“Nature enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and peace-seekers unite! Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Virgin Islands National Park offer a world of difference in terms of landscapes, experiences and activities. While one park boasts rolling hills in Ohio, the other is a tropical paradise on St. John. Both offer breathtaking environments, but which will you choose for your next escape from city life? Join us as we compare and contrast these two stunning national parks and find out what makes each one truly unique.”
Hiking Trails in Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio offers a mix of easy and challenging hikes. The Ledges Trail is a 1.5-mile hike with rock formations and river views. The Buckeye Trail is the park’s toughest, a 7.4-mile hike through rugged terrain and steep inclines. Virgin Islands National Park in US Virgin Islands, showcases tropical landscapes and beaches. The easy 1.5-mile Cinnamon Bay Trail leads to a beach. The more difficult 3-mile Reef Bay Trail descends to the shoreline through rainforest.
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 Virgin Islands National Park
Name
Length
Elevation
Type
Difficulty
Visitor Ratings
Wind Canyon Trail
804.67
16.764
Easy
loop
4.5
Caprock Coulee Loop
6115.492
159.7152
Moderate
loop
4.5
Painted Canyon Nature Trail
1770.274
78.9432
Easy
loop
4
Petrified Forest Trail
16415.268
253.8984
Moderate
loop
4
Maah Daah Hey Trail
229009.082
4614.9768
Hard
point to point
4.5
Lower Paddock Creek Trail
11587.248
127.7112
Moderate
out and back
4.5
Buck Hill Trail
643.736
16.764
Moderate
out and back
4.5
Ridgeline Nature Trail
1126.538
33.8328
Moderate
out and back
4
Coal Vein Trail
965.604
4.8768
Easy
loop
4
Buckhorn Trail
19633.948
324.9168
Hard
loop
4.6
Wildlife in Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio offers a mix of woodland and wetland habitats that attract wildlife like white-tailed deer, beavers, red foxes, and various bird species. In contrast, Virgin Islands National Park in the US Virgin Islands is primarily coastal and features a variety of marine wildlife such as green sea turtles and iguanas, as well as birds like brown pelicans and Bananaquits. The park’s vegetation is also distinct, with dry scrub forests dominated by cacti and other drought-resistant plants, in contrast to Cuyahoga’s temperate deciduous forest of oak, maple, and beech trees.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Virgin Islands National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Virgin Islands 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
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
Swainson’s Thrush
Mammals
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Virgin Islands 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
Porcupine
Hoary Bat
Silver-Haired Bat
Red Fox
Hoary Bat
Long-Tailed Weasel
Red Fox
House Mouse
Long-Tailed Weasel
Mink
House Mouse
Gray Fox
Mountain Lion
Badger
Mink
Masked Shrew
Mule Deer
Red Squirrel
Gray Wolf
White-Tailed Deer
Long-Legged Myotis
Virginia Opossum
Long-Eared Myotis
Meadow Vole
Badger
Red Bat
Snowshoe Hare
White-Footed Mouse
North American River Otter
Norway Rat
Masked Shrew
Amphibians
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Virgin Islands National Park
Northern Leopard Frog
Northern Leopard Frog
Eastern Tiger Salamander
Tiger Salamander
Bullfrog
Woodhouse’s Toad
Wood Frog
Plains Spadefoot
Reptiles
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Virgin Islands National Park
Racer
Bullsnake
Ring-Necked Snake
Racer
Common Garter Snake
Rattlesnake
Eastern Milk Snake
Sagebrush Lizard
Eastern Fence Lizard
Common Garter Snake
Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard
Insects
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Virgin Islands National Park
Orange Sulfur
Painted Lady
Monarch Butterfly
American Painted Lady
European Cabbage White
Buckeye
Fish
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Virgin Islands National Park
Northern Largemouth Bass
Longnose Sucker
Green Sunfish
Green Sunfish
Northern Bluegill Sunfish
Bluegill
Northern Fathead Minnow
Flathead Minnow
Golden Shiner
Golden Shiner
European Carp
Carp/European Carp
Northern Pike
Northern Pike
Eastern Burbot
Burbot
Central Mottled Sculpin
Longnose Dace
Graceful Catfish
Channel Catfish
Black Crappie
Black Bullhead
Creek Chub
Creek Chub
Goldfish
Beautiful Landscapes in Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio is known for its scenic river, rolling hills, and lush forests. Brandywine Falls, a 65-ft waterfall, attracts visitors. Ledges Overlook offers panoramic views. Virgin Islands National Park in the U.S. Virgin Islands showcases stunning beaches, turquoise waters with diverse coral reefs, and lush tropical forests. Hike Bordeaux Mountain for views of the island and Caribbean Sea.
Things To-Do and Activities in Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio offers outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and picnicking, as well as cultural experiences like scenic railway rides and concerts. In contrast, Virgin Islands National Park in the U.S. Virgin Islands is renowned for its beach activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, and swimming, surrounded by lush tropical vegetation. While Cuyahoga Valley focuses more on cultural experiences, Virgin Islands National Park provides a tropical escape with water-based activities.
Best Time to Visit Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio has temperate climate, cold in winter and warm in summer, while Virgin Islands National Park, US Virgin Islands has a tropical climate, warm all year. Cuyahoga Valley temperatures average low 40s in winter and mid-70s in summer. The park is famous for its seasonal changes, with fall being the peak time for vibrant fall foliage. In contrast, Virgin Islands National Park has year-round warm weather with temperatures averaging mid-80s. The best time to visit is Dec-May with less rain and better water visibility for snorkeling, diving.
Family Friendliness of Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Both Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Virgin Islands National Park offer family-friendly options, but differ in their offerings. Cuyahoga Valley, located in Ohio, has scenic railway rides, hiking trails, and educational programs. Virgin Islands National Park, located in the US Virgin Islands, has beaches, snorkeling, and tropical forest hikes. For families looking for a mix of activities and education, Cuyahoga Valley is a better option. For those seeking beach and tropical experiences, Virgin Islands National Park is the choice.