Badlands National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park are two of the most unique and awe-inspiring national parks in the United States. While they may seem vastly different at first glance, they both offer visitors a chance to explore some of the most beautiful and rugged landscapes in the country. Badlands National Park is a land of deep canyons, towering spires, and otherworldly rock formations that will leave you feeling like you’ve stepped onto a different planet. Meanwhile, Mammoth Cave National Park is a subterranean world of twisting caverns, underground rivers, and towering stalactites and stalagmites that will leave you feeling like you’ve stepped into a different dimension. Both parks offer something truly special and different, whether you’re looking for a rugged outdoor adventure or an otherworldly underground journey. So, if you’re looking for an adventure that will take you to the heights and depths of the natural world, then Badlands National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park are the perfect destination for you.
Hiking Trails in Badlands National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park
Badlands National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park both offer visitors a variety of hiking trails to enjoy, but the types of hikes that are available in each park are different due to the different landscapes and ecosystems present in each park.
Badlands National Park offers a variety of hiking trails that range in difficulty from easy to strenuous. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Door Trail, which is a 0.25-mile boardwalk trail that leads to a viewpoint of the Badlands formations, and the Fossil Exhibit Trail, which is a 0.5-mile paved trail that leads to an exhibit of fossils found in the park. For those looking for a bit more of a challenge, the Castle Trail is a 1.5-mile hike that offers scenic views of the Badlands formations, and the Notch Trail is a strenuous 3-mile hike that leads to a viewpoint of the Badlands formations.
Mammoth Cave National Park offers a variety of hiking trails that range in difficulty from easy to strenuous. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Green River Bluffs Trail, a 1-mile hike that offers scenic views of the Green River and the bluffs surrounding it, and the River Styx Spring Trail, a 1-mile hike that leads to a viewpoint of River Styx Spring, one of the park’s largest springs. For those looking for a bit more of a challenge, the Frozen Niagara Trail is a 1.5-mile hike that leads to a viewpoint of the Frozen Niagara formation, and the Mammoth Cave Railroad Trail is a strenuous 8-mile hike that leads to the historic entrance of Mammoth Cave.
Overall, both Badlands National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park offer visitors a variety of hiking trails to choose from, with options for hikers of all abilities. While Badlands National Park is known for its scenic Badlands formations and rugged terrain, Mammoth Cave National Park is known for its cave system, with unique formations and the opportunity to explore the underground caves.
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 Mammoth Cave National Park
Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Green River Bluffs Trail | 7242.03 | 169.7736 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
Cedar Sink Trail | 2896.812 | 70.7136 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
Mammoth Cave National Park Scenic Drive | 17541.806 | 173.736 | Easy | point to point | 4.5 |
Sinkhole Trail | 3862.416 | 108.8136 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
Echo River Spring and Sinkhole Loop | 4988.954 | 122.8344 | Easy | loop | 4 |
Echo River and River Styx Springs Trail | 5471.756 | 129.8448 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
Sal Hollow and Buffalo Creek Loop Trail | 8690.436 | 100.8888 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
Dixon Cave Trail Loop | 2414.01 | 83.82 | Easy | loop | 4 |
First Creek Lake Trail | 5793.624 | 158.8008 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
McCoy Hollow Trail | 19794.882 | 434.9496 | Hard | out and back | 4 |
Wildlife in Badlands National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park
Badlands National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park are both known for their diverse wildlife, but the types of animals, birds, and plants that can be seen at each park are quite different.
Badlands National Park is home to a wide variety of animals, including bison, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, coyotes, and prairie dogs. Visitors to the park may also see black-footed ferrets, swift foxes, and Badlands skinks, which are a species of lizard that is only found in the park. The park is also home to a wide variety of bird species, including the American goldfinch, the ferruginous hawk, and the burrowing owl. The park is also home to a wide variety of plant species, including the western wheatgrass, the blue grama, and the little bluestem.
Mammoth Cave National Park, on the other hand, is known for its cave-adapted animals such as bats, crickets, and cavefish, which visitors can spot on cave tours. Above ground, the park is home to a wide variety of animals, including white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and black bears. Visitors to the park may also see North American River Otters, beaver, and coyotes. The park is also home to a wide variety of bird species, including the great blue heron, the pileated woodpecker, and the prothonotary warbler. The park is also home to a wide variety of plant species, including the loblolly pine, the sweetgum, and the eastern redbud.
Overall, both parks offer visitors the opportunity to see a wide variety of wildlife in a natural setting. While Badlands National Park is known for its prairie and desert wildlife, Mammoth Cave National Park is known for its cave-adapted animals and above-ground wildlife. Both parks offer great opportunities for wildlife viewing and bird watching, and are perfect for visitors who are interested in the natural world.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Badlands National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
Badlands National Park | Mammoth Cave 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 | Mammoth Cave 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 | Western Long-Eared Bat |
Gray Fox | River Otter |
Long-Legged Myotis | Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat |
Northern Myotis | White-Tailed Deer |
Badger | Virginia Opossum |
Weasel | Meadow Vole |
North American River Otter | Eastern Red Bat |
Common Shrew | White-Footed Mouse |
Pacific Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat | Norway Rat |
Reptiles
Badlands National Park | Mammoth Cave National Park |
---|---|
Gopher Snake | Black Racer |
Racer | Ringneck Snake |
Western Rattlesnake | Eastern Garter Snake |
Common Garter Snake | Eastern Fence Lizard |
Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard | |
Milksnake | |
Eastern Fence Lizard |
Amphibians
Badlands National Park | Mammoth Cave National Park |
---|---|
Northern Leopard Frog | Eastern Tiger Salamander |
Tiger Salamander | Bullfrog |
Bullfrog | Wood Frog |
Woodhouse’s Toad | |
Plains Spadefoot |
Insects
Badlands National Park | Mammoth Cave National Park |
---|---|
Orange Sulphur | Orange Sulphur |
Painted Lady | Commom Wood Nymph |
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 | Mammoth Cave National Park |
---|---|
Fathead Minnow | Rainbow Trout |
Golden Shiner | Largemouth Bass |
European Carp | Green Sunfish |
Longnose Dace | Bluegill |
Yellow Bullhead | Golden Shiner |
Channel Catfish | Common Carp |
Black Bullhead | Yellow Bullhead |
Creek Chub | Channel Catfish |
Black Crappie | |
Black Bullhead | |
Mosquitofish | |
Creek Chub | |
Goldfish | |
Smallmouth Bass |
Beautiful Landscapes in Badlands National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park
Badlands National Park is home to some of the most unique and beautiful landscapes in the United States. The park’s most famous landscape is the Badlands formations themselves, which are a collection of layered rock formations that have been shaped over millions of years by erosion and other geological processes. These formations include deep canyons, towering spires, and otherworldly rock formations that are unlike anything else in the world. Some of the most famous formations in the park include the Pinnacles, the Badlands Loop Road, and the Badlands formations visible from the park’s many scenic overlooks. Another popular attraction in the park is the Badlands Wilderness Area, which is a protected area that is home to a variety of wildlife, including bison, bighorn sheep, and pronghorn.
Mammoth Cave National Park, on the other hand, is known for its underground landscapes. The park’s most famous feature is the Mammoth Cave system, which is the longest known cave system in the world with over 400 miles of explored passageways. Visitors can take a guided tour of the cave and explore the underground rivers, towering stalactites and stalagmites, and other unique geological features. Above ground, the park has a diverse landscape with rolling hills, forest, and a scenic river. Visitors can hike, bike or horseback ride on the park’s trails, fish or canoe on the Green River, and spot wildlife like white-tailed deer and wild turkey.
Both of these parks have something unique and different to offer. Badlands National Park is a place of rugged beauty and otherworldly landscapes, while Mammoth Cave National Park is an underground world of twisting caverns and subterranean wonders. Both parks are perfect for visitors who are looking for a chance to explore some of the most beautiful and unique landscapes in the United States.
Things To-Do and Activities in Badlands National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park
Badlands National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park offer visitors a wide variety of activities to enjoy. While both parks are known for their natural beauty and rich history, the most popular activities at each park are quite different.
Badlands National Park is known for its hiking and backpacking opportunities. Visitors can explore the park’s rugged terrain on a variety of trails, ranging from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry hikes. The park’s scenic drives are also popular, offering visitors the chance to see the park’s unique landscapes from the comfort of their car. Wildlife watching is another popular activity at the park, as visitors can spot bison, pronghorn, and other animals in their natural habitat. The park also offers ranger-led tours and educational programs that provide visitors with a deeper understanding of the park’s natural and cultural resources.
Mammoth Cave National Park, on the other hand, is known for its cave tours. The park offers a wide variety of cave tours, ranging from easy, family-friendly tours to strenuous, wild cave tours. Visitors can explore the park’s underground caves and see the unique geological formations that make up the park’s famous cave system. Above ground, the park offers hiking and biking trails, as well as fishing and boating opportunities on the Green and Nolin Rivers. The park also offers ranger-led programs that provide visitors with a deeper understanding of the park’s natural and cultural resources.
Both parks offer visitors the opportunity to explore the great outdoors and learn about the natural and cultural resources that make these places special. While Badlands National Park is known for its hiking and backpacking opportunities, Mammoth Cave National Park is known for its cave tours. Both parks offer a great variety of activities, and visitors can choose the activities that best suit their interests and abilities.
Best Time to Visit Badlands National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park
Badlands National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park both have distinct seasonal weather patterns that affect when the best time of year to visit the park is.
Badlands National Park is located in the Great Plains of South Dakota, and the weather can be quite extreme, with hot summers and cold winters. The park’s summer months, June through August, are characterized by hot temperatures, with average high temperatures in the upper 80s to low 90s Fahrenheit. Summer is also the park’s peak season for visitors, with long days and milder weather. Spring and fall are the best times to visit for milder temperatures and fewer crowds. Winter is the least crowded season, but the park can be quite cold and snowy, with average low temperatures in the teens Fahrenheit.
Mammoth Cave National Park is located in the state of Kentucky, and the weather is characterized by hot summers and mild winters. The park’s summer months, June through August, are characterized by hot temperatures, with average high temperatures in the upper 80s to low 90s Fahrenheit. Summer is also the park’s peak season for visitors, with long days and milder weather. Spring and fall are the best times to visit for milder temperatures and fewer crowds. Winter is the least crowded season, but the park can be quite chilly, with average low temperatures in the 30s Fahrenheit.
Overall, both Badlands National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park have distinct seasonal weather patterns that affect when the best time of year to visit the park is. While both parks are hot during the summer, Badlands National Park can be quite extreme with hot summers and cold winters while Mammoth Cave National Park has milder weather. Spring and fall are the best times to visit for milder temperatures and fewer crowds, while winter can be quite cold in Badlands National Park and chilly in Mammoth Cave National Park.
Family Friendliness of Badlands National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park
Badlands National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park are both family-friendly destinations, but they offer different types of experiences that may appeal more to certain families.
Badlands National Park is a great option for families with children who enjoy outdoor activities. The park offers a variety of hiking trails that are suitable for different skill levels, including easy nature walks and more challenging hikes. There are also several scenic drives that offer beautiful views of the park’s unique landscapes. The park also offers ranger-led activities and Junior Ranger programs that are designed to educate and entertain children. The park’s Badlands Wilderness Area is also a great place for children to explore and learn about the plants and animals that call the park home.
Mammoth Cave National Park is also a great option for families, but it may be more appealing to families with children who are interested in history and geology. The park’s main attraction is the Mammoth Cave system, which offers guided tours that are suitable for children of all ages. Children will have the opportunity to explore the subterranean world of twisting caverns, underground rivers, and towering stalactites and stalagmites. The park also offers ranger-led activities and Junior Ranger programs that are designed to educate and entertain children. Above ground, the park offers hiking trails, horseback riding, and other recreational activities that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
In conclusion, both Badlands National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park are family-friendly destinations, but they offer different types of experiences. If your family is looking for an outdoor adventure with rugged beauty, then Badlands National Park is a great option. If your family is interested in history and geology, then Mammoth Cave National Park is an excellent choice. Both parks offer a variety of activities that can be enjoyed by children of all ages, and both have Junior Ranger programs that can help children learn about the park and have fun.