The South's Best State Parks 2022

South Carolina

At the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this Palmetto State hiking hub invites visitors to trek to the top of Table Rock for panoramic views, explore trails, and enjoy the cool waters of Pinnacle Lake and Lake Oolenoy. The park is also home to Pinnacle Mountain, which is the highest peak located entirely in South Carolina.

Texas

Embark on an array of adventures on approximately 5,000 acres in this scenic attraction along the Brazos River about 45 miles from Houston. Go horseback riding or hike the nature trails, and keep the binoculars handy. You might catch a glimpse of the area's wildlife, including river otters, alligators, waterfowl, and migratory birds.

Virginia

Created by a dam that was completed in the 1960s, Smith Mountain Lake is the showstopper of this Virginia destination, which lies on 1,248 acres along the shore between Lynchburg and Roanoke. Spanning over 20,000 acres, the lake is the second-largest body of freshwater in Virginia, with 500 miles of shoreline for boating and fishing.

Alabama

Established in 1933, Cheaha is the oldest state park in Alabama and features thousands of acres of wilderness as well as the highest point in the state. That's Cheaha Mountain (inside Talladega National Forest), and its peak rises to an elevation of about 2,400 feet above sea level.

Florida

Beloved for its water sports (such as kayaking, fishing, boating, swimming, tubing, canoeing, snorkeling, and scuba diving) this state park near DeLand, Florida, is a popular spot—and not just for people. In winter, manatees gather here and can be seen floating through the clear waters. Be sure to arrive early, because this place reaches capacity year-round.

Kentucky

The calling card of this Kentucky escape is an impressive natural bridge that you can access via a hike along a scenic trail or a short ride on the park's sky lift. You will find a lot to explore nearby, including Daniel Boone National Forest and the Red River Gorge Geological Area, where you can go birding, fishing, and canoeing.

Florida

Located in Northwest Florida off East County Highway 30A, this state park is home to one of the Panhandle's most picturesque stretches of shore. It's a prime destination for seeing sunsets, paddling on Western Lake, and meandering the trails that thread through acres of salt-scrubbed plants and trees.

South Carolina

This state park on the South Carolina coast includes both beach and inland wetland terrain, which makes it a destination for wildlife watching. Several nature trails allow access to the landscape and its inhabitants: Be on the lookout for seafaring birds such as egrets, herons, and ospreys plus other animals like alligators and sea turtles, which live in and around the area.

Georgia

To experience some of the most jaw-dropping sights in Georgia, head to Tallulah Gorge, a 2-mile-long, 1,000-foot-deep geological formation carved by the Tallulah River. Enjoy waterfalls and overlooks via challenging trails along the rim (for experienced hikers only), or take in a view from the 80-foot-high suspension bridge over the gorge. (You'll need a permit to hike to the gorge floor.)

North Carolina

Head to the North Carolina mountains to explore an incredible Southern landscape. At 5,946 feet, Grandfather Mountain stands higher than any other peak in the surrounding area. Grandfather Mountain State Park encompasses almost 2,456 acres with hiking trails and the opportunity to camp (with a permit). Hikers can take in panoramic views of the North Carolina scenery from the Black Rock Trail (shown at right). The neighboring 700-acre Grandfather Mountain nature park (which includes the Mile-High Swinging Bridge and wildlife habitats) is run by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, a nonprofit. Visitors to the area love exploring the hiking trails that lace the forests, where they can  take in the natural beauty of North Carolina. 
Learn more.