Big Bend National Park and Shenandoah National Park are two of the most diverse and beautiful national parks in the United States. Both parks offer a wide variety of outdoor activities and natural wonders that are sure to amaze visitors of all ages. Whether you’re a hiker, a camper, or just someone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, Big Bend and Shenandoah have something for everyone.
Big Bend National Park, located in the Chihuahuan Desert of southwest Texas, is known for its rugged terrain, hot and arid climate, and breathtaking views of the Chisos Mountains and the Rio Grande River. Visitors can hike through the park’s many trails, camp in the backcountry, or take a scenic drive along the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive.
Shenandoah National Park, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, is known for its lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and breathtaking views of the Shenandoah Valley. Visitors can hike through the park’s many trails, camp in the backcountry, or take a scenic drive along the Skyline Drive. The park also offers a variety of activities including fishing, horseback riding, and picnicking.
Both Big Bend and Shenandoah offer a unique experience, Big Bend is a rugged and arid desert while Shenandoah is a lush and green forest. Both parks are perfect for those who love nature and the great outdoors, but they offer different types of natural beauty and activities. Keep reading to find out more about these amazing national parks and which one is perfect for your next adventure.
Hiking Trails in Big Bend National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Big Bend National Park and Shenandoah National Park are both popular destinations for hiking, but they offer different types of trails and landscapes.
Big Bend National Park is located in the Chihuahuan Desert of Texas and offers a variety of hiking trails that range in difficulty. The park is known for its challenging backcountry trails, such as the Emory Peak Trail, which leads to the highest peak in the park and offers panoramic views of the desert. The park also has some easier hikes such as the Lost Mine Trail, it’s a 4.6 miles round trip hike through the Chisos Mountains, offering views of the surrounding desert and the Chisos Mountains.
Shenandoah National Park, located in Virginia, is known for its lush forest landscape and the famous Skyline Drive. The park offers over 500 miles of hiking trails, including some easy hikes and some strenuous hikes. The easiest hikes include the White Oak Canyon Trail, which is a 2.6-mile round trip hike to a series of waterfalls, and the Fox Hollow Trail, which is a 2.5-mile round trip hike through a beautiful forest. The most challenging hikes include the Old Rag Mountain Hike, which is a 9-mile round trip hike to the summit of Old Rag Mountain, and the Hawksbill Mountain Hike, which is a 4-mile round trip hike to the highest peak in the park.
Both parks offer visitors the opportunity to explore beautiful and unique natural landscapes, but the type of hiking trails and the level of difficulty vary. Big Bend National Park is known for its rugged desert terrain and challenging backcountry trails, while Shenandoah National Park is known for its lush forest landscape and a mix of easy and strenuous hikes.
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 Shenandoah National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old Rag Mountain Loop | 13840.324 | 736.7016 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| White Oak Canyon and Cedar Run Trails Loop | 14484.06 | 722.9856 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
| Dark Hollow Falls Trail | 2253.076 | 171.9072 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Bearfence Mountain Trail | 1609.34 | 73.7616 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Hawksbill Gap Loop via Appalachian Trail | 4184.284 | 228.9048 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Rose River Trail | 5632.69 | 256.9464 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| White Oak Canyon Trail | 15288.73 | 733.9584 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Stony Man via Appalachian Trail | 2414.01 | 97.8408 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| South River Falls Trail | 7402.964 | 387.7056 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Little Stony Man Loop via Appalachian Trail | 5471.756 | 263.9568 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Big Bend National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Big Bend National Park and Shenandoah National Park are both known for their diverse wildlife.
Big Bend National Park is home to a wide variety of animals such as black bears, mountain lions, coyotes, javelinas, and bighorn sheep. Visitors can also spot various types of reptiles and amphibians, including the iconic Texas horned lizard. The park is also known for its birdwatching opportunities, with over 450 species of birds found in the park, including the roadrunner, golden eagle, and painted bunting. The park is also home to a diverse array of plants, including cacti, agave, and yucca.
Shenandoah National Park is also home to a wide variety of wildlife. Visitors can spot black bears, deer, raccoons, and wild turkey. The park is also home to over 180 species of birds, including the hawks, eagles, and warblers. The park is also known for its salamanders, which can be found in the park’s streams and rivers. The park is also home to a diverse array of plants, including mountain laurel, rhododendron, and wildflowers.
Both parks offer visitors the opportunity to see a diverse array of wildlife, however, the type of animals and plants found in each park are different. Big Bend National Park is known for its desert wildlife, while Shenandoah National Park is known for its forest wildlife.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Big Bend National Park and Shenandoah National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Big Bend National Park | Shenandoah 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 | Shenandoah 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 | Black Bear |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Hoary Bat | Hoary Bat |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Red Fox |
| House Mouse | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Mountain Lion | House Mouse |
| Mule Deer | Mountain Lion |
| Common Gray Fox | Gray Fox |
| Gray Wolf | River Otter |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Masked Shrew |
| American Badger | Water Shrew |
| California Myotis | Red Squirrel |
| Fringed Myotis | White-Tailed Deer |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | Virginia Opossum |
| Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat | Marten |
| Western Harvest Mouse | Northern Flying Squirrel |
Reptiles
| Big Bend National Park | Shenandoah National Park |
|---|---|
| Sonoran Gophersnake | Black Racer |
| Prairie Rattlesnake | Ringneck Snake |
| Ring-Necked Snake | Common Garter Snake |
| Common Side-Blotched Lizard | Common Kingsnake |
| Desert Kingsnake | Milksnake |
| Texas Nightsnake | Eastern Fence Lizard |
| 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 | Shenandoah National Park |
|---|---|
| Barred Tiger Salamander | Northern Leopard Frog |
| American Bullfrog | |
| Southwestern Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Fish
| Big Bend National Park | Shenandoah National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Rainbow Trout |
| Green Sunfish | Brook Trout |
| Bluegill | Brown Trout |
| Fathead Minnow | Largemouth Bass |
| Common Carp | Green Sunfish |
| Longnose Dace | Bluegill |
| Yellow Bullhead | Common Carp |
| Channel Catfish | Mottled Sculpin |
| Mosquitofish | Longnose Dace |
| Yellow Bullhead | |
| Creek Chub | |
| Brown Bullhead | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Insects
| Big Bend National Park | Shenandoah National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch | |
| American Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Mourning Cloak | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Common Checkered Skipper | |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Buckeye | |
| Commom Wood Nymph | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Beautiful Landscapes in Big Bend National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Big Bend National Park is known for its rugged and diverse landscapes, which include the Chisos Mountains, the Rio Grande River, and the Chihuahuan Desert. The Chisos Mountains are the park’s crown jewel and offer a variety of hiking trails, including the strenuous South Rim Trail, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding desert and mountains. The Rio Grande offers opportunities for river trips and scenic drives along the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive. The Chihuahuan Desert is one of the most unique and diverse deserts in the world, and visitors can see various cacti, yucca, and other desert plants.
Shenandoah National Park is known for its lush and green landscapes, which include the Blue Ridge Mountains, cascading waterfalls, and the Shenandoah Valley. The Blue Ridge Mountains are the park’s main feature and offer a variety of hiking trails, including the strenuous Old Rag Mountain, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. The cascading waterfalls such as White Oak Canyon and Rose River Falls are also a highlight of the park. The Shenandoah Valley is also a beautiful area to explore, and visitors can see various wildflowers, rhododendrons, and other plants.
Both Big Bend and Shenandoah offer a variety of natural wonders, Big Bend offers a diverse desert landscape while Shenandoah offers a lush forest and mountain landscapes. The parks offer different types of natural beauty, but both are equally amazing and worth a visit.
Things To-Do and Activities in Big Bend National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Big Bend National Park and Shenandoah National Park are both popular national parks in the United States, but they offer different experiences for visitors.
Big Bend National Park is located in the Chihuahuan Desert of West Texas and is known for its rugged terrain and diverse wildlife. Visitors can go on a variety of hikes, including the Chisos Mountains, which offer stunning views of the surrounding desert. Wildlife commonly seen in the park include black bears, mountain lions, deer, and a wide variety of bird species. The park also has a variety of desert plants, including cacti, yucca, and agave.
Shenandoah National Park, on the other hand, is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia and is known for its beautiful scenery and recreational opportunities. The park’s main attraction is the Skyline Drive, a scenic road that runs the length of the park and offers incredible views of the surrounding mountains. Visitors can also go on a variety of hikes, including the popular Old Rag Mountain and Whiteoak Canyon. Wildlife commonly seen in the park include black bears, deer, and a wide variety of bird species. The park also has a variety of deciduous trees, such as oak, hickory, and maple.
In terms of popular activities, Big Bend National Park and Shenandoah National Park both offer hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. However, Big Bend National Park also offers backpacking and river trips while Shenandoah National Park also offers picnicking, fishing, and horseback riding.
In terms of family-friendliness, both Big Bend National Park and Shenandoah National Park are great options. Big Bend National Park has a wide variety of trails and activities suitable for different skill levels, while Shenandoah National Park has a number of short and easy hikes that are perfect for families. Both parks also have visitor centers and educational programs that are great for kids. Ultimately, the best park to visit depends on the interests and preferences of the family.
Best Time to Visit Big Bend National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Big Bend National Park and Shenandoah National Park are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, but they have very different seasonal weather patterns that can affect when is the best time to visit.
Big Bend National Park, located in the Chihuahuan Desert of Texas, has a hot and arid climate with high temperatures and low humidity. Summer temperatures can reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, making it uncomfortable to be outside during the hottest hours. The best time to visit the park is during the fall, winter, and spring, when temperatures are milder and comfortable for outdoor activities. Even though the park is open year-round, the winter and spring months are considered to be the peak season.
Shenandoah National Park, located in Virginia, has a more moderate climate with four distinct seasons. Spring brings mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers. Summer can be hot and humid, with temperatures in the high 80s and 90s. Fall is the most popular time to visit the park, as the leaves of the trees change color and the weather cools down. Winter can be cold with occasional snowfall, the park offers many snowshoeing, cross country skiing opportunities. Depending on the visitor’s preference, the park can be enjoyed in all seasons, but some months may be more favorable for certain activities.
In summary, both Big Bend National Park and Shenandoah National Park offer visitors the opportunity to explore beautiful and unique natural landscapes, but the weather and seasons can affect the best time to visit. Big Bend National Park is best visited during the fall, winter, and spring, while Shenandoah National Park can be enjoyed in all seasons, depending on the visitor’s preference.
Family Friendliness of Big Bend National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Both Big Bend National Park and Shenandoah National Park offer a variety of family-friendly activities, but the type of activities and the level of difficulty may vary.
Big Bend National Park offers plenty of opportunities for families to explore the outdoors, such as hiking, camping, and wildlife watching. The park has a variety of easy and moderate hiking trails, such as the Lost Mine Trail and the Chisos Basin Loop Trail, which offer great views of the park. The park also has a visitor center and a variety of ranger-led programs that can help educate children about the park’s natural and cultural resources.
Shenandoah National Park also offers a variety of family-friendly activities, such as hiking, camping, and wildlife watching. The park has a variety of easy and moderate hiking trails, such as the Limberlost Trail and the Dark Hollow Falls Trail, which offer great views of the park. The park also has a visitor center and a variety of ranger-led programs that can help educate children about the park’s natural and cultural resources.
Both parks are family-friendly, but the type of activities and the level of difficulty may vary, therefore it depends on what type of outdoor activities your family enjoys. If your family enjoys desert landscapes, then Big Bend would be a great option. But if your family prefers forest and mountain landscapes, then Shenandoah would be a great option.