I've traveled around all 50 states. Here are 10 of the best state parks I've ever visited in the US.

National parks get a lot of attention, but state parks are also great ways to see America's beauty. Courtesy of Katherine Parker-Magyar While traveling around all 50 states in the US, I've fallen in love with many beautiful state parks. I've loved New Jersey's Island Beach, Alaska's Chugach Mountains, and Nevada's Valley of Fire. Hawaii is home to spectacular state parks with lush mountain valleys and dramatic coastal cliffs. As a travel writer, I've visited all 50 states — from the rocky headlands of New England to the emerald waters of the Pacific and back again. On every journey from sea to shining sea, I'm always struck by the wondrous diversity of America's landscapes. And although most travelers prioritize national parks for outdoor excursions, state parks are underrated (and often less crowded) gateways to the nation's wild beauty.