Badlands National Park vs Everglades National Park

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Badlands National Park vs Everglades National Park

Badlands National Park and Everglades National Park are two of America’s most unique and diverse national parks. Both offer a glimpse into the country’s incredible natural beauty, but in vastly different ways. Badlands National Park, located in South Dakota, is a rugged and otherworldly landscape of layered rock formations, deep canyons, and prairie grasslands. In contrast, Everglades National Park, located in Florida, is a vast and mysterious wetland, teeming with life and home to an incredible array of plant and animal species. Whether you’re a nature lover, outdoor enthusiast, or simply looking for an adventure, these two parks offer something for everyone. From the rugged Badlands formations to the mysterious and alluring Everglades, these two national parks are sure to leave you awestruck and wanting more.

Hiking Trails in Badlands National Park and Everglades National Park

Badlands National Park and Everglades National Park are both popular destinations for hikers, but the hiking trails at each park offer very different experiences.

At Badlands National Park, the most popular hiking trails include the Badlands Loop Road and the Castle Trail. The Badlands Loop Road is a paved road that offers visitors the opportunity to drive through the park and see the striking badlands formations. Along the way, there are several pull-offs where visitors can take short walks to see the formations up close. The Castle Trail is a 2.5-mile loop trail that offers visitors the opportunity to see the badlands formations from a different perspective. This hike is considered to be moderate in difficulty and offers great views from the top of the formations.

On the other hand, at Everglades National Park, the most popular hiking trails include the Anhinga Trail and the Gumbo Limbo Trail. The Anhinga Trail is a boardwalk trail that offers visitors the opportunity to see the park’s diverse wildlife, such as alligators, turtles, and wading birds. This trail is considered to be easy in difficulty and is wheelchair accessible. The Gumbo Limbo Trail is a 0.3-mile loop trail that offers visitors the opportunity to see a variety of plants and trees found in the park, including the Gumbo Limbo tree. This trail is also considered to be easy in difficulty and is wheelchair accessible.

Overall, while both Badlands National Park and Everglades National Park offer visitors the opportunity to enjoy hiking, the hiking trails at each park offer very different experiences. Badlands National Park is known for its striking badlands formations, while Everglades National Park is known for its diverse wildlife and plants.

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 Everglades National Park

Name Length Elevation Type Difficulty Visitor Ratings
Shark Valley Trail 25427.572 6.7056 Easy loop 4.5
Anhinga Trail 2414.01 0 Easy loop 4.5
Pa-Hay-Okee Overlook Trail 321.868 0 Easy loop 4
Gumbo Limbo Trail 643.736 0 Easy loop 3.5
Long Pine Key Trail 24944.77 0 Easy out and back 4
Mahogany Hammock Trail 643.736 0 Easy loop 3.5
Everglades Coastal Prairie Trail 27358.78 4.8768 Easy out and back 4
Pinelands Trail 643.736 0 Easy loop 3.5
Everglades National Park East Entrance to Flamingo Scenic Route 58258.108 7.9248 Easy point to point 4.5
Nine Mile Pond 8851.37 0 Easy loop 4

Wildlife in Badlands National Park and Everglades National Park

Badlands National Park and Everglades National Park are both home to a wide variety of wildlife, but the types of animals and plants that are commonly seen in each park are quite different.

Badlands National Park is located in the Great Plains region of the United States, and as such, is home to a wide variety of prairie animals. Visitors to the park are likely to see bison, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, and mule deer. Additionally, the park is also home to several species of reptiles, including snakes and lizards, as well as a variety of birds, such as the golden eagle and the swift fox. The park also has a diverse plant life, with grasses, wildflowers and shrubs.

Everglades National Park, on the other hand, is located in the subtropical region of southern Florida, and is home to a wide variety of wetland and marine animals. Visitors to the park are likely to see a variety of reptiles, such as alligators and crocodiles, as well as a wide variety of birds, such as the roseate spoonbill and the great egret. The park is also home to a variety of fish, such as tarpon and snook, as well as marine mammals, such as manatees and dolphins. The park also has a diverse plant life, with mangroves, sawgrass, and cypress trees.

In summary, Badlands National Park is known for its prairie animals and diverse plant life, while Everglades National Park is known for its wetland and marine animals and diverse plant life. Both parks offer unique and exciting wildlife viewing opportunities, but the types of animals and plants that are commonly seen in each park are quite different.

Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Badlands National Park and Everglades National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.

Birds

Badlands National Park Everglades 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 Everglades National Park
Coyote Coyote
American Beaver Bobcat
Muskrat Striped Skunk
Big Brown Bat Raccoon
Bobcat Red Fox
Striped Skunk House Mouse
Little Brown Bat Mink
Deer Mouse Gray Fox
Raccoon Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat
Porcupine White-Tailed Deer
Silver-Haired Bat Eastern Cottontail
Hoary Bat House Rat
Red Fox Spotted Skunk
Long-Tailed Weasel Fox Squirrel
House Eastern Gray Squirrel
Mountain Lion Feral Hog
Mule Deer Northern Short-Tailed Shrew
Gray Fox Least Shrew
Long-Legged Myotis
Northern Myotis
Badger
Weasel
North American River Otter
Common Shrew
Pacific Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat

Reptiles

Badlands National Park Everglades National Park
Gopher Snake
Racer
Western Rattlesnake
Common Garter Snake
Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard
Milksnake
Eastern Fence Lizard

Amphibians

Badlands National Park Everglades National Park
Northern Leopard Frog
Tiger Salamander
Bullfrog
Woodhouse’s Toad
Plains Spadefoot

Insects

Badlands National Park Everglades National Park
Orange Sulphur
Painted Lady
Monarch
American Painted Lady
Red Admiral
Morning Cloak
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 Everglades National Park
Fathead Minnow Largemouth Bass
Golden Shiner Bluegill
European Carp Golden Shiner
Longnose Dace Yellow Bullhead
Yellow Bullhead Channel Catfish
Channel Catfish Black Crappie
Black Bullhead Mosquitofish
Creek Chub Brown Bullhead
Goldfish

Beautiful Landscapes in Badlands National Park and Everglades National Park

Badlands National Park and Everglades National Park are both home to a wide range of unique and beautiful landscapes.

Badlands National Park is known for its rugged and otherworldly landscapes, including layered rock formations, deep canyons, and prairie grasslands. The park’s most famous landscape is the Badlands formations, a collection of layered rock formations that have been shaped by millions of years of erosion. Visitors can take a drive on the Badlands Loop Road to view the formations, or hike on one of the park’s many trails to get a closer look. The park also features several overlooks, such as the Pinnacles Overlook and the Badlands Loop Road Overlook, which offer panoramic views of the formations.

Everglades National Park is known for its vast and mysterious wetland, home to an incredible array of plant and animal species. The park’s most famous landscape is the River of Grass, a slow-moving river that stretches from Lake Okeechobee to Florida Bay. Visitors can take an airboat tour to see the River of Grass, or hike on one of the park’s many trails to get a closer look. The park also features several famous landscapes such as the Anhinga Trail, a boardwalk that takes visitors through a mangrove forest, which is home to a variety of birds, including the Anhinga, and the Shark Valley Observation Tower, an observation tower that offers panoramic views of the River of Grass.

In summary, both Badlands National Park and Everglades National Park are known for their unique and beautiful landscapes. Badlands National Park is known for its rugged and otherworldly landscapes, including layered rock formations, deep canyons, and prairie grasslands. Everglades National Park is known for its vast and mysterious wetland, home to an incredible array of plant and animal species, such as the River of Grass, Anhinga Trail, and Shark Valley Observation Tower, which offers an unique perspectives of the park’s landscape.

Things To-Do and Activities in Badlands National Park and Everglades National Park

Badlands National Park and Everglades National Park are two of America’s most popular national parks, each offering a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy.

At Badlands National Park, visitors can take a scenic drive along the Badlands Loop Road, which offers views of the park’s famous rock formations and prairie grasslands. Hiking is also a popular activity at the park, with many trails to choose from, including the popular Badlands Loop Road, which takes visitors on a tour of the park’s formations. The park also offers ranger-led programs, such as guided hikes and educational talks, which provide visitors with an in-depth look at the park’s natural and cultural history.

At Everglades National Park, visitors can take an airboat tour to explore the park’s vast River of Grass, which is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species. Hiking is also a popular activity at the park, with many trails to choose from, including the Anhinga Trail, which takes visitors on a tour of the park’s mangrove forest. The park also offers ranger-led programs, such as guided kayak tours and educational talks, which provide visitors with an in-depth look at the park’s natural and cultural history.

In summary, both Badlands National Park and Everglades National Park offer a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy. At Badlands National Park, visitors can take a scenic drive, hike and participate in ranger-led programs to learn more about the park’s natural and cultural history. At Everglades National Park, visitors can take an airboat tour, hike and participate in ranger-led programs to learn more about the park’s natural and cultural history, including kayak tours. Both parks offer an unique outdoor experience that can’t be found anywhere else.

Best Time to Visit Badlands National Park and Everglades National Park

The seasonal weather at Badlands National Park and Everglades National Park can vary significantly, and this can affect when is the best time of year to visit each park.

Badlands National Park is located in the Great Plains region of the United States, and as such, the weather can be quite variable. In the summer, temperatures can reach up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, making it quite hot and uncomfortable for visitors. In the winter, temperatures can drop to below freezing, and snow and ice can make it difficult to access certain parts of the park. Spring and fall are considered to be the best times to visit, as temperatures are mild and the park’s wildflowers and prairie grasses are in bloom.

Everglades National Park, on the other hand, is located in the subtropical region of southern Florida, and the weather is generally warm and humid year-round. In the summer, temperatures can reach up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and the humidity can be quite high, making it uncomfortable for visitors. In the winter, temperatures are still warm, but the humidity is lower, making it more comfortable for visitors. The park is open year-round, but the best time to visit would be during the winter when the weather is milder, and there are less mosquitoes around.

In summary, the weather at Badlands National Park can be quite variable, with hot summers and cold winters, making spring and fall the best times to visit. The weather at Everglades National Park is generally warm and humid year-round, with the best time to visit being during the winter when the weather is milder and there are less mosquitoes around. It’s important to keep in mind that the weather can be unpredictable and it’s always a good idea to check the forecast before planning your trip.

Family Friendliness of Badlands National Park and Everglades National Park

Both Badlands National Park and Everglades National Park offer a variety of outdoor activities and opportunities for families to explore and learn about nature. However, the type of activities and experiences that each park offers is quite different.

Badlands National Park is located in South Dakota and is known for its unique geological formations, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing opportunities. The park offers a variety of ranger-led programs for families, including Junior Ranger activities, guided hikes, and campfire programs. The Badlands also offers a number of easily accessible, scenic drives through the park, which can be a great way for families to see the park’s unique landscapes and wildlife.

Everglades National Park, located in Florida, is known for its vast wetlands and diverse array of wildlife. The park offers ranger-led boat tours, kayak and canoe rentals, and guided walks, all of which can provide families with a chance to explore the park’s unique ecosystem. The park also offers a number of scenic drives and overlooks, as well as an extensive network of hiking trails.

If you’re traveling with children, Everglades National Park may be the better option, as it offers a wider variety of activities and experiences that can be enjoyed by the whole family, such as boat tours, kayak and canoe rentals, and guided walks.

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