Best Places For Nature Lovers

Most Square Miles of State Park and Forest Area

The arrival of summer has the team at BestPlaces wondering, “Where are the best places for nature lovers?”

To answer this question, we determined which places had easy access to the most square miles of state park and forest area. State parks and forests with any of their area within a thirty-mile radius of a given metropolitan/micropolitan area were included in that place's tally.

Perhaps it’s no surprise that wide-open Western spaces like Alaska and Montana dominate our list when ranked by total square miles of parks and forest. Colorado and Nevada are also high-ranking for total parks and forest availability within metropolitan areas.

Juneau, Alaska is a nature lover’s paradise with its spectacular parks and outdoor spaces. One of the popular attractions is Mendenhall Glacier, a stunning 13-mile glacier that offers several hiking trails, an observation deck, and a visitor center. Eaglecrest Ski Area is another popular spot for skiers and snowboarders, featuring over 640 acres of skiable terrain with runs for all skill levels. For a glimpse of the rainforest, visitors can take a canopy tour at Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure, where they can see stunning floral displays. Auke Bay Harbor, on the other hand, provides a breathtaking view of boats, seaplanes, and wildlife such as humpback whales and seals. There are also plenty of hiking trails like Perseverance Trail that take you through old-growth forests, past waterfalls, and along the Silverbow Basin.

Ketchikan, Alaska offers a variety of parks and outdoor spaces that are perfect for experiencing the natural beauty of the region. Totem Bight State Park is another must-see destination, featuring a collection of beautifully carved totem poles and access to hiking trails through the lush rainforest. For a more challenging hike, Deer Mountain Trail provides stunning views of the surrounding area, including the city of Ketchikan and the Inside Passage. Meanwhile, Ward Lake Recreation Area offers camping, fishing, and swimming in a beautiful setting surrounded by mountains and forests. Ketchikan also has several city parks, such as Rotary Beach Park and Settlers Cove State Recreation Site, which provide opportunities for picnicking, beachcombing, and wildlife viewing.

Missoula, Montana is a beautiful city surrounded by numerous parks and outdoor spaces that offer plenty of activities for visitors. The Rattlesnake National Recreation Area is a popular spot for hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife watching. Visitors may also hike the Rattlesnake Trail, which leads to picturesque waterfalls and stunning views of Missoula Valley. The city's largest park, the 60-acre Greenough Park, features several miles of trails and a stream that runs through the park. The Mount Sentinel M Trail is another popular hiking destination, offering breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding area from the top. Caras Park, located in downtown Missoula, is home to numerous events and concerts throughout the year. The park also features a riverfront trail system, fishing access, and picnic areas. Finally, Splash Montana is a popular spot in the summer, featuring two water slides, a lazy river, and a lap pool.

Pahrump, Nevada is a small town located in the Mojave Desert, surrounded by an array of breathtaking parks and outdoor spaces. The Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge is a must-see destination, home to several species of rare and endangered plants and animals, including the Devil’s Hole pupfish. The Spring Mountains National Recreation Area is also nearby, featuring hiking trails, rock climbing, camping, and skiing in the winter. For visitors interested in exploring the desert landscape, the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is an ideal destination, featuring stunning red rock formations and hiking trails with panoramic views of the surrounding area. The Pahrump Valley Wilderness Area provides opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, and wildlife watching in a remote setting. Finally, Lake Spring Mountain offers water sports, including water skiing and wakeboarding, as well as beach and picnic areas. Overall, the parks and outdoor spaces around Pahrump offer a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the Mojave Desert.

Las Vegas, the entertainment capital of the world, has a diverse range of parks and outdoor spaces that provide a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. The Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, located just minutes from the Strip, is a popular destination, featuring stunning red rock formations and miles of hiking trails. Similarly, Valley of Fire State Park offers breathtaking views with its vibrant red sandstone formations and ancient petroglyphs. For visitors looking for water activities, Lake Mead National Recreation Area offers water sports such as boating, kayaking, and fishing, as well as opportunities to hike and camp. Meanwhile, Springs Preserve offers an educational experience with indoor and outdoor exhibits showcasing the region's history and ecological diversity. Other notable parks include Floyd Lamb Park and Sunset Park, which offer walking trails, picnic areas, and sports facilities.

Edwards, Colorado is a picturesque mountain town located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, surrounded by beautiful parks and outdoor spaces. The Betty Ford Alpine Gardens is a must-see destination, featuring over 3,000 species of alpine plants along with educational programs and events. The Eagle River Preserve is another popular destination, offering a variety of hiking and biking trails through wetlands and forests. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding on the nearby Eagle River. Nottingham Lake is a popular spot for swimming and picnicking in the summer, while the nearby ski areas of Beaver Creek and Vail offer countless outdoor activities in the winter. Finally, the Sylvan Lake State Park provides opportunities for camping, fishing, and hiking in a stunning mountain setting. With its scenic parks and outdoor spaces, Edwards offers visitors a chance to enjoy the natural beauty of the Rocky Mountains in all seasons.

Moscow, Idaho is a charming college town surrounded by stunning parks and outdoor spaces. The Kamiak Butte County Park is a popular destination for hiking and picnicking, featuring a 3.5-mile trail that offers panoramic views of the surrounding Palouse hills. The Moscow Mountain Nature Reserve offers a challenging hike for visitors, featuring several trails that wind through dense forests and steep terrain. The Paradise Path is a paved trail that runs along Paradise Creek and provides a perfect setting for walking, biking, or jogging. Other notable parks include East City Park and Reaney Park, which offer playgrounds, sports facilities, and picnic areas. The University of Idaho Arboretum and Botanical Garden is also worth a visit, showcasing over 80 species of trees and plants.

Prescott, Arizona offers visitors an array of parks and outdoor spaces to explore. One of the top attractions is the Prescott National Forest, which boasts over 450 miles of hiking trails, several lakes, and campgrounds. The Granite Mountain Wilderness Area is a popular destination for experienced hikers, offering challenging trails with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Watson Lake Park is another must-visit destination, providing opportunities for boating, fishing, and hiking. The park has several trails that lead to boulder-strewn hills and granite rock formations, making it a great spot for wildlife viewing. Prescott also has several city parks, including Pioneer Park, Willow Lake Park, and Acker Park, which provide opportunities for picnicking, playgrounds, sports facilities, and more. Finally, the Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary is a unique attraction featuring a variety of rescued animals, including tigers, mountain lions, and bears.

Another way to rank these results is by total square miles of parks and forests per capita (100k population):

This ranking doesn’t look too much different than the total square miles ranking, but some other states like Oregon and Utah do make it onto this list. Ketchikan and Juneau are at the top again, but their positions are swapped.

Craig, Colorado is a small town located in the scenic Yampa Valley, surrounded by numerous parks and outdoor spaces. The Yampa River State Park is a popular destination for visitors, offering opportunities for fishing, boating, and kayaking along the Yampa River. Elkhead Reservoir State Park is another top attraction, providing visitors with opportunities for swimming, boating, and camping. The Little Yampa Canyon offers opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and horseback riding in a remote and rugged setting. For those seeking a more leisurely experience, Loudy-Simpson Park provides walking paths, picnic areas, playgrounds, and sports fields. The Wyman Living History Museum is also worth a visit, showcasing the history of the region through exhibits and events. Overall, Craig's parks and outdoor spaces offer visitors a chance to explore the natural beauty of the Yampa Valley, providing a wide range of activities for all ages and interests.

Winnemucca, Nevada is a small town located in the northern part of the state, surrounded by several parks and outdoor spaces. The Winnemucca Sand Dunes are a unique destination that attracts visitors for off-highway vehicle (OHV) riding and sandboarding. The Water Canyon Recreation Area offers opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing, with several trails that wind through rugged terrain and scenic vistas. French Ford Wildlife Management Area is another popular destination, providing opportunities for birdwatching, fishing, and hunting. For those seeking a more leisurely experience, Vesco City Park provides picnic areas, playgrounds, and sports facilities. Winnemucca also has several nearby hot springs, including Paradise Valley Hot Springs and Bog Hot Springs, that offer an opportunity to relax and unwind.

La Grande, Oregon is nestled in the heart of the Blue Mountains, offering visitors an abundance of parks and outdoor spaces to explore. A popular destination nearby is the Mount Emily Recreation Area, which boasts a diverse range of activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing, all set against the backdrop of a stunning alpine landscape. The Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area provides opportunities for birdwatching, photography, and nature walks while fostering a rich habitat for local wildlife. For those seeking a leisurely experience, La Grande's Riverside Park and Pioneer Park offer picturesque settings with picnic areas, playgrounds, and sports facilities. The Grande Ronde River Greenway, which includes the La Grande River Walk, is a scenic trail that meanders along the Grande Ronde River, affording spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and forests. Overall, La Grande's diverse parks and outdoor spaces invite visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of northeastern Oregon.

Los Alamos, New Mexico is a town steeped in history and surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, offering visitors numerous parks and outdoor spaces to explore. The Bandelier National Monument is a must-visit attraction, showcasing ancient cliff dwellings and petroglyphs amidst a stunning canyon landscape showcasing a rich history that dates back more than 11,000 years. Ancient petroglyphs, dwellings etched into the soft cliff faces, and stone-built pueblos (villages) stand as a testament to the Ancestral Pueblo people, whose descendants continue to reside in close proximity. The monument also boasts miles of hiking trails that weave through the rugged terrain, providing opportunities for wildlife viewing and nature photography. The Valles Caldera National Preserve is another gem in the area, featuring a massive volcanic caldera, lush meadows, and diverse wildlife. Visitors can partake in various activities such as hiking, fishing, and cross-country skiing. For those seeking a more leisurely experience, Ashley Pond Park, located in the heart of Los Alamos, offers picturesque scenery with a pond, picnic areas, and walking paths. Pajarito Mountain Ski Area is a popular destination during winter months, providing skiing and snowboarding opportunities for all skill levels.

Laramie, Wyoming is a charming town surrounded by the natural beauty of the Laramie Range and Snowy Range mountains, offering an array of parks and outdoor spaces for visitors to explore. The Vedauwoo Recreation Area, known for its unique rock formations, provides ample opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, and wildlife viewing in a picturesque setting. Medicine Bow National Forest, which encompasses the Snowy Range, offers a vast expanse of wilderness for hiking, fishing, camping, and mountain biking, as well as skiing and snowshoeing during the winter months. The Laramie River Greenbelt Trail, running along the Laramie River, provides a scenic pathway for walking, jogging, and cycling while enjoying views of the surrounding landscape. For those seeking a more leisurely experience, Washington Park and LaPrele Park in Laramie offer picnic areas, playgrounds, and sports facilities for visitors to enjoy.

Now get out there and enjoy some of these wonderful green spaces!

About BestPlaces

Founded by author Bert Sperling over 30 years ago, BestPlaces helps Americans find their own best place to live. The site allows millions of monthly users to compare and track the cost of living between different locations by providing data on groceries, housing costs, transportation, and other expenses.