Are you ready to explore two of America’s most diverse and breathtaking national parks? Look no further than Big Bend National Park and Cuyahoga Valley National Park! These two parks offer vastly different experiences, from the rugged desert landscape of Big Bend to the lush, verdant valley of Cuyahoga. Whether you’re a hiker, birdwatcher, or history buff, there’s something for everyone at these two parks. So pack your bags and get ready for an adventure, as we compare and contrast the unique features of Big Bend and Cuyahoga Valley National Parks.
Hiking Trails in Big Bend National Park and Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Big Bend National Park and Cuyahoga Valley National Park both offer a wide range of hiking trails for visitors to explore, but the terrain and difficulty level of the trails vary greatly between the two parks.
Big Bend National Park is known for its rugged and remote wilderness, and the park’s hiking trails reflect this. The park offers a wide variety of trails ranging from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry hikes. Some of the most popular hikes in the park include the Chisos Basin Loop, a moderate 4.8-mile hike that offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, and the South Rim Trail, a strenuous 17-mile hike that offers some of the best views in the park. The park also offers backcountry camping and backpacking, which allows visitors to explore the remote wilderness and experience the park’s wildlife and landscapes.
On the other hand, Cuyahoga Valley National Park offers a different kind of hiking experience, with its lush forests, rolling hills, and winding streams. The park offers more than 125 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy nature walks to moderate hikes. Some of the most popular hikes in the park include the Ledges Trail, a moderate 1.5-mile hike that offers scenic views of the park’s sandstone cliffs, and the Buckeye Trail, a strenuous 21-mile hike that winds through the park’s forests and along the Cuyahoga River. The park also offers many bike and horse trails.
In conclusion, Big Bend National Park and Cuyahoga Valley National Park both offer a wide range of hiking trails, but the terrain and difficulty level of the trails vary greatly between the two parks. Big Bend National Park offers a rugged and remote wilderness with challenging hikes and backcountry camping opportunities, while Cuyahoga Valley National Park offers a lush and more accessible forest environment with more moderate hikes and scenic views.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Big Bend National Park
Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lost Mine Trail | 6759.228 | 334.9752 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
South Rim Trail – Boot Springs Trail | 17702.74 | 709.8792 | Hard | loop | 5 |
The Window Trail | 8368.568 | 288.9504 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Emory Peak Trail | 13679.39 | 731.8248 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
Santa Elena Canyon Trail | 2414.01 | 185.928 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
Balanced Rock Trail | 3057.746 | 70.7136 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
Boquillas Canyon Trail | 1931.208 | 69.7992 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
Hot Springs Canyon Trail | 8851.37 | 280.7208 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
Outer Mountain Loop | 38785.094 | 1739.7984 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
Big Bend Hot Springs Trail | 1770.274 | 38.7096 | Easy | loop | 4 |
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 Big Bend National Park and Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Big Bend National Park and Cuyahoga Valley National Park are both renowned for their diverse wildlife, however, the types of animals and plants that can be found in each park are quite different. Big Bend National Park, located in the Chihuahuan Desert of Texas, is home to a wide variety of desert animals such as pronghorns, roadrunners, and the iconic desert bighorn sheep. The park is also home to a variety of reptiles and mammals like rattlesnakes, mountain lions, and black bears. The park also boasts a diverse array of birds, including over 450 species, such as the peregrine falcon, golden eagle, and roadrunner.
On the other hand, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, located in Ohio, is home to a wide variety of wildlife that is more typical of the northeastern United States, such as white-tailed deer, raccoons, and foxes. The park is also home to a diverse array of birds, including over 200 species, such as the pileated woodpecker, Baltimore oriole, and the red-tailed hawk. Additionally, the park is home to a variety of aquatic animals, including river otters, beavers, and muskrats.
In terms of plants, Big Bend National Park is known for its desert flora, including cacti, yucca, and agave. Cuyahoga Valley National Park, on the other hand, is home to a wide variety of deciduous trees such as oak, maple, and beech, as well as an abundance of wildflowers and ferns.
Both parks are unique in their own ways, with Big Bend National Park offering a glimpse into the rugged desert landscape, and Cuyahoga Valley National Park offering a glimpse into the lush green forests of the northeastern United States. Both parks offer visitors an opportunity to experience the natural beauty of their respective regions.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Big Bend National Park and Cuyahoga Valley National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
Big Bend 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
Big Bend 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 |
Deer Mouse | Little Brown Bat |
Raccoon | Deer Mouse |
Black Bear | Raccoon |
Porcupine | Silver-Haired Bat |
Silver-Haired Bat | Hoary Bat |
Hoary Bat | Red Fox |
Long-Tailed Weasel | Long-Tailed Weasel |
House Mouse | House Mouse |
Mountain Lion | Mink |
Mule Deer | Gray Fox |
Common Gray Fox | Badger |
Gray Wolf | Masked Shrew |
Long-Legged Myotis | Red Squirrel |
American Badger | White-Tailed Deer |
California Myotis | Virginia Opossum |
Fringed Myotis | Meadow Vole |
Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | Red Bat |
Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat | White-Footed Mouse |
Western Harvest Mouse | Norway Rat |
Reptiles
Big Bend National Park | Cuyahoga Valley National Park |
---|---|
Sonoran Gophersnake | Racer |
Prairie Rattlesnake | Ring-Necked Snake |
Ring-Necked Snake | Common Garter Snake |
Common Side-Blotched Lizard | Eastern Milk Snake |
Desert Kingsnake | Eastern Fence Lizard |
Texas Nightsnake | |
Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
Mexican Milksnake | |
Central Texas Whipsnake | |
Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | |
Big Bend Tree Lizard | |
Eastern Collared Lizard | |
Glossy Snake | |
Long-Nosed Snake | |
Desert Spiny Lizard |
Amphibians
Big Bend National Park | Cuyahoga Valley National Park |
---|---|
Barred Tiger Salamander | Northern Leopard Frog |
American Bullfrog | Eastern Tiger Salamander |
Southwestern Woodhouse’s Toad | Bullfrog |
Red-Spotted Toad | Wood Frog |
Canyon Treefrog |
Fish
Big Bend National Park | Cuyahoga Valley National Park |
---|---|
Largemouth Bass | Northern Largemouth Bass |
Green Sunfish | Green Sunfish |
Bluegill | Northern Bluegill Sunfish |
Fathead Minnow | Northern Fathead Minnow |
Common Carp | Golden Shiner |
Longnose Dace | European Carp |
Yellow Bullhead | Northern Pike |
Channel Catfish | Eastern Burbot |
Mosquitofish | Central Mottled Sculpin |
Graceful Catfish | |
Black Crappie | |
Creek Chub | |
Goldfish |
Insects
Big Bend National Park | Cuyahoga Valley National Park |
---|---|
Orange Sulfur | |
Painted Lady | |
Monarch Butterfly | |
American Painted Lady | |
European Cabbage White | |
Buckeye |
Beautiful Landscapes in Big Bend National Park and Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Big Bend National Park is known for its rugged desert landscapes and diverse terrain, which includes the Chisos Mountains, the Rio Grande, and the Chihuahuan Desert. Visitors can enjoy scenic drives, hike to scenic overlooks, and take guided backpacking trips. The park is also home to the Santa Elena Canyon, a breathtaking 1,500-foot-deep canyon that can be explored by boat or on foot.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park, on the other hand, is known for its lush green landscapes and natural beauty. Visitors can hike through the park’s many trails, bike along the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath, and explore the park’s waterfalls, including Brandywine Falls and Blue Hen Falls. The park is also home to the Cuyahoga River, which offers opportunities for fishing and kayaking. Other popular natural features include the Ledges and the Octagon, which offer great views and opportunities for photography.
Things To-Do and Activities in Big Bend National Park and Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Big Bend National Park and Cuyahoga Valley National Park are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, but they offer very different experiences. Big Bend National Park, located in the southwestern United States, is known for its rugged desert landscapes and outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and river rafting. The park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including desert bighorn sheep, roadrunners, and black bears. Visitors can also explore the Chisos Mountains and the Rio Grande, which runs through the park.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park, located in northeastern Ohio, is known for its lush forests and rolling hills. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, beavers, and great blue herons. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, and horseback riding on the park’s many trails, as well as take a scenic train ride through the park. The park also has several historical sites, such as the 19th-century village of Boston and the Everett Covered Bridge.
When it comes to popular activities, both parks offer a wide range of options for visitors. Hiking and camping are popular at both Big Bend National Park and Cuyahoga Valley National Park. At Big Bend, visitors can also enjoy river rafting, bird watching, and stargazing. At Cuyahoga Valley, visitors can also take a scenic train ride, explore historic sites, and enjoy the park’s many waterfalls and overlooks. Both parks are great options for outdoor enthusiasts, but Big Bend National Park offers a unique desert experience while Cuyahoga Valley National Park offers a more traditional park experience with lush forest, rolling hills, and waterfalls.
Best Time to Visit Big Bend National Park and Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Big Bend National Park and Cuyahoga Valley National Park are both beautiful destinations with a lot to offer visitors, but they have quite different seasonal weather patterns.
Big Bend National Park is located in West Texas and has a desert climate, with hot summers and mild winters. The best time to visit is typically fall or spring, when temperatures are more moderate and the desert is in bloom. Summertime can be extremely hot and dry, with temperatures often reaching over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Winter is mild and can be a great time to visit, but some of the park’s facilities may be closed due to snow and ice.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park, on the other hand, is located in Ohio and has a humid continental climate, with four distinct seasons. The park is known for its lush greenery and beautiful fall foliage. The best time to visit is in the spring and fall, when the weather is comfortable and the colors are at their most vibrant. Summer can be hot and humid, but also a great time to enjoy the many waterways and hiking trails in the park. Winter can be cold and snowy, but also a great time for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
In summary, the best time to visit Big Bend National Park is fall or spring and the best time to visit Cuyahoga Valley National Park is spring and fall. Both parks offer diverse activities and beautiful landscapes and the weather in each park affects which activities are best to do during the visit.
Family Friendliness of Big Bend National Park and Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Big Bend National Park and Cuyahoga Valley National Park are both great options for families, but they offer very different experiences. Big Bend National Park is located in the desert of West Texas and is known for its rugged wilderness and outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, and desert bighorn sheep. The park can be challenging for families with young children, as the trails can be steep and rocky, and the heat can be intense during the summer months.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park, on the other hand, is located in Ohio and offers a more moderate climate. The park is home to a variety of ecosystems, including wetlands, forests, and meadows, as well as several waterfalls and scenic overlooks. The park is also home to a large network of hiking and biking trails, as well as a variety of recreational activities such as fishing, picnicking, and camping. It also has a rich history and cultural artifacts, with several historic sites, such as the century-old Stanford House, a restored farmhouse that visitors can tour.
Overall, Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a better option for families with young children, as it offers a more moderate climate and a variety of activities that are more suited to a wide range of ages and abilities.