Since I am going to be visiting a lot of state parks this year I thought I would start a thread about it. What are the best state parks in your state? Which ones have you visited?This should be interesting.
Saumel S. Lewis State Park in York gives a great view of the southern end of the Susquehanna River Valley. Also, there is Gettysburg National Military Park in Gettysburg, even though technically it isn't a state park. There is plenty of history and there is a campsite there too.
Pennsylvania - I've been to several, but Cherry Springs State Park is the best in our state. It is located in a remote area in Potter County, so "the sky at Cherry Springs has been classified as a 2 on the Bortle Dark-Sky Scale, meaning it has almost no light pollution.[51] Such "truly dark, starry skies are unavailable to two-thirds of the world's population, including 99 percent of people in the continental U.S. and Western Europe".[3] With optimum conditions, 10,000 stars are visible with the naked eye at the park, clouds appear only as black holes in the starry sky, and the Milky Way is so bright that it casts a discernible shadow.[51]"
Per https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cherry_Springs_State_Park
Nexus 6P
Bodie State Historical Park is by far my favorite in California. I've been to a lot of ghost towns over the years and very really rank up there with the ruins of Bodie, it really is one of the coolest places out there.
Illinois: I'm biased here, but a visit to Starved Rock State Park (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Starved_Rock_State_Park) is a must.
Devil's Den, Crator of Diamonds, and The Buffalo National River are all great areas, but the parks with rivers in most states seem to get trashed by rednecks... Sad.
This is my fav in NC:
https://www.ncparks.gov/mount-mitchell-state-park
Niagara Falls
Watkins Glen
Letchworth
Adirondack Park
Catskills
Harriman
New York is surprisingly awesome in the state park department...
When it comes to Michigan, I can't think of one that really beats Mackinac Island State Park.
Quote from: bulldog1979 on May 13, 2017, 02:50:15 AM
When it comes to Michigan, I can't think of one that really beats Mackinac Island State Park.
Silver Lake State Park says hello!
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Silver+Lake+State+Park+Off-Road+Vehicle+Area/@43.6614416,-86.477974,12z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x10a98e87002032f1!8m2!3d43.6872393!4d-86.5073776
The chain of successive state parks -- and the CA option, the "state reserve", that line US 101 in northern Mendocino and Humboldt Counties are my favorite S.P.'s within the state. Anchored on the south by Smithe Reserve and its neighbor Richardson Grove (itself the locus of the perpetual controversy about a freeway bypass) near the county line and on the north by the massive Humboldt Redwoods park (most of which is accessible via CA 254, the original alignment of US 101, which uses a freeway alignment uphill from the park center), these are the most publicly accessible original redwood groves in this part of the state.
If you're up on US 101 and in a hurry, stick with the freeway -- once on CA 254, you'll be stopping regularly at one old-growth grove after another; they're that impressive! Gotta give points to CA for establishing this series of state parks well before the federal government commissioned Redwood National Park to the north -- most of which is more or less a functional preserve and inaccessible to the general public.
Dead Horse Point State Park in Utah has the best over look in the Canyonlands. Goblin Valley is pretty nice too, more or less a more worn down version of Bryce Canyon. Valley of Fire and Redrock Canyon in Nevada are worth a stop because of sandstone. Like wise in Arizona you have Red Rock and Slide Rock near Sedona which offer sandstone. Jerome State Historical Park is close by and is kind of like a living version of Bodie in California.
Quote from: Rothman on May 13, 2017, 01:15:21 AM
Niagara Falls
Watkins Glen
Letchworth
Adirondack Park
Catskills
Harriman
New York is surprisingly awesome in the state park department...
Probably linked to having very few national parks?
At least Adirondack and Niagara falls would definitely qualify as national parks.
ANd as a result, something like Cohoes falls doesn't even qualify for state park.
And as for NY, I would add John Boyd Thacher State Park - just for the view; and Taughannock Falls State Park - for awesome view as well.
Quote from: kalvado on May 13, 2017, 09:03:25 AM
Quote from: Rothman on May 13, 2017, 01:15:21 AM
Niagara Falls
Watkins Glen
Letchworth
Adirondack Park
Catskills
Harriman
New York is surprisingly awesome in the state park department...
Probably linked to having very few national parks?
At least Adirondack and Niagara falls would definitely qualify as national parks.
ANd as a result, something like Cohoes falls doesn't even qualify for state park.
And as for NY, I would add John Boyd Thacher State Park - just for the view; and Taughannock Falls State Park - for awesome view as well.
I agree with Thacher and Taughannock and all the ones in the Ithaca area...just got tired writing them all out when NY's superiority was already well-established. :D
There's also one out on the drop-off of the Tug Hill Plateau is pretty incredible. Forget what it's called.
My favorite in Minnesota is Cascade River on the North Shore. Any of the North Shore parks are great (Gooseberry, Temperance River, Split Rock, Tettegouche, C.R. Magney, Grand Portage), but I'd probably steer clear of Gooseberry Falls or Split Rock Lighthouse on high-season weekends.
I've also visited Lake Itasca SP, which is the headwaters of the Mississippi.
Banning State Park is cool for being both scenic and a history tour along the Kettle River where major quarry operations used to operate.
Quote from: slorydn1 on May 13, 2017, 03:16:14 AM
Quote from: bulldog1979 on May 13, 2017, 02:50:15 AM
When it comes to Michigan, I can't think of one that really beats Mackinac Island State Park.
Silver Lake State Park says hello!
I gotta add Porcupine Mountains and Tahquamenon Falls to the mix.
Not surprisingly, Belle Isle State Park (in the Detroit River) is the most visited state park in Michigan.
In Maine, Baxter State Park (https://baxterstatepark.org/) in rural Piscataquis County up north is really pretty, especially in the fall when the foliage is in full force. It's home to the state's highest point, Mount Katahdin, which is also the north end of the Appalachian Trail. Baxter is by far my favorite of Maine's state parks, but there are also a few others that I enjoy...
- Camden Hills State Park in Camden has a road and several trails leading up to Mount Battie and Mount Megunticook, which provide an excellent view of the town (http://eofp.net/place_images2013trip/lrg_x_D613802.jpg)
- Popham Beach State Park is a popular beach destination for Maine, but it's a bit crowded during the summer. It's also in close proximity to Fort Popham (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Popham), a Civil War-era coastal defense station.
- While a lot of them are not state parks, the lighthouses in Maine are certainly a sight to behold. Portland Head, Pemaquid, Marshall Point (featured in Forrest Gump), and West Quoddy Head are some of my favorites.
Having grown up 15 miles from Natural Bridge State Resort Park in Kentucky, it's the one I'm most familiar with. We often went on picnics there, or swimming at the pool, when I was growing up. There's a lodge, at which I've never stayed because it's so close to home, and a restaurant which is pretty good. The big attraction is, as you might guess, a rock arch on the premises (one of many in the area). It used to be a railroad-owned resort when a rail line went through the area. There's an abandoned tunnel near the swimming pool but they may have covered up the entrances since I last checked.
Buckhorn Lake SRP is also one that we visited at least once a year when I was growing up. One of dad's brothers would make the drive up from near Louisville with his daughter and wife and we would go up to picnic and swim on the beach.
The most recent one I visited was Jenny Wiley SRP, but that was for a work training class.
These are the state parks I have visited
Wisconsin
Bong
Devil's Lake(Largest in Wisconsin)
Kettle Moraine Northern
Kettle Moraine Southern
Latham Peak(Highest point in Waukesha County)
Lakeshore
Peninsula
Pike Lake
Illinois
Castle Rock
Chain O Lakes
Kanakee River
Rock Cut
Starved Rock (As Brandon mentioned)
South Dakota
Custer
Virginia
Smith Mountain Lake
Can't say there was one I disliked. Custer is unique in the fact it's a drive through park.
Florida has a great state park system. I have been to many of them. My favorites are
Bahia Honda SP in the Keys, campsites right on the ocean and even cabins... Advance reservation are a must
Ichetucknee Spings SP. NW of Gainesville. Numerous natural springs and a real lazy river
Dudley Farm SP which is a real workinf farm done like the 1880s in Newberry, west of Gainesville
Some the more ineresting florida state parks are old pre Disney tourist spots... Like
Homosassa Springs great place to see manatees in winter. A zoo with mostly native florida wildlife
Weekie Watchee Springs with the Mermaid show
Even Silver Springs has been changed to a state park
I think the state has a good variety of parks showcasing all different natural areas and historical sites of the state. Much more than the beach
LGMS428
Been to Jenny Wiley a few times for family reunions.
Quote from: webny99 on May 13, 2017, 11:22:32 AM
Quote from: Rothman on May 13, 2017, 11:12:29 AM
Quote from: kalvado on May 13, 2017, 09:03:25 AM
Quote from: Rothman on May 13, 2017, 01:15:21 AM
Niagara Falls
Watkins Glen
Letchworth
Adirondack Park
Catskills
Harriman
New York is surprisingly awesome. Including in the state park department...
Probably linked to having very few national parks?
At least Adirondack and Niagara falls would definitely qualify as national parks.
ANd as a result, something like Cohoes falls doesn't even qualify for state park.
And as for NY, I would add John Boyd Thacher State Park - just for the view; and Taughannock Falls State Park - for awesome view as well.
I agree with Thacher and Taughannock and all the ones in the Ithaca area...just got tired writing them all out when NY's superiority was already well-established. :D
There's also one out on the drop-off of the Tug Hill Plateau is pretty incredible. Forget what it's called.
FTFY :bigass:
Seconded. IMO even Letchworth and the Catskills qualify for National Parks. Taughannock is great, but I've never heard of Thatcher!?
A google maps search doesn't reveal too many State Parks in the Tug Hill region... are you thinking of a SF?
Whetstone Gulf.
In Mississippi, Tishomingo State Park is by far the nicest in terms of natural scenery. The Appalachian mountain range extends just barely into the extreme northeast corner of the state, and this park includes its most dramatic features. There are no true mountains at Tishomingo, but there are enough foothills to create a rugged landscape that is unlike anything else in Mississippi. There are lots of rockwalls and outcrops, which gives it the feel of a mountain park. You're likely to encounter some mountain climbers at a formation known as Jean's Overhang, on the Outcrops Trail. Woodall Mountain is nearby, Mississippi's highest foothill.
I haven't been to most of Virginia's state parks (as opposed to local, regional, or national parks). Natural Bridge State Park was worth the visit this past December. I think it's the only one I've visited.
Illinois:
Another vote for Starved Rock, but stay away on holiday weekends. I still love the place, but the crowds can ruin the experience.
Also
Giant City
Mississippi Palisades
Castle Rock
Lowden
Cave in Rock
Ferne Clyffe
Dixon Springs
Cache River
I've only been to two state parks (that I remember). The first is Cliffs of the Neuse State Park in eastern North Carolina during a field trip when I was in 5th grade during the 1999-2000 school year. No doubt it pales in comparison to the other state parks in NC, but it's nice for what it is. The park is off of NC-111, a few miles southeast of Goldsboro near Seven Springs.
The other state park I've been to is Sailor's Creek State Park in southern Virginia, which is mostly a Civil War battlefield. I went there a couple of times in 2009 right after moving to Farmville. It's off of VA-307, a few miles northeast of Rice.
WV has a ton of state parks, which range from wide spots in the road with an historical marker to resorts run by private companies. Ones I have visited:
- Beech Fork, which is just a lake, the resort part never got built.
- Blackwater Falls, very scenic backcountry.
- Bluestone, which is a lake, not that interesting.
- Camp Creek, which is more just a campground, not that interesting.
- Cannan Valley, which is a ski lodge run by a private company, it is nice. Developing some summer things now.
- Cass Scenic Railroad, which is, as the name implies it is. Very nice, but takes all day.
- Chief Logan. Built by former governor from there, motel in the middle of nowhere, serves no purpose. Most guests are state workers sent to meetings there.
- Hawks Nest. Very scenic views on New River Gorge.
- Little Beaver (yes, that is really the name). Just a lake.
- North Bend. Lodge. Middle of nowhere, not very scenic. Another place for state worker meetings.
- Pinnacle Rock. Just a big rock next to US 52.
- Pipestem. Another commercial park, nice golf course. Showing its age.
- Stonewall Jackson Lake. Another commercial managed deal. Nice golf course.
- Twin Falls. There actually are no twin falls there. Georgia Pacific clear cut it in the 60s and donated the land to the state. Trees grew back, rest is a mediocre golf course and a motel.
Rocks State Park and Susquehanna State Park are the two where I live in Harford County, Maryland. They're both great for recreation almost year-round. I should mention that the Rocks doesn't have public camping, but does have multiple trails and picnic areas, and some amazing views of Deer Creek. Susquehanna is bigger and does have camping.
Here are the state/provincial parks I've been to:
Ontario
- Sandbanks: I was somewhat young at the time, but I remember being impressed by the size of the sand dunes. I would love to go back and see it again.
- The Pinery: I went camping here for a few nights recently and I thought the beach was great! It was a lot quieter than nearby Grand Bend, which was nice for a change.
- Forks of the Credit: I went hiking for a few hours here with a friend and the gorge we saw was pretty cool. Also, Forks of the Credit Road was one of the most fun drives I've done in Ontario, with actual hairpins!
- Port Burwell: I was here on a weekday, and only saw one or two other people. Judging from the location, I would expect it to still be pretty quiet on a weekend, which makes me want to head back here
- Long Point: I spent a day last summer going to the beach here, and it was fairly busy, but the beach was nice and Lake Erie is certainly warm :)
- James N. Allan: I spent 30 minutes here on a short day trip during a co-op term to visit Haldimand County for my mob-rule map. It seems like a nice spot, but very secluded, so you'd definitely have to pack a lunch. I got the impression you could have the whole beach to yourself.
- Algonquin: I've only driven through it, but highway 60 was certainly a scenic drive. One day I'll have to try a canoe trip to truly experience the park
New York
- Letchworth: I went on a day trip on Remembrance Day 2015 to get two more counties and see the "Grand Canyon of the East" and I wasn't disappointed! The leaves were past their prime, but hiking down to the stone bridge for a great view of one of the waterfalls was pretty cool. (Here's three photos)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FVLcfHB1.jpg&hash=ad980ecd86dc52bfe75ff6661c9dd00c8a7fa069)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FJOSILdD.jpg&hash=81983ecfeadba7ab38737492046b9d532c46c0a1)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2F9bzhteV.jpg&hash=0ecdf72eb16534ca7b631d182f3fe55616dc0141)
- Niagara Falls: I visited this on the same day, and again it was nice to see the more natural side of Niagara Falls, as opposed to the commercialized Canadian side. I've been to Niagara Falls several times, but this was the first time I ever did anything on the American side.
Missouri
-Lake of the Ozarks: My mom and I decided to go on an hour-or-two hike along the lake and it was a nice trail with some great views.
It's a national park (so I know it doesn't count), but I feel like I have to give a special mention to Bruce Peninsula N.P. in Tobermory, ON. The Grotto on Georgian Bay is one of the coolest places I've seen, with the steep rock cliffs right on the clear lake water. It's also a great place for cliff jumping. The water is very cold, but it's worth jumping in! :) (Here's a photo from the internet)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.myworldofphotos.com%2Fitems%2Flarge%2FThe_grotto_in_Bruce_DSC00867.jpg&hash=e547e574416d84a581aa585b0659876d8e06f5a4)
Quote from: 7/8 on May 15, 2017, 09:55:44 PM
- Niagara Falls: I visited this on the same day, and again it was nice to see the more natural side of Niagara Falls, as opposed to the commercialized Canadian side. I've been to Niagara Falls several times, but this was the first time I ever did anything on the American side.
You're putting it in a very interesting way.
Just for comparison, I've been to US side of Niagara Falls several times, but last summer was the first time I ever did anything on Canadian side. And again, it was nice to see the more improved side of Niagara Falls, as opposed to the neglected American side. There were enough places to eat and, believe it or not, using restroom didn't require waiting in line! View from Canadian side is also much much better.... And probably that is the reason for more development on southern (Canadian) side.
Development on the U.S. side was thankfully curtailed after it was ruined by hawkers. The development of Niagara Falls was and is a travesty, if you could imagine what it would be like to see it on a much more natural state.
In fact, the ruination of Niagara led to the development of the U.S. National Park System.
I find the development on either side ugly. Glad the state park was established, but it was an action after the fact and it is unfortunate the area was not better preserved.
Quote from: Rothman on May 16, 2017, 09:52:48 AM
Development on the U.S. side was thankfully curtailed after it was ruined by hawkers. The development of Niagara Falls was and is a travesty, if you could imagine what it would be like to see it on a much more natural state.
In fact, the ruination of Niagara led to the development of the U.S. National Park System.
I find the development on either side ugly. Glad the state park was established, but it was an action after the fact and it is unfortunate the area was not better preserved.
I am not sure what you mean by "ruined". If you think about using water of Niagara river for power plants - and diverting it off the falls (as far as I know, not more than 50% during tourist season and not more than 75% off-season) - then you cannot have the cake and eat it too. NYS gets a lot of power from Niagara, and I don't see an easy replacement for that.
If you're talking about all the cluster... with development policies - well, why not start with modest, medium quality food place? McDonalds maybe? Or Panera, Chipotle? And a nice, clean restroom with enough capacity? I know 25 story hotel as ones on Canadian side sound great - but you need to start somewhere... If it takes more than a year to get McDonlads built.. Well, Canadian businesses gladly accept US dollars...
Quote from: 1995hoo on May 14, 2017, 04:58:40 PM
I haven't been to most of Virginia's state parks (as opposed to local, regional, or national parks). Natural Bridge State Park was worth the visit this past December. I think it's the only one I've visited.
We tried to go there but didn't becasue it just ended up being a tourist trap. I just found out that Wisconsin has it's own natural bridge out in Sauk County. I will try to check it out sometime.
Quote from: inkyatari on May 15, 2017, 12:38:11 PM
Illinois:
Another vote for Starved Rock, but stay away on holiday weekends. I still love the place, but the crowds can ruin the experience.
Also
Giant City
Mississippi Palisades
Castle Rock
Lowden
Cave in Rock
Ferne Clyffe
Dixon Springs
Cache River
I would like to check out Rock Cut. Wish I had years ago when my Grandparents were around they lived in Rockford.
Quote from: kalvado on May 16, 2017, 10:33:35 AM
Quote from: Rothman on May 16, 2017, 09:52:48 AM
Development on the U.S. side was thankfully curtailed after it was ruined by hawkers. The development of Niagara Falls was and is a travesty, if you could imagine what it would be like to see it on a much more natural state.
In fact, the ruination of Niagara led to the development of the U.S. National Park System.
I find the development on either side ugly. Glad the state park was established, but it was an action after the fact and it is unfortunate the area was not better preserved.
I am not sure what you mean by "ruined". If you think about using water of Niagara river for power plants - and diverting it off the falls (as far as I know, not more than 50% during tourist season and not more than 75% off-season) - then you cannot have the cake and eat it too. NYS gets a lot of power from Niagara, and I don't see an easy replacement for that.
If you're talking about all the cluster... with development policies - well, why not start with modest, medium quality food place? McDonalds maybe? Or Panera, Chipotle? And a nice, clean restroom with enough capacity? I know 25 story hotel as ones on Canadian side sound great - but you need to start somewhere... If it takes more than a year to get McDonlads built.. Well, Canadian businesses gladly accept US dollars...
Ah yes, Golden Arches over the falls.
I don't have a problem with the dams further up the way. They do have periods where they let all the water go over the falls.
But the development, absolutely. McDonald's is quality food? Golden arches over the falls? I believe there is one just a few blocks back from the park. The suggestion of putting one in the park itself is just why you have to save the falls from the ugly Americans. The nature is what draws people to the site and then they want to put a Panera on it. Blech.
Would have been better if a large swath of land on either side was preserved, and the cities moved back from the falls a decent bit.
Quote from: Rothman on May 16, 2017, 12:55:26 PM
Quote from: kalvado on May 16, 2017, 10:33:35 AM
Quote from: Rothman on May 16, 2017, 09:52:48 AM
Development on the U.S. side was thankfully curtailed after it was ruined by hawkers. The development of Niagara Falls was and is a travesty, if you could imagine what it would be like to see it on a much more natural state.
In fact, the ruination of Niagara led to the development of the U.S. National Park System.
I find the development on either side ugly. Glad the state park was established, but it was an action after the fact and it is unfortunate the area was not better preserved.
I am not sure what you mean by "ruined". If you think about using water of Niagara river for power plants - and diverting it off the falls (as far as I know, not more than 50% during tourist season and not more than 75% off-season) - then you cannot have the cake and eat it too. NYS gets a lot of power from Niagara, and I don't see an easy replacement for that.
If you're talking about all the cluster... with development policies - well, why not start with modest, medium quality food place? McDonalds maybe? Or Panera, Chipotle? And a nice, clean restroom with enough capacity? I know 25 story hotel as ones on Canadian side sound great - but you need to start somewhere... If it takes more than a year to get McDonlads built.. Well, Canadian businesses gladly accept US dollars...
Ah yes, Golden Arches over the falls.
I don't have a problem with the dams further up the way. They do have periods where they let all the water go over the falls.
But the development, absolutely. McDonald's is quality food? Golden arches over the falls? I believe there is one just a few blocks back from the park. The suggestion of putting one in the park itself is just why you have to save the falls from the ugly Americans. The nature is what draws people to the site and then they want to put a Panera on it. Blech.
Would have been better if a large swath of land on either side was preserved, and the cities moved back from the falls a decent bit.
I don't know about you, but once I spent some time by the falls, I don't mind something to eat. And if I say McD is a quality food compared to what you can find around. Tells you something about other options, heh... I don't remember what did I get at Grand Canyon, for example. It didn't compromise the area, it was reasonable.
But Niagara need to start somewhere, you know.. Just for comparison, there is Tim Horton within close range from the falls on the other side. And you know, it doesn't kill the place!
Quote from: kalvado on May 16, 2017, 02:31:12 PM
Quote from: Rothman on May 16, 2017, 12:55:26 PM
Quote from: kalvado on May 16, 2017, 10:33:35 AM
Quote from: Rothman on May 16, 2017, 09:52:48 AM
Development on the U.S. side was thankfully curtailed after it was ruined by hawkers. The development of Niagara Falls was and is a travesty, if you could imagine what it would be like to see it on a much more natural state.
In fact, the ruination of Niagara led to the development of the U.S. National Park System.
I find the development on either side ugly. Glad the state park was established, but it was an action after the fact and it is unfortunate the area was not better preserved.
I am not sure what you mean by "ruined". If you think about using water of Niagara river for power plants - and diverting it off the falls (as far as I know, not more than 50% during tourist season and not more than 75% off-season) - then you cannot have the cake and eat it too. NYS gets a lot of power from Niagara, and I don't see an easy replacement for that.
If you're talking about all the cluster... with development policies - well, why not start with modest, medium quality food place? McDonalds maybe? Or Panera, Chipotle? And a nice, clean restroom with enough capacity? I know 25 story hotel as ones on Canadian side sound great - but you need to start somewhere... If it takes more than a year to get McDonlads built.. Well, Canadian businesses gladly accept US dollars...
Ah yes, Golden Arches over the falls.
I don't have a problem with the dams further up the way. They do have periods where they let all the water go over the falls.
But the development, absolutely. McDonald's is quality food? Golden arches over the falls? I believe there is one just a few blocks back from the park. The suggestion of putting one in the park itself is just why you have to save the falls from the ugly Americans. The nature is what draws people to the site and then they want to put a Panera on it. Blech.
Would have been better if a large swath of land on either side was preserved, and the cities moved back from the falls a decent bit.
I don't know about you, but once I spent some time by the falls, I don't mind something to eat. And if I say McD is a quality food compared to what you can find around. Tells you something about other options, heh... I don't remember what did I get at Grand Canyon, for example. It didn't compromise the area, it was reasonable.
But Niagara need to start somewhere, you know.. Just for comparison, there is Tim Horton within close range from the falls on the other side. And you know, it doesn't kill the place!
Yeah, it does. The area surrounding the falls is pretty ugly.
The Canadian side is basically a glorified resort that happens to have a waterfall nearby. The American side is a park.
Quote from: vdeane on May 16, 2017, 08:24:16 PM
The Canadian side is basically a glorified resort that happens to have a waterfall nearby. The American side is a park.
Park for the locals, maybe. Problem is, Niagara falls is a little bit known beyond immediate Buffalo area. As such, it attract people who actually travel a little bit - maybe couple hundred or thousand miles - to see the damn waterfall. They don't need trails, picnic tables and such - just see the falls, enjoy related attractions, and fly back. Canadian side is optimized for that.
I just saw a paper claiming NF was The Honeymoon place in 50s. On a same page - short term visit.. Today we can travel further, but that doesn't change equation. And unlike, say, Grand Canyon - NF park and trails are not designed for long trips. Neither throughput is there.
I, for one, went down the Devil's hole trail. Well... no need to fly to far for that kind of experience.
We drove down to Niagara Falls for a day trip when I was a kid and we were on a family vacation around Ontario–we were in Toronto for a few days at the tail end of the trip and drove around to Niagara Falls, missing a massive afternoon storm that flooded streets in Toronto. We were all baffled as to how people make Niagara Falls their destination for their whole trip, even more so a honeymoon destination. One day was plenty. We only went to the Canadian side so as not to have to clear Customs twice in one day and we all thought it was a tourist trap, and I'm sure it's only gotten worse in the many years since then.
(Trip around Ontario included Ottawa, North Bay, Cochrane/Greenwater Provincial Park, Moosonee and Moose Factory, Timmins, Sudbury, east side of Georgian Bay, Toronto, and Niagara Falls. For the drive home from Toronto, all in one day, my father decided on the long way around via Erie and I-79 down to the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Don't need to go that way ever again!)
Not my state, but Utah's Dead Horse Point State Park (https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/dead-horse/) has scenery worthy of a national park. Recommended.
Quote from: kurumi on May 16, 2017, 09:57:51 PM
Not my state, but Utah's Dead Horse Point State Park (https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/dead-horse/) has scenery worthy of a national park. Recommended.
Isn't there a uranium processing plant In the view?
Almost without doubt the most well-known state park in Indiana is Brown County State Park, located in...take a guess. Brown County is essentially Indiana's version of the Great Smoky Mountains on a much smaller scale with nearby Nashville as the tiny Gatlinburg stand-in. If I understand correctly over a million people visit the park each year, with fall being the most popular time for all the colors.
Then you have Turkey Run (western Indiana) with sandstone canyons and Sugar Creek flowing through with a covered bridge for good measure. Nearby Shades State Park has similar terrain but without the crowds. Both are in western Indiana and probably only a few miles away from your more standard Indiana land feature of flat farmlands.
Clifty Falls around Madison and McCormick's Creek outside Spencer both have waterfalls (at least by Hoosier standards) and are also popular. The other really big parks would be Indiana Dunes up by Chesterton, a state park that's basically a beach and Pokagon (near Angola) with is lakes and toboggan run. The southern half of the state does have more state parks but the north as a few gems as well.
Went camping in Brown County State Park on my first ever camping trip with my father when I was a wee lad.
Quote from: epzik8 on May 15, 2017, 09:22:59 PM
Rocks State Park and Susquehanna State Park are the two where I live in Harford County, Maryland. They're both great for recreation almost year-round. I should mention that the Rocks doesn't have public camping, but does have multiple trails and picnic areas, and some amazing views of Deer Creek. Susquehanna is bigger and does have camping.
I will second Rocks State Park. A few years ago we went there with family who lived in the area. We went to two nice locations - Kilgore Falls and another section where we climbed up on (appropriately enough) very large....rocks. Great view. Also, for Maryland, I like Cunningham Falls near Thurmont.
New Jersey has some good state parks. Locally, we go to the beach at Island Beach State Park. A yearly state park pass gets your car in, with no need to worry about Jersey's ridiculous municipal beach tag system. Can't beat it....unless the park hits capacity as it often does on summer weekends.
Quote from: kurumi on May 16, 2017, 09:57:51 PM
Not my state, but Utah's Dead Horse Point State Park (https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/dead-horse/) has scenery worthy of a national park. Recommended.
Not my state either, and I haven't been to many state parks, but This Is The Place state park near Salt Lake City marks the end of one of the great 19th century road trips, by the first wave of Mormon settlers.
The Extra Miler Club had its 2008 annual meeting there, which is when I visited the park.
Quote from: 1995hoo on May 16, 2017, 09:52:18 PM
We drove down to Niagara Falls for a day trip when I was a kid and we were on a family vacation around Ontario–we were in Toronto for a few days at the tail end of the trip and drove around to Niagara Falls, missing a massive afternoon storm that flooded streets in Toronto. We were all baffled as to how people make Niagara Falls their destination for their whole trip, even more so a honeymoon destination. One day was plenty. We only went to the Canadian side so as not to have to clear Customs twice in one day and we all thought it was a tourist trap, and I'm sure it's only gotten worse in the many years since then.
I agree that one day is plenty to see the falls. It's one of those things you have to see at least once, but it doesn't take long to see everything in town.
Quote from: 1995hoo on May 16, 2017, 09:52:18 PM
(Trip around Ontario included Ottawa, North Bay, Cochrane/Greenwater Provincial Park, Moosonee and Moose Factory, Timmins, Sudbury, east side of Georgian Bay, Toronto, and Niagara Falls. For the drive home from Toronto, all in one day, my father decided on the long way around via Erie and I-79 down to the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Don't need to go that way ever again!)
It's funny you mention the long way home, since that was the main route my family would take from eastern NC. Google Maps says it's currently 23 minutes faster to take I-99>US 219, but my parents probably preferred sticking to the interstate.
California:
Jedadiah Smith Redwoods
Samuel P. Taylor
Indiana:
Turkey Run
Iowa:
Maquoketa Caves
Bellvue
Wisconsin:
Kettle Moraine (South)
Michigan:
Warren Dunes
Wilderness
Tahquamenon Falls
Porcupine Mountains
Minnesota:
Tower-Soudan (I think the name of the park has changed since I've been there)
Utah:
Goosenecks
Colorado:
Golden Gate Canyon
Missouri:
Onondoga Caves
Since we're talking about Parks....just an FYI: If you are coming to Canada this year (It's our 150th Birthday) admission to all National Parks is Free....and that includes Banff, Jasper, Gros Morne, Cape Breton Highlands etc.
https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/voyage-travel/admission
Quote from: 7/8 on May 16, 2017, 11:40:14 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on May 16, 2017, 09:52:18 PM
We drove down to Niagara Falls for a day trip when I was a kid and we were on a family vacation around Ontario–we were in Toronto for a few days at the tail end of the trip and drove around to Niagara Falls, missing a massive afternoon storm that flooded streets in Toronto. We were all baffled as to how people make Niagara Falls their destination for their whole trip, even more so a honeymoon destination. One day was plenty. We only went to the Canadian side so as not to have to clear Customs twice in one day and we all thought it was a tourist trap, and I'm sure it's only gotten worse in the many years since then.
I agree that one day is plenty to see the falls. It's one of those things you have to see at least once, but it doesn't take long to see everything in town.
It may take a while to see
everything, but one day is enough to see the feature place and tell your grandkids about fabulous trip to Niagara.
Actually same goes for many other sites. Pretty often I end up feeling bad about not doing my homework and not spending more time on things which look interesting in hindsight. For example, I did look at whirlpool on NF only on my 4th trip, but I still have to see Seaway canal; I didn't go below the rim in Grand Canyon (although there were good reasons for that), and I definitely could wonder a bit more around Centralia. But I did see those places, and one day (even few hours) covers the most important stuff..
Quote from: 7/8 on May 16, 2017, 11:40:14 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on May 16, 2017, 09:52:18 PM
(Trip around Ontario included Ottawa, North Bay, Cochrane/Greenwater Provincial Park, Moosonee and Moose Factory, Timmins, Sudbury, east side of Georgian Bay, Toronto, and Niagara Falls. For the drive home from Toronto, all in one day, my father decided on the long way around via Erie and I-79 down to the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Don't need to go that way ever again!)
It's funny you mention the long way home, since that was the main route my family would take from eastern NC. Google Maps says it's currently 23 minutes faster to take I-99>US 219, but my parents probably preferred sticking to the interstate.
There was no I-99 at the time of our trip. My father often liked to get off the Interstate due to boredom, but I assume in that situation it was simply a desire to get home. I seem to recall getting home very late at night too, which no doubt factored into the routing.
The only Provincial park I've been to are
B.C.:
Manning. Absolutely stunning place
Ontario:
Kakabeka Falls
Quote from: kalvado on May 16, 2017, 08:50:34 PM
I just saw a paper claiming NF was The Honeymoon place in 50s.
Indeed it was. Lots of people from this area went honeymooning there.
Not my parents. I think they went to Florida, but they made a trip to Niagara early in their marriage. I don't remember when, exactly, and both are dead now so I can't ask them about the trip, but I think it's possible I went along. However, I wasn't able to see anything because the trip may have been when my mom was pregnant with me.
Possible new thread: How many roads have you clinched
in utero?
For me, one answer would be WV 2. My dad told me they went up WV 2 and came back OH 7. He said the road on the Ohio side of the river was in much better shape.
Quote from: Ian on May 13, 2017, 07:01:10 PM
In Maine, Baxter State Park (https://baxterstatepark.org/) in rural Piscataquis County up north is really pretty, especially in the fall when the foliage is in full force. It's home to the state's highest point, Mount Katahdin, which is also the north end of the Appalachian Trail. Baxter is by far my favorite of Maine's state parks, but there are also a few others that I enjoy...
I was going to mention Baxter SP if you had not already. It is one of the biggest and wildest state parks east of the Mississippi River (might be the biggest in the East, not 100% certain).
Quote from: Roadrunner75 on May 16, 2017, 10:25:38 PM
Quote from: epzik8 on May 15, 2017, 09:22:59 PM
Rocks State Park and Susquehanna State Park are the two where I live in Harford County, Maryland. They're both great for recreation almost year-round. I should mention that the Rocks doesn't have public camping, but does have multiple trails and picnic areas, and some amazing views of Deer Creek. Susquehanna is bigger and does have camping.
I will second Rocks State Park. A few years ago we went there with family who lived in the area. We went to two nice locations - Kilgore Falls and another section where we climbed up on (appropriately enough) very large....rocks. Great view. Also, for Maryland, I like Cunningham Falls near Thurmont.
New Jersey has some good state parks. Locally, we go to the beach at Island Beach State Park. A yearly state park pass gets your car in, with no need to worry about Jersey's ridiculous municipal beach tag system. Can't beat it....unless the park hits capacity as it often does on summer weekends.
When i was a kid i had a lot of birthday parties at Allaire State Park. I loved the trails.
We could ride our bikes on a bike trail from Manasquan there and when i was 12 or 13 we even got to ride bikes on the completed but unopened i195. Talk about a roadgeek wet-dream
LGMS428
For Florida some of the stuff down in the Keys like Bahia Honda, Indian Key, and John Pennekamp Coral Reef are pretty nice. Bahia Honda has probably one of the nicer beaches in the Lower Keys and the obvious road attraction for the Old Bahia Bridge. Indian Key is a neat ghost town site just south of US 1 that was from the Seminole Wars. Coral Reef is like a smaller version of Biscayne National Park but more accessible for the casual visitor. I used to like taking to take some of my family members up to Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park to see Manatees and they always seemed to enjoy that whole deal with the mermaid show down in Weeki Wachee. I always liked places like Amelia Island near Jacksonville, the Skyway Pier just to see the old/new Skyway Bridge, and even Highlands Hammock.
Devil's Lake is probably Wisconsin's most well-known state park. It's certainly the most visited. It's hard to avoid the crowds on a nice weekend, no matter what time of year, but the view from one of the bluffs is like something you'd get up by Lake Superior.
Copper Falls State Park outside of Mellen, WI, is one I went to a lot in my youth. The Bad River and Tyler Forks plunge over narrow cascades above their confluence. The old growth hemlock forest along the short canyon adds to the ambience of roaring water. Spring is the best time to go, when the water is high.
Wisconsin had a great legacy of public lands stewardship until just recently, so get out and enjoy WI's state parks this year before they go to shit and start costing an arm and a leg to get into.
Another shout out for The Porkies up there in the Western UP. Love it.
Also, another shout out for the string of Minnesota state parks up the coast of Lake Superior.
Custer State Park in South Dakota is a real gem. The free-range bison at Custer are what is missing from one's vacation to the rest of the Black Hills.
Quote from: Rothman on May 16, 2017, 10:01:43 PM
Quote from: kurumi on May 16, 2017, 09:57:51 PM
Not my state, but Utah's Dead Horse Point State Park (https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/dead-horse/) has scenery worthy of a national park. Recommended.
Isn't there a uranium processing plant In the view?
It's a potash facility.
There are a deposits of potassium-rich salts in the area. They pump water through the salt layers and let the resulting solution evaporate in large ponds. Sort, package and deliver.
Another vote for Starved Rock in Illinois. Isn't Cahokia Mounds only a state park? Lots of history there.
It's probably a family thing, but my personal favorite in Minnesota is Blue Mounds by Luverne.
I liked Pilot Knob in Iowa the time I went there.
All the years I lived in Nebraska and I never went to one I liked there, although my brother's family likes Ashfall.