Congaree and Gates of the Arctic are two very different national parks that offer unique experiences to visitors. While Congaree is known for its towering trees and swampy landscape in South Carolina, Gates of the Arctic boasts of its rugged wilderness and breathtaking vistas in Alaska. One park is a lush and humid oasis, while the other is a harsh and untamed frontier. Both parks are a testament to the beauty and diversity of the American wilderness, but in vastly different ways. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing stroll through a forest or an adventure into the heart of the wilderness, these two parks have something for everyone.
Hiking Trails in Congaree National Park and Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve
Congaree and Gates Of The Arctic National Parks offer vastly different hiking experiences. Congaree, located in South Carolina, is home to the largest contiguous tract of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the US. It features easy to moderate hikes on elevated boardwalks and trails, including the 2.4-mile Weston Lake Loop and the 5.4-mile Kingsnake Trail. On the other hand, Gates of the Arctic in Alaska is remote and rugged, with no established trails and challenging terrain. Hikes here range from difficult to strenuous and require navigating through dense boreal forest and crossing rushing rivers. Some of the hardest hikes in the park include the 9.5-mile Arrigetch Peaks Circuit and the 8-mile Kongakut River trek.
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 Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shark Valley Trail | 25427.572 | 6.7056 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Anhinga Trail | 2414.01 | 0 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Pa-Hay-Okee Overlook Trail | 321.868 | 0 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Gumbo Limbo Trail | 643.736 | 0 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
| Long Pine Key Trail | 24944.77 | 0 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Mahogany Hammock Trail | 643.736 | 0 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
| Everglades Coastal Prairie Trail | 27358.78 | 4.8768 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Pinelands Trail | 643.736 | 0 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
| Everglades National Park East Entrance to Flamingo Scenic Route | 58258.108 | 7.9248 | Easy | point to point | 4.5 |
| Nine Mile Pond | 8851.37 | 0 | Easy | loop | 5 |
Wildlife in Congaree National Park and Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve
Congaree National Park in South Carolina is known for its diverse ecosystem of old-growth hardwood forests, swamps, and bottomland. Common wildlife seen in the park include white-tailed deer, raccoons, river otters, and over 200 species of birds like herons, woodpeckers and owls. The park also boasts a rich plant life, including giant loblolly pines, tupelo trees, and bald cypress.
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve in Alaska is known for its pristine wilderness and is a habitat for a diverse range of wildlife including Dall sheep, caribou, grizzly bears, and wolves. The park is also a prime location for bird watching, boasting over 140 species including the peregrine falcon, gyrfalcon, and the golden eagle. Additionally, the park is home to a wide range of plant life including tundra, spruce and birch forests.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Congaree National Park and Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Congaree National Park | Gates Of The Arctic 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 | Savannah Sparrow |
| Savannah Sparrow | Hermit Thrush |
| Great Blue Heron | American Kestrel |
| Hermit Thrush | Bald Eagle |
| American Kestrel | Northern Pintail |
| Bald Eagle | American Wigeon |
| Song Sparrow | Green-Winged Teal |
| European Starling | American Pipit |
| American Wigeon | Swainson’s Thrush |
| Green-Winged Teal | Hairy Woodpecker |
| American Pipit | Red-Breasted Nuthatch |
Mammals
| Congaree National Park | Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Big Brown Bat | Black Bear |
| Bobcat | Porcupine |
| Striped Skunk | Red Fox |
| Raccoon | Mink |
| Black Bear | Wolf |
| Red Fox | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| Mink | Varying Hare |
| Common Gray Fox | River Otter |
| North American River Otter | Common Shrew |
| White-Tailed Deer | Red Squirrel |
| Virginia Opossum | Montane Shrew |
| Eastern Red Bat | Lynx |
| White-Footed Mouse | Wolverine |
| Eastern Cottontail | American Marten |
| Eastern Fox Squirrel | Grizzly Bear |
| Eastern Gray Squirrel | Meadow Vole |
| Feral Hog | Moose |
| Northern Short-Tailed Shrew | Least Weasel |
| Least Shrew | Pygmy Shrew |
| Northern Bog Lemming |
Reptiles
| Congaree National Park | Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Racer | |
| Ringneck Snake | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Common Kingsnake |
Insects
| Congaree National Park | Gates Of The Arctic 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 | Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Longnose Sucker |
| Green Sunfish | Lake Trout |
| Bluegill | Northern Pike |
| Golden Shiner | Eelpout |
| European Carp | King Salmon |
| Yellow Bullhead | Slimy Sculpin |
| Graceful Catfish | Chum Salmon |
| Black Crappie | Dolly Varden |
| Mosquitofish | Arctic Grayling |
| Brown Bullhead |
Amphibians
| Congaree National Park | Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Congaree National Park and Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve
Congaree National Park is known for its towering old-growth forest of loblolly, sweetgum and tupelo trees, providing a home to a diverse range of wildlife. The park also features a 20,000-acre floodplain with diverse swamp habitats.
Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve is located in the heart of Alaska’s Brooks Range and is primarily wilderness, with no roads or established trails. The park offers opportunities for adventure and solitude, with rugged peaks, glaciers, and pristine rivers, and is home to grizzly bears, caribou, and wolves.
Things To-Do and Activities in Congaree National Park and Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve
Congaree National Park in South Carolina offers a diverse array of outdoor activities, including canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and bird-watching in its old-growth bottomland hardwood forest. Visitors can also hike on the park’s elevated boardwalk trail, which provides stunning views of the forest’s towering trees.
Meanwhile, Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve in Alaska is a more remote wilderness destination, offering visitors opportunities for backpacking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The park’s stunning landscapes, including glaciers, tundra, and pristine rivers, offer a unique and challenging environment for visitors seeking adventure. In addition, the park is home to the Brooks Range, one of the most remote mountain ranges in North America, which provides incredible opportunities for mountaineering and backcountry skiing.
Best Time to Visit Congaree National Park and Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve
Congaree National Park in South Carolina experiences hot and humid summers with temperatures ranging from 80-90°F and cold winters with temperatures ranging from 30-40°F. The park receives abundant rainfall throughout the year, with the highest amounts in the summer months. In contrast, Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve in Alaska experiences long and cold winters with temperatures ranging from -20°F to 20°F and brief, cool summers with temperatures ranging from 40-60°F. Summer is the best time to visit Congaree National Park for outdoor activities, while winter is the best time to visit Gates Of The Arctic for winter sports.
Family Friendliness of Congaree National Park and Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve
Congaree and Gates of the Arctic are vastly different parks, catering to different types of travelers. Congaree is a lowland swamp park with easy hiking trails and a boardwalk, making it a great option for families with young children. On the other hand, Gates of the Arctic is a remote wilderness park with no roads or trails, requiring more advanced backcountry skills. If you’re traveling with children, Congaree National Park would be the better choice for a family-friendly experience.