Acadia National Park and Petrified Forest National Park are two vastly different national parks that offer visitors distinct experiences. Acadia, located on the coast of Maine, is known for its rugged coastline, towering granite peaks, and lush forests. Petrified Forest, located in Arizona, is known for its colorful badlands, ancient petrified wood, and unique desert landscapes. If you’re looking for a nature-filled vacation that combines breathtaking views, serene hikes, and geological wonders, then a visit to either of these national parks is a must. Imagine yourself climbing to the top of Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the east coast, in Acadia National Park, and then contrast that with a journey through time as you explore the colorful badlands and ancient petrified wood of Petrified Forest National Park. Both of these parks offer unique and diverse experiences that will leave you in awe of nature’s beauty. So, pack your bags and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime as we take a closer look at these two amazing national parks.
Hiking Trails in Acadia National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Acadia National Park and Petrified Forest National Park offer vastly different hiking experiences. Acadia is known for its rugged coastal terrain, with rocky cliffs and steep elevations. Some of the most popular hikes in the park include the Precipice Trail, a challenging hike with steep drop-offs and narrow ledges, and the Jordan Pond Path, a moderate hike around a picturesque mountain pond. On the other hand, Petrified Forest National Park offers a completely different experience with a focus on the park’s unique geologic features. The park’s hiking trails are relatively easy and well-maintained, with the longest trail only stretching 3 miles. The Giant Logs Trail is a 0.3 mile long path that takes visitors through some of the largest petrified trees in the park, while the Crystal Forest Trail is a 1-mile long walk that takes visitors through a forest of petrified logs. Overall, if you’re looking for a challenging hike with breathtaking views, Acadia National Park is the place to go, while Petrified Forest National Park is better for a more leisurely hike with a focus on geologic formations.
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 Petrified Forest National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Mesa Trail | 1448.406 | 32.9184 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Crystal Forest Trail | 1448.406 | 10.9728 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Painted Desert Rim Trail | 1770.274 | 11.8872 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Petrified Forest Scenic Drive | 46027.124 | 297.7896 | Moderate | point to point | 4.5 |
| Giant Logs Trail | 965.604 | 10.9728 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Onyx Bridge Trail | 7402.964 | 134.7216 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Long Logs and Agate House Loop Trail | 3379.614 | 24.9936 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Puerco Pueblo Trail | 482.802 | 2.7432 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Devil’s Playground Loop | 12070.05 | 144.78 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Old Jasper Forest Road | 4184.284 | 53.9496 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Acadia National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Acadia National Park and Petrified Forest National Park are both unique in their wildlife offerings.
Acadia National Park, located on the coast of Maine, is known for its diverse wildlife. The park is home to a variety of mammals, including white-tailed deer, moose, black bears, and beavers. The park is also home to many species of birds, such as the bald eagle, peregrine falcon, and osprey. Additionally, visitors can also spot a variety of reptiles and amphibians, such as the painted turtle, wood frog, and the northern leopard frog.
Petrified Forest National Park, located in Arizona, is known for its fossilized trees and ancient wildlife. The park is home to a variety of desert animals, such as pronghorn antelope, coyotes, and desert bighorn sheep. Visitors can also spot a variety of birds, such as roadrunners, cactus wrens, and golden eagles. The park also has a variety of reptiles and amphibians, such as the desert horned lizard, the western diamondback rattlesnake, and the Arizona toad. Additionally, the park is home to a variety of cacti and desert plants such as agave, yucca, and Joshua tree.
In conclusion, while both parks offer unique wildlife experiences, Acadia National Park is known for its diverse wildlife, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Petrified Forest National Park is known for its desert wildlife, including pronghorn, coyotes, desert bighorn sheep, and reptiles, and its unique plants like the petrified wood and the desert plants.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Acadia National Park and Petrified Forest National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Acadia National Park | Petrified Forest 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 | Petrified Forest National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | Big Brown Bat |
| Muskrat | Bobcat |
| Big Brown Bat | Striped Skunk |
| Bobcat | Little Brown Bat |
| Striped Skunk | Deer Mouse |
| Little Brown Bat | Raccoon |
| Deer Mouse | Black Bear |
| Raccoon | Porcupine |
| Black Bear | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Porcupine | Hoary Bat |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Red Fox |
| Hoary Bat | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Cross Fox | Mountain Lion |
| New York Weasel | Mule Deer |
| House Mouse | Gray Fox |
| Mink | Wolf |
| Gray Wolf | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Bonaparte’s Weasel | Badger |
| Varying Hare | California Myotis |
| Masked Shrew | Fringed Myotis |
| Water Shrew | Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat |
| Red Squirrel | Pacific Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat |
| Virginia Deer | Bushy-Tailed Woodrat |
| Canada Lynx | Western Harvest Mouse |
Fish
| Acadia National Park | Petrified Forest National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | |
| Native Brook Trout | |
| Loch Leven Brown Trout | |
| Largemouth Bass | |
| Fathead Minnow | |
| Golden Shiner | |
| Togue | |
| Threespine Stickleback | |
| Creek Chub | |
| Brown Bullhead | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Amphibians
| Acadia National Park | Petrified Forest National Park |
|---|---|
| Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Bullfrog | Tiger Salamander |
| Wood Frog | Woodhouse’s Toad |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Reptiles
| Acadia National Park | Petrified Forest National Park |
|---|---|
| Ringneck Snake | Gopher Snake |
| Eastern Garter Snake | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Milk Snake | Western Rattlesnake |
| Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | |
| Common Kingsnake | |
| Nightsnake | |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| Milksnake | |
| Striped Whipsnake | |
| Southwestern Black-Headed Snake | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard | |
| Glossy Snake |
Beautiful Landscapes in Acadia National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Acadia National Park is known for its rugged coastline, towering granite peaks, and lush forests. The park’s most famous landscape is probably Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the east coast, which offers spectacular views of the surrounding area, including the Atlantic Ocean and several islands. Other popular landscapes in the park include Jordan Pond, a tranquil lake surrounded by mountains, and the Precipice Trail, a challenging hike that takes visitors to the top of a sheer cliff.
Petrified Forest National Park, on the other hand, is known for its colorful badlands, ancient petrified wood, and unique desert landscapes. The park’s most famous landscape is probably the Painted Desert, a colorful badland that stretches for miles and features layers of red, orange, and purple rock. Another popular attraction is the Crystal Forest, an area filled with large pieces of petrified wood that have been polished by centuries of erosion. Visitors can also hike to the top of the Blue Mesa, a layered mesa that offers panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Both of these parks offer unique and diverse landscapes that will leave visitors in awe of nature’s beauty. Whether you are looking for a coastal hike or a desert adventure, these parks have something to offer for every nature lover.
Things To-Do and Activities in Acadia National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Acadia National Park and Petrified Forest National Park both offer a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy.
Acadia National Park is known for its hiking trails. The park has a variety of trails, from easy to strenuous, that offer spectacular views of the coast and the mountains. The Precipice Trail and Jordan Pond Path are some of the most popular hikes in the park, offering challenging climbs and beautiful views. Additionally, the park also has a 45-mile Park Loop Road that offers a scenic drive, with several pull-offs for scenic viewpoints and hiking trails. The park also offers several ranger-led programs and activities, such as guided hikes, bird watching, and campfire programs.
Petrified Forest National Park is known for its hiking and backpacking opportunities. The park has a number of trails that lead through the park’s badlands, offering visitors the chance to explore the park’s ancient landscape. Some of the most popular trails include the Blue Mesa Trail, the Painted Desert Rim Trail and the Crystal Forest Trail. Visitors can also explore the park’s historic sites, such as the historic Painted Desert Inn and the Puerco Pueblo. The park also offers several ranger-led programs, such as guided hikes, talks, and tours of the park’s ancient ruins.
In conclusion, both Acadia National Park and Petrified Forest National Park offer visitors a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, and ranger-led programs and activities. Acadia National Park is known for its diverse hiking trails and the scenic drive, while Petrified Forest National Park is known for its hiking trails that lead through the park’s badlands, and its ancient ruins and historic sites.
Best Time to Visit Acadia National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Acadia National Park, located on the coast of Maine, has a moderate climate with warm summers and cool winters. The best time to visit for hiking and outdoor activities is between late spring and early fall, when temperatures are mild and the foliage is at its peak. During the summer, temperatures can reach into the 70s and 80s Fahrenheit, making for perfect hiking weather. However, it can also be quite humid during this time. Fall brings cooler temperatures and beautiful foliage, making it a popular time for leaf-peeping. Winter is the least popular time to visit due to the cold temperatures and snow, but it can be a great time to visit for winter sports such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
On the other hand, Petrified Forest National Park, located in Arizona, has a much different climate. The park experiences hot summers and mild winters, with temperatures reaching well into the 90s during the summer months. The best time to visit the park is during the spring and fall when temperatures are milder and more comfortable for outdoor activities. The park also receives less rainfall during these seasons, which can make hiking and exploring the park’s many trails more enjoyable. During the summer months, visitors should be prepared for extreme heat and bring plenty of water and sunscreen. Winter can also be a great time to visit as the park experiences mild temperatures and less visitors.
Family Friendliness of Acadia National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Acadia National Park and Petrified Forest National Park both offer a variety of activities that can be enjoyed by families with children. However, depending on your family’s interests and preferences, one park may be more suitable for your visit than the other.
Acadia National Park offers a wide range of family-friendly activities, such as easy hiking trails, bike rentals, and ranger-led programs. The park also has several campgrounds and picnic areas where families can spend the night or have a picnic. Additionally, the park has several visitor centers and museums that offer interactive exhibits and educational programs that can be enjoyed by visitors of all ages.
Petrified Forest National Park also offers a variety of family-friendly activities, such as scenic drives, hiking trails, and ranger-led programs. However, the park’s terrain can be quite rugged and some of the trails can be challenging for younger children. The park also has a visitor center and museum with interactive exhibits, but it may not be as extensive as the one in Acadia.
Overall, both parks are family-friendly, but Acadia National Park may be a better choice for families with young children or those who prefer more developed recreational activities. Petrified Forest National Park may be better suited for families with older children who are interested in exploring rugged landscapes and learning about the park’s geology and history.