The Marketplace with the World’s Largest Selection of Vacation Rentals Climbs Mountains of Data to Reveal Top Natural Destinations, from New England Mountains to Southwest Canyons
HomeToGo’s newly announced 2024 State Park Index found three of Oklahoma’s state parks to be among the Top 50 to visit, as well as Hidden Gem destinations this season. Beavers Bend State Park (#11) and Black Mesa State Park & Natural Preserve (#44) made the list for their popularity and diverse, lengthy trails. Meanwhile, Talimena State Park was the #5 hidden gem destination, identified by low search volumes and high statistics in the same categories.
Fort Lauderdale, Fla. – (August 9, 2024) – As fall approaches with its stunning foliage and perfect weather for outdoor adventures,HomeToGo, the marketplace with the world’s largest selection of vacation rentals, today unveiled its 2024 State Park Index, featuring the top 50 destinations to hit the road for stays near protected natural lands. Highlighting both well-known parks and hidden gems, the index is curated based on factors such as park popularity, size, trails, wildlife, and picturesqueness, catering to avid nature-lovers nationwide.
“With more and more travelers becoming interested in visiting state parks as well as national parks, this index serves as a guide for vacationers aiming to plan the perfect escape into nature, without venturing too far from home,” said Eleanor Moody, HomeToGo travel expert and spokesperson. “Our data shows that rural stays are a top priority for travelers, with 80% of this season’s searches on HomeToGo.com focused on destinations away from cities. As summer winds down, we predict there will be a surge of excitement among outdoor adventurers to take road trips, explore state parks, and experience the changing of seasons.”
Encompassing an array of state parks across the country, from the blue waters of John Pennekamp Coral Reef to the otherworldly terrains of the Palo Duro Canyon, the ranking includes destinations for all types of preferences and interests, with all kinds of landscapes and terrain.
To rank the top 50 State Parks, HomeToGo researched the following five key indicators, compiling scores out of a possible maximum of 50 based on the findings.
● Popularity Score: The number of searches on HomeToGo.com for each state park; the larger the search volume, the higher the score.
● Size Score: The size of each state park; the larger the state park, the higher the score.
● Trail Score: The number of hiking, walking, or biking trails in each state park; the more trails, the higher the score.
● Wildlife Score: The number of wildlife species within each state park; the more species, the higher the score.
● Picturesqueness Score: The number of times each park has been photographed; the more frequently photographed, the higher the score.
Nature-loving travelers can find the full 2024 State Park Index at www.hometogo.com/united-states/road-trips/#state-park-index, with a preview of the five top-ranking destinations included as follows:
Preview of Top 50 State Parks |
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Rank |
State Park |
State |
Popularity |
Size |
Trails |
Wildlife |
Picturesqueness |
Total |
#1 |
Letchworth State Park |
New York |
5.54 |
6.36 |
10.00 |
10.00 |
10.00 |
41.90 |
#2 |
Palo Duro Canyon State Park |
Texas |
6.56 |
7.75 |
9.66 |
7.32 |
6.32 |
37.61 |
#3 |
Hocking Hills State Park |
Ohio |
10.00 |
5.22 |
8.10 |
5.79 |
7.60 |
36.71 |
#4 |
Mohican State Park |
Ohio |
9.40 |
5.10 |
7.93 |
8.15 |
5.73 |
36.31 |
#5 |
Lake of the Ozarks State Park |
Missouri |
9.93 |
6.60 |
7.59 |
5.85 |
5.39 |
35.36 |
Here’s a glimpse at what travelers can expect in a few of the top spots:
● Reserve-Ready Regions: Of the state parks featured in this index, the Southeast is home to the most natural preserve destinations, giving travelers an abundance of locales from which to choose. Travelers to Florida can enjoy a variety of coastal and beachfront parks, while visitors to Georgia can hike through rolling Appalachian hills.
● State Park Social Media Sensations: New York holds the two best state parks for scenically magnificent mountain views and flowing waterfalls. Renowned as the “Grand Canyon of the East”, Letchworth State Park holds a perfect 10/10 Picturesqueness Score. Additionally, Niagara Falls State Park is close behind with a 9.08/10 Picturesqueness Score.
● Top Spots for Wildlife-Packed Adventures: Letchworth State Park in New York holds the greatest biodiversity as the state park with more than 2,284 species of wildlife. Some common sightings include deer, foxes, beavers and woodchucks, as well as dozens of migratory and resident bird species.
In addition to the top 50 state parks, HomeToGo has used demand data to identify the ten least searched state parks in the United States. From state parks surrounded by the rolling hills of Georgia to the coastal cliffs of California, HomeToGo’s travel intel shows that these options are ideal for serene and secluded escapes:
Hidden Gem State Parks |
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Rank |
State Park |
State |
#1 |
Cheraw State Park |
South Carolina |
#2 |
Rock Cut State Park |
Illinois |
#3 |
Caledonia State Park |
Pennsylvania |
#4 |
Montauk State Park |
Missouri |
#5 |
Talimena State Park |
Oklahoma |
#6 |
Pere Marquette State Park |
Illinois |
#7 |
Black Rock Mountain State Park |
Georgia |
#8 |
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park |
California |
#9 |
Grandfather Mountain State Park |
North Carolina |
#10 |
Cape Lookout State Park |
Oregon |
The full lists are available at https://www.hometogo.com/united-states/road-trips/#state-park-index.
Methodology: For the full methodology and more information as to how this guide was created, please visit www.hometogo.com/united-states/road-trips/#state-park-index-methodology
About HomeToGo
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