Unearth The Voyage
State parks across America are having a major moment in 2025, and Google Maps search data proves it. From waterfall-packed gorges to red rock deserts and manatee hangouts, people are clicking, planning, and visiting these outdoor gems more than ever. Whether you’re craving canyon views, coastal trails, or a chance to dig for diamonds, this list covers the parks everyone’s talking about right now.
1. Watkins Glen State Park, New York – the #1 gorge-and-waterfalls obsession
Claiming the top spot on Google’s 2025 trending list is no small feat, but Watkins Glen earned it with jaw-dropping gorge trails and 19 waterfalls packed into two miles. Visitors walk behind, beside, and beneath rushing water while stone staircases weave through narrow canyon walls.
Photographers flock here for shots that look almost too good to be real. Families love the easy-to-follow trail, and hikers appreciate the cool mist on hot days. If you’re planning a trip, arrive early because parking fills up fast during peak season.
2. Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada – red sandstone that looks unreal on camera
Ranked second on the trending list, Valley of Fire delivers some of the most photogenic desert scenery in the Southwest. Wave-like red sandstone formations glow at sunrise and sunset, creating Instagram gold for anyone with a camera.
Ancient petroglyphs add a historical layer to your visit, while short trails like Fire Wave keep things accessible for most fitness levels. Summer heat can be brutal, so spring and fall are ideal times to explore. Don’t skip the visitor center for context on the geology and Native American history that shaped this fiery landscape.
3. Liberty State Park, New Jersey – skyline views + Statue of Liberty energy
Coming in at number three, Liberty State Park offers something unique: world-class skyline views without leaving New Jersey. The waterfront location puts you face-to-face with Lady Liberty and Ellis Island, plus the entire Manhattan skyline stretches out across the Hudson River.
Bikers, joggers, and picnickers share the wide-open green spaces, while history buffs tour the old Central Railroad Terminal. Ferry access to the Statue of Liberty launches right from the park. It’s an urban escape that feels surprisingly peaceful despite being minutes from major cities.
4. Starved Rock State Park, Illinois – Midwestern canyons that surprise people
Illinois might not scream canyon country, but Starved Rock proves stereotypes wrong with 18 canyons carved into ancient sandstone. Google searches spiked in 2025 as more people discovered this Midwestern gem hiding along the Illinois River.
Seasonal waterfalls flow strongest in spring after snowmelt, turning quiet ravines into roaring showcases. Winter transforms the falls into frozen sculptures that attract cold-weather adventurers. The park’s lodge offers cozy rooms if you want to extend your stay beyond a day trip from Chicago.
5. Silver Falls State Park, Oregon — waterfall-after-waterfall vibes
Oregon’s reputation for waterfall abundance gets a major boost from Silver Falls, where the Trail of Ten Falls lives up to its name. You’ll hike past, and sometimes behind, ten distinct waterfalls in a single loop that feels like nature’s greatest hits playlist.
Moss-covered trees and fern-lined paths create that classic Pacific Northwest atmosphere. The trail stretches about seven miles, but shorter out-and-back options work for families with younger kids. Spring runoff makes the falls most dramatic, though autumn colors add their own magic to the experience.
6. Letchworth State Park, New York — “Grand Canyon of the East” (for real)
New York’s Genesee River carved a 17-mile gorge that earned Letchworth the nickname Grand Canyon of the East, and Google’s 2025 trending data shows the comparison resonates. Three major waterfalls punctuate the canyon, with Middle Falls stealing most of the attention at 107 feet tall.
Fall foliage season transforms the park into a riot of reds, oranges, and yellows that frame the waterfalls perfectly. Over 66 miles of trails cater to everyone from casual strollers to serious backpackers. The park even offers hot air balloon rides for those wanting a bird’s-eye perspective of the gorge.
7. Blue Spring State Park, Florida — the place people associate with manatees
When winter temperatures drop, manatees flock to Blue Spring’s constant 72-degree water, and visitors follow them. This trending park became synonymous with manatee watching, offering some of the best guaranteed sightings in Florida between November and March.
The spring pumps out 104 million gallons of crystal-clear water daily, creating a stunning turquoise pool perfect for swimming and snorkeling during warmer months when manatees leave. Boardwalks and observation platforms make viewing easy for all ages. Rangers conduct daily manatee counts, sometimes recording over 500 individuals on the coldest days.
8. Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Texas — huge canyon scenery without the national-park crowds
Texas does everything big, and Palo Duro Canyon backs that up as the second-largest canyon system in the United States. Making Google’s top ten trending list, this 120-mile-long gorge offers Grand Canyon drama with way fewer tourists crowding the viewpoints.
Red and orange canyon walls layer like a geological history book you can hike through. The Lighthouse Trail leads to the park’s most iconic rock formation, a challenging but rewarding six-mile round trip. Summer outdoor musical performances in the canyon amphitheater add cultural flavor to the natural spectacle.
9. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, California — coastal drama in a small footprint
Monterey’s coastal crown jewel packed enough beauty into 550 acres to land on Google’s trending top ten. Point Lobos combines rugged cliffs, turquoise coves, and twisted cypress trees into a compact masterpiece that photographers dream about.
Sea lions bark from offshore rocks while sea otters float in kelp forests just beyond the shore. Short, interconnected trails mean you can see highlights in a few hours, though most visitors end up staying longer than planned. Parking is extremely limited, so arriving at opening time or making a reservation is essential during busy seasons.
10. Crater of Diamonds State Park, Arkansas — the “you can actually dig here” park
Rounding out the top ten, this park offers something no other state park can match: you can keep any diamonds you find. The 37-acre search area is the eroded surface of an ancient volcanic crater, and over 75,000 diamonds have been discovered here since it became a park.
Visitors rent basic tools or bring their own to dig, sift, and search the plowed field. Finds range from tiny specks to the occasional multi-carat gem that makes headlines. Even if you leave empty-handed, the thrill of the hunt and the what-if factor keep people coming back.
11. Devil’s Lake State Park, Wisconsin — bluff-top views that earn rave reviews
Wisconsin’s most-visited state park climbed Google’s trending list thanks to 500-foot quartzite bluffs that tower over a spring-fed lake. Rock climbers tackle the vertical faces while hikers sweat their way up to overlooks that justify every uphill step.
The lake itself stays refreshingly cool for summer swimming, with sandy beaches that fill up on hot weekends. Fall colors paint the surrounding hardwood forest in spectacular fashion, making September and October prime visiting months. Over 29 miles of trails range from easy lakeside strolls to challenging bluff scrambles that require some hand-over-hand climbing.
12. Turkey Run State Park, Indiana — ladders, ravines, and a “natural obstacle course” feel
Indiana’s Turkey Run turns hiking into an adventure playground where ladders, creek crossings, and narrow ravines create a natural obstacle course. Sandstone canyons force you to squeeze through tight passages and climb wooden ladders bolted to rock faces, making every turn feel like exploration rather than just a walk.
Sugar Creek winds through the park, offering canoeing for those wanting a water-level perspective. The historic inn provides rustic accommodations if you want to tackle multiple trail systems over a weekend. Kids especially love the interactive nature of the trails, where problem-solving becomes part of the fun.
13. Bear Mountain State Park, New York — big Hudson Valley payoff near NYC
Less than an hour from New York City, Bear Mountain delivers serious Hudson Valley views without requiring a major time investment. The summit hike rewards climbers with 360-degree panoramas that stretch across the river valley and beyond, while Perkins Memorial Tower adds extra elevation for even better photo opportunities.
The park’s proximity to the metro area means weekends get crowded, but weekday visits offer relative solitude. A zoo, lake, and extensive trail network give families multiple activity options beyond just hiking. Autumn transforms the valley into a patchwork of brilliant colors visible from the mountaintop.
14. Cloudland Canyon State Park, Georgia — deep canyon rims and big overlooks
Georgia’s answer to Western canyon parks, Cloudland sits on the western edge of Lookout Mountain where a deep gorge cuts through the landscape. Two waterfalls tumble into the canyon, accessible via a staircase trail that drops 600 feet and then climbs back up, testing your leg strength both ways.
Rim trails offer easier walking with dramatic overlook views that don’t require the waterfall descent. Camping options range from tent sites to yurts for those wanting a bit more comfort. Morning fog often fills the canyon, creating ethereal scenes that photographers time their visits to capture.
15. Smith Rock State Park, Oregon — iconic rock spires and a leg-burner climb
Central Oregon’s rock climbing mecca earned its trending status with towering volcanic spires that glow orange against desert-blue skies. The Misery Ridge trail lives up to its name with a steep, exposed climb that rewards survivors with stunning views of the Crooked River winding through the canyon below.
Even non-climbers appreciate watching experts tackle routes on the famous Monkey Face formation. The high-desert setting means hot summers and surprisingly pleasant shoulder seasons. Sunrise and sunset turn the rocks into natural spotlights, making early or late visits worth the effort for photographers and Instagram enthusiasts.
