Acadia National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park are two of the most unique and diverse national parks in the United States. Both parks offer visitors a chance to experience the natural beauty of the region and to explore the unique landscapes that make these parks so special. Whether you’re a hiker, a camper, or just looking for a peaceful place to relax, these parks have something for everyone.
Acadia National Park, located in Maine, is known for its rugged coastline and its diverse array of outdoor activities. Visitors can hike to the summit of Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the east coast of the United States, or explore the park’s many carriage roads, which are perfect for biking or horseback riding. The park also offers visitors the chance to see some of the most beautiful fall foliage in the country.
Lassen Volcanic National Park, located in California, is known for its geothermal features and its volcanic landscapes. Visitors can hike to the summit of Lassen Peak, the largest volcano in the park, or explore the park’s many geothermal areas, which are home to boiling mud pots, fumaroles, and hot springs. The park also offers visitors the chance to see one of the most unique landscapes in the country.
Both parks offer visitors the chance to experience the natural beauty of the region and to explore the unique landscapes that make these parks so special. If you’re looking for an adventure, or just a peaceful place to relax, these parks have something for everyone.
Hiking Trails in Acadia National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Acadia National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park both offer a variety of hiking trails for visitors to enjoy. However, the types of hikes and difficulty levels may differ between the two parks.
Acadia National Park is known for its diverse hiking trails, ranging from easy nature walks to challenging mountaintop climbs. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Jordan Pond Path, which leads to the Jordan Pond House and offers great views of the pond and surrounding mountains, and the Precipice Trail, which offers great views of the Atlantic Ocean. Additionally, the park also offers a number of nature walks, such as the Wild Gardens of Acadia, which features a variety of native plants and wildflowers.
On the other hand, Lassen Volcanic National Park offers a variety of hikes that showcase the unique volcanic features of the park. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Bumpass Hell Trail, which leads to a geothermal area with mud pots and fumaroles, and the Devastated Area Trail, which passes through an area that was devastated by the 1915 eruption of Lassen Peak. Additionally, the park also offers a number of nature walks, such as the Manzanita Lake Nature Trail, which circles the lake and offers great views of Lassen Peak and the surrounding mountains.
Both parks also offer more challenging hikes for experienced hikers. In Acadia National Park, the Precipice Trail and the Jordan Pond Path are considered the most challenging hikes, with steep sections and rocky terrain. In Lassen Volcanic National Park, the Lassen Peak trail is considered the most challenging hike, as it’s a strenuous 10-mile round trip hike to the summit of Lassen Peak, with an elevation gain of over 2,000 feet.
In summary, while both parks offer a variety of hiking trails, Acadia National Park is known for its diverse hiking trails, ranging from easy nature walks to challenging mountaintop climbs, while Lassen Volcanic National Park offers a variety of hikes that showcase the unique volcanic features of the park, with some easier hikes such as Bumpass Hell Trail and Devastated Area Trail and more challenging hike like Lassen Peak trail.
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 Lassen Volcanic National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lassen Peak | 8207.634 | 599.8464 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Kings Creek Falls Trail | 4345.218 | 143.8656 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Cinder Cone Nature Trail | 7724.832 | 317.9064 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| Brokeoff Mountain Trail | 12230.984 | 786.9936 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Mill Creek Falls Trail | 6115.492 | 237.744 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Manzanita Lake Loop | 3057.746 | 13.716 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Devil’s Kitchen Trail | 7402.964 | 187.7568 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Chaos Crags Trail | 6437.36 | 301.752 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Cluster Lakes Loop Trail | 16737.136 | 451.7136 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Boiling Springs Lake Loop Trail | 3701.482 | 75.8952 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Acadia National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Acadia National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park are both home to a diverse array of wildlife, including animals, birds, and plants. However, the wildlife found in each park is unique to its specific ecosystem and climate.
Acadia National Park, located in Maine, is home to a variety of animals, including white-tailed deer, moose, foxes, black bears, and coyotes. The park is also a popular destination for bird watching, with over 300 species of birds that have been recorded in the park. Some of the most commonly seen birds in the park include the Bald Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, and Osprey. The park also has a variety of plants, including balsam fir, white pine, and red spruce, as well as a variety of wildflowers and ferns.
Lassen Volcanic National Park, located in California, is home to a variety of animals, including black bears, mountain lions, deer, and marmots. The park is also a popular destination for bird watching, with over 150 species of birds that have been recorded in the park. Some of the most commonly seen birds in the park include the Steller’s Jay, Mountain Bluebird, and the American Dipper. The park is also home to a variety of plants, including mountain hemlock, red fir, and whitebark pine. The park also has different flora and fauna along with the volcanic landscape, like the sulfur-loving bacteria, mosses and lichens that can grow in such conditions.
Both parks offer visitors the opportunity to observe and enjoy a wide range of wildlife. However, the specific animals, birds, and plants that can be seen in each park will vary depending on the time of year and the specific location within the park. Visitors should be sure to check with park rangers for information about the wildlife that can be seen in the park during their visit.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Acadia National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Acadia National Park | Lassen Volcanic 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
| Acadia National Park | Lassen Volcanic National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | American Beaver |
| American Beaver | Muskrat |
| Muskrat | Bobcat |
| Big Brown Bat | Striped Skunk |
| Bobcat | Raccoon |
| Striped Skunk | Black Bear |
| Little Brown Bat | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Deer Mouse | Hoary Bat |
| Raccoon | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Black Bear | Mountain Lion |
| Porcupine | Mink |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Mule Deer |
| Hoary Bat | Gray Fox |
| Cross Fox | Wolf |
| New York Weasel | Long-Eared Myotis |
| House Mouse | Snowshoe Hare |
| Mink | Fringed Myotis |
| Gray Wolf | Western Harvest Mouse |
| Bonaparte’s Weasel | Yuma Myotis |
| Varying Hare | Bighorn Sheep |
| Masked Shrew | Montane Shrew |
| Water Shrew | Long-Tailed Vole |
| Red Squirrel | Ringtail |
| Virginia Deer | Virginia Opossum |
| Canada Lynx | Wolverine |
Fish
| Acadia National Park | Lassen Volcanic National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Redband Trout |
| Native Brook Trout | Brook Trout |
| Loch Leven Brown Trout | Brown Trout |
| Largemouth Bass | Fathead Minnow |
| Fathead Minnow | Golden Shiner |
| Golden Shiner | Silver Salmon |
| Togue | King Salmon |
| Threespine Stickleback | Mottled Sculpin |
| Creek Chub | Speckled Dace |
| Brown Bullhead | Brown Bullhead |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Amphibians
| Acadia National Park | Lassen Volcanic National Park |
|---|---|
| Leopard Frog | Bullfrog |
| Bullfrog | |
| Wood Frog |
Reptiles
| Acadia National Park | Lassen Volcanic National Park |
|---|---|
| Ringneck Snake | Gopher Snake |
| Eastern Garter Snake | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Milk Snake | Racer |
| Western Rattlesnake | |
| Ring-Necked Snake | |
| Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Common Kingsnake | |
| Rubber Boa | |
| Striped Whipsnake | |
| Western Whiptail | |
| Western Skink | |
| Western Fence Lizard |
Insects
| Acadia National Park | Lassen Volcanic National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Common Checkered-Skipper | |
| Honey Bee | |
| Buckeye | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Acadia National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Acadia National Park is known for its rugged coastline, which offers visitors a chance to see some of the most beautiful views on the east coast of the United States. The park’s famous landscapes include:
– Cadillac Mountain: The highest point on the east coast of the United States. Visitors can hike to the summit and enjoy panoramic views of the park and the surrounding area.
– Jordan Pond: A scenic pond surrounded by beautiful trees and mountains. Visitors can hike around the pond or take a boat ride to enjoy the views.
– Thunder Hole: A natural inlet that creates a thundering sound when waves crash into it. Visitors can watch the waves and listen to the thundering sound.
– Bar Harbor: A charming coastal town that is the main gateway to the park. Visitors can explore the town’s many shops, restaurants, and galleries.
Lassen Volcanic National Park is known for its geothermal features and its volcanic landscapes. The park’s famous landscapes include:
– Lassen Peak: The largest volcano in the park. Visitors can hike to the summit and enjoy panoramic views of the park and the surrounding area.
– Bumpass Hell: A large geothermal area with boiling mud pots, fumaroles, and hot springs. Visitors can take a boardwalk trail to see the geothermal features up close.
– The Devastated Area: An area of the park that was destroyed by the Lassen eruption of 1915. Visitors can see the volcanic features and learn about the park’s history.
– Manzanita Lake: A peaceful lake that offers visitors a chance to enjoy a peaceful stroll or a picnic lunch.
Both parks offer visitors a chance to see some of the most beautiful and unique landscapes in the country. From rugged coastlines to volcanic landscapes, there is something for everyone to enjoy at Acadia National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park.
Things To-Do and Activities in Acadia National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Acadia National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts and offer a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy. However, the specific activities that are most popular at each park will vary depending on the park’s unique features and natural landscapes.
Acadia National Park, located in Maine, is known for its hiking trails, with over 120 miles of trails that range from easy to strenuous. The park’s most popular hike is the Precipice Trail, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and ocean. Another popular activity in the park is biking on the park’s carriage roads, which are a network of gravel roads that are perfect for biking, walking, and picnicking. The park also offers visitors the opportunity to go rock climbing, horseback riding, and sea kayaking.
Lassen Volcanic National Park, located in California, is known for its volcanic landscapes, with a variety of activities that highlight the park’s unique geology. The park’s most popular activity is hiking, with over 150 miles of trails that range from easy to strenuous. The park’s most popular hike is the Lassen Peak trail, which is a strenuous hike to the summit of the park’s most active volcano. Another popular activity in the park is camping, with over 150 campsites available for visitors to choose from. The park also offers visitors the opportunity to go backpacking, fishing, and horseback riding.
Both parks offer visitors the opportunity to enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities, but the specific activities that are most popular at each park will vary depending on the park’s unique features and natural landscapes. Visitors should check with park rangers for information about the activities that are available in the park during their visit, and plan accordingly.
Best Time to Visit Acadia National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Acadia National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park both have different seasonal weather patterns that can affect the best time of year to visit each park.
Acadia National Park is located in Maine, on the Atlantic coast, and has a moderate maritime climate. The park experiences warm summers with temperatures averaging in the high 70s to low 80s, and mild winters with temperatures averaging in the 20s and 30s. The park also receives an average of around 50 inches of precipitation per year, with the majority falling between October and April. The park is most popular during the summer months of June through September, but it also offers beautiful fall foliage and cross-country skiing and snowshoeing opportunities in the winter.
On the other hand, Lassen Volcanic National Park is located in Northern California, and has a more varied climate due to its elevation. The park experiences warm summers with temperatures averaging in the high 70s to low 80s, and cold winters with temperatures averaging in the 20s and 30s. The park also receives an average of around 30 inches of precipitation per year, with the majority falling between October and April. The park is most popular during the summer months of June through September, but it also offers opportunities to see snow-covered peaks and cross-country skiing in the winter.
Both parks have different weather patterns and as such, the best time to visit each park will also be different. Acadia National Park is best visited during the summer months, when visitors can enjoy warm weather, beautiful scenery and clear skies, while Lassen Volcanic National Park is best visited during the summer months, when the park’s many hiking trails and the volcanic features of the park are accessible and the weather is warm. However, both parks also offer unique winter activities, such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snow-covered landscapes, which can be enjoyed during the colder months.
Family Friendliness of Acadia National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Both Acadia National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park are family-friendly destinations that offer a variety of activities for children and adults to enjoy. However, each park has its own unique features that make it more suitable for certain types of families.
Acadia National Park is a great destination for families with younger children. The park offers a variety of easy hikes and carriage roads that are perfect for families with strollers or children who need a more leisurely pace. The park also offers a variety of ranger-led programs and educational activities that are designed to teach children about the park’s natural and cultural history. The park also has a range of accommodations and facilities which can cater to families with children.
On the other hand, Lassen Volcanic National Park is a great destination for families with older children who are interested in geology and nature. The park’s geothermal features and volcanic landscapes provide opportunities for children to learn about geology and the natural world in a hands-on way. The park also offers a variety of ranger-led programs and educational activities that are designed to teach children about the park’s natural and cultural history. However, some of the hikes in the park can be challenging and may not be suitable for young children.
Overall, both parks offer different activities and experiences for families to enjoy. If you’re traveling with younger children, Acadia National Park may be the better choice, but if you’re traveling with older children, Lassen Volcanic National Park may be more suitable. It’s important to consider the interests and abilities of your children when deciding which park to visit.