Badlands National Park and Cuyahoga Valley National Park are two vastly different parks that offer unique experiences for visitors. Badlands National Park, located in South Dakota, is a rugged and otherworldly landscape of layered rock formations, deep canyons, and prairie grasslands. It’s a place where you can hike to the top of a mountain and see nothing but miles and miles of untouched wilderness. On the other hand, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, located in Ohio, is a lush and verdant landscape of rolling hills, winding rivers, and dense forests. It’s a place where you can take a leisurely bike ride along a picturesque river trail or go for a hike in the woods and spot all kinds of wildlife. Both parks offer spectacular natural beauty and a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, but in vastly different ways. So, whether you’re looking for a rugged adventure or a peaceful retreat, these two parks have something for everyone.
Hiking Trails in Badlands National Park and Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Badlands National Park and Cuyahoga Valley National Park both offer visitors a variety of hiking trails, each with their own unique characteristics and difficulty levels.
Badlands National Park is known for its rugged terrain and unique rock formations. The park offers several hiking trails, ranging from easy nature walks to strenuous backpacking trails. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Door Trail and the Window Trail, which are both short and easy walks that offer great views of the park’s rock formations. For those looking for a moderate hike, the Castle Trail and the Notch Trail are great options. They offer more challenging terrain and longer distances, but still provide great views of the park’s landscapes.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is known for its lush forests and scenic rivers. The park offers a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy nature walks to strenuous backpacking trails. One of the easiest hikes in the park is the Ledges Trail, which is a 1.5-mile loop that offers beautiful views of the park’s sandstone ledges and rock formations. The Towpath Trail is a flat and easy hike along the Ohio & Erie Canal, it offers a great way to see the park’s historical and cultural features. For those looking for a more challenging hike, the Brandywine Gorge Trail is a great option. It’s a 4.5-mile round-trip hike that takes visitors through the park’s beautiful gorge and offers great views of the Brandywine Falls.
In conclusion, both Badlands National Park and Cuyahoga Valley National Park offer a wide variety of hiking trails for visitors to enjoy, from easy nature walks to strenuous backpacking trails, providing visitors with a wide range of options to suit their preferences and abilities.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Badlands National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Notch Trail | 2092.142 | 39.9288 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Castle Trail | 16898.07 | 95.7072 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| The Door Trail | 1287.472 | 10.9728 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Saddle Pass Trail | 1126.538 | 65.8368 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Medicine Root Loop Trail | 7242.03 | 102.7176 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| The Window Trail | 321.868 | 1.8288 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Cliff Shelf Nature Trail | 804.67 | 19.812 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Fossil Exhibit Trail | 643.736 | 3.9624 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Sage Creek Loop | 36692.952 | 245.9736 | Hard | loop | 4 |
| Sheep Mountain Table Road | 23496.364 | 180.7464 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Cuyahoga Valley National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ledges Trail | 4184.284 | 46.9392 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Brandywine Gorge Trail | 2735.878 | 65.8368 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Stanford House to Brandywine Falls Trail | 6115.492 | 162.7632 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Blue Hen Falls Trail | 804.67 | 23.7744 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Salt Run Trail | 6759.228 | 123.7488 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Plateau Trail | 7081.096 | 96.9264 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Pine Grove Trail and Ledges Trail Loop from Kendall Lake | 6115.492 | 98.7552 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Buckeye Trail to Valley Bridle Trail Loop | 5471.756 | 119.7864 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Wetmore Bridle Trail | 7563.898 | 169.7736 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail: Brecksville Station | 7081.096 | 20.7264 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Badlands National Park and Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Badlands National Park and Cuyahoga Valley National Park both offer visitors the opportunity to experience a wide variety of wildlife. However, the types of animals, birds, and plants that are commonly seen at each park are quite different.
At Badlands National Park, visitors can expect to see a diverse array of wildlife, including bison, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, bison, coyotes, and prairie dogs. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including golden eagles, ferruginous hawks, and swift foxes. Visitors might also see a variety of reptiles and amphibians, such as the swift fox, garter snake, and bullfrog. The park’s unique geology and climate also support a diverse array of plant life, including prairie grasses, wildflowers, and cacti.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park, on the other hand, is home to a variety of wildlife common to the northeastern United States. Visitors to the park can expect to see white-tailed deer, beavers, raccoons, and foxes. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including great blue herons, pileated woodpeckers, and great horned owls. The park also boasts a wide variety of plant life, including mature hardwood forests, wetlands, and floodplains.
In summary, both Badlands National Park and Cuyahoga Valley National Park offer visitors the opportunity to experience a wide variety of wildlife, however, the types of animals, birds, and plants that are commonly seen at each park are quite different. Badlands National Park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including bison, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, bison, coyotes, and prairie dogs, while Cuyahoga Valley National Park is home to a variety of wildlife common to the northeastern United States such as white-tailed deer, beavers, raccoons, and foxes.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Badlands National Park and Cuyahoga Valley National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Badlands National Park | Cuyahoga Valley 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
| Badlands National Park | Cuyahoga Valley 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 |
| Porcupine | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Hoary Bat |
| Hoary Bat | Red Fox |
| Red Fox | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | House Mouse |
| House | Mink |
| Mountain Lion | Gray Fox |
| Mule Deer | Badger |
| Gray Fox | Masked Shrew |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Red Squirrel |
| Northern Myotis | White-Tailed Deer |
| Badger | Virginia Opossum |
| Weasel | Meadow Vole |
| North American River Otter | Red Bat |
| Common Shrew | White-Footed Mouse |
| Pacific Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat | Norway Rat |
Reptiles
| Badlands National Park | Cuyahoga Valley National Park |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | Racer |
| Racer | Ring-Necked Snake |
| Western Rattlesnake | Common Garter Snake |
| Common Garter Snake | Eastern Milk Snake |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard | Eastern Fence Lizard |
| Milksnake | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard |
Amphibians
| Badlands National Park | Cuyahoga Valley National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | Eastern Tiger Salamander |
| Bullfrog | Bullfrog |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | Wood Frog |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Insects
| Badlands National Park | Cuyahoga Valley National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | Orange Sulfur |
| Painted Lady | Painted Lady |
| Monarch | Monarch Butterfly |
| American Painted Lady | American Painted Lady |
| Red Admiral | European Cabbage White |
| Morning Cloak | Buckeye |
| Cabbage White | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Common Check-Skipper | |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Honey Bee | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Commom Wood Nymph | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Fish
| Badlands National Park | Cuyahoga Valley National Park |
|---|---|
| Fathead Minnow | Northern Largemouth Bass |
| Golden Shiner | Green Sunfish |
| European Carp | Northern Bluegill Sunfish |
| Longnose Dace | Northern Fathead Minnow |
| Yellow Bullhead | Golden Shiner |
| Channel Catfish | European Carp |
| Black Bullhead | Northern Pike |
| Creek Chub | Eastern Burbot |
| Central Mottled Sculpin | |
| Graceful Catfish | |
| Black Crappie | |
| Creek Chub | |
| Goldfish |
Beautiful Landscapes in Badlands National Park and Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Badlands National Park is known for its striking and unique landscapes. The park’s most famous feature is the Badlands formations, a layered rock formation that stretches across 244,000 acres. The formations are composed of layered rock that has been shaped over millions of years by erosion, weathering, and deposition. The layered rock formations come in different colors, with hues of pink, orange, and yellow, that creates a spectacular view. Another famous feature of the park is Pinnacles Overlook, which offers a panoramic view of the Badlands formations. Visitors can also hike the Badlands Loop Road, a scenic drive that takes visitors through the heart of the formations and offers several overlooks for taking in the views.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park, on the other hand, is known for its lush, green landscapes and water features. One of the most famous landscapes in the park is the Brandywine Falls, a 65-foot waterfall that cascades down a rocky cliff. Visitors can take a short hike to the base of the falls or view it from an overlook. Another famous feature of the park is the Cuyahoga River, which winds its way through the park and offers visitors the chance to go rafting, kayaking or fishing. Visitors can also hike the Ledges Trail, which offers an overlook of the valley and a view of the river. Additionally, the park features several wetlands, meadows, and forests, which are home to a variety of wildlife and rare plants.
Things To-Do and Activities in Badlands National Park and Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Badlands National Park and Cuyahoga Valley National Park are two very different national parks, and as such, offer different types of activities for visitors.
At Badlands National Park, the most popular activities include hiking, wildlife watching, and scenic drives. Visitors can explore the park’s rugged terrain on a variety of hiking trails, including the Badlands Loop Road, which offers a scenic drive through the park’s unique landscapes. Wildlife watching is also a popular activity, as visitors can spot bison, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, coyotes, and prairie dogs.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park, on the other hand, offers a more nature-based experience. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, and horseback riding on over 125 miles of trails throughout the park. The park also has the popular Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, a flat, paved trail that follows the historic Ohio & Erie Canal, which is perfect for families. The park also offers a number of ranger-led educational programs, including guided hikes, bird watching, and history tours. Visitors can also take a scenic train ride through the park on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad.
In summary, while both Badlands National Park and Cuyahoga Valley National Park offer visitors the opportunity to experience the great outdoors, the most popular activities at each park are quite different. Badlands National Park is known for its rugged terrain and wildlife watching, while Cuyahoga Valley National Park is known for its nature-based activities such as hiking, biking, horseback riding, and ranger-led educational programs and scenic train ride.
Best Time to Visit Badlands National Park and Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Badlands National Park and Cuyahoga Valley National Park are located in different regions of the country and have distinct seasonal weather patterns.
Badlands National Park is located in South Dakota, and the weather can be quite extreme throughout the year. Summers are hot and dry, with temperatures often reaching into the 90s Fahrenheit. The park can also be quite windy, especially in the afternoon. Spring and fall are the best times to visit, as the temperatures are more mild and the park’s wildflowers and fall colors are in full bloom. Winter can be harsh, with cold temperatures and snowfall. It’s not the best time to visit the park, as some of the park’s facilities and roads may be closed.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is located in Ohio, and the weather is more moderate throughout the year. Summers are warm and humid, with temperatures in the 80s and 90s Fahrenheit. The park’s many streams, rivers and waterfalls provide a refreshing respite from the heat. Spring and fall are also great times to visit, as the park’s wildflowers and fall colors are in full bloom. The park’s many waterfalls and streams can be at their most spectacular during the spring thaw. Winters can be cold and snowy, but it’s still a great time to visit if you’re looking to see the park’s many waterfalls frozen in ice.
In conclusion, the best time to visit Badlands National Park is during the spring and fall, while the best time to visit Cuyahoga Valley National Park is during the spring, summer, and fall. Both parks offer different activities depending on the season, so it depends on what you’re looking for, but either way, it’s always best to check the forecast and pack accordingly.
Family Friendliness of Badlands National Park and Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Both Badlands National Park and Cuyahoga Valley National Park are great options for families looking to enjoy the great outdoors. However, they offer different experiences and have different levels of accessibility for families with children.
Badlands National Park is known for its rugged and remote wilderness, with limited facilities and services. The park offers many hiking trails, but some of them can be challenging for young children and may not be suitable for strollers. The park also offers a Junior Ranger program that allows children to explore the park and learn about its natural and cultural history.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park, on the other hand, is more easily accessible and has more family-friendly amenities. The park offers a variety of recreational activities such as hiking, biking, and horseback riding, but also has paved and flat trails that are stroller-friendly. The park also offers a Junior Ranger program and ranger-led activities for children. Additionally, the park features several picnic areas, playgrounds, and visitor centers that provide educational opportunities for families.
In conclusion, if you’re traveling with children and want a more family-friendly and accessible experience, Cuyahoga Valley National Park might be a better option. However, if you’re looking for a more rugged and remote wilderness experience, Badlands National Park can also be a great option with the right preparation and planning.