The Government Shutdown Has Hit National Parks Hard. Hike These State Parks Instead.

With national parks facing furloughs and reduced visitor services, many conservation organizations are urging hikers to be good stewards by heading elsewhere. Check out these 20 underappreciated state parks instead.

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(Photo: DenisTangneyJr via Getty Images)

During a federal shutdown, even a partial one, federal agencies such as the National Park Service and the Forest Service face major furloughs, reduced visitor resources, and potential facility closures. This could affect hikers not even recreating on federal land. Senior editor Zoe Gates reported today that the Pacific Crest Trail Association just halted all maintenance projects across the entire multi-state trail due to furloughs at federal partner agencies. As of now, the national parks are technically open, but many conservation advocates suggest against visiting them: On its website, the Washington Trails Association suggests visiting state, county, and local parks and trails while the shutdown is in effect.

Need to pivot? Consider taking a trip to one of these hiker- and backpacker-friendly state parks, located all across the country.

Hike the State Parks: 14 Fantastic Destinations Backpackers Need to Know

From Maine’s Baxter State Park to California’s Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and literally every region in between, these are the best state parks for trips overnight and beyond, according to veteran backpacker M. John Fayhee.

Explore a Midwestern Jungle in Iowa’s Waubonsie State Park

Yes, there are forested valleys in the Heartland. Hills, too. An added bonus: This time of year, those forests are turning technicolor.

Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park Is a Hidden Wonder in the Heartland

The real ones know that Kansas it a lot more than the flat, flyover state that the rest of the country makes it out to be. But even for locals, this place is the “Kansas you never knew existed,” according to the state park’s website. Read about our writer’s trip to this ruggedly fragile park also called “Castle City.”

Our Favorite Places on Earth: Sucia Island State Park, Washington

Former Backpacker editor Kristin Smith is a Sucia Island regular, having hiked each trail on the island multiple times. And she’s still discovering the magic of this 1-square-mile sandstone isle. When you make the trip, keep your eyes peeled for anemones, starfish, crabs, and the occasional swimming garter snake close to shore.

Explore Coastline, Forest, and Shipwrecks in False Cape State Park, Virginia

Want to really get away from it all? This state park has zero vehicle access. It feels deserted; maybe from the lack of cars or RVs blowing past, or maybe because you can look out onto the ruins of an 1800s shipwreck. Our writer’s 22-mile lollipop loop’s the only way to see the best of this coastal park.