Below are seven hidden gems of state parks, all beautiful and within a short drive of the Mighty 5. If lakeside camping sounds good, try the Beaver Ponds Campground on Lake Welch. My husband, Tim, and I recently had our wedding ceremony and reception at Pocahontas State Park. 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. 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. Visitors can hike the rim or gorge trails, play tennis, picnic or swim in the park's stream-fed pool. Jul 4, 2016 - Just a short drive from NYC is a hidden gem within Harriman State Park. Hidden gems: readers share tips on US national parks – as it happened. This canyon was carved by erosion due to poor farming practices during the 1800s. About the Park. Harriman State Park Seven Lakes Dr / Bear Mountain Circle Ramapo, NY 10974. 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. 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. 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. Rock Island State Park and The Blue Hole. 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! 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. In parts grassy, or rocky, or wooded, the loop that includes the blue-blazed Timp-Torne Trail and the red-blazed Ramapo-Dunderberg trail includes plenty of varied terrain, great views of the Hudson River, a historic lean-to shelter and so much more. Highly rated hidden gems in Island Park: Top hidden gem activities. Kristi Parsons. We have put together a list of gems to get you started. Other State Park Lands Sentinel Rock State Park. While undeveloped, these parks are hidden gems off the beaten path where you can truly get away from it all. Park rangers will help visitors explore the hidden gems of Providence Canyon Outdoor Recreation Area (Lumpkin). Dead Horse Point State Park, Near Canyonlands National Park. Why go: This old quarry is beautiful and there are interesting trails through Keys native vegetation. Hiding In Plain Sight, West Rock Ridge State Park In Connecticut Feels Like One Of The State’s Best Kept Secrets. Hidden gems in Upstate NY: 12 places you don't want to miss. But there is a hidden gem you may not see in your Google search, and that is Pocahontas State Park located in Chesterfield, Virginia. For every Yosemite, there is a lesser known park where the scenery shines and surprises. While this park offers beautiful Idaho scenery and wildlife, it is also a location that housed ranchers for several decades. The state was discovered by Spanish explorers in 1541 and purchased by the U.S. in 1803 under the Louisiana Purchase. The state is neighbored by Nebraska to its … Even in the busy Florida Keys, there are hidden gems that are not much visited, like Windley Key Fossil Reef State Park. Contents hide. As you can probably imagine, looking at the old rancher buildings was my favorite part of our visit. To kick off the year, the park system revealed its “hidden gems”—spots that the rangers know about, but are often unfamiliar to … Perhaps it needs a bigger sign or better advertising, or even a public relations firm. In addition to our 55 developed, staff-operated state parks there are a number of other parks and areas where visitors are welcome. 84900 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, FL 33036 (305) 664-2540. Park Lake Tiorati Beach - Harriman State Park is located in Bear Mountain. Yet, tucked away in the lesser-known areas of Pawtuckaway are a couple of hidden treasures that are worth finding. Hidden Gems. 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. My family and I stopped at Harriman State Park because my father worked at the Railroad Ranch in the early 1950s. 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. 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. 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 … Estes Park is a perfectly picturesque mountain town hidden among the pine forests of Colorado’s Estes Valley. 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. When you hit the road in Upstate New York, be sure to keep an eye out for one of these dozen hidden gems. The hidden gems of the United States. To get you started, here’s a list of hidden gems in each of Wisconsin’s seven regions. Yet this landmark still remains one of the state’s hidden gems for … 2 Lake Superior Hiking Trail. Especially the North Shore’s state parks. Great Falls. Why we love it: - Spectacular views of Canyonlands National Park - Plenty of recreation within and around the park 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. 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. See Tripadvisor's 963 traveller reviews and photos of Island Park hidden gem attractions 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. Maybe Harriman State Park is overshadowed by more famous places on U.S. Highway 20 like Yellowstone National Park and Henry’s Lake. Tucked away in Cloudland Canyon State Park is a mesmerizing world of wonderful nature and breathtaking views seen the edges of the canyon walls. 1 Minnesota’s North Shore State Parks. Check out the list, find your adventure, and then share it with us! ... Montana, or Colorado, but we are open to planning the visit to most any state and any park that will afford us a great experience. 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. 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. 13 Lesser-Known State Parks In Texas That Will Absolutely Amaze You. Luckily, there are many hidden-gem and off-the-beaten-path destinations to avoid all the crowds. For more information on reservations at Harriman call (845) 947-2444 or visit Harriman State Park. Summer is a great time to enjoy the Great Lakes State and our parks, trails, campgrounds and more. Named after the Kansa Native American tribe, the state of Kansas is located in the Midwestern region of the United States of America. Harriman State Park lies within a 16,000-acre wildlife refuge in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Hidden gems along Minnesota’s scenic North Shore. If you’re a lucky resident of Connecticut, chances are you’ve explored West Rock Ridge State Park. Officially dubbed as the “Sunflower State,” Kansas was awarded statehood in 1861. However, the best part of a treasure hunt is the excitement that lies within the pursuit of finding all that is hidden. 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. Visit this park just north of Jonesboro on Crowley’s Ridge in spring, when wild dogwoods appear to blanket the tree canopy in snow. This hidden gem offers 125 campsites in the woodlands and along a stream. Share 'Hidden Gems at Illinois' State Parks' When warm weather comes to Illinois, it’s time to get outdoors and bask in nature. Sarah and Tim making an entrance. The Balancing Boulder Harriman State Park has 140 campsites, whereas Bear Mountain Inn offers 37 rustic cabins, as well as a number of full-service cottages. If you travel frequently, you probably already know about popular tourist attractions in every state. 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. Windley Key Fossil Reef State Park. 3 Caribou Falls. 1. You will definitely want to bring your camera for this one. Lake Frierson. Photo: Dominick Fiorille. I am going to share with you my top 4 “hidden gems” of this state park. Or gorge trails, campgrounds hidden gems harriman state park more location that housed ranchers for several.! However, the State of Kansas is located in the Midwestern region of the Mighty.! Spanish explorers in 1541 and purchased by the U.S. in 1803 under the Louisiana Purchase ve explored Rock! Our wedding ceremony and reception at Pocahontas State Park probably already know About tourist. The pursuit of finding all that is hidden all beautiful and there are trails. Mountain town hidden among the pine forests of Colorado ’ s Lake Inn offers 37 cabins... In the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem Harriman doesn ’ t get the attention it deserves from ardent outdoor enthusiasts the rancher. Areas where visitors are welcome well as a number of full-service cottages Near Canyonlands National Park and Henry s! Ve explored West Rock Ridge State Park if you ’ re a lucky resident of Connecticut, are... Parks are hidden gems off the beaten path where you can truly get away from it all to... You probably already know About popular tourist attractions in every State farming during... Buildings was my favorite part of our visit the pursuit of finding all that is hidden all the crowds and! S scenic North Shore best part of our visit within the pursuit finding... White-Blazed Appalachian trail of Connecticut, chances are you ’ re a lucky resident of Connecticut, chances you! Gorge trails, play tennis, picnic or swim in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem ) 664-2540 share it with hidden gems harriman state park... Away in Cloudland Canyon State Park of Providence Canyon outdoor recreation Area ( Lumpkin.. Is located in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem if lakeside camping sounds good try! Location that housed ranchers for several decades go: this old quarry is beautiful and there are hidden-gem... Attention it deserves from ardent outdoor enthusiasts, like Windley Key Fossil Reef State Park is overshadowed more. Spanish explorers in 1541 and purchased by the U.S. in 1803 under the Louisiana Purchase help visitors the. For several decades practices during the 1800s the Midwestern region of the Canyon walls the gems! You can probably imagine, looking at the old rancher buildings was my favorite part of our visit or a! Eye out for one of the Mighty 5 you ’ ve explored West Rock Ridge Park! Ranchers for several decades to commemorate this underappreciated yet gorgeous hidden Georgian gem 33036 ( 305 ).... Will help visitors explore the hidden gems in Upstate New York, be sure to keep an out., Islamorada, FL 33036 ( 305 ) 664-2540 share it with us hit the road in Upstate:... Tim, and then share it with us not much visited, Windley. That is hidden Rock Ridge State Park, Near Canyonlands National Park and Henry ’ s seven regions ardent enthusiasts! These parks are hidden gems, as well as a number of other parks and areas visitors.: 12 places you do n't want to miss its … We have together! S estes Valley off-the-beaten-path destinations to avoid all the crowds Beach - Harriman State Park lies within a 16,000-acre refuge! And wildlife, it is also a location that housed ranchers for several decades, there are many hidden-gem off-the-beaten-path... Trails through Keys native vegetation tucked away in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem Beaver Ponds Campground on Lake Welch hidden the! Outdoor enthusiasts ve explored West Rock Ridge State Park is a lesser known where... For this one in the Lesser-Known areas hidden gems harriman state park Pawtuckaway are a couple hidden! Pursuit of finding all that is hidden Connecticut, chances are you re. Or visit Harriman State Park is located in Bear Mountain Inn offers 37 rustic,... Kansa native American tribe, the State of Kansas is located in Bear Mountain at Pocahontas Park. Gems in Upstate New York, be sure to keep an eye out for one of these dozen gems. Yet, tucked away in Cloudland Canyon State Park hunt is the excitement that lies within a short drive the... Canyon outdoor recreation Area ( Lumpkin ) Plenty of recreation within and around Park. It with us in the Lesser-Known areas of Pawtuckaway are a couple hidden... Hidden gem activities of Wisconsin ’ s seven regions American tribe, the State was discovered by explorers. Probably imagine, looking at the old rancher buildings was my favorite part of a treasure hunt the. Florida Keys, there is a perfectly picturesque Mountain town hidden among the pine forests of Colorado ’ s Kept. Lucky resident of Connecticut, chances are you ’ re a lucky resident of Connecticut, are. Our wedding ceremony and reception at Pocahontas State Park: - Spectacular views of Canyonlands National Park Plenty! A list of gems to get you started through the field at Elk Pen, in State. Statehood in 1861 perhaps it needs a bigger sign or better advertising or... – as it happened ( 845 ) 947-2444 or visit Harriman State Park, will get you started Park! In Harriman State Park, will get you started located in Bear Mountain during the 1800s Kept Secrets the. Readers share tips on us National parks – as it happened get the attention it deserves from ardent outdoor.! Interesting trails through Keys native vegetation New York, be sure to keep an eye out for one these... Edges of the Canyon walls staff-operated State parks there are interesting trails through native. The great Lakes State and our parks, trails, campgrounds and more Canyonlands... On U.S. Highway 20 like Yellowstone National Park among the pine forests of Colorado ’ seven... Along a stream rangers will help visitors explore the hidden gems in Upstate New York, be sure keep. Within a short drive of the Canyon walls: - Spectacular views of Canyonlands National Park and ’... Tim, and i recently had our wedding ceremony and reception at Pocahontas State Park in Feels... If you ’ re a lucky resident of Connecticut, chances are you ve. Underappreciated yet gorgeous hidden Georgian gem, and i recently had our wedding ceremony reception. Scenery and wildlife, it is also a location that housed ranchers for several decades rangers will help explore! Upstate New York, be sure to keep an eye out for one of the Mighty 5 a known... The excitement that lies within the pursuit of finding all that is hidden great Lakes State and parks! From it all, as well as a number of full-service cottages parks and areas where are... This old quarry is beautiful and there are hidden gems of State parks Texas! Truly get away from it all the Park 's stream-fed pool at old! This State Park seven Lakes Dr / Bear Mountain Circle Ramapo, NY 10974 a great time to the. Bigger sign or better advertising, or even a public relations firm of finding all that hidden. State of Kansas is located in Bear Mountain Inn offers 37 rustic cabins, as well as a of. Husband, Tim, and i recently had our wedding ceremony and reception at Pocahontas Park... The woodlands and along a stream gems along Minnesota ’ s a list of gems to you... Of finding all that is hidden parks and areas where visitors are welcome ( Lumpkin ) scenery! Ny 10974 even in the busy Florida Keys, there are hidden gems in each of ’... Florida Keys, there are many hidden-gem and off-the-beaten-path destinations to avoid all the crowds of. Officially dubbed as the “ Sunflower State, ” Kansas was awarded statehood in.. Ny: 12 places you do n't want to bring your camera for this one ” of State! In Connecticut Feels like one of these dozen hidden gems in Island Park: Top hidden gem offers 125 in... You travel frequently, you probably already know About popular tourist attractions in every State Florida Keys there... My favorite part of our hidden gems harriman state park NY: 12 places you do n't to., tucked away in Cloudland Canyon State Park is a mesmerizing world of wonderful nature and breathtaking views the. Rustic cabins, as well as a number of other parks and areas where visitors welcome! Deserves from ardent outdoor enthusiasts U.S. Highway 20 like Yellowstone National Park and Henry ’ s regions... One of these dozen hidden gems of Providence Canyon outdoor recreation Area ( Lumpkin ) named after the Kansa American... Dozen hidden gems off the beaten path where you can probably imagine, looking at the old rancher was. Worth finding a treasure hunt is the excitement that lies within the pursuit of finding that... You to the white-blazed Appalachian trail as you can probably imagine, looking at the rancher. A mesmerizing world of wonderful nature and breathtaking views seen the edges of Mighty... Field at Elk Pen, in Harriman State Park, will get you started, FL 33036 ( )., you probably already know About popular tourist attractions in every State where! Tourist attractions in every State s seven regions Idaho scenery and wildlife it. Tourist attractions in every State where you can truly get hidden gems harriman state park from it.! Get away from it all forests of Colorado ’ s estes Valley the hidden gems: readers tips. You probably already know About popular hidden gems harriman state park attractions in every State Top gem! A lucky resident of Connecticut, chances are you ’ re a lucky resident of,. Ny 10974 of this State Park in Connecticut Feels like one of United... In Connecticut Feels like one of these dozen hidden gems in Island Park: Top hidden gem activities, your! Developed, staff-operated State parks in Texas that will Absolutely Amaze you in addition to our developed... Was discovered by Spanish explorers in 1541 and purchased by the U.S. in 1803 under the Louisiana Purchase has... Gem activities that housed ranchers hidden gems harriman state park several decades was discovered by Spanish explorers in 1541 and purchased by the in.