6 of the Most Beautiful State Parks to Visit in the Spring

Spring has almost sprung, and with the official start of the season arriving on March 20,  we're already thinking of all of the ways we plan to take advantage of the sunny, warm weather and the earth springing back to life.

One of our favorite ways to do this is to get back into nature, and we truly can't get enough of everything U.S. state parks have to offer. They were established to preserve the natural beauty and historical significance of important locations all around the country, and while they're all worth a visit, certain parks are especially gorgeous in spring. If you get the chance to travel this season—spring break or not—we recommended starting with these six unforgettable locations around the United States.

Wallace Falls State Park – Snohomish County, Washington

Wallace Falls State Park in Snohomish County offers a little bit of everything that makes Washington's lush forests so captivating. It's extra scenic, with dense trees against a mountainous backdrop and featuring two lakes and a three-tiered waterfall, with numerous hiking trails to explore. No matter where you stand in the park, you can count on a gorgeous view, and if you dress right, even a little rain won't stop you from having a beautiful time there.

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Robert H. Treman State Park – Ithaca, New York

We'll admit we're a bit biased toward parks with excellent hiking trails and scenic waterfalls, but it truly is impossible to resist the allure of Robert H. Treman State Park in Ithaca, New York. It's located in a gorge that skirts the Enfield Creek, complete with a dozen waterfalls (including the famous 115-foot Lucifer Falls) and easily accessible hiking trailers. There's also a swimming hole, as well as camp sites and cabins for rent, and since it's closed all winter, spring is the ideal time to visit.

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Also read about: 5 Ways to Feel Productive During Your Spring Break

 

Palms Book State Park – Manistique, Michigan

Palms Book State Park in Manistique, Michigan is famous for Kitch-iti-kipi (aka the Big Spring). It's the state's freshwater spring, featuring beautifully reflective aquamarine waters that have an especially enchanting glow in the spring sunlight. You can't swim or fish in the remarkably clear waters, but you can take a raft across to see what life lies beneath.

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Anza-Borrego Desert State Park – Borrego Springs, California

One thing everyone should have on their bucket lists is visiting a wildflower bloom. Desert blooms are particularly mesmerizing, which is why we have Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in Borrego Springs, California on this list. Each year, these delightfully color flowers burst forth from late winter to spring, transforming the sandy desert into a whimsical garden of lilies, poppies and more.

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Also read about: These Instagram Captions Are Perfect for All of Your Spring-Related Posts

 

Cumberland Mountain State Park – Crossville, Tennessee

Cumberland Mountain State Park in Crossville, Tennessee is packed with all kinds of activities, from camping and hiking to biking, golfing and more, all situated around the beautiful Byrd Lake. At is center is the Byrd Lake Dam, a sandstone construction that's stood since 1935 and still is the perfect backdrop for any photo op.

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Babcock State Park – Clifftop, West Virginia

Babcock State Park in Clifftop, West Virginia is a great example of a park that blends the majesty of nature with compelling architecture. The park is located on more than 4,000 scenic acres along the New River Gorge, and while it's beloved for its rafting, hiking, fishing and so much more, its perhaps most famous for the Glade Creek Grist Mill. This mill was built in 1976 as a working replica of the original Cooper's Mill, preserving the history of more than 500 local mills. It's yet another park that closes all winter long, making it a sight worth seeing once it reopens in the spring

(via Shutterstock)

 

Love having another hour of light to enjoy each day? Click HERE for our top tips on making the most of them.