Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Glacier National Park are two of the most unique and breathtaking parks in the United States. While they are vastly different in many ways, they both offer an escape from the bustling city life and a chance to reconnect with nature. Cuyahoga Valley is a green oasis in the heart of Ohio, dotted with rolling hills, cascading waterfalls, and tranquil streams. Meanwhile, Glacier National Park boasts jagged peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and glaciers that have been slowly carving the landscape for millions of years. Whether you’re an avid hiker or simply looking to relax, these parks are sure to leave you in awe.
Hiking Trails in Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Glacier National Park
Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Glacier National Park feature vastly different landscapes, providing unique hiking experiences. At Cuyahoga Valley, the Ledges Trail is a popular easy hike, a 1.5 mi loop showcasing cliffs and scenic views. The Buckeye Trail, however, is a more rigorous 25 mi loop that takes hikers through rough terrain and steep inclines. Meanwhile, Glacier National Park’s Hidden Lake Trail is a 2.5 mi round trip hike leading to a picturesque alpine lake surrounded by peaks. The park’s toughest hike, the Highline Trail, is an 11.6 mi trail along a narrow ledge with steep drops. Both parks offer a range of hikes, from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry excursions, making them ideal destinations for hikers of varying skill levels.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Cuyahoga Valley National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ledges Trail | 4184.284 | 46.9392 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Brandywine Gorge Trail | 2735.878 | 65.8368 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Stanford House to Brandywine Falls Trail | 6115.492 | 162.7632 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Blue Hen Falls Trail | 804.67 | 23.7744 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Salt Run Trail | 6759.228 | 123.7488 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Plateau Trail | 7081.096 | 96.9264 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Pine Grove Trail and Ledges Trail Loop from Kendall Lake | 6115.492 | 98.7552 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Buckeye Trail to Valley Bridle Trail Loop | 5471.756 | 119.7864 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Wetmore Bridle Trail | 7563.898 | 169.7736 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail: Brecksville Station | 7081.096 | 20.7264 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Glacier National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grinnell Glacier Trail | 18185.542 | 658.9776 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Avalanche Lake via the Trail of the Cedars | 9173.238 | 227.9904 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Iceberg Lake Trail | 14966.862 | 441.96 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Hidden Lake Trail | 8529.502 | 418.7952 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Highline Trail – Logan Pass to Granite Park Chalet | 23979.166 | 785.7744 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| St. Mary and Virginia Falls Trail | 4667.086 | 137.7696 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Hidden Lake Overlook | 4506.152 | 176.784 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Cracker Lake Trail | 19312.08 | 502.92 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Trail of the Cedars | 1287.472 | 10.9728 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| The Garden Wall | 23657.298 | 1068.9336 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
Wildlife in Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Glacier National Park
Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio and Glacier National Park in Montana both have diverse wildlife, but with some differences. In Cuyahoga Valley, visitors may see white-tailed deer, beaver, muskrat, coyote, and fox. Bird species include the red-tailed hawk, great blue heron, and pileated woodpecker. The park is also home to a variety of plant life, including wildflowers, ferns, and wetland vegetation.
In contrast, Glacier National Park is known for its larger mammals such as grizzly bear, wolf, mountain goat, and elk. Bird species include the bald eagle, osprey, and common raven. The park is also home to a wide range of wildflowers, as well as subalpine forests and alpine tundra.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Glacier National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Cuyahoga Valley National Park | Glacier National Park |
|---|---|
| Peregrine Falcon | Peregrine Falcon |
| Northern Harrier | Northern Harrier |
| Sharp-Shinned Hawk | Sharp-Shinned Hawk |
| Osprey | Osprey |
| Tree Swallow | Tree Swallow |
| Mallard | Mallard |
| Canada Goose | Canada Goose |
| Lincoln’s Sparrow | Lincoln’s Sparrow |
| Ruby-Crowned Kinglet | Ruby-Crowned Kinglet |
| American Robin | American Robin |
| Great Horned Owl | Great Horned Owl |
| Red-Tailed Hawk | Red-Tailed Hawk |
| Northern Flicker | Northern Flicker |
| Merlin | Merlin |
| Barn Swallow | Barn Swallow |
| Savannah Sparrow | Savannah Sparrow |
| Great Blue Heron | Great Blue Heron |
| Hermit Thrush | Hermit Thrush |
| American Kestrel | American Kestrel |
| Bald Eagle | Bald Eagle |
| Song Sparrow | Song Sparrow |
| European Starling | European Starling |
| Northern Pintail | Northern Pintail |
| American Wigeon | American Wigeon |
| Green-Winged Teal | Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Cuyahoga Valley National Park | Glacier National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Big Brown Bat | Big Brown Bat |
| Bobcat | Bobcat |
| Striped Skunk | Striped Skunk |
| Little Brown Bat | Little Brown Bat |
| Deer Mouse | Deer Mouse |
| Raccoon | Raccoon |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Black Bear |
| Hoary Bat | Porcupine |
| Red Fox | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Hoary Bat |
| House Mouse | Red Fox |
| Mink | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Gray Fox | Mountain Lion |
| Badger | Mink |
| Masked Shrew | Mule Deer |
| Red Squirrel | Gray Wolf |
| White-Tailed Deer | Long-Legged Bat |
| Virginia Opossum | Long-Eared Bat |
| Meadow Vole | Badger |
| Red Bat | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| White-Footed Mouse | California Myotis |
| Norway Rat | Snowshoe Hare |
Amphibians
| Cuyahoga Valley National Park | Glacier National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | |
| Eastern Tiger Salamander | |
| Bullfrog | |
| Wood Frog |
Reptiles
| Cuyahoga Valley National Park | Glacier National Park |
|---|---|
| Racer | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Ring-Necked Snake | Common Garter Snake |
| Common Garter Snake | Rubber Boa |
| Eastern Milk Snake | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard |
Insects
| Cuyahoga Valley National Park | Glacier National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulfur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| European Cabbage White | |
| Buckeye |
Fish
| Cuyahoga Valley National Park | Glacier National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Largemouth Bass | Rainbow Trout |
| Green Sunfish | Brook Trout |
| Northern Bluegill Sunfish | Longnose Sucker |
| Northern Fathead Minnow | Fathead Minnow |
| Golden Shiner | Lake Trout |
| European Carp | Northern Pike |
| Northern Pike | Burbot |
| Eastern Burbot | Mottled Sculpin |
| Central Mottled Sculpin | Slimy Sculpin |
| Graceful Catfish | Longnose Dace |
| Black Crappie | Sockeye Salmon |
| Creek Chub | Arctic Grayling |
| Goldfish |
Beautiful Landscapes in Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Glacier National Park
Cuyahoga Valley NP has gorgeous landscapes, including Brandywine Falls (65-ft waterfall), Ledges Overlook (panoramic valley views), and the wildlife-rich Beaver Marsh. Glacier NP has stunning sites such as Going-to-the-Sun Rd (scenic drive through mountains), Logan Pass (panoramic views of glaciers, wildflowers, meadows), and Hidden Lake (glacial lake surrounded by peaks).
Things To-Do and Activities in Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Glacier National Park
Cuyahoga Valley & Glacier National Park both offer a range of outdoor activities. Cuyahoga is known for scenic railroads, bike trails, water activities & programs. Glacier focuses more on backcountry adventures, wildlife viewing, scenic drives & extensive trails for backpacking & horseback riding. Both parks provide education & interpretation programs. Cuyahoga is family-friendly & scenic, while Glacier is more wilderness-oriented. Both offer natural beauty but differ in their outdoor experience offered.
Best Time to Visit Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Glacier National Park
Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio has a temperate climate with hot summers & cold winters. The best time to visit is in spring & fall when temps are mild & rainfall is low. In summer, temps can reach 90°F & storms are common. Winters are cold, with temps below freezing & snow/ice.
Glacier National Park in Montana has a subalpine climate with warm summers & cold winters. The best time to visit is the summer with warm temps & clear skies. Winter brings freezing temps & heavy snow, making roads impassable & facilities closed.
Both parks’ weather affects the best time to visit: Cuyahoga Valley is best in spring/fall & Glacier is best in summer.
Family Friendliness of Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Glacier National Park
Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Glacier National Park both offer plenty of family-friendly activities. Cuyahoga Valley has several hiking trails, scenic railway rides, and canal boat rides that are great for kids. Glacier National Park has a wider range of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing, as well as boat tours on Lake McDonald. Both parks are beautiful and offer unique experiences, but Glacier National Park may be a better choice for families who want a wider variety of outdoor activities.