When most people think about America’s parks, they think of places like Yellowstone and Yosemite, but there are many state parks that can rival even some of the best national parks. The U.S. is home to more than 6,600 state park sites which protect over 14 million acres of diverse landscapes, from arid deserts to coastal forests and soaring mountains. If you were to explore one every day, it would take you over 18 years to see every state park. Don’t know where to start? Check out these 13 standout state parks around the country and the features that make them well worth the visit.

Mushroom Rock State Park – Kansas

Mushroom Rock State Park’s claim to fame isn’t just its diminutive size. As Kansas’ tiniest state park, it spans only five acres, but more importantly, it’s known for its unusually shaped rocks. There are dozens of these mushroom-like formations — the largest of which spans about 27 feet in diameter — strewn about the Smoky Hills northwest of Marquette, along the Prairie Trail Scenic Byway. The rocks date to the Cretaceous Period, a geologic era from about 144 million to 66 million years ago. Millions of years of wind and erosion, paired with the receding waters of a long-gone inland sea, resulted in their odd shapes, which have long fascinated passersby. Access to Mushroom Rock’s postcard-worthy vistas of whimsical stones and big Kansas sky couldn’t be easier — the trail is less than a quarter of a mile from the park’s entrance.

Katy Trail State Park – Missouri

Stretching almost 240 miles and spanning nearly the full width of Missouri, Katy Trail State Park features America’s longest continuous rail-trail. Officials repurposed the Missouri-Kansas-Texas (MKT) rail system, affectionately known as the Katy, which shut down in 1986. The first section of the trail opened in 1990. Open to walkers, hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders, the trail runs along parts of the Missouri River — spanning bucolic farmland, charming villages that sprung up along the rails, fantastic views from bluffs overlooking the river, and unspoiled stretches packed with wildlife ranging from migrating birds to mountain lions.

Caddo Lake State Park – Texas

One of the rare state parks made up of more water than land, East Texas’ Caddo Lake State Park takes its name from a 26,000-acre lake with a large cypress grove rising out of its dark waters. The scenery is even more eerie in fall, after the trees have shed their leaves and appear bald. The short stumps you’ll see poking up through the water’s surface are called cypress “knees,” which are above-ground extensions of bald cypress root systems. This is the world’s largest intact cypress forest — and one of the country’s few forests that are better explored by boat than on foot.

Chugach State Park – Alaska

Alaska is home to the largest state park system in the U.S., covering over 3.3 million acres, and Chugach State Park sits just beyond the foothills at the edge of Alaska’s largest city, Anchorage. Located about a 25-minute drive from downtown, Chugach covers 773 square miles, which also makes it the country’s largest urban park. The wildlife-rich habitat features animals such as black and brown bears, moose, lynx, foxes, mountain goats, wolves, Dall sheep, river otters, and beavers. The park is also known for its recreational activities, including fishing, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, ATV riding, snowmobiling, and camping. 

Crater of Diamonds State Park – Arkansas

For just the price of a visitor’s pass, you can keep any diamond you find at Arkansas’ Crater of Diamonds State Park. And it’s not completely inconceivable you will unearth one: Park officials report that one or two diamonds are found here every day. The 37-acre diamond search field is what’s left of a lava tube of a 3 billion-year-old volcano, after explosive activity in the ancient volcano forced a litter of sparkling rocks nearly all the way to the Earth’s surface, and erosion did the rest. Since its opening in 1972, more than 30,000 diamonds have been uncovered at Crater of Diamonds State Park, as have thousands of lesser gems such as agates, amethysts, jasper, and quartz.

Custer State Park – South Dakota

Many visitors come to Custer State Park — covering over 70,000 acres in South Dakota’s Black Hills — to swim, paddle boat, fish, or simply admire the view of the incredibly picturesque Lake Sylvan. However, the park is perhaps best known for its herd of approximately 1,500 free-ranging bison, one of the world’s largest bison herds. Drive the 18-mile Wildlife Loop Road, and there is a good chance you’ll come to a halt when bison cross in front of you. Watch out for wild turkey, deer, elk, pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep, and mountain goats, too.

Letchworth State Park – New York

Even some lifelong New Yorkers are unaware that their state is home to the so-called “Grand Canyon of the East.” Letchworth State Park, about 35 miles southwest of Rochester, is where an idyllic gorge channels 17 miles of the Genesee River toward Lake Ontario, sporting cliffs as deep as 550 feet and made of shale dating back approximately 380 million years. Spanning over 14,000 acres, the park features nearly every species of North American tree and 66 miles of hiking paths, which include the pioneering Autism Nature Trail — a mile-long loop with sensory stations that individuals with autism or related disabilities can explore with their loved ones.

Humboldt Redwoods State Park – California

There are only a handful of places on the planet where you can see redwood trees, the world’s tallest and largest trees, and Northern California’s Humboldt Redwoods State Park is one of them. The 53,000-acre park is home to the Avenue of the Giants, which features the world’s largest old-growth contiguous redwood forest. Visitors can drive along the 31-mile roadway to explore the park and gaze up at the soaring trees. Just off the famous avenue is Founder’s Grove, where you can marvel at the Dyerville Giant. Once standing 362 feet tall, this was the tallest tree in the park before it fell in 1991. According to local lore, when it crashed, the ground moved the earth so much that it registered on a nearby seismograph.

Kodachrome Basin State Park – Utah

Utah is home to a scenic state park that’s incredibly photogenic — so photogenic, it was named after a film brand. Located south of Bryce Canyon National Park, Kodachrome Basin State Park is known for its 67 monolithic spires, called sedimentary pipes, that range from six feet to a whopping 170 feet tall. In fact, it’s believed that this basin is the only place on Earth in which you can find these strange geological formations. But it isn’t just the sand pipes that earned Kodachrome its name — the stunning colors of the basin inspired the National Geographic Society to name it after the then-popular color film brand in 1948.

Hot Springs State Park – Wyoming

Located in the aptly named town of Thermopolis, Hot Springs State Park in Wyoming has long been famous for its healing waters. The area’s renowned springs once attracted everything and everyone from dinosaurs and prehistoric peoples to Native American tribes and early pioneers. In the early 1900s, a sizable medical community was established in Thermopolis, using the hot springs to promote restoration. Thanks to a treaty signed by the Arapahoe and Shoshone tribes, which provided public access to the springs in 1896, visitors today can enjoy free 20-minute soaks — either indoors or out at the Wyoming State Bath House.

Valley of Fire State Park – Nevada

About 45 miles northeast of Las Vegas lies the otherworldly landscapes of Valley of Fire State Park. The area has been home to prehistoric civilizations since 300 BCE and is named for its stunning appearance at sunset — its sandstone outcroppings rise out of the Mojave Desert and turn a brilliant shade of red just before nightfall, making the entire valley look as if it’s on fire. The 40,000-acre park is also home to ancient petrified trees and petroglyphs that date back over 2,000 years.

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park – California

There are only a handful of purple sand beaches on the planet. Most are located in Canada, but you’ll also find one in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, situated along California’s famed Big Sur Coast. The phenomenon occurs thanks to the high concentration of manganese in the cliffs, which are eroded during rainstorms. Not all of the sand at Pfeiffer Big Sur Beach is purple, but visitors can see stunning swirls of deep purple along the north side of the beach near the tide pools. The phenomenon will be clearest after a recent rainstorm.

Grayson Highlands State Park – Virginia

Many consider the Grayson Highlands ponies to be the highlight of Grayson Highlands State Park, located in southwestern Virginia near the North Carolina border. The thriving population of ponies, which each stand only about four feet tall, are believed to be descendants of the Chincoteague and Assateague horses that were released into the area in 1975 by the U.S. Forest Service. The best way to see them is by hiking the Rhododendron Trail from Massie Gap; it winds across Wilburn Ridge to Rhododendron Gap, where the ponies often frequent. The hike also provides a great opportunity for photos with breathtaking mountain peaks in the backdrop.

Beaches and lakes offer plenty of opportunities for a dip, but those seeking a little more adventure should seek out a cenote. Cenotes are deep, natural sinkholes that form through centuries of erosion, as the limestone bedrock above collapses and reveals a cave of groundwater below. Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula houses the largest concentration of cenotes in the world, with an estimated 6,000 of these spectacular natural swimming holes. While Mexico certainly hogs the cenote spotlight, there are other, equally stunning cenotes around the world to discover. Here are six spectacular cenotes you should visit.

Ik Kil Cenote – Mexico

Located in the central Yucatán Peninsula, the breathtaking Ik Kil Cenote is draped in vines that dangle 158 feet from the cylindrical opening in the cliffs above. The blue-green waters plunge over 130 feet deep and fill a naturally-formed pool that stretches nearly 200 feet in diameter. Not only is Ik Kil a memorable place to take a dip, but its cultural significance is also profound. The Maya peoples believed the cenote was home to the God of Rain, Chaac, and considered the area sacred. Archeologists have found bones and jewelry in the pool’s depth, proving that human sacrifices were once performed here. Combine your cenote expedition with a visit to Chichen Itzá, an ancient Mayan city located in the archeological site just two miles away.

Thunderball Grotto – Bahamas

Located just off Staniel Cay in the Exumas island chain of the Bahamas, Thunderball Grotto (also sometimes referred to as “the James Bond Cave” for its feature in the 1965 film Thunderball) is an underwater cave system that can be explored with or without scuba equipment. With a discreet entrance, this grotto is lit by streaming sunbeams and teems with tropical fish and colorful corals. To access the cenote, you can take a boat or even swim over from Pig Island. At first glance, it looks like nothing more than a large rock sitting in the water, but swim closer and you’ll find secret entryways that open up into spacious caves and swimming holes.  

Dos Ojos – Mexico

Scuba divers, take note: Dos Ojos, about a 30-minute drive north of Tulum, is one of the best cenotes to visit if you’re interested in an extreme underwater adventure. Translating to “two eyes,” Dos Ojos was named for its dual water-filled sinkholes that are connected via a 1,300-foot underground waterway. Divers can descend in one cave, swim underwater, and emerge in the other. Even if you’re not a diver, Dos Ojos is still worth a visit for the snorkeling and cave exploration above the water line alone. However, Dos Ojos is one of the most popular cenotes in the area, so it does tend to get crowded. 

Cenote Taak Bi Ha – Mexico

If you’re looking to beat the crowds and don’t mind paying a slightly steeper entrance price (about $20 USD), head to Cenote Taak Bi Ha, also approximately 30 minutes north of Tulum. Here, you can slip into the crystal-clear turquoise waters from several wooden ladders or rustic platforms, and swim just below hundreds of low-hanging stalactites. As you swim or snorkel at this cenote (whose name means “hidden route of water”), you can watch the bubbles from scuba divers as they disappear into the deep waters below. 

Chinhoyi Caves – Zimbabwe

Located in northwestern Zimbabwe, Chinhoyi Caves feature a dramatic limestone and dolomite sinkhole known locally as Chirorodziva, meaning “cave of the fallen.” According to legend, the name stems from a 1830s event in which a migrating tribe came upon the current occupants and flung them into the pool below. The main cave, dubbed the Wonder Hole, sits 150 feet below the cliffs and is filled with stunning cerulean waters. The underwater systems are frequently explored by technical and experienced divers. Though swimming is not allowed, novice explorers have multiple viewpoints and a public barbeque area to enjoy. 

Blue Hole – Jamaica

There’s plenty to love about Jamaica: beautiful beaches, luxurious resorts, jungle-shrouded waterfalls, and delicious cuisine. Add Jamaica’s Blue Hole to the long list of must-see attractions in this Caribbean paradise. Located on Jamaica’s northern coast in Ochos Rios, the series of cascading pools that make up the hole are continuously filled by a spectacular waterfall. Swimming, cliff-jumping, rope-swinging, and hiking are all popular activities in this scenic area. 

Waterfalls are among the many diverse and majestic natural features of the U.S. The country is home to over 17,000 documented waterfalls, which range from thundering torrents of water to tiny cascades. In fact, the U.S. (and Canada) share one of the world’s most iconic waterfalls, Niagara Falls, yet this impressive sight pales in height compared to the country’s tallest waterfalls. From Hawaii to the Pacific Northwest, here’s where to find them.

10. Seahpo Peak Falls, Washington – 2,200 feet

The rugged alpine landscapes of North Cascades National Park — about three hours northeast of Seattle — are home to four of the 10 tallest waterfalls in the country. Seahpo Peak Falls cascades over a peak of the same name, which is found on the eastern arm of 9,131-foot-tall Mount Shuksan. Though it’s over 2,000 feet tall, the waterfall is narrow and has a limited flow rate, making it sometimes difficult to see. But other noteworthy sights in this area of the park include Sulphide Creek Falls and hiking trails such as Shuksan Lake Trail and Mount Blum Climbers Trail. 

9. Haloku Falls, Hawaii – 2,297 feet

The Northeastern shore of the Hawaiian island of Molokai is a fairytale-like setting of dazzling green scenery and multiple spectacular waterfalls. Haloku Falls lies in an area known as Haloku Sea Cliffs. Stretching between the Pelekunu and Wailea valleys, they are the world’s tallest sea cliffs. Haloku Falls spills down the face of these towering basalt cliffs into the Pacific Ocean. The only way to see it is via boat or flight tour.

8. Sperry Glacier Falls, Montana – 2,300 feet

Located in Montana’s Glacier National Park, Sperry Glacier Falls flows from Sperry Glacier down toward Avalanche Lake. Fed by the glacier’s melt, the waterfall has three distinct drops, each interspersed by sections of rock and boulder cascades. The lower section of the waterfall drops over the same cliffs as Monument Falls, which often cause confusion in distinguishing the two. Visitors can hike through virgin forests to Avalanche Lake to get views of the cliffs down which both waterfalls plunge. 

7. Cloudcap Falls, Washington – 2,400 feet

A small glacier below Cloudcap Peak on Mount Shuksan marks the start of Cloudcap Falls. Much of this waterfall in North Cascades National Park is concealed by bedrock, making it difficult to see from ground level. Observing it is usually only possible by air — the same applies for the adjacent Sulphide Creek Falls. The waterfall flows strongest during the snowmelt season in spring; by late summer it’s often almost completely dry. 

6. Yosemite Falls, California – 2,425 feet

Nestled amid the Sierra Nevada range, Yosemite National Park is characterized by steep mountain slopes and looming granite monoliths. When the winter snow melts, water flows through gaps in the mountains to the valley floor, creating dozens of waterfalls. One of these is Yosemite Falls, which is made up of three separate cascades: Upper Yosemite Fall (at 1,430 feet tall), the middle cascades (675 feet), and Lower Yosemite Fall (320 feet). Together, these waters flow from November to July, with peak visiting time from April to June. Scenic trails loop around the lower falls and to the summit. 

5. Johannesburg Falls, Washington – 2,465 feet

When the snowmelt streaming off the glaciers in North Cascades National Park starts flowing towards Johannesburg Mountain, it converges at the peak to form Johannesburg Falls. This striking cascade has five drops, the biggest of which features a freefall of around 800 feet. June through October is when the flow rate is heaviest and most impressive, and one of the best spots to witness it is the Cascade Pass Trailhead. Those looking for more outdoor adventure can embark on a day hike toward Cascade Pass, where you’ll traverse pass falling ice from glaciers, yellow glacier lilies, and views of Mount Rainier. 

4. Colonial Creek Falls, Washington – 2,568 feet

Also situated in North Cascades National Park is the tallest waterfall in the lower 48. Colonial Creek Falls begins as a meltwater lake at Colonial Glacier and features 13 drops that fall a total of 2,568 feet. There are several ways to experience the beauty of the falls and encompassing snow-capped peaks, including Ross Dam Trailhead Viewpoint and Thunder Arm Bridge Viewpoint. The Colonial Creek Falls Trail is a challenging route that passes by the picturesque Pyramid Lake and cuts through dense forests for a more up-close view of the falls. 

3. Waihilau Falls, Hawaii – 2,598 feet

Hawaii’s Big Island is the location for the first of three Hawaiian waterfalls to make the list of America’s tallest cascades. Waihilau Falls consists of three separate falls that flow into the Waihilau River. Surrounding the falls are postcard-perfect landscapes marked by rainforests and towering cliff faces which are rarely visited by the average tourist. Intrepid hikers can discover this secluded and unspoiled natural attraction via a series of difficult trails and ascents. 

2. Pu’uka’oku Falls, Hawaii – 2,756 feet

Pu’uka’oku Falls is the second waterfall in the list situated on the rugged northeastern coast of Hawaii’s Molokai island. Plunging from the sheer Haloku Sea Cliffs into the Pacific Ocean, it’s fed by seasonal streams that fill up during the island’s rainy season from November to March. The waterfall displays a narrow curtain that cuts through the cliff’s thick and lush vegetation. During periods of high winds, the fall rarely reaches the ocean; instead the water begins to rise up again just above the surface. 

1. Olo’upena Falls, Hawaii – 2,953 feet

The tallest waterfall in the United States, Olo’upena Falls is another majestic sight along the three-mile-long stretch of the Haloku Sea Cliffs on the island of Molokai. Just a short distance to the west of Pu’uka’oku Falls, Olo’upena is a multitiered cascade that appears during the rainy season. Its thin veil of whitewater contrasts spectacularly with the surrounding greenery. Like the other falls on Molokai’s northeastern coast, it’s inaccessible by foot — tourists wanting to glimpse its beauty can do so via boat or helicopter tour.