The Lone Star State has claimed two spots in the newest ranking of the top 10 best state parks in the United States.
The 2024 HomeToGo State Park Index ranked Palo Duro Canyon State Park second and Garner State Park ninth among the 50 top U.S. state parks.
According to the report, the annual ranking is based on the following factors: volume of vacation rentals in close proximity, the size of the state park, the variations of trails offered in the park, wildlife variety, and the park’s aesthetic or “picturesqueness.”
The “Grand Canyon of Texas,” formerly known as Palo Duro State Park, is the second-largest canyon in the country. The park has extensive trails that keep adventurers immersed in nature. The trails can be used for hiking, biking, and even equestrian riding.
The Palo Duro Canyon is filled “with miles of paths such as the iconic Lighthouse Trail and rich geographical history, this park is a Texas gem perfect for outdoor adventures and photo-worthy moments.”
Explore online the rest of the Palo Duro Canyon State Park’s attractions or make reservations here. Admission for adults to enter the park is $8 and free for children under 12.
Texas’ geographical richness does not stop there, as Garner State Park in the Hill Country is also a must-visit Texas gem.
Garner State Park offers plenty of water-filled activities. Its 2.9-mile-long Frio River is perfect for inner tubing or a quick swim after a hike.
According to the Garner State Park website, “Visitors can rent paddle boats, kayaks, and inner tubes, as well as tables, barbecue pits, heaters, and fans. The park’s concessionaire operates a putt-putt golf course during busy seasons.”
Here are the 2024 top 10 state parks in the U.S.:
- No. 1 – Letchworth State Park, New York
- No. 2 – Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Texas
- No. 3 – Hocking Hills State Park, Ohio
- No. 4 – Mohican State Park, Ohio
- No. 5 – Lake of the Ozarks State Park, Missouri
- No. 6 – Indiana Dunes State Park, Indiana
- No. 7 – Starved Rock State Park, Illinois
- No. 8 – John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Florida
- No. 9 – Garner State Park, Texas
- No. 10 – Presque Isle State Park, Pennsylvania