Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Gateway Arch National Park might seem worlds apart, but both offer unique outdoor experiences that are sure to leave a lasting impression. While Cuyahoga Valley boasts rolling hills, scenic waterfalls, and lush forests, Gateway Arch touts the iconic stainless steel monument that serves as a symbol of the American spirit and westward expansion. Whether you’re seeking to hike, bike, or simply take in the sights, these two parks are must-visits for anyone seeking adventure and beauty in equal measure. So gear up and get ready to compare two of America’s crown jewels!
Hiking Trails in Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Gateway Arch National Park
Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Gateway Arch National Park both offer scenic and challenging hiking trails for visitors. Cuyahoga Valley has over 125 miles of trails, ranging from easy walks along the Cuyahoga River to strenuous hikes up rocky ledges. One of the easiest hikes is the Ledges Trail, which offers stunning views of the surrounding valley and rock formations. On the other hand, the strenuous Buckeye Trail will take you through dense forests and over rocky terrain. Gateway Arch National Park is a smaller park with fewer hiking options, but it still offers challenging trails. One of the hardest hikes is the Riverfront Trail, which follows the Mississippi River and includes steep inclines and rocky terrain. For a more leisurely hike, try the Jefferson Expansion Memorial Park Trail, which is a paved walkway that offers great views of the Gateway Arch and the surrounding city.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Cuyahoga Valley National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ledges Trail | 4184.284 | 46.9392 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Brandywine Gorge Trail | 2735.878 | 65.8368 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Stanford House to Brandywine Falls Trail | 6115.492 | 162.7632 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Blue Hen Falls Trail | 804.67 | 23.7744 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Salt Run Trail | 6759.228 | 123.7488 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Plateau Trail | 7081.096 | 96.9264 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Pine Grove Trail and Ledges Trail Loop from Kendall Lake | 6115.492 | 98.7552 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Buckeye Trail to Valley Bridle Trail Loop | 5471.756 | 119.7864 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Wetmore Bridle Trail | 7563.898 | 169.7736 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail: Brecksville Station | 7081.096 | 20.7264 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
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 Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Gateway Arch National Park
Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio boasts a diverse range of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, beavers, river otters, and foxes. Bird-watchers can observe species like the great blue heron, the Baltimore oriole, and the pileated woodpecker. The park is also home to numerous species of frogs, salamanders, and fish. In contrast, Gateway Arch National Park in Missouri is situated in a urban setting, with limited wildlife. However, visitors can still spot some common species like the American Goldfinch, and the Eastern Gray Squirrel. The park hosts a variety of trees and plants, including the American sycamore, the silver maple, and the sweetgum.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Gateway Arch National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Cuyahoga Valley 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 |
| Northern Pintail | Swainson’s Thrush |
| American Wigeon | Hairy Woodpecker |
| Green-Winged Teal | Red-Breasted Nuthatch |
Mammals
| Cuyahoga Valley 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 |
| Little Brown Bat | Mink |
| Deer Mouse | Wolf |
| Raccoon | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Varying Hare |
| Hoary Bat | River Otter |
| Red Fox | Common Shrew |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Red Squirrel |
| House Mouse | Montane Shrew |
| Mink | Lynx |
| Gray Fox | Wolverine |
| Badger | American Marten |
| Masked Shrew | Grizzly Bear |
| Red Squirrel | Meadow Vole |
| White-Tailed Deer | Moose |
| Virginia Opossum | Least Weasel |
| Meadow Vole | Pygmy Shrew |
| Red Bat | Northern Bog Lemming |
| White-Footed Mouse | |
| Norway Rat |
Amphibians
| Cuyahoga Valley National Park | Gateway Arch National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Wood Frog |
| Eastern Tiger Salamander | |
| Bullfrog | |
| Wood Frog |
Reptiles
| Cuyahoga Valley National Park | Gateway Arch National Park |
|---|---|
| Racer | |
| Ring-Necked Snake | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Eastern Milk Snake | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard |
Insects
| Cuyahoga Valley National Park | Gateway Arch National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulfur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| European Cabbage White | |
| Buckeye |
Fish
| Cuyahoga Valley National Park | Gateway Arch National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Largemouth Bass | Longnose Sucker |
| Green Sunfish | Lake Trout |
| Northern Bluegill Sunfish | Northern Pike |
| Northern Fathead Minnow | Eelpout |
| Golden Shiner | King Salmon |
| European Carp | Slimy Sculpin |
| Northern Pike | Chum Salmon |
| Eastern Burbot | Dolly Varden |
| Central Mottled Sculpin | Arctic Grayling |
| Graceful Catfish | |
| Black Crappie | |
| Creek Chub | |
| Goldfish |
Beautiful Landscapes in Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Gateway Arch National Park
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is known for its scenic railway, rolling hills, and beautiful waterfalls, including Brandywine Falls, which is a 65-foot waterfall. The park is also home to several scenic overlooks, such as the Ledges and Blue Hen Falls, which offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, is famous for its 630-foot stainless steel Gateway Arch, which is the tallest monument in the Western Hemisphere. The park also offers beautiful views of the Mississippi River and the surrounding cityscape, including the Old Courthouse and the Gateway Arch grounds, which feature lush green spaces, fountains, and picnic areas.
Things To-Do and Activities in Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Gateway Arch National Park
Cuyahoga Valley NP offers scenic train rides, hiking, picnicking, while Gateway Arch NP has 630-ft Gateway Arch, museum, kayaking and bike riding along the Mississippi Riverfront. CVNP visitors enjoy scenic views of waterfalls, valleys, forests on the train rides, while at GA NP visitors can tour the Arch and learn about St. Louis history at the museum. Both parks offer outdoor recreation and educational opportunities.
Best Time to Visit Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Gateway Arch National Park
Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio experiences a humid continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. Summer temps average mid 70s to low 80s°F, winter avg mid 20s to low 30s°F. Precipitation is fairly even throughout the year, with a slight increase in summer.
Gateway Arch National Park in Missouri has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and cold winters. Summer temps average mid 80s to low 90s°F, winter avg mid 30s to low 40s°F. Precipitation is also evenly distributed throughout the year, with a slight increase in spring.
Both parks offer different climates affecting the best time to visit. Cuyahoga Valley is best visited in spring/fall, with mild temps and lush greenery. Gateway Arch is best in winter/fall, with cooler temps and less crowds.
Family Friendliness of Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Gateway Arch National Park
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is better for families with activities such as scenic railway, canal boat rides, hiking trails, ranger-led hikes, and Junior Ranger programs. Meanwhile, Gateway Arch National Park is more focused on the 630-ft Gateway Arch, offering riverboat rides and a museum. CVNP is a more comprehensive family experience, while Gateway Arch National Park is more of a quick visit.