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National Geographic Guide to State Parks of the United States
Discover more than 950 of the best parks in all 50 states in this completely updated guide from National Geographic.
Bask in the spectacular beauty, thrilling terrain, and quiet peacefulness of the country's finest state parks, hand-picked by park directors and National Geographic editors. This fully updated fifth edition includes 750 additional off-the-beaten track destinations. Beautifully written descriptions tell the stories of the parks, from their wildlife, natural features, and history to their most popular current activities such as hiking, biking, horseback riding, water sports, and rock climbing. Vivid images inspire your next getaway, while detailed information--including 32 detailed maps highlighting sites, trails, campgrounds, and more--helps you plan your next excursion. From free to low-cost, from Florida to Alaska, from the six-acre Iao Valley to the 204,000-acre Baxter, use this essential guide to plan a day visit or a weekend escape.
Bask in the spectacular beauty, thrilling terrain, and quiet peacefulness of the country's finest state parks, hand-picked by park directors and National Geographic editors. This fully updated fifth edition includes 750 additional off-the-beaten track destinations. Beautifully written descriptions tell the stories of the parks, from their wildlife, natural features, and history to their most popular current activities such as hiking, biking, horseback riding, water sports, and rock climbing. Vivid images inspire your next getaway, while detailed information--including 32 detailed maps highlighting sites, trails, campgrounds, and more--helps you plan your next excursion. From free to low-cost, from Florida to Alaska, from the six-acre Iao Valley to the 204,000-acre Baxter, use this essential guide to plan a day visit or a weekend escape.
480 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 1997
13 people are currently reading
396 people want to read
About the author
National Geographic Society
4,223 books1,119 followersThe National Geographic Society (NGS), headquartered in Washington, D.C., United States, is one of the largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations in the world.
Founded in 1888, its interests include geography, archaeology, and natural science, the promotion of environmental and historical conservation, and the study of world culture and history. The National Geographic Society's logo is a yellow portrait frame—rectangular in shape—which appears on the margins surrounding the front covers of its magazines and as its television channel logo. Through National Geographic Partners (a joint venture with The Walt Disney Company), the Society operates the magazine, TV channels, a website, worldwide events, and other media operations.
Founded in 1888, its interests include geography, archaeology, and natural science, the promotion of environmental and historical conservation, and the study of world culture and history. The National Geographic Society's logo is a yellow portrait frame—rectangular in shape—which appears on the margins surrounding the front covers of its magazines and as its television channel logo. Through National Geographic Partners (a joint venture with The Walt Disney Company), the Society operates the magazine, TV channels, a website, worldwide events, and other media operations.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 6, 2024
Great peek into what each state has to offer but is by no means a comprehensive guide.
Of course, I’m biased. I wrote some of the entries under Ohio State Parks... take it from me— it’s super hard to just pick a few when our state has more than 75 great parks to choose from!!
A copy of this gorgeous book is proudly sitting on my office book shelf!
(Reviewed 3/1/18)
Of course, I’m biased. I wrote some of the entries under Ohio State Parks... take it from me— it’s super hard to just pick a few when our state has more than 75 great parks to choose from!!
A copy of this gorgeous book is proudly sitting on my office book shelf!
(Reviewed 3/1/18)
April 10, 2024
A great resource for what it is: an introduction to various state park across the country. Not exhaustive, but thorough as well as helpful.
July 31, 2017
I'm a little surprised this book hasn't been reviewed yet, so I'll give one. I found this book to be very useful for finding great state parks around the country that I wouldn't have thought to visit otherwise. I used the book quite a bit this spring and summer during my travels.
For each state, NG staff typically selected 4 of the very best state parks with the help of recommendations from the state park director in each state, although the exact number ranged from 3 to 6 depending on the state. For each selected park, they then provided detailed information on its history, what to see and do in the park, campgrounds, and (sometimes) nearby attractions. For some of the larger parks, they also included an attractive map of the park. Some parks were chosen primarily for scenery, others for their historic interest, and yet others for a combination of both attributes. Highly recommended for those who like to get out and explore, whether on vacation or short weekend trips.
For each state, NG staff typically selected 4 of the very best state parks with the help of recommendations from the state park director in each state, although the exact number ranged from 3 to 6 depending on the state. For each selected park, they then provided detailed information on its history, what to see and do in the park, campgrounds, and (sometimes) nearby attractions. For some of the larger parks, they also included an attractive map of the park. Some parks were chosen primarily for scenery, others for their historic interest, and yet others for a combination of both attributes. Highly recommended for those who like to get out and explore, whether on vacation or short weekend trips.
April 22, 2016
Gorgeous book, and a great teaser for the State Park options there are out there. Downsides: it doesn't show all of them (I almost wish it said "top xx state parks" or something), and sometimes the pics they choose aren't the most beautiful, nor the most compelling, but I'll choose a colour guide anytime over the other options, and it still has a lot of great info!
June 26, 2020
Cover the main spots in the states but doesn't cover all the possibilities. As it says right on the cover, it goes over about 200 parks in the 50 states, so you know it is going to be a somewhat cursory review. A good primer for the first time traveler, but not as much for the pros who have been out and about for a while.
March 22, 2014
Ok for what it shows - it just misses hundreds (thousands?) of state parks- wonder how they decided which to review- they missed some great ones.
February 27, 2018
With pictures, maps, and visiting tips, this new edition is an adventurer’s must have!
Broken into ten regions, each section gives highlights of select state parks throughout all fifty states. Each state is featured with a group of ideal state parks to visit, which includes a map showing the location of the state park within the state as well as one or two color photos that the traveler can expect to take in a certain times of the year. Each state park also provides information on operating times, what to see and do, lodging information, and nearby sights. Additionally, a more compressive list of other state parks is included to the few featured for each state in case the traveler’s appetite is whetted for more adventure.
One of my favorite aspects of this book was seeing how many of the state parks that I have already visited. We are a family who love to go state and national parks and enjoy nature through hiking, biking, kayaking, and so on. This is another book that we have already earmarked pages of places that we want to visit. We’re heading out to California in June and are planning to check out one of these new parks along the way. It is easy to navigate and will be a resource we consistently reference. I recommend this book for the traveler and those who love to read about nature.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.
Broken into ten regions, each section gives highlights of select state parks throughout all fifty states. Each state is featured with a group of ideal state parks to visit, which includes a map showing the location of the state park within the state as well as one or two color photos that the traveler can expect to take in a certain times of the year. Each state park also provides information on operating times, what to see and do, lodging information, and nearby sights. Additionally, a more compressive list of other state parks is included to the few featured for each state in case the traveler’s appetite is whetted for more adventure.
One of my favorite aspects of this book was seeing how many of the state parks that I have already visited. We are a family who love to go state and national parks and enjoy nature through hiking, biking, kayaking, and so on. This is another book that we have already earmarked pages of places that we want to visit. We’re heading out to California in June and are planning to check out one of these new parks along the way. It is easy to navigate and will be a resource we consistently reference. I recommend this book for the traveler and those who love to read about nature.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.
October 11, 2023
Overall a good read with a lot of info. It’s just enough to wet your whistle and get you interested in visiting and has enough information to make you feel like you kind of know what’s going on.
My only critique is I wish there were pronunciation guides and MORE MORE MORE pictures. There were so many times a feature was described and I was excited to see what it looked like but there were no pictures of it.
My only critique is I wish there were pronunciation guides and MORE MORE MORE pictures. There were so many times a feature was described and I was excited to see what it looked like but there were no pictures of it.
May 14, 2019
Ok as a guide, but it only covers state parks, and only 4 in WA.... Not national parks, or monuments, or any other type of park, which limits it's scope if I am trying to figure out where to visit in, say, Oregon
April 25, 2021
Lots of colorful photos & chockfull of information. A good national guide but if spending time in one region, probably helpful to read further in a volume specific to that region/state. Two thumbs up though!
May 4, 2018
Great information about the parks it covers. Sadly, it doesn't cover all state parks, only a select few for each state. Still, a good read, though incomplete.
July 30, 2018
Very detailed descriptions of each park. Lots to choose from to explore!
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August 15, 2021Great detail for when you're actually on your road trip. Would help you decide how to choose which state park you want to visit as you go....
December 15, 2023
I loved this journey!!!
August 20, 2020
I love state parks! I love that this book has them all organized with photos and helpful tips! See some in here I hadn’t heard of before and are closer to me than I thought. Thanks for putting this together Nat Geo!
August 6, 2007
If you're planning a trip to one of our country's wonderful National Parks, this is a great resource. It contains helpful descriptions and beautiful color photos.
December 6, 2008
The state parks in the US also have lots of beauty and are often overlooked. Good to see a collection of information on them.
January 24, 2013
Great book to thumb through. I didn't read it cover to cover, but it would be fun to check out from the library again when we're planning future road trips. It sure made me want to travel more!
June 2, 2013
This is a fantastically comprehensive books if you are planning your trip through natural wonders of the United States!
June 15, 2013
great reference book... good info on parks..wish it went into more detail on hiking trails, canoe and kayak put ins, and climbing routes on the parks that offer these.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews