Acadia National Park and Virgin Islands National Park are two of the most diverse and beautiful national parks in the United States. Both parks offer visitors a chance to experience the natural wonders of the world in vastly different settings. Acadia National Park, located on the northeastern coast of the United States, offers visitors a chance to explore rugged coastal landscapes, dense forests, and towering mountains. While Virgin Islands National Park, located on the Caribbean island of St. John, offers visitors a chance to explore crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches, and lush tropical rainforests. If you’re looking for a unique and unforgettable vacation destination, then you should definitely consider visiting one of these two national parks. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast looking for challenging hikes, or a beach lover looking for a relaxing getaway, you’ll find something to suit your preferences at either Acadia National Park or Virgin Islands National Park. So, pack your bags, grab your sunscreen, and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime!
Hiking Trails in Acadia National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Acadia National Park and Virgin Islands National Park offer very different hiking experiences. Acadia is located on the rugged coast of Maine and features a variety of trails through its rocky landscapes. Some of the most popular trails include the Precipice Trail, which is considered one of the park’s most strenuous hikes, as well as the Jordan Pond Path, which offers a more moderate hike with beautiful views of Jordan Pond. The park also offers a number of carriage roads that are perfect for family hikes.
On the other hand, Virgin Islands National Park is located in the Caribbean and features a wide range of tropical landscapes. The park offers a variety of easy hikes through lush rainforests and along white sandy beaches. Some of the most popular hikes include the Reef Bay Trail, which offers a strenuous hike through the rainforest to a secluded beach, and the Cinnamon Bay Nature Trail, which is a relatively easy hike through the park’s mangrove forest. The park also offers a number of other hikes that are perfect for families, including the Annaberg Sugar Plantation and the Leinster Bay Trail.
Overall, both parks offer a wide range of hiking experiences, with Acadia National Park offering more challenging hikes through rugged landscapes and Virgin Islands National Park offering more easy hikes through tropical environments. If you are traveling with children it is best to visit Virgin Island National Park for easy hikes and family-friendly activities, while Acadia National Park is more suitable for visitors looking for more strenuous hikes.
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 Virgin Islands National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wind Canyon Trail | 804.67 | 16.764 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Caprock Coulee Loop | 6115.492 | 159.7152 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Painted Canyon Nature Trail | 1770.274 | 78.9432 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Petrified Forest Trail | 16415.268 | 253.8984 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Maah Daah Hey Trail | 229009.082 | 4614.9768 | Hard | point to point | 4.5 |
| Lower Paddock Creek Trail | 11587.248 | 127.7112 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Buck Hill Trail | 643.736 | 16.764 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Ridgeline Nature Trail | 1126.538 | 33.8328 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Coal Vein Trail | 965.604 | 4.8768 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Buckhorn Trail | 19633.948 | 324.9168 | Hard | loop | 4.6 |
Wildlife in Acadia National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Acadia National Park in Maine and Virgin Islands National Park in the Virgin Islands are two vastly different national parks in terms of wildlife. Acadia National Park is known for its diverse and abundant wildlife that includes deer, moose, black bears, coyotes, foxes, beavers, and many species of birds such as eagles, falcons, and warblers. The park also has a variety of plants, including spruce, fir, and pine forests, as well as wildflowers like lady’s slippers and orchids.
On the other hand, Virgin Islands National Park is known for its marine wildlife, including a variety of fish, sea turtles, and coral reef. The park is home to over 50 species of coral and more than 200 species of fish. Visitors can also spot animals like green sea turtles, hawksbill turtles, and various species of sharks. The park also has a variety of plants including seagrapes, mangroves, and cacti.
In terms of family-friendly activities, both parks offer plenty of options for families to enjoy such as hiking, camping, picnicking, and wildlife watching. However, Virgin Islands National Park offers more water-based activities such as snorkeling and swimming, while Acadia National Park offers more land-based activities such as hiking and camping. Overall, both parks have a lot to offer for families, and the best park for a family visit will depend on their specific interests and preferences.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Acadia National Park and Virgin Islands National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Acadia National Park | Virgin Islands 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 | 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 | Swainson’s Thrush |
Mammals
| Acadia National Park | Virgin Islands National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Big Brown Bat | Big Brown Bat |
| Bobcat | Bobcat |
| Striped Skunk | Striped Skunk |
| Little Brown Bat | Little Brown Bat |
| Deer Mouse | Deer Mouse |
| Raccoon | Raccoon |
| Black Bear | Porcupine |
| Porcupine | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Hoary Bat |
| Hoary Bat | Red Fox |
| Cross Fox | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| New York Weasel | House Mouse |
| House Mouse | Mountain Lion |
| Mink | Mink |
| Gray Wolf | Mule Deer |
| Bonaparte’s Weasel | Gray Wolf |
| Varying Hare | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Masked Shrew | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Water Shrew | Badger |
| Red Squirrel | Snowshoe Hare |
| Virginia Deer | North American River Otter |
| Canada Lynx | Masked Shrew |
Fish
| Acadia National Park | Virgin Islands National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Longnose Sucker |
| Native Brook Trout | Green Sunfish |
| Loch Leven Brown Trout | Bluegill |
| Largemouth Bass | Flathead Minnow |
| Fathead Minnow | Golden Shiner |
| Golden Shiner | Carp/European Carp |
| Togue | Northern Pike |
| Threespine Stickleback | Burbot |
| Creek Chub | Longnose Dace |
| Brown Bullhead | Channel Catfish |
| Smallmouth Bass | Black Bullhead |
| Creek Chub |
Amphibians
| Acadia National Park | Virgin Islands National Park |
|---|---|
| Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Bullfrog | Tiger Salamander |
| Wood Frog | Woodhouse’s Toad |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Reptiles
| Acadia National Park | Virgin Islands National Park |
|---|---|
| Ringneck Snake | Bullsnake |
| Eastern Garter Snake | Racer |
| Milk Snake | Rattlesnake |
| Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard |
Beautiful Landscapes in Acadia National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Acadia National Park and Virgin Islands National Park are both home to a wide variety of beautiful landscapes and natural features.
Acadia National Park is known for its rugged coastal landscapes, dense forests, and towering mountains. The park’s most famous landscape is Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the East Coast of the United States. Visitors can drive to the summit or hike to the top for a panoramic view of the park and the surrounding area. The park is also home to a variety of other mountains, including Sargent Mountain, Jordan Pond Peak, and Penobscot Mountain. Along the coast, visitors can explore the park’s rocky shorelines, including Thunder Hole, a natural rock formation that creates a thundering sound when the waves crash against it. The park also has a variety of nature trails, including the Precipice Trail, Jordan Pond Path and the Jordan Pond Shore Trail.
Virgin Islands National Park, on the other hand, is known for its crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches, and lush tropical rainforests. The park’s most famous landscape is Trunk Bay, a stunningly beautiful beach that is often considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Visitors can snorkel in the crystal clear waters, or take a guided snorkel trail to explore the park’s underwater world. The park is also home to a variety of nature trails, including the Reef Bay Trail, which takes visitors through a lush tropical rainforest, and the Annaberg Sugar Plantation Trail, which takes visitors through the ruins of an 18th-century sugar plantation. The park also offers visitors a chance to hike to the top of Bordeaux Mountain, the highest point on the island, for panoramic views of the surrounding area.
In conclusion, both parks have their own unique landscapes and natural features to offer visitors. From the rugged coastal landscapes, dense forests, and towering mountains of Acadia National Park to the crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches, and lush tropical rainforests of Virgin Islands National Park, each park offers a different and unforgettable experience for visitors.
Things To-Do and Activities in Acadia National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Acadia National Park, located on the coast of Maine, is known for its rugged beauty and diverse outdoor activities. The park offers a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy, family-friendly walks to challenging, strenuous hikes. Visitors can explore the park on foot, by bike, or by car, taking in the stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, the granite peaks of Cadillac Mountain, and the colorful fall foliage. Other popular activities include camping, picnicking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
Virgin Islands National Park, located on the island of St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands, is known for its clear turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and lush tropical vegetation. The park offers a variety of water-based activities, such as swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and scuba diving. Visitors can explore the park’s coral reefs and underwater shipwrecks, as well as its many hiking trails, which offer stunning views of the Caribbean Sea and the surrounding islands. Other popular activities include beachcombing, bird watching, and wildlife viewing.
In terms of family-friendly activities, both parks have a lot to offer. Acadia National Park offers a variety of easy hiking trails and scenic drives, as well as a visitors center with educational exhibits and ranger-led programs. Virgin Islands National Park offers crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches for swimming, snorkeling and beachcombing, as well as several ranger-led programs.
Best Time to Visit Acadia National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Acadia National Park and Virgin Islands National Park are both popular vacation destinations, but they offer very different experiences due to their vastly different climates and geographical locations.
Acadia National Park, located in Maine, is known for its rugged coastline, rocky cliffs, and dense forests. The park experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers and cold winters. The best time to visit for hiking is late spring and early fall, when temperatures are milder and the foliage is at its most vibrant. Winter is also a popular time for visitors, as the park offers cross-country skiing and snowshoeing opportunities.
Virgin Islands National Park, located on the island of St. John in the Caribbean, is known for its white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and tropical rainforests. The park experiences a tropical climate, with warm temperatures year-round and a rainy season from September to November. The best time to visit for swimming and snorkeling is during the winter and early spring, when the water is calm and clear.
The hiking trails at both parks are also vastly different, Acadia National Park offers a variety of challenging trails that wind through dense forests and along rocky cliffs, and feature steep inclines and rocky terrain. Some of the most popular hikes in the park include the Precipice Trail, Jordan Pond Path, and the Jordan Pond Shore Trail.
On the other hand, Virgin Islands National Park offers a more relaxed hiking experience, with many of the trails leading to secluded beaches, historic ruins, and panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea. Some of the most popular hikes in the park include the Reef Bay Trail, Cinnamon Bay Trail, and the Ram Head Trail.
In summary, while both parks offer beautiful landscapes and plenty of outdoor activities, they are very different experiences. Acadia National Park is best for those who enjoy a more rugged and challenging outdoor experience, while Virgin Islands National Park is ideal for those looking for a more relaxed tropical vacation. The best time to visit each park also varies greatly depending on the type of activities and weather you prefer.
Family Friendliness of Acadia National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Acadia National Park and Virgin Islands National Park are both great options for families to visit, but each park offers a different kind of experience.
Acadia National Park is a great option for families with children who enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and exploring nature. The park offers a variety of easy to moderate hikes that are suitable for families. For example, the Jordan Pond Path is a 3-mile loop trail that takes visitors around Jordan Pond, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Additionally, the park has a variety of educational programs, such as ranger-led nature walks, that are suitable for children of all ages. The park also offers a variety of camping options, including car camping, tent camping, and backpacking.
Virgin Islands National Park, on the other hand, is a great option for families with children who enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing on the beach. The park’s most famous landscape, Trunk Bay, offers a great place to swim, snorkel, and relax on the beach. Visitors can also take a guided snorkel trail to explore the park’s underwater world. The park also offers a variety of educational programs, such as ranger-led nature walks and beach walks, that are suitable for children of all ages.
In conclusion, both parks are great options for families with children, but the type of activities and experiences that are offered are different. If you’re looking for a family vacation filled with outdoor activities and nature exploration, Acadia National Park would be a great option. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a family vacation filled with swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing on the beach, Virgin Islands National Park would be a great option.