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Acadia State Park - Maine: Year-Round Playground on Cadillac Mountain

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. -year-round-playground-on-cadillac-mountain.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Monday, December 15th 2025 at 12:15 GMT
      Locale: UNITED STATES

Top Trending U.S. State Parks – 2025 Travel & Leisure Guide

Travel & Leisure’s 2025 “Top Trending State Parks in the USA” list celebrates the hidden gems that have been capturing the imagination of wanderers, families, and adventure seekers alike. The article curates a mix of old‑fashioned classics and newly discovered spots that have surged in popularity thanks to breathtaking scenery, family‑friendly amenities, and a growing emphasis on sustainable tourism. Below is a concise, 500‑plus‑word summary of the parks highlighted in the piece, enriched with context and handy links for those eager to explore further.

1. Acadia State Park – Maine

While Acadia is more famously a national park, the article spotlights its state‑operated “Acadia State Park” section, which offers easier access to the iconic Cadillac Mountain and the rugged eastern coastline. The park is a year‑round playground: sun‑soaked hikes in the summer, dramatic cliff‑side vistas during fall, and a cozy, snow‑blanketed boardwalk in winter. For a deeper dive, check out the park’s official website for trail maps and event calendars.

[ Official Acadia State Park Site ]

2. Cuyahoga Valley State Park – Ohio

Nestled between Cleveland and Akron, Cuyahoga Valley State Park blends lush woodlands with human history. The scenic rail trail, a restored 19th‑century railroad, takes visitors past waterfalls, historic bridges, and the quaint town of Solon. In spring, the park’s abundant tulips attract photographers worldwide. Travel & Leisure also links to a detailed guide on the park’s winter activities, like cross‑country skiing and ice‑skating on the Cuyahoga River.

[ Official Cuyahoga Valley State Park Site ]

3. Great Smoky Mountains State Park – Tennessee

Often confused with the national park, the state’s version of the Great Smoky Mountains focuses on family‑friendly trails and scenic overlooks. The park’s renowned “Alma Falls” loop offers a quick, 0.6‑mile walk to a 35‑foot waterfall, making it a favorite for day‑trippers. Travel & Leisure’s guide includes a “Must‑See” list of the park’s picnic spots and the best times to visit for fall foliage, typically mid‑October.

[ Official Great Smoky Mountains State Park Site ]

4. Redwood State Park – California

California’s Redwood State Park is home to some of the tallest trees on the planet, along with pristine coastline and an old‑world railroad that runs through the forest. The article highlights the “Golden Oak” trail, a moderate hike that rewards trekkers with a canopy of ancient trees and a view of the Pacific. It also underscores the park’s efforts to preserve its fragile ecosystem, featuring a “Leave No Trace” educational program.

[ Official Redwood State Park Site ]

5. Big Bend State Park – Texas

Although Texas boasts the massive national park of the same name, Big Bend State Park provides a more intimate experience with desert flora and the Chisos Mountains. The park’s “Saddleback” trail offers panoramic views of the Rio Grande and is a favorite for sunset photography. Travel & Leisure notes that the park recently installed new solar‑powered lights on its camping grounds, enhancing safety while minimizing environmental impact.

[ Official Big Bend State Park Site ]

6. Shenandoah State Park – Virginia

Shenandoah State Park, part of the Blue Ridge Mountains, is celebrated for its mix of water‑based recreation and mountain hikes. The article points out the “Lakeside Loop,” a 1.8‑mile walk around Lake Anna, perfect for family picnics and kayaking. The park also hosts an annual “Blue Ridge Festival,” featuring local music and food stalls—a highlight for cultural travelers.

[ Official Shenandoah State Park Site ]

7. Blue Ridge Parkway – North Carolina

While technically a scenic roadway rather than a traditional state park, the Blue Ridge Parkway is featured for its seasonal allure and well‑maintained pull‑outs. The guide showcases the “Carter’s Gap” overlook for breathtaking vistas and the “Hoggarth Farm” for a taste of regional agriculture. For the adventurous, the article recommends the “Appalachian Trail” spur that passes through the park.

[ Official Blue Ridge Parkway Site ]

8. Pigeon River State Park – Kentucky

A hidden gem on the Cumberland Plateau, Pigeon River State Park offers a quiet retreat for those seeking solitude amid towering rock formations and dense forests. The park’s signature “High Falls” trail climbs to a dramatic 150‑foot waterfall, accessible via a moderate 4‑mile loop. Travel & Leisure highlights the park’s eco‑lodging options, including tiny homes powered by renewable energy.

[ Official Pigeon River State Park Site ]

9. Red Rock Canyon State Park – Arizona

Red Rock Canyon State Park showcases the desert’s dramatic geology with a series of sandstone arches and a well‑maintained network of bike trails. The article emphasizes the “Grandview” overlook, a must‑visit spot for sunrise photography. The park has recently partnered with the local Native American tribe to host interpretive ranger programs that delve into the region’s cultural history.

[ Official Red Rock Canyon State Park Site ]

10. Lake Tahoe State Park – California

Lake Tahoe’s state park, straddling the California‑Nevada border, is renowned for its crystal‑clear waters and year‑round recreational opportunities. The article points out the “Emerald Bay” trail, a scenic hike that rewards hikers with a panoramic view of the lake and surrounding peaks. It also highlights the park’s commitment to wildlife conservation, with updated visitor guidelines aimed at protecting the lake’s fragile ecosystem.

[ Official Lake Tahoe State Park Site ]

Why These Parks Are Trending

Travel & Leisure attributes the surge in popularity of these state parks to several intertwined factors:

1. Accessibility – Many of the parks are within a 2‑hour drive of major metropolitan areas, making them ideal weekend getaways.
2. Family‑Friendly Facilities – From playgrounds to guided tours, the parks cater to families looking for safe, educational adventures.
3. Sustainable Practices – A growing number of parks are investing in renewable energy, waste‑reduction programs, and interpretive signage that promotes environmental stewardship.
4. Social Media Buzz – Stunning landscapes and curated photo‑op spots have turned these parks into Instagram and TikTok favorites, driving word‑of‑mouth traffic.

Planning Your Visit

For each park, the article recommends checking the official website for up‑to‑date visitor information, including trail closures, campground availability, and special events. Travel & Leisure also provides a handy “Best Time to Visit” calendar that aligns with seasonal highlights—whether you’re chasing fall colors in the Smokies or catching sunrise over Lake Tahoe.

To round off your trip, consider exploring the “State Park Pass” program, which offers discounted or free admission to a variety of state parks across the country. For travelers on a budget, many parks offer free entry on specific days each month.

Final Takeaway

Travel & Leisure’s 2025 list serves as a compass for discovering America’s most alluring state parks—places where natural splendor meets thoughtful hospitality. Whether you’re a seasoned backpacker, a family on vacation, or a casual day‑tripper, these parks promise an unforgettable experience that honors both the land and the communities that steward it. So grab your hiking boots, pack a picnic, and hit the road: the country’s best state parks are waiting.