“Imagine standing amidst the towering trees of Congaree National Park, surrounded by the sounds of chirping crickets and rustling leaves. Then, picture yourself admiring the sleek, 630-foot stainless steel curves of Gateway Arch National Park, with stunning views of the Mississippi River and the city of St. Louis. Both parks offer unique and awe-inspiring experiences, but which one is right for you? Whether you’re a nature lover or an urban adventurer, Congaree and Gateway Arch have something to offer for everyone.”
Hiking Trails in Congaree National Park and Gateway Arch National Park
Congaree National Park and Gateway Arch National Park offer unique hiking opportunities for visitors. Congaree is known for its towering old-growth hardwood forests and diverse wildlife, with trails ranging from easy boardwalks to strenuous backcountry hikes. Some of the easiest trails include the Oakridge Trail, the Bluff Trail, and the Weston Lake Loop, all of which offer scenic views of the park’s lush vegetation. The most strenuous trail is the River Trail, which is a 12-mile trek through the park’s wilderness area.
Gateway Arch National Park, on the other hand, is centered around the 630-foot tall Gateway Arch and offers more urban hiking experiences. The easiest trails include the Arch Riverfront Trail and the Gateway Arch Park Connector, both of which offer views of the Mississippi River and the city skyline. The most challenging trail is the Riverfront Trail, which is a 4-mile hike along the Mississippi River and offers views of the Gateway Arch and the surrounding cityscape.
In conclusion, both Congaree National Park and Gateway Arch National Park offer a range of hiking experiences, from easy, scenic walks to strenuous backcountry hikes. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful stroll through a natural setting or an urban adventure with views of the city, these parks have something to offer for all levels of hikers.
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 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 Congaree National Park and Gateway Arch National Park
Congaree National Park in South Carolina and Gateway Arch National Park in Missouri are two distinct National Parks with unique wildlife. Congaree is recognized as a biodiversity hotspot and is home to a range of animals like deer, otters, beavers, and raccoons. The park is also a birdwatcher’s delight, with over 200 species of birds like woodpeckers, owls, and herons. In addition, visitors can enjoy the diverse plant life, including old-growth hardwood forests, cypress swamps, and tupelo gum trees. On the other hand, Gateway Arch National Park is located in an urban setting and as a result, has a different wildlife experience. Common wildlife species here include squirrels, rabbits, and a variety of bird species like pigeons, sparrows and finches. The park also has a diverse range of plants including trees, shrubs, and grasses.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Congaree National Park and Gateway Arch National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
Congaree 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 |
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 | Gateway Arch National Park |
---|---|
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 | Gateway Arch National Park |
---|---|
Racer | |
Ringneck Snake | |
Common Garter Snake | |
Common Kingsnake |
Insects
Congaree National Park | Gateway Arch National Park |
---|---|
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 | Gateway Arch National Park |
---|---|
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 | Gateway Arch National Park |
---|---|
Wood Frog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Congaree National Park and Gateway Arch National Park
Congaree National Park is known for its towering old-growth hardwood forest and vast network of hiking trails that wind through the park’s swamps, floodplains, and bottomland hardwoods. The park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including deer, squirrels, raccoons, and otters, as well as a variety of bird species, including woodpeckers, herons, and ospreys.
Gateway Arch National Park is home to the iconic 630-foot Gateway Arch, a stainless steel monument that serves as a symbol of the city of St. Louis and the American West. The park offers stunning views of the Mississippi River and the city skyline, as well as a museum that explores the history of westward expansion in the United States. Visitors can also take a tram to the top of the Arch for panoramic views of the city.
Things To-Do and Activities in Congaree National Park and Gateway Arch National Park
Congaree National Park is popular for its swamp and river ecosystem, offering opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and bird watching. The park is also famous for its old-growth hardwood forest, which provides a unique setting for hiking and backpacking. On the other hand, Gateway Arch National Park is popular for its iconic 630-foot-tall stainless steel monument, offering views of the city and Mississippi River from the top. Visitors can take a tram ride to the top, or take a riverboat tour to learn about the history of the region. In addition to the Arch, the park features the Old Courthouse and the Jefferson Expansion Memorial Park, which offer interactive exhibits and historical information. Both parks offer ranger-led tours, but Congaree has a more natural focus while Gateway Arch has a more urban, historical emphasis.
Best Time to Visit Congaree National Park and Gateway Arch National Park
Congaree National Park, located in South Carolina, experiences hot and humid summers, with temperatures ranging from mid 80s to low 90s, and cold and wet winters, with temperatures ranging from mid 30s to low 40s. During summer, visitors can enjoy hiking and kayaking through the park’s swampy terrain, while winter is ideal for bird watching and exploring the park’s unique ecosystem.
Gateway Arch National Park, located in Missouri, experiences hot and humid summers with temperatures ranging from mid 80s to low 90s and cold winters with temperatures ranging from mid 20s to low 30s. Winter is ideal for indoor activities, such as visiting the Museum of Westward Expansion and taking a trip to the top of the Gateway Arch, while summer is best for outdoor activities, such as riverboat cruises and biking along the riverfront.
In conclusion, the best time to visit Congaree National Park is during the summer and winter, while Gateway Arch National Park is best visited in the summer and winter.
Family Friendliness of Congaree National Park and Gateway Arch National Park
Both Congaree National Park and Gateway Arch National Park are great for families, but each park offers a unique experience. Congaree is a nature lover’s paradise, with its towering trees and diverse wildlife, making it ideal for families who enjoy hiking, camping and kayaking. On the other hand, Gateway Arch is more urban and features the iconic 630-foot steel arch, interactive exhibits and a tram ride to the top. The park is great for families who enjoy learning about history and architecture. So, if you’re traveling with children, it would depend on your family’s interests. If they enjoy outdoor adventure, Congaree is a better option, while Gateway Arch is ideal for families interested in history and architecture.