Acadia National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve are two of the most diverse and awe-inspiring national parks in the United States. Both parks offer a wide range of activities and natural wonders, but they each have their own unique characteristics that set them apart from one another. Imagine the rugged coastal cliffs of Acadia versus the pristine alpine lakes of Lake Clark. Imagine the dense evergreen forests of Maine compared to the vast tundra of Alaska. These two parks offer vastly different experiences and it’s hard to pick which one to visit first. Whether you’re a hiker, a camper, or a nature lover, these parks have something for everyone. So, pack your bags, and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime as we explore and compare the beauty of Acadia National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve.
Hiking Trails in Acadia National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Acadia National Park is known for its diverse hiking trails, which range from easy nature walks to challenging mountain climbs. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Jordan Pond Path, which is a 3-mile loop around Jordan Pond, and the Precipice Trail, which is a 1.4-mile hike with spectacular views of the park’s rugged coastline. Other popular easy hikes include the Gorge Path and the Jordan Pond Shore Path.
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is also known for its diverse hiking trails, which vary from easy nature walks to challenging backpacking trips. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Tanalian Falls Trail, which is a 1-mile round trip hike to the base of the falls, and the Chinitna Bay Trail, which is a 2-mile round trip hike through the park’s beautiful coastal landscape. Other popular easy hikes include the Telaquana Trail and the Twin Lakes Trail.
In terms of challenging hikes, Acadia National Park offers a number of strenuous trails such as the Precipice Trail, which is a challenging hike with steep cliffs and a strenuous climb, and the Jordan Pond Path, which can be challenging due to its steep sections. Lake Clark National Park & Preserve also offers a number of challenging hikes such as the Pioneer Ridge Trail, which is a strenuous hike with steep inclines and rugged terrain, and the Twin Lakes Trail, which can be challenging due to its long distance and remote location.
Both Parks offers a variety of hiking trails for different skill levels and preferences, from easy nature walks to challenging backpacking trips, and both Parks offers unique and diverse natural landscapes that offer spectacular views and unique wilderness experiences.
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 Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harding Ice Field Trail | 15610.598 | 1161.8976 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Exit Glacier Trail | 2896.812 | 81.9912 | Easy | out and back | 4.7 |
Wildlife in Acadia National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Acadia National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve are both known for their diverse wildlife. While both parks offer the opportunity to see a variety of animals, birds, and plants, the types of wildlife that can be seen at each park may differ.
Acadia National Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, moose, black bears, raccoons, and foxes. The park is also a popular spot for birdwatching, with species such as the peregrine falcon, the osprey, and the common loon commonly seen. Additionally, the park is home to a variety of reptiles and amphibians, including the eastern painted turtle and the northern leopard frog.
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is known for its large population of brown bears. Visitors to the park can often spot bears fishing for salmon in the park’s rivers and streams. The park is also home to a variety of other wildlife such as wolves, lynx, wolverines, and caribou. Lake Clark is also a great place for birdwatching, with species such as the bald eagle, the trumpeter swan, and the sandhill crane commonly seen.
In terms of plants, Acadia National Park has a wide variety of vegetation, including spruce-fir forests, deciduous forests, and bogs. The park is also home to a variety of wildflowers, such as the pink lady’s slipper, the Canada mayflower, and the wild lupine. On the other hand, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve has a diverse range of vegetation, including spruce-hemlock forests, tundra, and alpine meadows, as well as a variety of wildflowers such as the mountain avens, the wild rose, and the lupine.
In summary, while both parks offer the opportunity to see a wide variety of wildlife, birds and plants, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is particularly known for its large population of brown bears and the abundance of other large mammals like wolves and caribou. On the other hand, Acadia National Park is known for its diverse bird populations and variety of reptiles and amphibians.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Acadia National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Acadia National Park | Lake Clark 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 | 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 | Northern Pintail |
| Northern Pintail | American Wigeon |
| American Wigeon | Green-Winged Teal |
| Green-Winged Teal | American Pipit |
Mammals
| Acadia National Park | Lake Clark National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Big Brown Bat | Little Brown Bat |
| Bobcat | Black Bear |
| Striped Skunk | Porcupine |
| Little Brown Bat | Red Fox |
| Deer Mouse | Mink |
| Raccoon | Gray Wolf |
| Black Bear | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| Porcupine | Snowshoe Hare |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Northern River Otter |
| Hoary Bat | Masked Shrew |
| Cross Fox | Water Shrew |
| New York Weasel | Red Squirrel |
| House Mouse | Montane Shrew |
| Mink | Lynx |
| Gray Wolf | Wolverine |
| Bonaparte’s Weasel | American Marten |
| Varying Hare | Brown Bear |
| Masked Shrew | Meadow Vole |
| Water Shrew | Moose |
| Red Squirrel | Least Weasel |
| Virginia Deer | Pygmy Shrew |
| Canada Lynx | Meadow Jumping Mouse |
Fish
| Acadia National Park | Lake Clark National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Steelhead |
| Native Brook Trout | Longnose Sucker |
| Loch Leven Brown Trout | Lake Trout |
| Largemouth Bass | Northern Pike |
| Fathead Minnow | Burbot |
| Golden Shiner | Silver Salmon |
| Togue | King Salmon |
| Threespine Stickleback | Slimy Sculpin |
| Creek Chub | Threespine Stickleback |
| Brown Bullhead | Sockeye Salmon |
| Smallmouth Bass | Pink Salmon |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
| Acadia National Park | Lake Clark National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Leopard Frog | Wood Frog |
| Bullfrog | |
| Wood Frog |
Reptiles
| Acadia National Park | Lake Clark National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Ringneck Snake | |
| Eastern Garter Snake | |
| Milk Snake |
Beautiful Landscapes in Acadia National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Acadia National Park is home to some of the most iconic and beautiful landscapes in the northeastern United States. One of the most famous landscapes in the park is Cadillac Mountain, which is the highest point on the east coast of the United States. From the summit, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding islands, mountains, and ocean. Another famous landscape in the park is Jordan Pond, a pristine glacial lake surrounded by lush evergreen forests. The park also features a number of beautiful rocky coastline and beach, such as Sand Beach, which is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking.
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is home to some of the most rugged and remote wilderness in Alaska. The park features a number of beautiful mountain ranges such as the Chigmit Mountains, which are famous for their jagged peaks and glaciers. Another famous landscape in the park is Lake Clark itself, which is a large, pristine glacial lake surrounded by rugged mountains and tundra. The park also has many beautiful rivers, such as the Kijik River, which is known for its excellent fishing and rafting opportunities. Visitors to the park can also enjoy the vast tundra and see the wildlife like caribou, grizzly bears, wolves and many more.
Both of the parks offer visitors the opportunity to explore diverse and beautiful landscapes that are unique to their respective regions. Whether you’re looking for rugged coastal cliffs, alpine lakes, dense evergreen forests, or vast tundra, these parks have something for everyone to enjoy.
Things To-Do and Activities in Acadia National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Acadia National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve both offer a wide variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. However, the most popular activities at each park may differ.
Acadia National Park is known for its hiking and nature walks. The park offers a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy nature walks to challenging mountaintop climbs. Some of the most popular hikes include the Precipice Trail, which offers great views of the Atlantic Ocean, and the Jordan Pond Path, which leads to the Jordan Pond House. The park also offers a variety of nature walks, such as the Wild Gardens of Acadia, which features a variety of native plants and wildflowers.
In addition to hiking and nature walks, visitors to Acadia National Park also enjoy activities such as biking, rock climbing, and sea kayaking. The park offers a variety of bike trails, including the popular Park Loop Road, which offers great views of the park’s mountains and lakes. The park also offers a number of sea kayaking excursions, which allow visitors to explore the park’s rugged coastline.
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is known for its outdoor activities such as fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing. The park’s rivers and streams are home to a variety of fish, including salmon, rainbow trout, and Dolly Varden. Visitors to the park can also enjoy hunting for big game such as caribou and bear. Additionally, the park’s remote wilderness provides opportunities for visitors to view a variety of wildlife, such as bears, wolves, and wolverines, as well as birdwatching.
Another popular activity at Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is backcountry camping and hiking. The park offers a variety of backcountry trails that lead to remote areas of the park, including the Twin Lakes Trail and the Skilak Lake Loop Trail. Visitors can also take a guided backpacking or rafting trip to experience the park’s wilderness and wildlife.
In summary, while both parks offer a variety of outdoor activities, Acadia National Park is particularly known for its hiking and nature walks, while Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is known for its outdoor activities such as fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing, as well as backcountry camping and hiking.
Best Time to Visit Acadia National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Acadia National Park is located on the coast of Maine and experiences four distinct seasons. Spring and fall are the most pleasant seasons to visit the park with mild temperatures and vibrant colors of the foliage. Summer can be quite warm, with temperatures in the high 70s to low 80s, and is the most popular time to visit the park. Winter can be quite cold, with temperatures below freezing, and the park’s higher elevations receive significant snowfall. This makes winter a great time to visit the park for winter sports such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska and has a subarctic climate. Summer is the best time to visit the park, with temperatures in the high 50s to low 60s, and long days of daylight. This is also the time when the park’s wildflowers are in bloom and wildlife is most active. Winter can be quite cold, with temperatures below freezing, and the park receives significant snowfall. This makes it difficult to access the park during this time, and it’s not recommended for visitors. Spring and fall are also good times to visit the park, with milder temperatures and fewer visitors.
Both parks offer unique and diverse natural landscapes that offer spectacular views and unique wilderness experiences, but the best time to visit each park depends on the weather and the seasonal activities that you wish to experience. The best time to visit Acadia National Park would be in spring and fall when the weather is mild, and the foliage is at its best. While the best time to visit Lake Clark National Park & Preserve would be in summer when the weather is mild, and the wildlife is active.
Family Friendliness of Acadia National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Acadia National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve are both family-friendly destinations that offer a wide range of activities and natural wonders for visitors of all ages. However, each park has its own unique characteristics that make it better suited for certain types of visitors.
Acadia National Park is a great destination for families with children. The park offers a variety of easy and moderate hiking trails that are suitable for visitors of all ages. Some of the park’s most popular hikes include the Precipice Trail, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and ocean, and the Jordan Pond Path, which is an easy and level walk around a beautiful glacial lake. The park also has a number of scenic drives and overlooks that are perfect for families with young children. The park’s carriage roads are also a popular way to explore the park and are perfect for biking, walking, and picnicking.
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is a more remote and rugged destination that is better suited for older children and teenagers. The park’s wilderness is vast and remote, and visitors must be prepared for backcountry camping and hiking. The park also offers some of the best fishing and hunting opportunities in Alaska, but it is not recommended for young children and families with no experience. The park also has bears and other wild animals, so visitors should be prepared for wildlife encounters and take appropriate precautions.
Overall, Acadia National Park is a more family-friendly destination with a wide range of easy and moderate hikes, scenic drives, and other activities that are suitable for visitors of all ages. Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is a more remote and rugged destination that is better suited for older children and teenagers who are interested in backcountry camping, hiking, and fishing. Both parks offer a unique and beautiful experience, but families traveling with young children may find Acadia National Park to be a better choice.