The rugged land formations of Jay Cooke State Park enhance the beauty of the hardwood forests. The water-eroded gorge, steep valleys, and massive rock formations are seen throughout the park. In some seasons, the water of the St. Louis River thunders over slabs of ancient, exposed rock. At other times, it slows to a gentle trickle. Visitors enjoy the scenic splendor of Jay Cooke State Park during all seasons. Jay Cooke State Park is located at 780 Highway 210 in
Carlton, Minnesota. For more information, click here.

Park trails connect to the Willard Munger State Trail on the north side of the park. Check out the wildflowers in the spring, and the vivid colors in the fall. Walk on the swinging suspension bridge high above the Saint Louis River. Visit the historic cemetery and the gorge at Thomson Dam.

Jay Cooke State Park was established in 1915 when the St. Louis River Power Company donated 2,350 acres of land. In 1945, the state purchased additional land. Other sections have been added over the years, giving Jay Cooke State Park its present size of 8,125 acres. The park is open daily from: 8 a.m. until 10 p.m.

Highlights of the park include:

• Swinging bridge
• Camping
• Hiking
• skiing and snowshoeing
• Pioneer Cemetery
• Thomson Dam
• Oldenburg Point

The promise of food and protection make Jay Cooke State Park an important wintering area for white-tailed deer. Black bear, timber wolf, and coyote are among the largest of 46 animal species in the park. The pileated woodpecker, marsh hawk and the great blue heron are just a few of 173 species of birds that nest and feed in the park. Sixteen species of reptiles and amphibians are found in the park – none of them venomous.  Pictures used in this article are provided by the Minnesota State DNR.

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The glacial ridges in the park add to a varied terrain which harbors an abundance of wildlife. The channeled bays and river islands below the falls are home to osprey, eagle, otter, beaver, moose, and great-blue heron. Visitors can expect to see white-tail deer and black bear along with other small animals and birds. Grand Portage State Park is located at 9393 East Highway 61 in Grand Portage, Minnesota. For more information or to book this activity, click here.

Torrents of wild water plummet 120 feet over the High Falls down to the Pigeon River in this park on the U.S. – Canadian border. The falls, the tallest in the state, presented a serious obstacle to river travel, so a “carrying place,” or portage, was necessary.

The park is designed for day use only and contains mixed hardwood-conifer forests and hiking trails along the banks of the Pigeon River. The spectacular scenery sets the stage for recreational opportunities that include hiking, photography, and picnicking. The park lies within the Grand Portage Indian Reservation and is bordered by Canada on the north and east. Lake Superior is about one mile east of the park.

The glacial ridges in the park add to a varied terrain which harbors an abundance of wildlife. The channeled bays and river islands below the falls are home to osprey, eagle, otter, beaver, moose, and great-blue heron. Visitors can expect to see white-tail deer and black bear along with other small animals and birds.

The park is open daily from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. It is will known for its world class hiking, stunning views and of course the 120 foot High Falls waterfall. Pictures used in this article are provided by the Minnesota State DNR.

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Chiseled out of the state’s far northern region is Rock Cut State Park in Winnebago County. Nearby are other “rocky” landmarks – the mighty Rock River and the place where wagons once forded it, Rockford. It’s an area of rolling plains, interesting history and a wide variety of recreational opportunities. Rock Creek State Park is located at 7223 West Lane Rd. in Loves  Illinois. For more information, click here.

Rock Cut is home to abundant wildlife with waterfowl, deer, fox, muskrat, woodchuck and beaver, opossum, raccoon and both gray and fox squirrel. Over 100 types of wildflowers offer a showy display each spring and summer, while hardwood trees dazzle visitors each fall.

The trail system at Rock Cut offers opportunities for hiking (40 miles), mountain biking (23 miles), and equestrian (14 miles). Trail users will find updated trailhead/information signs at picnic areas and trail access points for trail information and regulations.

For those who want to include an overnight stay in their visit to Rock Cut, the campgrounds provide electricity at the site, water hydrants at the beginning of each camping loop, sanitary dump stations, showers, toilets, a boat launch and playground equipment. There are 210 Class A Premium sites and 60 Class B/S Premium sites.  There is also a primitive cabin (it has electricity, but does not have water or plumbing facilities). Reservations can be made online at ExploreMoreIL™ (the Park Office no longer accepts reservations). From November – April, only electricity is available; there is no access to water or dump station.

Other highlights of the park include Olson Beach, which is perfect for swimming. This is also a great place for fishing and boating, There is also a concession stand that rents kayaks, canoes, and boats. Rock Cut State Park also has several handicapped-accessible features including, two fishing piers with one at Lions Club day use area covered. The park also has paved walkways, accessible toilets, a picnic shelter, and campground area with flush toilets and showers that can be used by visitors with disabilities.

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Hanging Rock State Park in North Carolina has the perfect balance of activities and incredible scenic sights, outdoor enthusiasts will love. Hanging Rock State Park is located at 1790 Hanging Rock Park Road in Danbury, North Carolina. For more information on the park and its activities, click here.

Located in Stokes County 30 miles north of Winston-Salem, Hanging Rock State Park started as a Civilian Conservation Corps project and has become a park that offers every part of a traditional outdoor experience. Trails lead to picturesque mountain views, rock outcrops, waterfalls, and even a mountain cave. Some are open to horseback riding and mountain biking, and a portion is part of the Mountains-to-Sea State Trail. Campgrounds, a swim lake, and access to paddling on the Dan River complete the gamut of recreational opportunities.

The campground features:

• Vacation cabins
• Tent sites
• Trailer and RV sites (no hookups)
• Group tent sites
• Showers
• Firewood

Other impressive features include 48 miles of hiking trails, 15 miles of mountain bike trails, 6 miles of horseback riding trails, and all type of paddling opportunities.  If that wasn’t enough, there is swimming, fishing, picnic areas, and rock climbing. Hanging Rock literally has something for everyone!

Amenities at the park include:

• Boat rentals (seasonal)
• Concession stand (seasonal)
• Amphitheater
• Auditorium and classroom
• Picnic shelters
• Visitor center and exhibits
• Beach access (lake, seasonal)
• Bathhouse (seasonal)

If you love the outdoors, you need to add Hanging Rock State Park in North Carolina to you bucket list. For more of the best adventures in the United States, click here. For the best nearby parks and amazing locations, click here. For the best Hotels, Resorts, and Vacation Homes, click here.