A selection of 12 US state parks are being promoted as free-to-enter destinations, providing alternatives to often-crowded national parks. These parks feature a range of natural attractions, from extensive hiking trails to waterfalls and diverse wildlife.
Among the highlighted parks is Ohio's Hocking Hills State Park, which spans 2,356 acres and offers around 25 miles of hiking trails, including wheelchair-accessible options. It features geological attractions such as Old Man’s Cave gorge system and Ash Cave. Overnight stays are available, with tent and RV sites from around $25 per night and cabins from about $100 per night.
In Pennsylvania, Ricketts Glen State Park boasts 22 waterfalls across 13,000 acres, with a 7.2-mile Falls Trail. Camping starts from around $15 per night, and cabins from about $61. Other parks mentioned include West Virginia's Blackwater Falls State Park, Kentucky's Natural Bridge State Resort Park, Tennessee's Fall Creek Falls State Park, and Arkansas's Mount Magazine State Park, all offering various activities and accommodation options.