Acadia National Park and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve are two national parks located on opposite sides of the United States, but they have more in common than you might think. Both parks offer breathtaking landscapes, rugged wilderness, and opportunities for outdoor adventure. But while Acadia is known for its rocky coastline and lush forests, Wrangell-St. Elias is a land of glaciers, mountains and untamed wilderness. If you’re looking for a peaceful hike along a well-trodden trail, Acadia might be the park for you. But if you’re looking for a remote, wild experience where you can truly feel like you’ve escaped civilization, Wrangell-St. Elias is the place to go. So whether you’re a hiker, a camper, a skier, or just someone who loves to explore the great outdoors, these two parks offer something for everyone. If you’re wondering which one to visit, why not visit both and compare the two? They’re both truly spectacular in their own unique ways.
Hiking Trails in Acadia National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Acadia National Park, located on the coast of Maine, is known for its diverse hiking trails. The park features over 120 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry treks. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Jordan Pond Path, a 3-mile round-trip hike that takes visitors around the picturesque Jordan Pond, and the Precipice Trail, a 1.4-mile round-trip hike that offers great views of the ocean and the surrounding mountains. Another popular easy hike is the Jordan Pond Nature Trail, a 0.3-mile loop trail that offers a leisurely walk around the shore of the pond, passing by several historic sites.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, located in Alaska, is known for its backcountry hiking trails. The park is the largest national park in the US, and the trails can be long, remote, and challenging. Some of the most difficult hikes in the park include the Root Glacier Trail, which is a 8-mile round trip hike to the Root Glacier. The Root Glacier is one of the most popular hikes in the park, requiring visitors to cross rivers, glaciers and steep inclines. Another challenging hike is the Kotsina River trail, a 16-mile round trip hike that passes through rugged, remote wilderness, with steep climbs and river crossings.
In summary, both Acadia and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park offer a diverse range of hiking trails, with some notable differences. Acadia is known for its well-maintained trails and variety of easy hikes, while Wrangell-St. Elias is known for its challenging backcountry trails and remote wilderness. Both parks have a variety of options for hikers of all skill levels.
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 Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rankin Ridge Interpretive Trail | 1609.34 | 72.8472 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Wind Cave Canyon Trail | 6115.492 | 64.9224 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Lookout Point Trail and Centennial Trail Loop | 8368.568 | 156.972 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Cold Brook Canyon Trail | 4506.152 | 60.96 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| East Bison Flats Trail | 16254.334 | 445.9224 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Boland Ridge Trail | 7724.832 | 248.7168 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Centennial Trail: Highway 87 to Highlander Rd | 13035.654 | 286.8168 | Moderate | point to point | 4.5 |
| Elk Mountain Interpretive Trail | 4023.35 | 99.9744 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Prairie Vista Loop | 1609.34 | 31.6992 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Highland Creek Trail to Centennial Trail Loop | 21887.024 | 443.7888 | Hard | loop | 4.6 |
Wildlife in Acadia National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Acadia National Park and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve are both known for their diverse wildlife populations. However, the types of animals, birds, and plants that are commonly seen in each park can vary significantly due to the different climates and ecosystems in each location.
At Acadia National Park, visitors can expect to see a variety of mammals, including white-tailed deer, moose, foxes, and beavers. The park is also home to a wide variety of bird species, including peregrine falcons, ospreys, and the park’s symbol, the black-capped chickadee. The park’s coastal location also means that visitors can spot seals and porpoises offshore. Additionally, the park’s forests and wetlands are home to a variety of plants, including ferns, mosses, and wildflowers.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, is home to a different set of wildlife. Visitors can expect to see caribou, Dall sheep, mountain goats, and bears, including both grizzly and black bears. The park is also home to a wide variety of bird species, including trumpeter swans, golden eagles, and ptarmigans. The park’s glaciers and rivers are also home to fish such as salmon, grayling and arctic char. The park’s also home to a wide variety of plants, including willows, alders, and fireweed, as well as a diverse array of mosses and lichens.
In summary, both Acadia National Park and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve offer visitors the chance to see a wide variety of wildlife, but the types of animals, birds, and plants that are commonly seen in each park can vary significantly due to the different climates and ecosystems in each location. Visitors to Wrangell-St. Elias can expect to see more large mammals like bears and caribou, while visitors to Acadia can expect to see a wider variety of bird species and marine life.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Acadia National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Acadia National Park | Wrangell – St Elias 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 | European Starling |
| Northern Pintail | Northern Pintail |
| American Wigeon | American Wigeon |
| Green-Winged Teal | Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Acadia National Park | Wrangell – St Elias 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 | Puma |
| Raccoon | Mink |
| Black Bear | Mule Deer |
| Porcupine | Wolf |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| Hoary Bat | Snowshoe Hare |
| Cross Fox | Land Otter |
| New York Weasel | Common Shrew |
| House Mouse | Water Shrew |
| Mink | Red Squirrel |
| Gray Wolf | Montane Shrew |
| Bonaparte’s Weasel | Long-Tailed Vole |
| Varying Hare | Lynx |
| Masked Shrew | Wolverine |
| Water Shrew | American Marten |
| Red Squirrel | Northern Flying Squirrel |
| Virginia Deer | Grizzly Bear |
| Canada Lynx | Meadow Vole |
Fish
| Acadia National Park | Wrangell – St Elias 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 | |
| Cutthroat Trout | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
| Acadia National Park | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Leopard Frog | Wood Frog |
| Bullfrog | |
| Wood Frog |
Reptiles
| Acadia National Park | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Ringneck Snake | |
| Eastern Garter Snake | |
| Milk Snake |
Insects
| Acadia National Park | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Silvery Blue | |
| Clouded Sulphur |
Beautiful Landscapes in Acadia National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Acadia National Park and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve both offer a wide range of beautiful landscapes and natural features to explore.
At Acadia National Park, one of the most famous landscapes is the park’s rugged coastline. The park is home to over 120 miles of rocky shoreline, with cliffs that tower over the Atlantic Ocean. Some of the most popular spots to see the coast include Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, and Otter Cliffs. Additionally, the park is home to several mountain ranges, including Cadillac Mountain, which is the highest peak on the East Coast and offers spectacular views of the park and the surrounding area.
Another famous landscape at Acadia National Park is Jordan Pond, which is a serene body of water surrounded by lush forests and granite cliffs. The park also has several hiking trails that offer great views of the park and the surrounding area, such as the Precipice Trail, which offers a challenging hike with panoramic views of the park.
On the other hand, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve is known for its vast wilderness, with rugged mountains, glaciers, and untamed wilderness. The park is home to some of the highest peaks in North America, including Mount St. Elias, which is the second highest peak in the United States and Canada. The park is also home to the largest national park in the country, and the largest wilderness preserve in the United States. It’s a land of glaciers, mountains and wild rivers, where visitors can take flightseeing tours, backpacking trips and even dogsledding.
Another famous landscape at Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve is the Kennicott Glacier, which is a massive glacier that stretches for miles and is a popular spot for backpacking and camping. The park also has several hiking trails that offer great views of the park and the surrounding area, such as the Root Glacier Trail, which takes visitors through the heart of the park’s wilderness.
In summary, both Acadia National Park and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve offer beautiful landscapes and natural features to explore. Acadia National Park is known for its rugged coastline and mountain ranges, while Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve is known for its vast wilderness and glaciers.
Things To-Do and Activities in Acadia National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Acadia National Park and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve are both popular tourist destinations, but the types of activities that visitors can enjoy at each park can vary significantly due to the different climates and ecosystems in each location.
At Acadia National Park, the most popular activities include hiking, camping, and picnicking. The park’s well-maintained trails offer visitors the opportunity to explore the park’s rugged coastline, dense forests, and scenic mountain peaks. The park also has a number of visitor centers, museums, and ranger-led programs that provide educational opportunities for visitors. Additionally, the park’s carriage roads and Jordan Pond House offer easy and scenic options for families with young children.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, offers a more rugged and remote experience. Visitors can enjoy activities such as backpacking, hunting, fishing, and rafting. The park is also home to several glaciers, which offer visitors the opportunity to explore and hike on the ice. Visitors also can take flightseeing tours to see the park’s remote wilderness and glaciers from the sky. Additionally, the park’s backcountry offers many opportunities for backpacking and camping.
In summary, both Acadia National Park and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve offer visitors a wide variety of outdoor activities, but the types of activities that visitors can enjoy at each park can vary significantly due to the different climates and ecosystems in each location. Visitors to Acadia National Park can enjoy hiking, camping, and picnicking, while visitors to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve can enjoy backpacking, hunting, fishing, rafting, and flightseeing.
Best Time to Visit Acadia National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Acadia National Park, located on the coast of Maine, experiences four distinct seasons, with mild summers and cold winters. Springtime temperatures range from the high 30s to low 60s, while summer temperatures range from the mid-50s to mid-70s. Fall temperatures range from the high 30s to low 60s, with the peak of fall foliage in late September to early October. Winter temperatures range from the teens to low 30s, with heavy snowfall.
The best time to visit Acadia National Park depends on the activities you plan to do and the type of weather you prefer. The summer months of June to August are the warmest and the park is busiest, making it an ideal time for hiking, camping and exploring the park’s many attractions. Spring and fall are ideal for those who prefer milder weather and less crowds. Winter is the time for skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, located in Alaska, experiences a subarctic climate, with long, cold winters and short, cool summers. Winter temperatures range from -40°F to 20°F and the park often experiences heavy snowfall. Summer temperatures range from the mid-40s to mid-60s, with occasional rain.
The best time to visit Wrangell-St. Elias National Park depends on the activities you plan to do and the type of weather you can handle. The summer months of June to August are the warmest, with long daylight hours, making it the best time for backpacking, camping, and wildlife viewing. Winter is the time for cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and dog-sledding. Keep in mind that the park is very remote, and the weather can change quickly and unexpectedly, so it’s important to be prepared for any type of weather.
In summary, both Acadia and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park have distinct seasonal weather patterns, with different temperatures and precipitation levels. While the best time to visit Acadia National Park depends on the activities you plan to do and the type of weather you prefer. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is best visited in the summer due to the subarctic climate, long daylight hours and the best conditions for backpacking, camping, and wildlife viewing. However, both parks are unique and have their own set of natural beauty and attractions to offer, regardless of the season.
Family Friendliness of Acadia National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Acadia National Park and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve are both great places to visit with the family, but they offer different experiences that may make one more suitable for families than the other depending on the interests and activities of your family.
Acadia National Park is considered to be more family-friendly than Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve. The park has several family-friendly activities that are suitable for children of all ages. For example, the park has several hiking trails that are suitable for families, such as the Jordan Pond Nature Trail and the Precipice Trail, which offer great views of the park without being too strenuous. Additionally, the park has several campgrounds that are suitable for families, and a variety of ranger-led programs that are fun and educational for children.
Another great family-friendly activity at Acadia National Park is the Park Loop Road, which takes visitors through the park and offers great views of the park and the surrounding area. The road is open to cars and bicycles, making it a great way to explore the park with the whole family.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is a remote wilderness area that is less developed than Acadia National Park, and the park’s backcountry is only accessible by foot, horse, or small plane. Although the park has a variety of hiking trails and camping areas that are suitable for families, the park may not be as accessible as Acadia National Park for families with young children or those who are looking for more developed areas with ranger-led programs and amenities.
In summary, both Acadia National Park and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve are great places to visit with the family, but Acadia National Park is considered to be more family-friendly than Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, with more developed areas, ranger-led programs and a variety of family-friendly activities that are suitable for children of all ages.