Biscayne National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park are two very different national parks that offer unique and exciting experiences for visitors. Biscayne National Park is located in southern Florida and is known for its crystal-clear waters and diverse marine life, while Kobuk Valley National Park is located in northern Alaska and is known for its vast and pristine wilderness, including the famous Kobuk Sand Dunes. Imagine going from snorkeling and kayaking in the turquoise waters of Biscayne to fly fishing in the remote rivers of Kobuk Valley and surrounded by grizzly bears and caribou. Both parks offer an abundance of outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing, but the landscapes, plants, and animals you’ll encounter are vastly different. If you’re looking for a true adventure, experiencing both Biscayne and Kobuk Valley National Parks is a must.
Hiking Trails in Biscayne National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park
Biscayne National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park both offer visitors the opportunity to explore their natural beauty on foot, but the hiking trails in each park are quite different.
Biscayne National Park, located in southern Florida, is primarily composed of water, so hiking trails are limited. The park’s main hiking trail is the 3-mile Bear Cut Preserve trail, which offers visitors the opportunity to explore the park’s maritime hammock and mangrove forests. The trail is relatively easy and well-maintained, making it a great option for visitors of all ages and abilities. Visitors can also hike the park’s small islands on foot, where they can see a variety of bird species and discover the park’s rich cultural history.
Kobuk Valley National Park, located in northern Alaska, offers visitors the opportunity to explore one of the largest sand dunes in the Arctic. The park’s main hiking trail is the 15-mile Kobuk River trail, which offers visitors the opportunity to explore the park’s pristine wilderness and see the park’s wildlife, such as grizzly bears and caribou. The trail is relatively difficult, with steep inclines and uneven terrain, making it a great option for experienced hikers. The park’s wilderness is rugged and challenging, and visitors should be well-prepared with the right gear and knowledge to hike safely.
In summary, while both Biscayne National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park offer visitors the opportunity to explore their natural beauty on foot, the hiking trails in each park are quite different. Biscayne National Park is limited in terms of hiking trails, but offers easy and well-maintained trails that are suitable for visitors of all ages and abilities, while Kobuk Valley National Park offers challenging and rugged trails that are best suited for experienced hikers. Both parks offer a unique and diverse hiking experience, and visitors should be well-prepared with the right gear and knowledge to hike safely.
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 Kobuk Valley National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harding Ice Field Trail | 15610.598 | 1161.8976 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Exit Glacier Trail | 2896.812 | 81.9912 | Easy | out and back | 4.6 |
Wildlife in Biscayne National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park
Biscayne National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park are both home to a diverse array of wildlife. While Biscayne National Park is located in the subtropical climate of southern Florida, and Kobuk Valley National Park is located in the Arctic tundra of northern Alaska, each park offers unique wildlife viewing opportunities.
Biscayne National Park is home to a variety of marine life such as manatees, dolphins, sea turtles, and over 500 species of fish. Visitors can take a boat tour to see these animals in their natural habitat. Additionally, the park is home to a variety of bird species, such as pelicans, herons, and egrets, as well as reptiles such as crocodiles and alligators. Visitors can also see a variety of plants such as mangroves, sea grasses, and coral reefs.
Kobuk Valley National Park is home to a variety of wildlife such as caribou, grizzly bears, wolves, and wolverines. Visitors can see these animals on guided tours or while hiking in the park. Additionally, the park is home to a variety of bird species such as sandhill cranes, golden eagles, and peregrine falcons. The park is also home to a variety of plants such as willows, mosses, and lichens that thrive in the Arctic tundra.
In summary, Biscayne National Park offers visitors a chance to see a variety of marine life and birds, as well as reptiles and plants, while Kobuk Valley National Park offers visitors a chance to see a variety of land mammals such as caribou, grizzly bears, and wolves, as well as birds and plants that thrive in the Arctic tundra. Both parks are unique in their wildlife and plant life and offer a chance to see something different.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Biscayne National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Biscayne National Park | Kobuk Valley 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 | Northern Flicker |
| Great Blue Heron | Merlin |
| American Kestrel | Savannah Sparrow |
| Bald Eagle | American Kestrel |
| Song Sparrow | Bald Eagle |
| European Starling | Northern Pintail |
| Northern Pintail | American Wigeon |
| American Wigeon | Green-Winged Teal |
| American Pipit | American Pipit |
| Swainson’s Thrush | Swainson’s Thrush |
| Killdeer | White-Crowned Sparrow |
| Brown-Headed Cowbird | Northern Shoveler |
| Red-Winged Blackbird | Golden Eagle |
| Blue-Winged Teal | Rough-Legged Hawk |
Mammals
| Biscayne National Park | Kobuk Valley 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 | Snowshoe Hare |
| Least Shrew | River Otter |
| Common Shrew | |
| Red Squirrel | |
| Montane Shrew | |
| Lynx | |
| Wolverine | |
| American Marten | |
| Grizzly Bear | |
| Moose | |
| Least Weasel | |
| Pygmy Shrew | |
| Northern Bog Lemming |
Fish
| Biscayne National Park | Kobuk Valley National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Longnose Sucker |
| Bluegill | Lake Trout |
| Golden Shiner | Northern Pike |
| Common Carp | Burbot |
| Yellow Bullhead | Coho Salmon |
| Black Crappie | King Salmon |
| Brown Bullhead | Slimy Sculpin |
| Alaskan Stickleback | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Insects
| Biscayne National Park | Kobuk Valley National Park |
|---|---|
| Honey Bee |
Amphibians
| Biscayne National Park | Kobuk Valley National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Biscayne National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park
Biscayne National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park offer very different landscapes and natural features to visitors.
Biscayne National Park is known for its crystal-clear waters and diverse marine life. Visitors can snorkel and dive in the park’s waters to see a wide variety of fish, coral, and other marine life. The park also has a number of mangrove islands that are home to a variety of birds, including ospreys, pelicans, and roseate spoonbills. The park’s most famous landscape is the Biscayne Bay, which offers spectacular views of the bay and its many islands.
Kobuk Valley National Park is known for its vast and pristine wilderness, including the famous Kobuk Sand Dunes. The park has a number of rivers that are home to a variety of fish, including salmon and arctic grayling. Visitors can hike and camp in the park’s wilderness, where they might spot grizzly bears, caribou, wolves, and moose. The park’s most famous landscape is the Kobuk Sand Dunes, which are the largest dune field in the Arctic. They are located in a remote area of the park and can be accessed by floatplane or hiking, and are a must-see for visitors to the park.
In summary, Biscayne National Park is known for its crystal-clear waters, diverse marine life and mangrove islands, while Kobuk Valley National Park is known for its vast and pristine wilderness, and the famous Kobuk Sand Dunes. Both parks offer spectacular views and an abundance of outdoor activities, but the landscapes and natural features that you’ll encounter are vastly different.
Things To-Do and Activities in Biscayne National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park
Biscayne National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park are both popular national parks, but they offer different types of activities for visitors to enjoy.
Biscayne National Park is known for its water-based activities. The park’s main attraction is Biscayne Bay, which is home to a variety of marine life such as manatees, dolphins, and sea turtles. Visitors can go boating, snorkeling, and fishing in the bay to see these animals in their natural habitat. Additionally, the park offers a visitors center with interactive exhibits and ranger-led programs that provide information about the park’s history, culture, and wildlife. Visitors can also take guided kayak and boat tours to explore the park’s mangrove forests, and coral reefs.
Kobuk Valley National Park, on the other hand, is known for its hiking and backpacking opportunities. The park offers a variety of hiking trails that range from easy to strenuous, providing an opportunity for visitors to explore the park’s rugged terrain and see the park’s wildlife such as caribou, grizzly bears, wolves, and wolverines. Visitors can also take guided tours to see the park’s glaciers, and wildlife. Additionally, the park offers opportunities for backpacking, camping and rafting in the park’s river valleys, which can be a great way to experience the park’s remote wilderness.
In summary, Biscayne National Park offers a variety of water-based activities, such as boating, snorkeling, and fishing, as well as educational opportunities, visitors center and guided tours, while Kobuk Valley National Park offers a variety of hiking and backpacking opportunities, as well as guided tours to see the park’s glaciers and wildlife, and camping in the park’s remote wilderness. Both parks offer unique activities and experiences, and it depends on the visitors interests and what they want to get out of their visit.
Best Time to Visit Biscayne National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park
Biscayne National Park, located in southern Florida, and Kobuk Valley National Park, located in northern Alaska, have vastly different seasonal weather patterns, which can greatly affect when is the best time of year to visit each park.
Biscayne National Park has a tropical climate, with hot and humid summers and mild winters. The park’s peak season is from December to April, when the weather is mild and comfortable for outdoor activities. The park’s off-season is from May to November, when the weather is hot and humid, and there is a higher risk of thunderstorms and hurricanes. During this time, some park facilities and services may be closed or have limited hours.
Kobuk Valley National Park has an arctic climate, with long, cold winters and short summers. The park’s peak season is from June to September, when the weather is mild and the park’s wildlife is most active. The park’s off-season is from October to May, when the weather is extremely cold and snowy, and park facilities and services are closed. During this time, the park is only accessible by snowmobile or dogsled.
In summary, while both Biscayne National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park offer visitors the opportunity to explore their natural beauty, the best time to visit each park is vastly different. Biscayne National Park is best visited during the mild winter months, while Kobuk Valley National Park is best visited during the short summer months when the weather is mild and the park’s wildlife is most active. Visitors should be aware of the weather and park facilities and services before planning a trip to either park.
Family Friendliness of Biscayne National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park
Biscayne National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park are both family-friendly national parks, but they offer very different experiences for visitors.
Biscayne National Park is a great option for families with children because it offers a wide range of activities that are suitable for all ages. The park has a number of shallow waters that are perfect for snorkeling and swimming, and the park’s beaches are great for sunbathing and picnicking. The park also has a number of educational programs and ranger-led activities that are designed to help children learn about the park’s wildlife and ecosystem.
On the other hand, Kobuk Valley National Park is a more remote and rugged park that is not as easily accessible to families with children. The park is known for its vast wilderness and remote location, and visitors will need to fly to the park or hike in to reach the park’s main attractions. Additionally, the park’s remote location and rugged wilderness means that the park may not have facilities or services that are suitable for families with children.
It’s worth noting that the park has no roads, campground and facilities, and the park’s visitor center is only open seasonally. Also, the park’s wilderness and remote location means that visitors will need to be prepared for backcountry camping and wilderness survival.
In summary, Biscayne National Park is a great option for families with children because it offers a wide range of activities that are suitable for all ages, while Kobuk Valley National Park is a more remote and rugged park that may not be as easily accessible or suitable for families with children.