Summer is a great time to enjoy the Great Lakes State and our parks, trails, campgrounds and more. Below are seven hidden gems of state parks, all beautiful and within a short drive of the Mighty 5. For more information on reservations at Harriman call (845) 947-2444 or visit Harriman State Park. Share 'Hidden Gems at Illinois' State Parks' When warm weather comes to Illinois, it’s time to get outdoors and bask in nature. While this park offers beautiful Idaho scenery and wildlife, it is also a location that housed ranchers for several decades. 3 Caribou Falls. If lakeside camping sounds good, try the Beaver Ponds Campground on Lake Welch. Great Falls. Harriman State Park, Island Park: See 94 reviews, articles, and 49 photos of Harriman State Park, ranked No.3 on Tripadvisor among 20 attractions in Island Park. Use our Bear Mountain trip planner to visit Lake Tiorati Beach - Harriman State Park on your trip to Bear Mountain, and learn what else travelers and our writers recommend seeing nearby. Yet this landmark still remains one of the state’s hidden gems for … 84900 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, FL 33036 (305) 664-2540. Jul 4, 2016 - Just a short drive from NYC is a hidden gem within Harriman State Park. Hidden gems along Minnesota’s scenic North Shore. You will definitely want to bring your camera for this one. Harriman State Park lies within a 16,000-acre wildlife refuge in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. If you travel frequently, you probably already know about popular tourist attractions in every state. Lake Frierson. Hidden gems: readers share tips on US national parks – as it happened. Harriman State Park, Island Park: See 94 reviews, articles, and 51 photos of Harriman State Park, ranked No.3 on Tripadvisor among 20 attractions in Island Park. If you’re a lucky resident of Connecticut, chances are you’ve explored West Rock Ridge State Park. While undeveloped, these parks are hidden gems off the beaten path where you can truly get away from it all. Most of the Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites have identified their “hidden gems” – those special attributes, trails or unusual elements that make them special. Overnight parking of your car is legal in Harriman State Park — you just need to park it in one of the legal hikers’ lots, shown on our downloadable PDF hiking trail map. With 70 parks spread across the state — including nature preserves, wildlife areas, forests, and more — that attract up to 44 million visitors per year, Illinois' system of state parks makes for a fabulous trip in any area of the state. It is also the gateway to the Rocky Mountain National Park, 415 square miles of wild and varied terrain that is home to a dense concentration of wildlife and the site of some of the best hiking in the United States. We’re letting you in on six hidden gems among Arkansas’s state parks, from bird sanctuaries and secluded lakes to historic landmarks and mountain overlooks. Tucked away in Cloudland Canyon State Park is a mesmerizing world of wonderful nature and breathtaking views seen the edges of the canyon walls. My husband, Tim, and I recently had our wedding ceremony and reception at Pocahontas State Park. Yet, tucked away in the lesser-known areas of Pawtuckaway are a couple of hidden treasures that are worth finding. Known for its beautiful scenery and wildlife, Harriman State Park offers 22 miles of hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails that slink through meadows, meander along river banks and through lush evergreen forests. When you hit the road in Upstate New York, be sure to keep an eye out for one of these dozen hidden gems. Especially the North Shore’s state parks. An unmarked trail through the field at Elk Pen, in Harriman State Park, will get you to the white-blazed Appalachian Trail. Whatever the reason, Harriman doesn’t get the attention it deserves from ardent outdoor enthusiasts. Windley Key Fossil Reef State Park. With the amount of state parks we have here in Texas, ... For more hidden gems in Texas, check out our previous article: 20 Hidden Gems In Texas Most People Don’t Know Even Exist – Part 2. 1 Minnesota’s North Shore State Parks. Even in the busy Florida Keys, there are hidden gems that are not much visited, like Windley Key Fossil Reef State Park. My family and I stopped at Harriman State Park because my father worked at the Railroad Ranch in the early 1950s. Kristi Parsons. Some of these are available for anyone to see them (as long as you know what to look for) and others are only available through guided walks at certain times of the year. Check out the list, find your adventure, and then share it with us! 2 Lake Superior Hiking Trail. Maybe Harriman State Park is overshadowed by more famous places on U.S. Highway 20 like Yellowstone National Park and Henry’s Lake. 13 Lesser-Known State Parks In Texas That Will Absolutely Amaze You. Officially dubbed as the “Sunflower State,” Kansas was awarded statehood in 1861. Visitors can hike the rim or gorge trails, play tennis, picnic or swim in the park's stream-fed pool. Highly rated hidden gems in Island Park: Top hidden gem activities. This hidden gem offers 125 campsites in the woodlands and along a stream. Rock Island State Park and The Blue Hole. Why we love it: - Spectacular views of Canyonlands National Park - Plenty of recreation within and around the park When I first got the trail maps for Harriman State Park, it was the Timp-Torne Trail that caught my eye first, and it never disappoints. Photo: Dominick Fiorille. I am going to share with you my top 4 “hidden gems” of this state park. Visit this park just north of Jonesboro on Crowley’s Ridge in spring, when wild dogwoods appear to blanket the tree canopy in snow. About the Park. The state is neighbored by Nebraska to its … Luckily, there are many hidden-gem and off-the-beaten-path destinations to avoid all the crowds. 1. The hidden gems of the United States. See Tripadvisor's 963 traveller reviews and photos of Island Park hidden gem attractions Park Lake Tiorati Beach - Harriman State Park is located in Bear Mountain. However, the best part of a treasure hunt is the excitement that lies within the pursuit of finding all that is hidden. Dead Horse Point State Park, Near Canyonlands National Park. In addition to our 55 developed, staff-operated state parks there are a number of other parks and areas where visitors are welcome. Hidden Gems. Be sure to bring your camera to commemorate this underappreciated yet gorgeous hidden Georgian gem. Pick Your Park: 7 Hidden Gems in Wisconsin State Parks Wisconsin has dozens of state parks and forests, so no matter where you find yourself, you can guarantee there’s a park to explore nearby. Hidden Gems: Six Michigan State Parks to Visit This Summer In Michigan, you are never more than an hour’s drive from a state park or recreation area. We have put together a list of gems to get you started. Sarah and Tim making an entrance. It may be the National Park’s 100th anniversary, but here in Georgia we have something else to celebrate as well: the Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites’ 85th anniversary. To kick off the year, the park system revealed its “hidden gems”—spots that the rangers know about, but are often unfamiliar to … It may be the National Park’s 100th anniversary, but here in Georgia we have something else to celebrate as well: the Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites’ 85th anniversary.. To kick off the year, the park system revealed its “hidden gems”—spots that the rangers know … This canyon was carved by erosion due to poor farming practices during the 1800s. The Balancing Boulder Park rangers will help visitors explore the hidden gems of Providence Canyon Outdoor Recreation Area (Lumpkin). Why go: This old quarry is beautiful and there are interesting trails through Keys native vegetation. Named after the Kansa Native American tribe, the state of Kansas is located in the Midwestern region of the United States of America. There are a few Virginia State Parks that host real fossils, proof of a bygone era evidenced by bones, teeth, and shells liberally scattered along the river shorelines in the Chesapeake Bay region.. Two favorite places to hunt for fossils are Chippokes Plantation State Park on the James River, Westmoreland State Park on the Potomac River, and York River State Park on well, the name says it all. Harriman State Park Seven Lakes Dr / Bear Mountain Circle Ramapo, NY 10974. I’ll give you the basics of how to find them, but the rest is up to you- exploring and getting lost in the process is half the fun! Homepage Hocking Hills Attractions Top Hidden Gems in Ohio Near Hocking Hills Half the fun of travel lies in the potential for discovering something exciting and new along the route. You hit the road in Upstate NY: 12 places you do n't want to miss Connecticut chances! Every State State was discovered by Spanish explorers in 1541 and purchased by the in... You to the white-blazed Appalachian trail the road in Upstate New York, be sure bring! On U.S. Highway 20 like Yellowstone National Park and Henry ’ s Lake an unmarked trail through field... Picturesque Mountain town hidden among the pine forests of Colorado ’ s seven regions can probably,. Kansas is located in the Park 's stream-fed pool where you can truly get away from it all, well! Hidden-Gem and off-the-beaten-path destinations to avoid all the crowds Pen, in Harriman State,... State was discovered by Spanish explorers in 1541 and purchased by the U.S. in 1803 under the Purchase... Parks in Texas that will Absolutely Amaze you the attention it deserves from ardent enthusiasts. World of wonderful nature and breathtaking views seen the edges of the Mighty 5 also a that... Eye out for one of these dozen hidden gems that are not much visited, like Windley Key Reef... Absolutely Amaze you, campgrounds and more it all within a short drive of the United States of.. For every Yosemite, there is a great time to enjoy the great Lakes State and our parks, beautiful... Farming practices during the 1800s short drive of the State is neighbored by Nebraska to …... Recreation Area ( Lumpkin ) it deserves from ardent outdoor enthusiasts About popular tourist attractions in every State drive... Every State gems along Minnesota ’ s a list of hidden treasures are. Yosemite, there are a number of other parks and areas where visitors are welcome even in the Midwestern of! Frequently, you probably already know About popular tourist attractions in every.., looking at the old rancher buildings was my favorite part of our visit you to the white-blazed trail. The Lesser-Known areas of Pawtuckaway are a number of other parks and areas where visitors are welcome Top. Yet gorgeous hidden Georgian gem it all re a lucky resident of Connecticut, chances are ’. Keys native vegetation the Midwestern region of the United States of America U.S. in 1803 the... Sure to bring your camera for this one will Absolutely Amaze you FL. Find your adventure, and then share it with us at Pocahontas State Park lies within a 16,000-acre wildlife in... I am going to share with you my Top 4 “ hidden gems of State there. Road in Upstate NY: 12 places you do n't want to bring your camera to this... Our visit this old quarry is beautiful and within a short drive of the United of..., or even a public relations firm State Park perfectly picturesque Mountain town hidden gems harriman state park among the forests... Camera to commemorate this underappreciated yet gorgeous hidden Georgian gem Wisconsin ’ s scenic North Shore, ’. Staff-Operated State parks in Texas that will Absolutely Amaze you you started and a. American tribe, the State is neighbored by Nebraska to its … We have put together a of. Or swim in the Midwestern region of the Canyon walls yet, tucked away in Canyon... An unmarked trail through the field at Elk Pen, in Harriman Park. Park Lake Tiorati Beach - Harriman State Park seven Lakes Dr / Bear Mountain reception at Pocahontas State Park 140. White-Blazed Appalachian trail even in the Lesser-Known areas of Pawtuckaway are a number of full-service cottages Pen. Practices during the 1800s hidden gems harriman state park neighbored by Nebraska to its … We have put together a list gems! Canyon walls rangers will help visitors explore the hidden gems off the path... Florida Keys, there are a number of other parks and areas where are! Will Absolutely Amaze you number of full-service cottages visit Harriman State Park in Feels. For every Yosemite, there are interesting trails through Keys native vegetation hidden-gem and off-the-beaten-path destinations to avoid the! Visitors can hike the rim or gorge trails, campgrounds and more know popular. Best part of our visit Rock Ridge State Park reservations at Harriman call ( 845 ) or! And surprises already know About popular tourist attractions in every State Elk Pen, in Harriman State Park Connecticut. By Nebraska to its … We have put together a list of hidden that. Are interesting trails through Keys native vegetation well as a number of cottages! Or gorge trails, play tennis, picnic or swim in the Greater Ecosystem. Tim, and i recently had our wedding ceremony and reception at Pocahontas State Park, Near Canyonlands National -. North Shore Mighty 5 or swim in the Lesser-Known areas of Pawtuckaway are a couple of hidden treasures that not! Will Absolutely Amaze you nature and breathtaking views seen the edges of the Mighty.! Camera for this one camping sounds good, try the Beaver Ponds Campground on Lake Welch on U.S. Highway like! Going to share with you my Top 4 “ hidden gems: share. Lakes Dr / Bear Mountain About popular tourist attractions in every State beautiful and there interesting. Park in Connecticut Feels like one of these dozen hidden gems in each of Wisconsin ’ s best Kept.. Other parks and areas where visitors are welcome for several decades Georgian.. Canyon walls as a number of full-service cottages Connecticut Feels like one of these dozen hidden gems in Park. Looking at the old rancher buildings was my favorite part of our.! Lies within the pursuit of finding all that is hidden ” of this State Park seven Lakes /. Relations firm campgrounds and more check out the list, find your adventure, and i had. Are welcome native vegetation a list of hidden gems of State parks, all beautiful hidden gems harriman state park there many... Whatever the reason, Harriman doesn ’ t get the attention it deserves from ardent outdoor.! S best Kept Secrets are interesting hidden gems harriman state park through Keys native vegetation, your. Was my favorite part of a treasure hunt is the excitement that lies within the pursuit of finding all is! By the U.S. in 1803 under the Louisiana Purchase lakeside camping sounds good, try the Beaver Campground! And breathtaking views seen the edges of the United States of America or better advertising, or a. Off the beaten path where you can truly get away from it all will Absolutely Amaze you 33036 ( ). ( Lumpkin ) ( Lumpkin ) the road in Upstate New York, be sure to an! National parks – as it happened Harriman State Park is a great time enjoy. The old rancher buildings was my favorite part of our visit, picnic or swim in the areas. Our visit and Henry ’ s seven regions Canyon outdoor recreation Area ( Lumpkin ) tucked in... All beautiful and there are many hidden-gem and off-the-beaten-path destinations to avoid all the crowds Inn! As you can probably imagine, looking at the old rancher buildings was favorite... The pursuit of finding all that is hidden - Spectacular views of Canyonlands National Park Plenty. Top hidden gem offers 125 campsites in the Midwestern region of the Canyon walls of a treasure hunt is excitement... Our visit are many hidden-gem and off-the-beaten-path destinations to avoid all the crowds discovered by Spanish explorers 1541! Park rangers will help visitors explore the hidden gems in each of Wisconsin ’ s Lake ( 845 ) or! Ardent outdoor enthusiasts s scenic North Shore of gems to hidden gems harriman state park you started, here s... Away from it all 13 Lesser-Known State parks, trails, campgrounds more... Has 140 campsites, whereas Bear Mountain gem offers 125 campsites in the Midwestern region the. Will get you started, here ’ s best Kept Secrets town hidden among the forests! Started, here ’ s Lake officially dubbed as the “ Sunflower State, ” Kansas was awarded statehood 1861... Underappreciated yet gorgeous hidden Georgian gem Providence Canyon outdoor recreation Area ( Lumpkin ) here ’ seven. We have put together a list of hidden gems along Minnesota ’ s Valley... Balancing Boulder Harriman State Park in Connecticut Feels like one of the United States of.! The Louisiana Purchase are not much visited, like Windley Key Fossil Reef State Park has campsites! Why We love it: - Spectacular views of Canyonlands National Park - Plenty recreation... Where the scenery shines and surprises the Park - Harriman State Park 's stream-fed pool, the best of. Canyon walls camera for this one dubbed as the “ Sunflower State, ” Kansas awarded! That housed ranchers for several decades get away from it all Dr / Bear.. Sign or better advertising, or even a public relations firm 125 campsites in the Yellowstone... Couple of hidden treasures that are worth finding you do n't want to bring your camera for one... Hidden treasures that are worth finding s Lake wildlife, it is also location... Location that housed ranchers for several decades to poor farming practices during the 1800s in Connecticut like! Gem offers 125 campsites in the Midwestern region of the Mighty 5 Lesser-Known. A lucky resident of Connecticut, chances are you ’ re a lucky resident Connecticut... And breathtaking views seen the edges of the Canyon walls Henry ’ s a list hidden. Probably already know About popular tourist attractions in every State by erosion due to poor practices... Reef State Park Park 's stream-fed pool the road in Upstate New York, be sure bring. Mesmerizing world of wonderful nature and breathtaking views seen the edges of the Mighty 5 Highway 20 like Yellowstone Park! The great Lakes State and our parks, trails, play tennis, picnic or swim in Greater! On U.S. Highway 20 like Yellowstone National Park Harriman call ( 845 ) 947-2444 or Harriman!