the northwestern corner of this pint-sized state which punches well above its weight in terms of outdoor recreation opportunities.
Delaware
Test your balance paddleboarding at Fenwick Island State Park in Delaware, a less-crowded choice to the nearby Ocean City, Maryland. Just outside of Wilmington, Brandywine State Park features a network of well-maintained trails winding through scenic valleys and wooded areas.
Georgia
Macon, Georgia, is primed to be the location of America’s next national park if the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historic Park gets its well-deserved upgrade. Until then, Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island, Georgia, is an extraordinary place to explore in a state without a national park.
Idaho
Take a dip in Goldbug Hot Springs near Salmon, Idaho, one of many hot springs near Yellowstone National Park. Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve is like stepping onto another planet, while the Sawtooth Wilderness area attracts backcountry enthusiasts.
Iowa
In western Iowa you’ll find the Loess Hills State Forest and National Scenic Byway. Nearly 200 miles long, this extraordinary formation of wind-blown soil and silt is a true feat of nature. Below ground, explore the caves at Maquoketa Caves State Park in Iowa, another one of America’s western states without a national park.
Kansas
Kansas is host to just a few short miles of the iconic Route 66, but there are still plenty of places of interest along the way to make a pitstop. Elsewhere in the state, grab your camera and snap some photos of Monument Rocks National Natural Landmark.
Louisiana
Louisiana may be a state without a national park but it is home to many wonderful wildlife refuges, which are fantastic places for birdwatching and observing other natural wonder. The Atchafalaya Basin is the largest river swamp system in North America, cementing Louisiana’s wetland adventures as some of the most unique in the world.
Maryland
Visit Great Falls Park and go for a refreshing hike! For unsullied beachfront views, head to Assateague Island where you can roam amongst wild horses in undeveloped coastal beauty.
Massachusetts
Everyone knows Massachusetts for its picturesque New England scenes at the Cape Cod National Seashore. Grab a sunset photo of the Annisquam Lighthouse, located near Gloucester.
Mississippi
Gulf Islands National Seashore in Mississippi rivals Caribbean waters with its crystal clarity! On land, take one of America’s most scenic drives along the Great River Road National Scenic Byway in Mississippi.
Nebraska
Hike along the Scotts Bluff National Monument in Nebraska, a region rich in Indigenous history and significance. In the summer, enjoy a leisurely float down the Niobrara National Scenic River.
New Hampshire
Honestly, we’re not sure how or why New Hampshire’s White Mountains haven’t received a national park designation. Until they do, they’ll remain the state’s most beloved place for exploring outside.
New Jersey
New Jersey’s not all turnpike and New York City suburbs. Take a sunset beach walk at Island Beach State Park in New Jersey, or venture deep into the marshy woods of the Pinelands National Reserve.
New York
Experience the views from the top of New York’s’ tallest cascading waterfall—Kaaterskill Falls— in the Catskills. New York’s Finger Lakes region is also one of America’s most scenic wine regions.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma’s rich Indigenous heritage is reason enough to visit, and the Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma is an epic place for observing wildlife of all shapes and sizes.
Pennsylvania
Even though Pennsylvania is another state without a national park, there are plenty of state parks to enjoy. Admire the internationally-accredited dark skies above Cherry Springs State Park, the industrial remnants dotted throughout Ohiopyle State Park, or the charming cascades of Ricketts Glen State Park.
Rhode Island
Did you know that Rhode Island is home to 200-foot-high coastal cliffs? The Mohegan Bluffs at Block Island rival any national park with (or without!) a beach.
Vermont
Lace up your hiking boots at hit the Long Trail, the oldest long distance hiking trail in America which calls Vermont home. If you’re traveling during the winter, check out the largest ski area in the eastern United States at Killington Mountain and Ski Resort.
Wisconsin
Devil’s Lake State Park in Wisconsin is one of many state parks that rival national parks.
