Acadia National Park and Voyageurs National Park are two of America’s most iconic and beloved national parks. Both parks offer visitors a chance to experience the natural beauty of the United States in unique and exciting ways. Acadia National Park, located in Maine, is known for its rugged coastal landscape, including rocky cliffs and crystal-clear lakes. Voyageurs National Park, located in Minnesota, is known for its vast network of interconnected lakes and waterways, as well as its dense forests and rugged wilderness. Both parks offer a wide range of activities for visitors, including hiking, camping, boating, and wildlife viewing. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful nature retreat or an action-packed adventure, both Acadia National Park and Voyageurs National Park have something to offer. So pack your bags and get ready to explore the great outdoors – at these two national parks you will find a unique and exciting experience, that will make you want to come back for more.
Hiking Trails in Acadia National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Acadia National Park and Voyageurs National Park offer unique hiking experiences for visitors. Acadia, located on the coast of Maine, offers a variety of trails that range from easy, scenic walks to challenging treks up granite peaks. Some of the most popular hikes include the Jordan Pond Path, which circles Jordan Pond and offers views of the surrounding mountains, and the Precipice Trail, a strenuous climb with steep ledges and iron rungs. The park also features the iconic Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the east coast, which offers a challenging hike and a stunning panoramic view from the summit.
Voyageurs National Park, located in northern Minnesota, is known for its network of interconnected waterways and rugged wilderness. Hikes here are generally more moderate and involve a combination of walking on well-maintained trails and portaging between lakes. Some of the most popular hikes include the Kettle Falls Trail, which offers a scenic walk through the forest and along the shore of Kabetogama Lake, and the Rainy Lake Trail, which offers a challenging hike through the rugged wilderness with beautiful views of the lake.
Overall, both Acadia National Park and Voyageurs National Park offer visitors a wide variety of hiking options, from easy nature walks to challenging mountain treks. While Acadia offers more strenuous hikes and spectacular mountain views, Voyageurs is known for its rugged wilderness and scenic waterway 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 Voyageurs National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blind Ash Bay Trail | 5793.624 | 117.9576 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Kabetogama Lake Overlook Trail | 643.736 | 17.9832 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Cruiser Lake to Brown Lake and Anderson Bay | 14001.258 | 224.9424 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Beaver Pond Overlook Trail | 482.802 | 1.8288 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Kab-Ash Trail | 24461.968 | 406.908 | Easy | out and back | 3 |
| Sullivan Bay Trail | 2092.142 | 27.7368 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Black Bay Beaver Pond Trail | 1931.208 | 22.86 | Easy | out and back | 5 |
Wildlife in Acadia National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Acadia National Park, located in the northeastern United States in the state of Maine, is known for its diverse wildlife, including black bears, moose, porcupines, and white-tailed deer. The park is also home to a variety of bird species such as the peregrine falcon, osprey, and the bald eagle. Visitors can also spot a variety of migratory birds during the spring and fall. The park’s wetlands and forests are also home to a variety of amphibians and reptiles, including the eastern newt and the northern water snake.
Voyageurs National Park, located in northern Minnesota, is also known for its diverse wildlife. Visitors can spot animals such as the North American beaver, river otter, and the American black bear. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including the common loon, the bald eagle, and the pileated woodpecker. The park’s wetlands and forests are also home to a variety of amphibians and reptiles, including the wood frog, the garter snake, and the painted turtle. The park also offers excellent opportunities to spot a variety of fish species like the northern pike, the smallmouth bass, and the lake sturgeon. The park is also home to a variety of wildflowers and other plants such as the white pine, and the red pine. While both parks offer opportunities to spot a variety of wildlife, the species that can be seen will differ due to the different climates and habitats found in each park.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Acadia National Park and Voyageurs National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Acadia National Park | Voyageurs 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 | Voyageurs 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 | Black Bear |
| Porcupine | Porcupine |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Hoary Bat | Hoary Bat |
| Cross Fox | Red Fox |
| New York Weasel | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| House Mouse | House Mouse |
| Mink | Mountain Lion |
| Gray Wolf | Mink |
| Bonaparte’s Weasel | Common Gray Fox |
| Varying Hare | Plains Wolf |
| Masked Shrew | American Badger |
| Water Shrew | Ermine |
| Red Squirrel | Snowshoe Hare |
| Virginia Deer | River Otter |
| Canada Lynx | Masked Shrew |
Fish
| Acadia National Park | Voyageurs National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Largemouth Bass |
| Native Brook Trout | Longnose Sucker |
| Loch Leven Brown Trout | Green Sunfish |
| Largemouth Bass | Bluegill |
| Fathead Minnow | Fathead Minnow |
| Golden Shiner | Golden Shiner |
| Togue | Lake Trout |
| Threespine Stickleback | Northern Pike |
| Creek Chub | Ellpout |
| Brown Bullhead | Mottled Sculpin |
| Smallmouth Bass | Slimy Sculpin |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Black Crappie | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Creek Chub | |
| Brown Bullhead | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Amphibians
| Acadia National Park | Voyageurs National Park |
|---|---|
| Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Bullfrog | Wood Frog |
| Wood Frog |
Reptiles
| Acadia National Park | Voyageurs National Park |
|---|---|
| Ringneck Snake | |
| Eastern Garter Snake | |
| Milk Snake |
Beautiful Landscapes in Acadia National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Acadia National Park is located in the state of Maine and is known for its rugged coastline, rocky cliffs, and beautiful beaches. The park’s most famous landscape is Cadillac Mountain, which is the highest point on the Eastern Seaboard and offers breathtaking views of the ocean and surrounding islands. Other popular natural features include Jordan Pond, a glacially formed lake surrounded by mountains, and Thunder Hole, a natural sea cave that produces thunderous sounds when waves crash into it.
Voyageurs National Park, located in Minnesota, is known for its water-based landscapes. The park features over 40,000 acres of interconnected waterways, including four large lakes: Rainy Lake, Kabetogama Lake, Namakan Lake, and Sand Point Lake. Visitors can explore the park by boat, canoe, or kayak, and enjoy the beautiful views of the forested shorelines and the many islands that dot the lakes. The park is also home to a diverse array of wildlife, including beavers, otters, and loons. The Kettle Falls Dam is also a popular spot, which is a hydroelectric dam on the Rainy River, that is also a great place to see the falls.
Things To-Do and Activities in Acadia National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Acadia National Park and Voyageurs National Park are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, but they offer very different experiences. Acadia National Park, located on the coast of Maine, is known for its rugged coastal landscapes, including rocky cliffs and beaches, as well as its hiking trails and scenic drives. Popular activities at Acadia include hiking, camping, rock climbing, and bird watching. Voyageurs National Park, on the other hand, is located in northern Minnesota and is known for its vast network of interconnected waterways, which offer opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. The park also features hiking trails, campgrounds, and several historic sites.
When it comes to wildlife, both parks offer a variety of species to observe. Acadia is home to an array of bird species such as the Peregrine Falcon, Bald Eagle, and various species of warblers, as well as animals like black bears, moose, and white-tailed deer. Voyageurs National Park is home to a variety of mammals like wolves, moose, black bears, and beavers, as well as a wide variety of bird species, including the common loon, osprey, and bald eagle. Both parks are also known for their diverse plant life, with Acadia featuring dense spruce and fir forests, and Voyageurs featuring a mix of coniferous and deciduous forests.
In terms of best time to visit, Acadia National Park is a great destination in the summer months when the weather is warmer and the days are longer, allowing for more time to explore the park. Voyageurs National Park is best visited during the summer months as well, when the water is warmer and more accessible for boating and swimming.
Overall, both parks offer unique and diverse experiences for visitors, with Acadia National Park being a great choice for those looking for rugged coastal landscapes and a variety of hiking and outdoor activities, while Voyageurs National Park offers a more water-based experience with opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing.
Best Time to Visit Acadia National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Acadia National Park and Voyageurs National Park are located in vastly different regions of the country, and as a result, have vastly different seasonal weather patterns.
Acadia National Park, located in the northeastern United States, experiences all four seasons. Summer temperatures average in the mid-70s to low 80s, while winter temperatures average in the 20s. Spring and fall are mild with temperatures in the 40s to 60s. The park is known for its beautiful fall foliage, making autumn a popular time to visit. The park can get crowded in summer and fall, making spring and early summer a great time to visit if you want to avoid the crowds.
Voyageurs National Park, on the other hand, is located in the northern Midwest of the United States, with a much more severe weather. Summer temperatures average in the mid-70s to low 80s, while winter temperatures average well below freezing. Spring and fall are mild with temperatures in the 40s to 60s. The park is known for its beautiful fall foliage, making autumn a popular time to visit. Spring, summer, and early fall are the best times to visit the park, as the park can be inaccessible due to heavy snowfall and cold temperatures during the winter.
In conclusion, the best time to visit Acadia National Park and Voyageurs National Park depends on the type of weather and activities you want to experience. If you want to experience the beautiful fall foliage, autumn is a great time to visit both parks. If you want to avoid the crowds, spring and early summer are the best times to visit Acadia National Park. Spring, summer, and early fall are the best times to visit Voyageurs National Park as the park can be inaccessible due to heavy snowfall and cold temperatures during the winter.
Family Friendliness of Acadia National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Acadia National Park and Voyageurs National Park are both great options for families looking to experience the great outdoors. Both parks offer a variety of activities that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
Acadia National Park, located on the coast of Maine, offers a diverse landscape that includes mountains, lakes, and forests. The park is known for its well-maintained hiking trails, which range from easy to challenging. Families can hike to the top of Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the east coast, or take a leisurely stroll along one of the many carriage roads. The park also offers a variety of ranger-led programs for children, including Junior Ranger activities and campfire programs.
Voyageurs National Park, located in Minnesota, is a water-based park that is known for its canoeing and kayaking opportunities. The park features over 400 islands and many miles of shoreline, making it an ideal destination for families who love to explore by water. Families can also hike and bike on the park’s many trails, and even camp on some of the islands. The park also offers a variety of ranger-led programs, including boat tours and campfire programs.
Both parks are family-friendly, but the activities and landscapes are different. Acadia National Park is more mountainous, while Voyageurs National Park is more water-based. Therefore, depending on what kind of outdoor activities your family enjoys, you might prefer one park over the other.