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As the warm sun starts its slow descent into fall and shadows begin to stand taller, take solace in the fact that you still have lots of time to chase the summer sun. In the past we've listed off top national parks for you to explore while on locum tenens assignment. However, there are a myriad of state parks throughout the U.S. that are equally impressive.
So go out into the world and be captivated by all the tall trees and every last sweeping mountain and every inch of red-rock desert you can find. Keep in mind, we are well aware that the scenery described above isn't solely confined to summer. But we can all agree that the summer season is when scenery like this is ripe for exploring.
So get out there. Go camp and hike (and whatever else it is you like to do in the great outdoors) to your heart's content. Here are four can't-miss state parks.
Located on the Big Island along the northeastern Hamakua Coast, this state park is worth the trek. Old rainforest and overgrown orchids dot the 0.4-mile hike all the way to Akaka Falls.
Sitka spruce enumerate not far from the shoreline giving you the best of both forest and beach. You've heard of Cannon Beach, right? Well, Ecola State Park exists just between Seaside and Cannon Beach.
Goblin Valley State Park
It's not as menacing as it sounds. This desert is a treasured landscape in Utah, a landscape that's often been compared to Mars. Miles and miles of hoodoos (AKA goblins) stretch for as far as the eye can see.
Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
Just about 10,000 acres make up this park. And almost all of it is covered in redwoods. Take a stroll along Smith River as you gaze upwards at the tallest trees in the world. Want to know more about this park? We've written extensively about it here.