Southern state parks offer stunning waterfalls, breathtaking vistas, and beautiful sandy beaches, making them ideal playgrounds for nature lovers. Whether you prefer a peaceful walk in the woods, a challenging hike with panoramic views, paddling on a serene lake, or exploring the deep sea while scuba diving, the state parks in the South have something for everyone. These parks are accessible year-round, either for free or with a nominal entrance fee, allowing you to appreciate the diverse wonders of Mother Nature. Ready to discover some of the best state parks in the South? Read on for a list of 26 must-visit destinations.
Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes, Delaware, boasts historic sand dunes that once housed U.S. defenses during World War II and the Cold War. Visitors can explore the Fort Miles Museum and Historical Area, including an underground bunker exhibit at Battery 519. The park offers a stunning beach, family-friendly amenities for swimming, kayaking, and fishing, and beautiful views from the observation tower. With bay and ocean beaches, basketball courts, disc golf, biking trails, and horseback riding, there’s plenty to do for outdoor enthusiasts. The Seaside Nature Center even offers a bike rental program. Don’t miss the touch tank and marine exhibits before your outdoor adventure.
Ichetucknee Springs State Park in Fort White, Florida, is a paradise for scuba divers and tubers alike. Dive into the Blue Hole Spring for underwater exploration, or tube down the crystal-clear Ichetucknee River, enjoying the picturesque wetlands and hammocks along the way. Hiking trails like Blue Hole Trail, Trestle Point Trail, and Pine Ridge Trail offer various outdoor experiences, from spring views to sand hills. Look out for wildlife like herons, turkeys, and deer while exploring the park’s diverse ecosystems.
Huntington Beach State Park in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with its wetland habitats and 3-mile beach attracting over 300 bird species. Explore the causeway, freshwater pond, tidal marsh, and nature trails to spot a variety of winged creatures and maybe even catch a glimpse of alligators.
Explore the coastal beauty of Murrells Inlet at Huntington Beach State Park, where you can try surf fishing from the beach jetty or take a tour of the historic Atalaya Castle, once the home of sculptor Anna Hyatt Huntington and her husband. Don’t miss the annual arts and crafts festival held here each September. For more information, visit southcarolinaparks.com/huntington-beach or head to 16148 Ocean Highway, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576.
Venture to Big Bend Ranch State Park in Terlingua, Texas, a former working ranch turned outdoor playground. With its diverse landscapes in the Chihuahuan Desert, the park offers activities for every interest level, from mountain biking and hiking to horseback riding. You can also explore the stunning Rio Grande and witness breathtaking sunsets and stargazing, as the park is designated as an International Dark Sky Park. Plan your visit at tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/big-bend-ranch or stop by 21800 FM 170, Terlingua, TX 79852, or call 432-424-3327.
Located on Lookout Mountain, Cloudland Canyon State Park in Rising Fawn, Georgia, boasts scenic waterfalls, cliffs, caves, and creeks. Enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, disc golf, and fishing. Stay in one of the park’s cozy cottages or yurts for a unique lodging experience. For more details, visit gastateparks.org/CloudlandCanyon or drop by 122 Cloudland Canyon Park Road, Rising Fawn, GA 30738, or call 706-657-4050.
Embark on your adventure at Amicalola Falls State Park in Dawsonville, Georgia, known as the starting point for the Appalachian Trail. Thrill-seekers can try the Zip Line Canopy Tour or the archery course, while nature lovers can marvel at the 729-foot Amicalola Falls. Plan your visit at amicalolafallslodge.com or visit 418 Amicalola Falls Lodge Drive, Dawsonville, GA 30534, or call 706-344-1500.
For a glimpse of Louisiana’s unique landscape and wildlife, head to Chicot State Park in Ville Platte. Explore Lake Chicot on an 8-mile canoe trail, or visit the Louisiana State Arboretum within the park for a serene experience.
Chicot State Park in Ville Platte, Louisiana, is a sprawling forest filled with beeches, maples, magnolias, and various other trees, covering over 600 acres of natural growth. The park also boasts plantings of the state’s native flora scattered throughout. Visitors to Lake Chicot can enjoy spacious campsites, excellent fishing opportunities with largemouth bass and bluegill, and recreational areas for kids, including a splash pad. The park features a picturesque lake encircled by a hiking and backpacking trail, accommodating mountain bikers as well. For more information, visit the park’s website at lastateparks.com/parks-preserves/chicot-state-park or contact them at 337-363-2403.
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, located in Key Largo, Florida, was established in 1960 as the United States’ first undersea park. This unique destination offers a close-up look at Florida’s 350-mile Coral Reef system along the Atlantic Coast. Visitors can explore marine life through activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, glass-bottomed boat rides, and paddling trails. On land, boardwalks wind through mangroves and tropical forests, with a visitors center featuring saltwater aquariums for those who prefer not to dive. To plan your visit, visit floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/john-pennekamp-coral-reef-state-park or call 305-676-3777.
Blackwater Falls State Park in Davis, West Virginia, is highlighted by a majestic nearly 60-foot waterfall cascading along a river bend. This mountainous park offers cool evenings year-round, with winter activities like sledding, snow-shoeing, and skiing drawing crowds. Summer is equally delightful, offering relief from the heat. Visitors can enjoy various activities, including exploring hiking trails, viewing the 57-foot Blackwater Falls, and experiencing the longest sled run on the East Coast. An 18-hole disc golf course serves as a habitat for pollinators, allowing guests to play amidst an array of wildlife. Refuel with delicious pepperoni rolls at the snack bar for a taste of West Virginia. For more information, visit wvstateparks.com/park/blackwater-falls-state-park or call 304-259-5216.
Fall Creek Falls State Park in Spencer, Tennessee, spans over 28,900 acres and features cascades, gorges, and more than 56 miles of trails. The park’s namesake waterfall, Fall Creek Falls, towers at 256 feet, while other waterfalls like Cane Creek Falls and Piney Falls offer their own beauty. Visitors can cool off in the Olympic-size swimming pool during the summer or rent boats and paddleboards for water activities. The park also houses an 18-hole golf course and a pro shop for gear. For a comprehensive outdoor experience, explore the park’s vast offerings
Explore the great outdoors at Fall Creek Falls State Park in Spencer, Tennessee. This expansive park offers a variety of activities, including hiking, ziplining, and bike rentals. Overnight guests can choose between camping or staying in a cozy cabin. For more information, visit tnstateparks.com/parks/fall-creek-falls or contact them at 423-881-5298.
Discover the natural beauty of South Cumberland State Park in Monteagle, Tennessee. This sprawling park spans over 12,000 acres across three counties and features 20 miles of hiking trails. Highlights include the Fiery Gizzard Trail, Grundy Lakes for fishing, and rock climbing opportunities at Foster Falls and Denny Cove. For more details, visit tnstateparks.com/parks/south-cumberland or call 931-924-2980.
Immerse yourself in history and natural wonders at Tishomingo State Park in Tishomingo, Mississippi. Named after Chief Tishominko of the Chickasaw Nation, this park offers scenic drives along the Natchez Trace Parkway, rock climbing on sandstone cliffs, and canoe-float trips down Bear Creek. For more information, visit mdwfp.com/parks-destinations/park/tishomingo-state-park or contact them at 662-438-6914.
Experience the beauty of Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores, Alabama, with its white-sand beaches, lakes, and diverse ecosystems. Enjoy fishing, swimming, or paddling on Lake Shelby, explore the nature center, and walk on the pier for stunning views of the Gulf. Overnight accommodations include cabins, cottages, and hotel rooms. For more details, visit alapark.com/parks/gulf-state-park or call 251-948-7275.
Escape to Fontainebleau State Park in Mandeville, Louisiana, located on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain. Explore the ruins of a 19th-century sugar mill, paddle through Cane Bayou, or bike along the Tammany Trace to spot wildlife. Don’t miss the lakefront beach and fishing pier for beautiful sunset views. For more information, visit the park’s website.
Explore and enjoy the 7,300-square-foot playground, accessible to all ages, featuring ramps and inclusive swing seating for the young ones. Additionally, a rugged all-terrain electric wheelchair is available at no cost for reservations. Visit Fontainebleau State Park in Mandeville, LA for more information.
Experience the unique Ha Ha Tonka State Park in Camdenton, Missouri, where you can explore ruins of a castle that once stood atop a bluff overlooking a lake. Hike through paths to rock formations, caves, and a natural bridge. Discover Ha Ha Tonka Spring and enjoy prime fishing opportunities along Lake of the Ozarks.
Discover Tallulah Gorge State Park in Tallulah Falls, Georgia, showcasing a 2-mile-long, 1,000-foot-deep canyon with waterfalls and the Tallulah River. Adventurers can hike along the rim or into the canyon with free permits available daily. Enjoy stunning views from overlooks, including the Wallenda Towers used by tightrope walker Karl Wallenda in 1970.
Visit Cheaha State Park in Delta, Alabama, also known as the “Island in the Sky.” Home to Alabama’s tallest mountain, the park offers a stone observation tower and hiking trails through granite boulder fields. Stay overnight in original CCC stone cabins or newer A-frame chalets and glamping tents.
Explore Petit Jean State Park in Morrilton, Arkansas, located on Petit Jean Mountain overlooking the Arkansas River Valley. Discover ancient Native American dwellings on the Seven Hollows Trail or visit the Rock House Cave Trail to see pictographs in a natural shelter.
Explore the rich history and natural beauty of these captivating parks across the United States. At Petit Jean State Park in Arkansas, marvel at ancient petroglyphs left by the indigenous people and admire the Adirondack-style architecture of the Civilian Conservation Corps, prominently showcased in the impressive stonework of Mather Lodge. Discover unique geological formations, such as turtle and carpet rocks, explore Bear Cave, and take in the breathtaking 95-foot Cedar Falls. Enjoy a picnic overlooking Roosevelt Lake or Lake Bailey while learning about the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail, marking the forced migration of the Cherokee people. In North Carolina, Hanging Rock State Park offers stunning views of the Sauratown Mountains and a variety of outdoor activities, from hiking along mountain trails to kayaking on the Dan River. Head to T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park in Florida for a secluded beach experience on the “Forgotten Coast,” where you can enjoy white sand beaches, wildlife watching, and various fishing opportunities. Lastly, Beavers Bend State Park in Oklahoma provides a wide range of outdoor activities, including boating on Broken Bow Lake, horseback riding, and golfing at Cedar Creek Golf Course. Each park offers a unique and unforgettable outdoor experience for visitors.
Experience a serene escape at Hunting Island State Park in South Carolina, a stunning destination known for its picturesque beach immortalized in movies like Forrest Gump and G.I. Jane. Situated near Beaufort, the island offers a diverse landscape that includes the Atlantic Ocean, marshlands, and 5 miles of pristine beaches. The island’s name originates from its history as a hunting ground, where deer and waterfowl still roam freely. Keep an eye out for loggerhead turtles nesting in the area, especially during late summer when hatchlings make their journey to the ocean.
For a taste of fresh seafood, try crabbing or fishing off the pier at Fripp Inlet. Whether you prefer swimming, boating, or kayaking, the coastal breeze and natural beauty of Hunting Island will captivate you.
Don’t miss out on this natural paradise! Visit [southcarolinaparks.com/hunting-island](https://southcarolinaparks.com/hunting-island) or head to 2555 Sea Island Parkway, Hunting Island, SC 29920 for an unforgettable outdoor experience.
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park in Corbin, Kentucky, offers a unique experience with bags of rough material for patrons to sift through in search of colorful fossils and gemstones. The park also provides guidance on how to screen the material effectively. For more information, visit parks.ky.gov/parks/find-a-park/cumberland-falls-state-resort-park-7786 or contact them at 7351 Highway 90, Corbin, KY 40701, or 606-528-4121.
Grayson Highlands State Park in Mouth of Wilson, Virginia, is a haven for horse lovers, featuring wild ponies that were introduced in the 1970s to help manage forest growth. Visitors can spot these ponies along the trails, but caution is advised to maintain a safe distance. While the park does not offer horseback riding services, it does provide overnight stables, trailer facilities, and more than 9 miles of interconnected equestrian trails that link to those in the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests. Additionally, the park caters to rock climbers with seven bouldering fields and anglers with around 10 miles of wild trout streams. Visitors can also explore a 200-year-old pioneer cabin, picturesque waterfalls, and vibrant rhododendrons that bloom along popular trails in June. The Hickory Ridge Campground, featuring yurts, campsites, and bunkhouses, is currently undergoing renovations and is expected to reopen in May 2026. In the meantime, the park remains open for day use and backcountry camping. For those planning an extended trip, access points to the Appalachian Trail and Virginia Highlands Horse Trail are available in the vicinity. Find out more at dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/grayson-highlands or reach out to them at 829 Grayson Highland Ln., Mouth of Wilson, VA 24363, or 276-579-709. Source: Southern Living
