There’s nonetheless loads of time to pack in a single final street journey this summer season and fall, and a brand new examine by trip rental market HomeToGo has decided two Texas state parks needs to be on the high of the vacation spot checklist: Garner State Park and Palo Duro Canyon State Park, about 100 miles and 500 miles from San Antonio, respectively.
The 2 in style parks emerged among the many high 10 greatest state parks within the U.S., in accordance with the “2024 HomeToGo State Park Index.” The annual report ranks 50 of the highest U.S. state parks based mostly on 5 main metrics: The search quantity for trip rental stays within the space, the scale of every state park, the variety of trails in every location, the variety of wildlife species in every vacation spot, and every park’s “picturesqueness” in accordance with photographers.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park, referred to as the “Grand Canyon of Texas,” got here out practically on high because the No. 2 greatest state park within the nation, incomes a rating of 37.61 out of a attainable 50 factors. It is the second-largest canyon within the U.S., the report says, the place the park’s 30-plus miles of trails can hold even probably the most athletic traveler occupied.
The report goes on additional to say Palo Duro Canyon is loaded with “wealthy geographical historical past” and “dramatic landscapes” that produce many photographic alternatives.
“[Visitors can] marvel on the gorgeous rock formations and vibrant sunsets that mild up the expansive skies,” the report stated.
In response to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Division web site, it solely prices $8 per particular person to enter the park, and youngsters aged 12 years and underneath get free admission. However the division recommends that campers and day journey guests reserve passes on-line and double verify that the park hasn’t reached full capability earlier than visiting.
For vacationers who do not need to make a drive to the Texas Panhandle, they will head to the Hill Nation to go to Garner State Park, which ranked because the No. 9 greatest state park within the U.S. It earned a rating of 33.51 factors.
Garner State Park is understood for its accessibility to the winding Frio River, which runs practically three miles all through the park. There’s additionally ample alternatives to discover, because the park sits on 1,774 acres of land.
Tubing within the Frio River at Garner State Park is an effective way to chill off throughout a sizzling summer season day.
Photograph courtesy of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Division
“Swim within the Frio River or float its waters on an interior tube, function a paddle boat, and hike 16 miles of scenic trails,” the TPWD’s web site says. “It’s also possible to camp, examine nature, picnic, canoe, fish, play miniature golf, geocache and experience bikes.”
Guests who determine to show a day journey into an in a single day keep can reap the benefits of the park’s screened shelters, cabins, and campsites.
Elsewhere in Texas, Caddo Lake State Park ranked No. 40 out of all 50 parks within the examine. This East Texas park is a good vacation spot for fishers, because of the 26,810-acre Caddo Lake. Over 70 sorts of fish stay within the lake, and guests do not want a fishing license to fish from a state park, in accordance with the TPWD. However hold a watch out for alligators, and brush up on alligator security.
The highest 10 greatest state parks within the U.S. are:
No. 1 – Letchworth State Park, New YorkNo. 2 – Palo Duro Canyon State Park, TexasNo. 3 – Hocking Hills State Park, OhioNo. 4 – Mohican State Park, OhioNo. 5 – Lake of the Ozarks State Park, MissouriNo. 6 – Indiana Dunes State Park, IndianaNo. 7 – Starved Rock State Park, IllinoisNo. 8 – John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, FloridaNo. 9 – Garner State Park, TexasNo. 10 – Presque Isle State Park, Pennsylvania
The total report might be discovered on hometogo.com.
