Acadia National Park and Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve are two of the most breathtaking national parks in the United States. They are each unique in their own way, and offer visitors a chance to experience some of the most stunning natural beauty in the country. Imagine the rugged coastline of Maine versus the untouched wilderness of Alaska, they both offer a completely different experience. Acadia National Park is a place where you can hike to the top of Cadillac Mountain and watch the sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean, while Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve is where you can watch the Northern Lights dance across the night sky. These two parks are on opposite sides of the country, but both offer visitors the opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse themselves in the natural world. So, whether you’re looking for a summer vacation filled with hiking and swimming or a winter adventure in the snow, these two national parks have something for everyone.
Hiking Trails in Acadia National Park and Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve
Acadia National Park features over 120 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy, wheelchair-accessible trails to strenuous, backcountry routes. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Jordan Pond Path, which is a 3-mile loop that offers a leisurely stroll around Jordan Pond and the Precipice Trail which offers a challenging climb to the top of Champlain Mountain.
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, is a wilderness park with no developed trails or roads. It offers backpacking, wilderness camping, and hiking opportunities for visitors who are experienced in backcountry travel and are self-sufficient. The park is known for its rugged terrain, with steep mountains, glaciers, and tundra. Some of the most challenging hikes in the park include the Brooks Range and the Arrigetch Peaks, which are a remote mountain range and require advanced navigation skills and wilderness survival knowledge.
In summary, both Acadia National Park and Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve offer hiking opportunities, but they differ in the level of difficulty and accessibility of the trails. Acadia National Park features well-maintained hiking trails, with easy to moderate routes and strenuous routes, while Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve is a wilderness park with no developed trails or roads, and it offers challenging backcountry hiking opportunities for experienced hikers.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Acadia National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Beehive Loop Trail | 2253.076 | 148.7424 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| Cadillac North Ridge Trail | 6437.36 | 340.7664 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Jordan Pond Full Loop Trail | 5471.756 | 28.956 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Ocean Path and Gorham Mountain Loop Trail | 4988.954 | 181.9656 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Cadillac Mountain South Ridge Trail Loop | 12070.05 | 684.8856 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
| Precipice, Orange and Black and Champlain North Ridge Trail Loop | 3379.614 | 319.7352 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| Ocean Path Trail: Thunder Hole and Monument Cove | 7242.03 | 113.9952 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Great Head Trail (Short Option) | 2574.944 | 91.7448 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| South Bubble Mountain and Jordan Pond Loop | 2253.076 | 149.9616 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Cadillac Summit Loop Trail | 482.802 | 13.716 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shark Valley Trail | 25427.572 | 6.7056 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Anhinga Trail | 2414.01 | 0 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Pa-Hay-Okee Overlook Trail | 321.868 | 0 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Gumbo Limbo Trail | 643.736 | 0 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
| Long Pine Key Trail | 24944.77 | 0 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Mahogany Hammock Trail | 643.736 | 0 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
| Everglades Coastal Prairie Trail | 27358.78 | 4.8768 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Pinelands Trail | 643.736 | 0 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
| Everglades National Park East Entrance to Flamingo Scenic Route | 58258.108 | 7.9248 | Easy | point to point | 4.5 |
| Nine Mile Pond | 8851.37 | 0 | Easy | loop | 5 |
Wildlife in Acadia National Park and Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve
Acadia National Park and Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve are both home to a wide variety of wildlife, but the types of animals, birds, and plants that are commonly seen in each park are different due to their vastly different climates and ecosystems.
Acadia National Park, located in the state of Maine, is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, moose, black bears, and coyotes. The park is also home to a wide variety of bird species, including the peregrine falcon, the bald eagle, and the common loon. Visitors to the park can also see a variety of aquatic species, including Atlantic salmon, brook trout, and smallmouth bass. In terms of plants, the park is known for its dense forests and lush vegetation, including a wide variety of deciduous and coniferous trees.
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve, located in the state of Alaska, is home to a different set of wildlife due to its Arctic climate. The park is home to a wide variety of mammals, including grizzly bears, black bears, wolves, and caribou. Visitors to the park can also see a variety of bird species, including the peregrine falcon, the golden eagle, and the rough-legged hawk. In terms of plants, the park is known for its tundra landscapes and its boreal forests, which are composed of spruce, fir, and birch trees.
Overall, while both parks offer a chance to see a wide variety of wildlife, the types of animals, birds, and plants that are commonly seen in each park are different due to their vastly different climates and ecosystems. Visitors to Acadia National Park will have the opportunity to see a wide variety of wildlife that is native to the eastern United States, while visitors to Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve will have the opportunity to see a wide variety of wildlife that is native to the Arctic.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Acadia National Park and Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Acadia National Park | Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| 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 | Savannah Sparrow |
| Savannah Sparrow | Hermit Thrush |
| Great Blue Heron | American Kestrel |
| Hermit Thrush | Bald Eagle |
| American Kestrel | Northern Pintail |
| Bald Eagle | American Wigeon |
| Song Sparrow | Green-Winged Teal |
| European Starling | American Pipit |
| Northern Pintail | Swainson’s Thrush |
| American Wigeon | Hairy Woodpecker |
| Green-Winged Teal | Red-Breasted Nuthatch |
Mammals
| Acadia National Park | Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Big Brown Bat | Black Bear |
| Bobcat | Porcupine |
| Striped Skunk | Red Fox |
| Little Brown Bat | Mink |
| Deer Mouse | Wolf |
| Raccoon | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| Black Bear | Varying Hare |
| Porcupine | River Otter |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Common Shrew |
| Hoary Bat | Red Squirrel |
| Cross Fox | Montane Shrew |
| New York Weasel | Lynx |
| House Mouse | Wolverine |
| Mink | American Marten |
| Gray Wolf | Grizzly Bear |
| Bonaparte’s Weasel | Meadow Vole |
| Varying Hare | Moose |
| Masked Shrew | Least Weasel |
| Water Shrew | Pygmy Shrew |
| Red Squirrel | Northern Bog Lemming |
| Virginia Deer | |
| Canada Lynx |
Fish
| Acadia National Park | Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Longnose Sucker |
| Native Brook Trout | Lake Trout |
| Loch Leven Brown Trout | Northern Pike |
| Largemouth Bass | Eelpout |
| Fathead Minnow | King Salmon |
| Golden Shiner | Slimy Sculpin |
| Togue | Chum Salmon |
| Threespine Stickleback | Dolly Varden |
| Creek Chub | Arctic Grayling |
| Brown Bullhead | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Amphibians
| Acadia National Park | Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Leopard Frog | Wood Frog |
| Bullfrog | |
| Wood Frog |
Reptiles
| Acadia National Park | Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Ringneck Snake | |
| Eastern Garter Snake | |
| Milk Snake |
Beautiful Landscapes in Acadia National Park and Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve
Acadia National Park is home to some of the most famous landscapes in the eastern United States. The park is located on the rugged coast of Maine, and features a diverse range of natural features, including mountains, valleys, lakes, and ocean views. Some of the most famous landscapes in the park include:
– Cadillac Mountain: At 1,530 feet, Cadillac Mountain is the highest point on the east coast of the United States. Visitors can drive to the summit or hike to the top for panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding mountains.
– Jordan Pond: This serene mountain lake is surrounded by lush forests and offers beautiful views of the surrounding peaks. Visitors can hike around the pond or take a boat tour to see the sights.
– Precipice Trail: This challenging hike takes visitors to the top of Champlain Mountain, where they can enjoy stunning views of the ocean and the surrounding mountains. The trail is considered one of the most strenuous in the park, but the views from the top are well worth the effort.
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is located in the heart of the Arctic wilderness in Alaska and it’s known for its rugged mountains, rolling tundra, and pristine lakes. Some of the most famous landscapes in the park include:
– The Brooks Range: This mountain range runs through the center of the park and is the highest point in the park, Atigun Pass, reaching 4,739 feet. The Brooks Range offers hikers and backpackers a chance to explore some of the most remote wilderness in the country.
– The Arctic Divide: The Arctic Divide is a high ridge that separates the drainages of the Arctic Ocean from those of the Bering Sea. It’s home to some of the most spectacular views in the park, with panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
– The Alatna River: This river runs through the heart of the park and is a popular destination for rafting and canoeing. The Alatna River offers visitors a chance to experience the remote wilderness and see some of the park’s most stunning landscapes from a different perspective.
Overall, both parks offer visitors a chance to experience some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country, but in vastly different ways, Acadia National Park offers the rugged coast of Maine and Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve offers the rugged wilderness of Alaska.
Things To-Do and Activities in Acadia National Park and Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve
Acadia National Park and Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve are both popular national parks with a wide range of activities to enjoy. However, the most popular activities in each park vary due to the vastly different climates and terrains of the two parks.
Acadia National Park, located in the state of Maine, is known for its scenic drives and hiking trails. The park’s most popular activities include:
– Hiking: The park has over 120 miles of hiking trails, including the Precipice Trail and Jordan Pond Path, which offer visitors the opportunity to experience the park’s rugged coastline and beautiful mountain vistas.
– Scenic drives: The park has several scenic drives that offer visitors the opportunity to see the park’s beautiful landscapes, including the Park Loop Road and the one-way Cadillac Summit Road.
– Biking: The park has a network of carriage roads that are perfect for cycling and offer visitors the opportunity to explore the park’s beautiful forests and valleys.
– Ranger-led programs: The park offers a variety of ranger-led programs that are designed to educate visitors about the park’s natural and cultural history.
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve, located in the state of Alaska, is known for its wilderness and remote location. The park’s most popular activities include:
– Backpacking: The park has no maintained trails and visitors can only explore the park on foot or by air. Backpacking is the most popular activity and visitors can plan a multi-day trip to explore the park’s rugged wilderness.
– Fishing: The park is home to a wide variety of fish species, including grayling, Arctic char, and lake trout. Fishing is a popular activity, particularly in the Brooks Range.
– Flightseeing: Many visitors choose to explore the park by taking a flightseeing tour, which allows them to see the park’s rugged wilderness from the air.
– Photography: The park offers a unique opportunity for photographers to capture the scenic beauty of the Arctic wilderness, including the aurora borealis, glaciers, and the Brooks Range.
Overall, while both parks offer a wide range of activities, the most popular activities in each park vary due to the vastly different climates and terrains of the two parks. Visitors to Acadia National Park will find a wide variety of activities to enjoy, including hiking, biking, and scenic drives, while visitors to Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve will find a wide variety of activities to enjoy, including backpacking, fishing, and flightseeing.
Best Time to Visit Acadia National Park and Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve
Acadia National Park is located in Maine, which has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. The park is most popular during the summer months of June, July and August, when the weather is warm, and the park’s many hiking trails, campgrounds, and visitor centers are open. The fall season, between September and November, is also a great time to visit, with the park’s trees and foliage displaying vibrant colors. Spring months can be chilly with potential snowfall and many facilities and services may not be available. Winters are cold with snowfall, and many of the park’s facilities and services are closed, making it a less popular time to visit.
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, has a subarctic climate with long, cold winters and short, cool summers. The park is most popular during the summer months of June, July and August, when the weather is warm enough to allow for backpacking, wilderness camping, and hiking. However, even during the summer, the park can be chilly and it can be unpredictable, with temperatures ranging from below freezing to above freezing. Spring and fall are not the best time to visit the park due to the weather conditions and lack of daylight hours. Winter is extremely cold, and it’s not recommended to visit during this time.
In summary, the weather at Acadia National Park and Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve greatly affects the best time to visit each park. Acadia National Park is most popular during the summer months and fall, while Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve is most popular during the summer months. The weather at Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve is unpredictable even during the summer, and it’s not recommended to visit during the spring, fall, and winter due to the harsh conditions.
Family Friendliness of Acadia National Park and Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve
Acadia National Park and Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve are both great places to visit with children, but they offer very different experiences.
Acadia National Park is a relatively easy park to visit with children. The park has a wide range of activities for families to enjoy, including hiking, swimming, and boating. There are also many easy trails that are perfect for families with young children, such as the Jordan Pond Path. The park also has a number of visitor centers and exhibits that are designed to be educational and interactive, making them great places to visit with children.
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is a more challenging park to visit with children. This park is located in the heart of the Arctic wilderness in Alaska, and it’s known for its rugged terrain and remote wilderness. While it’s not impossible to visit with children, it’s definitely a more challenging park to navigate, and it’s more suitable for adventurous families who are willing to take on the challenge. There are no roads or established trails in the park, and visitors must navigate the wilderness on foot or by boat. The park also has limited facilities, so it is not as family-friendly as Acadia National Park.
Overall, if you’re traveling with children, Acadia National Park would be a better choice as it offers a wide range of activities and facilities for families to enjoy. On the other hand, if you’re looking for an adventure and you’re willing to take on the challenges that come with visiting a remote wilderness area, then Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve might be the right choice for you.