Denali and Congaree are two of America’s most stunning national parks, offering vastly different experiences to nature lovers. While Denali boasts of majestic views of Mount McKinley, North America’s highest peak, and its surrounding wilderness, Congaree beckons visitors to explore its ancient forests with towering trees and a symphony of natural sounds. Hikers, backpackers and mountaineers will find plenty of opportunities to explore and challenge themselves in Denali, while kayakers, fishers and birdwatchers will find their thrill in Congaree. Whether you’re looking for breathtaking vistas or a peaceful escape into nature, Denali and Congaree have it all. So, come join us as we journey into the heart of America’s natural beauty, and discover what makes these two parks truly unforgettable.
Hiking Trails in Congaree National Park and Denali National Park & Preserve
Congaree and Denali National Parks offer different hiking experiences. Congaree, in South Carolina, is known for tall old trees and swampy ecosystems. The easiest hike is the Boardwalk Loop, a 2.4-mile boardwalk trail through the forest showcasing the park’s trees. The Weston Lake Loop, a 7.5-mile trail through backcountry, is a demanding hike along the Congaree River.
Denali, in Alaska, offers scenic views of the Alaska Range and abundant wildlife. The easiest hike is the Tundra Nature Trail, a 1.5-mile trail through the park’s tundra. The Mount Healy Overlook Trail, a 4.3-mile hike to the summit of Mount Healy, is a challenging one offering panoramic views of the park and surroundings.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Congaree National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boardwalk Loop Trail | 3862.416 | 3.9624 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Weston Lake Loop Trail | 7402.964 | 4.8768 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Oakridge Trail | 10138.842 | 5.7912 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Congaree River Trail | 15932.466 | 15.8496 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Kingsnake Trail | 11909.116 | 6.7056 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Congaree Bluff Trail | 3379.614 | 5.7912 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
| Congaree River Blue Trail | 75317.112 | 1.8288 | Moderate | point to point | 5 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Denali National Park & Preserve
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Healy Overlook Trail | 6920.162 | 507.7968 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Horseshoe Lake Trail | 3379.614 | 119.7864 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Triple Lakes Trail | 29772.79 | 1124.712 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Bison Gulch | 11265.38 | 1178.9664 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Rock Creek Trail | 7081.096 | 287.7312 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Taiga Trail | 2574.944 | 62.7888 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| McKinley Station Trail | 4667.086 | 113.9952 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Mount Thorofare Ridge Loop | 6598.294 | 507.7968 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
| McKinley Bar Trail | 7402.964 | 295.9608 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Tiaga Loop and Horseshoe Lake Trail to Beaver Dam | 4828.02 | 158.8008 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Congaree National Park and Denali National Park & Preserve
Congaree Nat’l Park in SC boasts a diverse array of wildlife incl. alligators, river otters, white-tailed deer, and over 200 bird species. It’s also home to the world’s largest champion tree collection, incl. tallest loblolly pine and sweetgum on earth.
Denali Nat’l Park & Preserve in AK features a wider range of wildlife incl. grizzly bears, moose, caribou, wolves, and Dall sheep. It’s a bird-watching hotspot with 169 species of birds, incl. golden eagle, gyrfalcon. The tundra ecosystem also includes a variety of plants from wildflowers to hardy shrubs.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Congaree National Park and Denali National Park & Preserve. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Congaree National Park | Denali National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| 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 | Hermit Thrush |
| Hermit Thrush | American Kestrel |
| American Kestrel | Bald Eagle |
| Bald Eagle | Song Sparrow |
| Song Sparrow | European Starling |
| European Starling | Northern Pintail |
| American Wigeon | American Wigeon |
| Green-Winged Teal | Green-Winged Teal |
| American Pipit | Swainson’s Thrush |
Mammals
| Congaree National Park | Denali National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Big Brown Bat | Little Brown Bat |
| Bobcat | Black Bear |
| Striped Skunk | Porcupine |
| Raccoon | Red Fox |
| Black Bear | Mink |
| Red Fox | Wolf |
| Mink | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| Common Gray Fox | Snowshoe Hare |
| North American River Otter | River Otter |
| White-Tailed Deer | Common Shrew |
| Virginia Opossum | Water Shrew |
| Eastern Red Bat | Red Squirrel |
| White-Footed Mouse | Montane Shrew |
| Eastern Cottontail | Lynx |
| Eastern Fox Squirrel | Wolverine |
| Eastern Gray Squirrel | American Marten |
| Feral Hog | Northern Flying Squirrel |
| Northern Short-Tailed Shrew | Grizzly Bear |
| Least Shrew | Meadow Vole |
| Moose | |
| Least Weasel | |
| Pygmy Shrew |
Reptiles
| Congaree National Park | Denali National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Racer | |
| Ringneck Snake | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Common Kingsnake |
Insects
| Congaree National Park | Denali National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Alfalfa Sulphur | |
| Monarch | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Mourning Cloak | |
| Cabbage Butterfly | |
| Checkered Skipper | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Buckeye | |
| Commom Wood Nymph | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Fish
| Congaree National Park | Denali National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Longnose Sucker |
| Green Sunfish | Lake Trout |
| Bluegill | Northern Pike |
| Golden Shiner | Burbot |
| European Carp | Coho Salmon |
| Yellow Bullhead | Chinook Salmon |
| Graceful Catfish | Slimy Sculpin |
| Black Crappie | Chum Salmon |
| Mosquitofish | Dolly Varden |
| Brown Bullhead | Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
| Congaree National Park | Denali National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Congaree National Park and Denali National Park & Preserve
Congaree National Park is famous for its towering old-growth hardwood forest and unique floodplain ecosystem. Visitors can explore the park through boardwalks, trails, and canoe trips while enjoying views of Cedar Creek Canopy Walkway.
Denali National Park & Preserve is home to Mount Denali, the highest peak in North America. The park offers scenic drives, hiking, backpacking, and ranger-led programs. Visitors can also see wildlife like grizzly bears, caribou, moose in their natural habitats.
Things To-Do and Activities in Congaree National Park and Denali National Park & Preserve
Congaree and Denali are both popular for their unique natural beauty and outdoor recreation. Congaree is known for its old-growth forest and boardwalk trails, while Denali is known for its wildlife and backcountry. Popular activities at Congaree include hiking and canoeing. Denali’s popular activities include wildlife viewing, backpacking, mountaineering and bus tours. Both parks offer ranger programs, camping and fishing.
Best Time to Visit Congaree National Park and Denali National Park & Preserve
Congaree NP in SC has hot, humid summers & mild winters, average temp 30s-90s°F. Heaviest rainfall May-Oct, potential for thunderstorms & hurricanes. Best time to visit: winter/spring for milder weather & lush forest.
Denali NP in AK has subarctic climate, long cold winters & short cool summers, average temp -40°F to 60°F. High snowfall Oct-Apr, drier summers. Best time to visit: summer for warmer weather & open park road for scenic viewpoints & wildlife sightings.
Family Friendliness of Congaree National Park and Denali National Park & Preserve
Congaree and Denali both offer family-friendly experiences, but differ in offerings. Congaree offers a unique ecosystem for nature exploration and hiking, while Denali offers a wider range of outdoor activities like camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. For families with children, Denali may be the better choice for its variety of activities. Both parks offer opportunities for families to connect with nature and make memories.