Imagine immersing yourself in the lush, rolling hills of Ohio one moment, and then being transported to the rugged, glacier-covered wilderness of Alaska the next. That’s what it’s like to compare Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve. While one is a hidden gem amidst urban sprawl, the other is a remote and wild paradise. Whether you’re seeking scenic hikes, thrilling wildlife encounters, or peaceful solitude, these two parks offer a diverse range of experiences that are sure to satisfy. So, which one will be your next adventure? The choice is yours.
Hiking Trails in Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve
Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a variety of hiking trails to suit different needs and abilities. Cuyahoga Valley National Park’s Ledges Trail, a 1.5-mile hike through a rock formation, and Towpath Trail, a 20-mile hike along a canal, provide easy and scenic hikes. More challenging options include the Blue Hen Falls Trail, a 2.5-mile hike to a waterfall, and the Buckeye Trail, a 100-mile trek through the park.
In contrast, Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve has its own set of hikes ranging from easy to difficult. The Bartlett Cove Trail, a 1.5-mile hike through a rainforest to a beach, and the East Beach Trail, a 2-mile hike along the coast, are more manageable options. For those seeking a more strenuous experience, the Mount Fairweather Trail, a 9-mile climb to the top of a mountain, and the Lamplugh Glacier Trail, a 6-mile hike to a glacier, are both challenging but offer breathtaking views.
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 Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bartlett Cove Forest Loop Trail | 1770.274 | 33.8328 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Bartlett River Trail | 11104.446 | 266.7 | Easy | out and back | 3 |
| Bartlet Lake Trail | 9495.106 | 141.732 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Tlingit Trail | 1770.274 | 19.812 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Point Gustavus | 20116.75 | 117.9576 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
Wildlife in Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve
Cuyahoga Valley N.P. in Ohio showcases white-tailed deer, beavers, coyotes, red foxes, and river otters. Over 200 bird species, such as pileated woodpecker & cerulean warbler, can be spotted. Spring wildflowers like trillium & hepatica, and lush hardwood forests highlight its flora.
Glacier Bay N.P. & Preserve in Alaska is a haven for marine mammals like humpback whales, orcas, & harbor seals. Black & brown bears, moose, & mountain goats dot its land. Over 40 bird species, including bald eagle, common loon, & tufted puffin, make it a birdwatcher’s delight. Glaciers and wildflowers also abound.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Cuyahoga Valley National Park | Glacier Bay 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 | 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 | Northern Pintail |
| American Wigeon | American Wigeon |
| Green-Winged Teal | Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Cuyahoga Valley National Park | Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Little Brown Bat |
| Big Brown Bat | Deer Mouse |
| Bobcat | Black Bear |
| Striped Skunk | Porcupine |
| Little Brown Bat | Red Fox |
| Deer Mouse | House Mouse |
| Raccoon | Mountain Lion |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Mink |
| Hoary Bat | Mule Deer |
| Red Fox | Gray Wolf |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| House Mouse | Snowshoe Hare |
| Mink | River Otter |
| Gray Fox | Masked Shrew |
| Badger | Water Shrew |
| Masked Shrew | Red Squirrel |
| Red Squirrel | Montane Shrew |
| White-Tailed Deer | Long-Tailed Vole |
| Virginia Opossum | Lynx |
| Meadow Vole | Wolverine |
| Red Bat | Marten |
| White-Footed Mouse | Northern Flying Squirrel |
| Norway Rat | Grizzly Bear |
Amphibians
| Cuyahoga Valley National Park | Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Wood Frog |
| Eastern Tiger Salamander | |
| Bullfrog | |
| Wood Frog |
Reptiles
| Cuyahoga Valley National Park | Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Racer | |
| Ring-Necked Snake | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Eastern Milk Snake | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard |
Insects
| Cuyahoga Valley National Park | Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulfur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| European Cabbage White | |
| Buckeye |
Fish
| Cuyahoga Valley National Park | Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Northern Largemouth Bass | Rainbow Trout |
| Green Sunfish | Brook Trout |
| Northern Bluegill Sunfish | Longnose Sucker |
| Northern Fathead Minnow | Lake Trout |
| Golden Shiner | Northern Pike |
| European Carp | Burbot |
| Northern Pike | Silver Salmon |
| Eastern Burbot | Chinook Salmon |
| Central Mottled Sculpin | Slimy Sculpin |
| Graceful Catfish | Threespine Stickleback |
| Black Crappie | Sockeye Salmon |
| Creek Chub | Pink Salmon |
| Goldfish | Chum Salmon |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Cutthroat Trout | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Beautiful Landscapes in Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve
Cuyahoga Valley NP has Brandywine Falls, a 65-ft waterfall, and the scenic Cuyahoga River with recreational activities. Glacier Bay NP is famous for its glaciers, seen from scenic overlooks and boat tours, Mt. Fairweather range, and diverse wildlife like whales, seals, and bald eagles.
Things To-Do and Activities in Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve
Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNP) in Ohio and Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve in Alaska offer distinct experiences for visitors. CVNP is known for its recreational activities such as hiking, biking, and scenic train rides on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. Glacier Bay, on the other hand, offers breathtaking scenic views of glaciers, fjords, and abundant wildlife like whales, seals, and eagles. Both parks offer scenic drives, ranger-led programs, and camping, but CVNP is more accessible with developed facilities for visitors with disabilities. Glacier Bay, however, attracts visitors for its remote wilderness and water-based activities like kayaking, rafting, and boat tours to view glaciers and wildlife.
CVNP offers a blend of outdoor recreation and cultural experiences, while Glacier Bay is a destination for adventure seekers looking to immerse in the remote wilderness. Both parks offer unique experiences and are popular for their natural features and recreational opportunities.
Best Time to Visit Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve
Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio has a temperate climate with warm summers (Avg. high: 80°F) and cold winters (Avg. low: 20°F) with moderate precipitation year-round (Avg. rainfall: 4 in). The best time to visit is from late spring to early fall (April to October) when temperatures are mild, and there is less rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and camping.
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve in Alaska has a subarctic climate with cool summers (Avg. high: 50°F) and cold winters (Avg. low: 10°F) with heavy precipitation in the form of snow and rain (Avg. snowfall: 200 in). The best time to visit is from late spring to early summer (May to June) when the weather is milder, the snow melts, and wildlife is abundant, making it perfect for activities like kayaking and wildlife viewing. However, visitors should be prepared for inclement weather at any time of year, as the weather can change rapidly.
Family Friendliness of Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve
Both Cuyahoga Valley and Glacier Bay offer family-friendly experiences, but with differences. Cuyahoga Valley is closer to cities, accessible by car, and has hiking, biking and scenic train rides. Glacier Bay is remote, only accessible by boat/plane, and offers glaciers, wildlife, and kayaking. Cuyahoga Valley is better for families seeking convenience and variety of activities, while Glacier Bay is better for those seeking adventure and remote beauty.