Biscayne National Park and Gateway Arch National Park are two vastly different parks that offer unique experiences for visitors. Biscayne National Park is located in southern Florida and is known for its crystal clear waters, coral reefs, and diverse marine life. Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, is home to the iconic Gateway Arch, a 630-foot monument that serves as a symbol of the city’s role in American history. Both parks offer a variety of activities and attractions, but they are fundamentally different in terms of what they offer. Whether you’re looking for an underwater adventure or a historical excursion, both Biscayne National Park and Gateway Arch National Park are worth exploring. So pack your sunscreen and your walking shoes, and get ready to discover the beauty and history of these two unique parks.
Hiking Trails in Biscayne National Park and Gateway Arch National Park
Biscayne National Park and Gateway Arch National Park are two very different national parks with vastly different hiking experiences. Biscayne National Park is located on the eastern coast of Florida and is primarily made up of water and islands. The park offers a variety of water-based activities such as boating, snorkeling, and diving, but it also has a few short hiking trails. The park’s most popular hiking trail is the Biscayne Nature Center Trail, which is a 1-mile loop that takes visitors through a mangrove forest and provides views of the Biscayne Bay. Another popular trail is the Jetty Trail, which is a 0.8-mile loop that takes visitors through a coastal hammock and provides views of the Atlantic Ocean.
On the other hand, Gateway Arch National Park is located in St. Louis, Missouri and it is primarily made up of urban and cultural areas. The park offers a variety of activities such as visiting the Gateway Arch, the Old Courthouse, and the Museum of Westward Expansion. The park also offers a variety of walking and biking trails that take visitors around the Gateway Arch and around the Old Courthouse. The most popular hiking trail is the Riverfront Trail, which is a 2.5-mile long trail that takes visitors along the Mississippi River and provides views of the Gateway Arch. Another popular trail is the Treetop Trail, which is a 0.5-mile trail that takes visitors through the park’s treetops and provides views of the Gateway Arch.
In terms of difficulty, the trails at Biscayne National Park are relatively easy, with well-maintained paths and gentle elevations. The trails at Gateway Arch National Park, on the other hand, are also relatively easy, with well-maintained paths and gentle elevations, but it does have a few steep inclines. Overall, Biscayne National Park is better suited for visitors who are looking for a more natural and water-based hiking experience, while Gateway Arch National Park is better suited for visitors who are looking for an urban and cultural hiking experience.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Biscayne National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biscayne National Park Walk | 15932.466 | 0.9144 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Black Creek Canal Trail | 2735.878 | 0.9144 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Jetty Trail | 1448.406 | 0 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Boca Chita Trail | 1287.472 | 0.9144 | Easy | loop | 3 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Gateway Arch National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Louis Riverfront Trail | 34439.876 | 109.728 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Jefferson National Expansion Memorial | 2574.944 | 20.7264 | Easy | loop | 4 |
Wildlife in Biscayne National Park and Gateway Arch National Park
Biscayne National Park is located in southern Florida and is primarily composed of water, with 95% of the park being underwater. The park is known for its diverse marine life, including over 500 species of fish, sea turtles, manatees, and dolphins. Visitors can also spot various bird species such as pelicans, herons, and ospreys. Additionally, the park is home to several species of mangrove trees and seagrass beds.
On the other hand, Gateway Arch National Park, also known as Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, is located in Missouri, and is primarily a urban park that features the Gateway Arch, a 630-foot monument that serves as a memorial to Thomas Jefferson and the westward expansion of the United States. The park also features several museums and exhibits that give visitors a glimpse into the history of the area. Wildlife in the park is limited, but visitors can still see some birds, like the American white pelican, and occasionally river otters, deer, and coyotes. The park does not have many plants or trees, as it is mostly a urban park.
In terms of family-friendliness, Biscayne National Park offers a variety of activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, and boat tours that can be enjoyed by visitors of all ages. Gateway Arch National Park is also family-friendly, and is a great option for visitors who are interested in history and architecture. Additionally, the park offers a tram ride to the top of the Gateway Arch, which can be enjoyed by visitors of all ages.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Biscayne National Park and Gateway Arch National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Biscayne National Park | Gateway Arch National Park |
|---|---|
| Peregrine Falcon | Peregrine Falcon |
| Northern Harrier | Northern Harrier |
| Sharp-Shinned Hawk | Sharp-Shinned Hawk |
| Osprey | Osprey |
| Tree Swallow | Tree Swallow |
| Ruby-Crowned Kinglet | Mallard |
| American Robin | Canada Goose |
| Red-Tailed Hawk | Lincoln’s Sparrow |
| Northern Flicker | Ruby-Crowned Kinglet |
| Merlin | American Robin |
| Barn Swallow | Great Horned Owl |
| Savannah Sparrow | Red-Tailed Hawk |
| Great Blue Heron | Northern Flicker |
| American Kestrel | Merlin |
| Bald Eagle | Savannah Sparrow |
| Song Sparrow | Hermit Thrush |
| European Starling | American Kestrel |
| Northern Pintail | Bald Eagle |
| American Wigeon | Northern Pintail |
| American Pipit | American Wigeon |
| Swainson’s Thrush | Green-Winged Teal |
| Killdeer | American Pipit |
| Brown-Headed Cowbird | Swainson’s Thrush |
| Red-Winged Blackbird | Hairy Woodpecker |
| Blue-Winged Teal | Red-Breasted Nuthatch |
Mammals
| Biscayne National Park | Gateway Arch National Park |
|---|---|
| Bobcat | Coyote |
| Striped Skunk | American Beaver |
| Raccoon | Muskrat |
| House Mouse | Black Bear |
| Common Gray Fox | Porcupine |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | Red Fox |
| White-Tailed Deer | Mink |
| Virginia Opossum | Wolf |
| Black Rat | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| Eastern Gray Squirrel | Varying Hare |
| Least Shrew | River Otter |
| Common Shrew | |
| Red Squirrel | |
| Montane Shrew | |
| Lynx | |
| Wolverine | |
| American Marten | |
| Grizzly Bear | |
| Meadow Vole | |
| Moose | |
| Least Weasel | |
| Pygmy Shrew | |
| Northern Bog Lemming |
Fish
| Biscayne National Park | Gateway Arch National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Longnose Sucker |
| Bluegill | Lake Trout |
| Golden Shiner | Northern Pike |
| Common Carp | Eelpout |
| Yellow Bullhead | King Salmon |
| Black Crappie | Slimy Sculpin |
| Brown Bullhead | Chum Salmon |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Insects
| Biscayne National Park | Gateway Arch National Park |
|---|---|
| Honey Bee |
Amphibians
| Biscayne National Park | Gateway Arch National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Biscayne National Park and Gateway Arch National Park
Biscayne National Park and Gateway Arch National Park are two vastly different national parks, each offering unique landscapes and experiences. Biscayne National Park, located in Florida, is a watery paradise filled with crystal clear waters, lush mangrove forests, and an abundance of marine life. Visitors can enjoy activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, and boating as they explore the park’s coral reefs and shipwrecks. On the other hand, Gateway Arch National Park, located in Missouri, is centered around the iconic Gateway Arch, a 630-foot tall monument that serves as a symbol of the American West and the city of St Louis. The park offers stunning views of the Mississippi River and the surrounding city, as well as the opportunity to take a tram to the top of the arch for a panoramic view. Both parks offer a diverse range of natural and man-made wonders to explore and enjoy.
Things To-Do and Activities in Biscayne National Park and Gateway Arch National Park
Biscayne National Park and Gateway Arch National Park are two very different parks, offering a variety of experiences for visitors.
Biscayne National Park, located in southern Florida, is known for its beautiful waters and coral reefs. Visitors can enjoy a variety of water activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and boating to explore the park’s marine life and coral reefs. Fishing and kayaking are also popular activities. The park also offers a variety of land-based activities, including hiking, bird watching, and camping.
On the other hand, Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, is centered around the iconic Gateway Arch, a 630-foot monument that serves as a symbol of the city’s role in westward expansion. Visitors can take a tram to the top of the Arch for stunning views of the city and the Mississippi River. The park also features a museum that tells the story of westward expansion and the history of the Arch. Visitors can also take a boat tour to learn more about the history of the river.
In terms of family-friendliness, both parks offer activities that appeal to children, but Biscayne National Park would be considered more family-friendly, as it has more activities to do and its location in southern Florida makes it a great vacation spot for families. Gateway Arch National Park is more focused on the history of the area and the Gateway Arch, which may not be as exciting to children.
Best Time to Visit Biscayne National Park and Gateway Arch National Park
Biscayne National Park and Gateway Arch National Park have very different seasonal weather patterns, as they are located in vastly different parts of the country.
Biscayne National Park, located in southern Florida, experiences warm and humid weather year-round. The summer months, typically June through September, are the hottest and most humid, with temperatures reaching the mid-90s and high humidity levels. The winter months, typically December through February, are the driest and most pleasant, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to low 80s. The park is open year-round and visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and boat tours during the summer months, and fishing and kayaking during the winter months.
Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, experiences four distinct seasons. The summer months, typically June through August, are warm with temperatures in the 80s and 90s, and occasional thunderstorms. The fall months, typically September through November, are pleasant with mild temperatures and colorful foliage. The winter months, typically December through February, are cold with occasional snowfall, and temperatures ranging from the 20s to the 40s. The spring months, typically March through May, are mild and bring new growth and blooming flowers. The park is open year-round, and visitors can enjoy sightseeing and ranger-led tours of the Gateway Arch during the summer months, and the park’s scenic walkway during the fall, winter, and spring months.
In summary, Biscayne National Park is best to visit during the winter months while Gateway Arch National Park is best to visit during the fall and spring months.
Family Friendliness of Biscayne National Park and Gateway Arch National Park
Biscayne National Park and Gateway Arch National Park are two vastly different national parks that offer a unique experience to visitors. Biscayne National Park is located in southern Florida and is known for its crystal clear waters and diverse marine life. The park is home to a variety of species of fish, coral, and other marine animals that can be viewed through snorkeling, diving or boat tours. The park also features several hiking trails that take visitors through mangrove forests and along the coast.
On the other hand, Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, is known for its iconic Gateway Arch which stands at 630 feet tall and is a symbol of the city. The arch is the centerpiece of the park and visitors can take a tram to the top for a panoramic view of the city. The park also features a museum that tells the story of the American West, and the role of the Arch in American history. The park is also home to several monuments, and monuments, and sculptures that commemorate the history of the city.
In terms of family-friendliness, both parks offer different experiences. Biscayne National Park is ideal for families who enjoy spending time outdoors and are interested in marine life. The park offers several activities such as snorkeling, diving, and boat tours that are suitable for children. On the other hand, Gateway Arch National Park is perfect for families who are interested in history and architecture. The park offers several educational activities and exhibits that are suitable for children, as well as the opportunity to take a tram ride to the top of the arch. Ultimately, the best park for your family will depend on your specific interests and preferences.