Acadia National Park and Gateway Arch National Park are two national parks located on opposite sides of the country, but they each offer unique and exciting experiences for visitors. Acadia National Park, located in Maine, is known for its rugged coastline, stunning mountain views, and diverse wildlife. Visitors can hike on well-maintained trails, take a scenic drive, or relax on one of the park’s many beaches. On the other hand, Gateway Arch National Park, located in Missouri, offers visitors a chance to experience the history and culture of the American West. The park’s main feature is the Gateway Arch, a 630-foot-tall stainless steel monument that offers breathtaking views of the city. Both parks offer a wide range of activities, from outdoor recreation to cultural and historical experiences. Whether you’re looking for a rugged and wild adventure or a more urban experience, these two parks have something to offer for every type of traveler.
Hiking Trails in Acadia National Park and Gateway Arch National Park
Acadia National Park and Gateway Arch National Park both offer a variety of hiking trails for visitors to explore, but the types of trails and the difficulty level of the hikes vary due to the vastly different terrains of the two parks.
Acadia National Park, located in the state of Maine, is known for its rugged coastline and beautiful mountain vistas. The park has over 120 miles of hiking trails, including some of the easiest and hardest hikes in the park. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include:
– Jordan Pond Path: This 3-mile round-trip hike is a gentle trail that circles Jordan Pond and offers beautiful views of the pond and the surrounding mountains.
– Precipice Trail: This 1.4-mile round-trip hike is considered a moderate hike that offers spectacular views of the rugged coastline.
– Sand Beach: This short hike of 0.5-mile round-trip to the beach is a gentle and easy hike and offers a nice view of the ocean.
On the other hand, the park also offers some of the hardest hikes in the park, such as:
– Precipice Trail: This hike can be strenuous, with steep, narrow and rocky sections and a challenging climb to the summit.
– Cadillac Mountain: This hike is the park’s highest peak and offers a challenging climb to the summit with a total of 4.5 miles round-trip.
– Jordan Pond Path: Although it’s considered an easy hike, the path can be steep in some sections and rocky in others.
On the other hand, Gateway Arch National Park, located in Missouri, is known for its urban setting and the Gateway Arch, the park’s main attraction. The park offers several hiking trails, but the park is not known for its hiking trails. The park offers the Riverfront Trail, which is a 4-mile hike along the Mississippi River and offers great views of the Gateway Arch and the St. Louis skyline. This hike is considered easy and is perfect for families.
Overall, while both parks offer a variety of hiking trails, the types of trails and the difficulty level of the hikes vary due to the vastly different terrains of the two parks. Visitors to Acadia National Park will find a wide variety of hiking trails, including some of the easiest and hardest hikes in the park, while visitors to Gateway Arch National Park will find an easy hike, the Riverfront Trail, which is perfect for families.
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 Gateway Arch National Park
Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
St. Louis Riverfront Trail | 34439.876 | 109.728 | Easy | loop | 4 |
Jefferson National Expansion Memorial | 2574.944 | 20.7264 | Easy | loop | 4 |
Wildlife in Acadia National Park and Gateway Arch National Park
Acadia National Park and Gateway Arch National Park are both known for their diverse wildlife, but the types of animals and plants you’ll see at each park are quite different.
Acadia National Park is located on the rugged coast of Maine and is home to a wide range of wildlife. Some of the animals commonly seen in the park include white-tailed deer, moose, black bears, foxes, and coyotes. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including the peregrine falcon, the bald eagle, and the osprey. Visitors to the park may also see a variety of marine mammals, such as seals and porpoises, swimming in the waters along the coast.
Gateway Arch National Park, on the other hand, is located in the heart of St. Louis, Missouri, and is primarily a urban park. The park is not known for its wildlife, but visitors may see some common animals such as squirrels, raccoons, and urban birds like the American robin, Blue Jay, and the American Goldfinch.
In terms of plants, Acadia National Park is home to a diverse range of tree species, including white pine, red spruce, and balsam fir. There are also a variety of wildflowers and ferns that can be seen throughout the park. Visitors may also see some of the park’s native berry bushes, such as blueberries and blackberries. On the other hand, Gateway Arch National Park, as an urban park, visitors will see mostly trees, grass and flowers planted around the monuments and park, some of the most common trees in the park are Oak and Maple, and in the blooming season visitors can see Tulip and Daffodils.
In summary, both parks have their own unique wildlife and plant diversity, but Acadia National Park is known for its diverse wildlife and plant species, while Gateway Arch National Park is more of an urban park and visitors can see mostly trees and flowers. If you’re looking to see a wide variety of animals and plants, Acadia National Park would be the better choice.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Acadia National Park and Gateway Arch National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
Acadia National Park | Gateway Arch 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 | 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 | Gateway Arch National Park |
---|---|
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 | Gateway Arch National Park |
---|---|
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 | Gateway Arch National Park |
---|---|
Leopard Frog | Wood Frog |
Bullfrog | |
Wood Frog |
Reptiles
Acadia National Park | Gateway Arch National Park |
---|---|
Ringneck Snake | |
Eastern Garter Snake | |
Milk Snake |
Beautiful Landscapes in Acadia National Park and Gateway Arch National Park
Acadia National Park is known for its stunning landscapes, including its rugged coastline, majestic mountains, and picturesque lakes and ponds. Some of the most famous landscapes in the park include Cadillac Mountain, which is the highest point on the east coast of the United States and offers panoramic views of the park and the surrounding areas. Jordan Pond is also a popular spot for visitors, known for its crystal clear water and the surrounding mountains. Another famous landscape is the Precipice Trail, a steep and challenging hike that leads to the top of Champlain Mountain with incredible views of the park.
Gateway Arch National Park, on the other hand, is home to the Gateway Arch, a 630-foot-tall stainless steel monument that serves as a symbol of the American West and its role in the nation’s expansion. The Gateway Arch is the most famous landscape in the park, and it offers visitors breathtaking views of the surrounding city from the top. Visitors can also take a tram to the top of the arch and enjoy the view. Along with the Gateway Arch, the park also features the Old Courthouse, a building that played a significant role in the nation’s history, particularly in the Dred Scott case. The Old Courthouse is a must-see attraction for visitors who are interested in the history of the American West.
In summary, Acadia National Park is known for its rugged coastline, majestic mountains, and picturesque lakes and ponds. While Gateway Arch National Park is known for its Gateway Arch, a 630-foot-tall stainless steel monument that serves as a symbol of the American West and its role in the nation’s expansion. The Gateway Arch is the most famous landscape in the park and it offers visitors breathtaking views of the surrounding city from the top.
Things To-Do and Activities in Acadia National Park and Gateway Arch National Park
Acadia National Park and Gateway Arch National Park are both popular tourist destinations, but the types of activities that visitors can enjoy at each park are quite different.
Acadia National Park is known for its outdoor recreational opportunities. Some of the most popular activities at the park include hiking, camping, and sightseeing. The park has over 120 miles of hiking trails that range from easy, family-friendly walks to strenuous climbs up the park’s tallest peaks, such as Cadillac Mountain. The park also has several campgrounds where visitors can pitch a tent or park an RV, and many visitors enjoy spending the night under the stars. Sightseeing is also a popular activity in the park, with many visitors taking in the stunning views of the Maine coast from the park’s many scenic overlooks.
On the other hand, Gateway Arch National Park is known for its monuments and historical significance. The main attraction in the park is the Gateway Arch, a 630-foot-tall monument that serves as a symbol of the westward expansion of the United States. Visitors can take a tram ride to the top of the arch for panoramic views of the city, and the park also has several museums and exhibits that tell the story of the city’s history. The park also has several boat cruises and bike rentals available for visitors to explore the Mississippi Riverfront.
In summary, both parks have their unique activities, but Acadia National Park is known for its outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking, camping, and sightseeing, while Gateway Arch National Park is known for its monuments and historical significance, such as the Gateway Arch and its museum. If you’re looking to enjoy outdoor activities, Acadia National Park would be the better choice, while Gateway Arch National Park is perfect for those interested in history and monuments.
Best Time to Visit Acadia National Park and Gateway Arch National Park
Acadia National Park and Gateway Arch National Park are located in different parts of the country and have vastly different weather patterns, which affect when is the best time of year to visit each park.
Acadia National Park, located in the state of Maine, has a temperate maritime climate, which means it experiences cool summers and mild winters. The park is known for its spectacular fall foliage, with peak leaf-peeping season usually occurring in late September to early October. The summer months of June, July and August are the most popular time to visit the park due to the warmer weather, with high temperature in the mid 70s to low 80s (Fahrenheit), and low humidity, making it perfect for hiking and other outdoor activities. Winters in the park can be harsh, with heavy snowfall and cold temperatures, making it difficult to access some of the park’s trails and facilities.
On the other hand, Gateway Arch National Park, located in Missouri, has a humid subtropical climate, which means it experiences hot summers and mild winters. The park is best visited during the spring and fall months, when the temperatures are more comfortable, with high temperatures in the mid-70s to low 80s (Fahrenheit) and low humidity. Summer months can be very hot and humid, with high temperature in the mid 90s to low 100s (Fahrenheit) and high humidity, making it less ideal for outdoor activities. Winters in the park are mild, with occasional snowfall, but temperatures usually remain above freezing, making it a good time to visit if you don’t mind the colder weather.
In summary, the best time to visit Acadia National Park is during the summer months for hiking and other outdoor activities, and during the fall for the spectacular foliage. The best time to visit Gateway Arch National Park is during the spring and fall months for comfortable temperatures, and during the winter if you don’t mind the colder weather.
Family Friendliness of Acadia National Park and Gateway Arch National Park
Both Acadia National Park and Gateway Arch National Park are family-friendly destinations, but they offer different types of experiences for families.
Acadia National Park is known for its outdoor recreation opportunities and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for families who enjoy hiking, camping, and exploring nature. The park has a variety of hiking trails, including some that are suitable for families with children. The Precipice Trail is a challenging hike that leads to the top of Champlain Mountain with incredible views of the park. Families can also take a scenic drive along the Park Loop Road, which offers breathtaking views of the park’s mountains and coastline. The park also has several campgrounds, which offer families the opportunity to spend the night in the park and experience the wilderness first hand.
On the other hand, Gateway Arch National Park is located in the heart of the city and offers a more urban experience for families. The park’s main attraction is the Gateway Arch, a 630-foot-tall stainless steel monument that offers breathtaking views of the city from the top. Visitors can take a tram to the top of the arch and enjoy the view. Along with the Gateway Arch, the park also features the Old Courthouse, a building that played a significant role in the nation’s history, particularly in the Dred Scott case. The Old Courthouse is a must-see attraction for visitors who are interested in the history of the American West. Families can also take a boat tour along the Mississippi River and learn about the history of the area.
In summary, Acadia National Park offers more of an outdoor recreational experience, while Gateway Arch National Park offers more of an urban experience. Both parks offer different types of experiences for families, so it depends on what type of experience you’re looking for. If you’re looking for outdoor recreation and natural beauty, Acadia National Park is a better option. If you’re looking for an urban experience with historical and cultural attractions, Gateway Arch National Park is a better option.