Cuyahoga Valley National Park vs Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

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Cuyahoga Valley National Park vs Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park are two of America’s most diverse national parks. The former, located in Ohio, boasts rolling hills, serene rivers and tranquil forests, while the latter, located in Hawaii, is an explosive mix of molten lava, steaming vents and rugged landscapes. Both parks offer breathtaking natural beauty, but in very different ways. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful escape in the heart of the Buckeye State or an adventurous journey through a volcanic wonderland, these two parks are sure to captivate and inspire. So come and discover the unique magic of Cuyahoga Valley and Hawai’i Volcanoes, two of America’s most magnificent natural treasures!

Hiking Trails in Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in the Hawaiian Islands offer diverse hiking opportunities, from leisurely walks to strenuous hikes. Cuyahoga Valley is known for the 20-mile Towpath Trail, which follows the historic Ohio & Erie Canal, and the 1.5-mile Ledges Trail offering scenic rock formations. The park’s toughest hike is the 7.4-mile Buckeye Trail loop, featuring steep climbs and rocky terrain.
Hawaii Volcanoes NP has several challenging hikes, such as the 4-mile Kilauea Iki Trail through a volcanic crater and the 7-mile Mauna Ulu Trail to a former eruption site. For easier hikes, the park offers the 2-mile Crater Rim Trail along the Kilauea Caldera rim and the 1-mile Devastated Area Trail through the 2018 Kilauea eruption’s impact zone.

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 Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

Name Length Elevation Type Difficulty Visitor Ratings
Kilauea Iki Trail and Crater Rim Trail 4828.02 209.7024 Moderate loop 4.5
Kalapana Lava Viewing 15288.73 196.9008 Easy out and back 4.5
Pu’u Huluhulu via Napau Crater Trail 4023.35 94.7928 Moderate out and back 4.5
Halema���uma���u Steam Bluff and Sulfur Banks 2092.142 24.9936 Easy loop 4
Puu Loa Petroglyphs Trail 1931.208 25.908 Moderate out and back 4
Mauna Loa via Observatory Trail and Summit Trail 20760.486 905.8656 Very Hard out and back 4.5
Devastation Trail to Puu Puai Overlook 1609.34 37.7952 Easy out and back 3.5
End of Chain of Craters Road Trail to Lava Viewing 16576.202 130.7592 Moderate out and back 4
Sandalwood (Iliahi) Trail 1931.208 13.716 Moderate loop 4
Halema’uma’u Trail 2735.878 130.7592 Moderate out and back 4.5

Wildlife in Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio has a diverse range of wildlife including white-tailed deer, coyotes, beavers, river otters, and over 300 species of birds like the Great Blue Heron and Bald Eagle. The park offers habitats such as forests, wetlands, and meadows, supporting a variety of plants such as wildflowers and ferns.

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island of Hawaii boasts unique endemic species like the Hawaiian Goose, Hawaiian Hawk, and Nene. The park has an active volcano and varied ecosystems including rainforests, deserts, and subalpine zones, featuring vegetation like ferns, orchids, and the native Hawaiian ohia lehua.

Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.

Birds

Cuyahoga Valley National Park Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Peregrine Falcon Peregrine Falcon
Northern Harrier Canada Goose
Sharp-Shinned Hawk Great Blue Heron
Osprey Rock Pigeon
Tree Swallow House Sparrow
Mallard Northern Mockingbird
Canada Goose Black-Crowned Night-Heron
Lincoln’s Sparrow Wild Turkey
Ruby-Crowned Kinglet Barn Owl
American Robin Cattle Egret
Great Horned Owl Sanderling
Red-Tailed Hawk Ring-Necked Pheasant
Northern Flicker Chukar
Merlin Ruddy Turnstone
Barn Swallow Northern Cardinal
Savannah Sparrow California Quail
Great Blue Heron
Hermit Thrush
American Kestrel
Bald Eagle
Song Sparrow
European Starling
Northern Pintail
American Wigeon
Green-Winged Teal

Mammals

Cuyahoga Valley National Park Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Coyote House Mouse
American Beaver Norway Rat
Muskrat ‘Iole
Big Brown Bat Domestic Cattle
Bobcat Feral Hog
Striped Skunk
Little Brown Bat
Deer Mouse
Raccoon
Silver-Haired Bat
Hoary Bat
Red Fox
Long-Tailed Weasel
House Mouse
Mink
Gray Fox
Badger
Masked Shrew
Red Squirrel
White-Tailed Deer
Virginia Opossum
Meadow Vole
Red Bat
White-Footed Mouse
Norway Rat

Amphibians

Cuyahoga Valley National Park Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Northern Leopard Frog Bullfrog
Eastern Tiger Salamander
Bullfrog
Wood Frog

Reptiles

Cuyahoga Valley National Park Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Racer
Ring-Necked Snake
Common Garter Snake
Eastern Milk Snake
Eastern Fence Lizard

Insects

Cuyahoga Valley National Park Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Orange Sulfur Painted Lady
Painted Lady Monarch Butterfly
Monarch Butterfly American Painted Lady
American Painted Lady Red Admiral
European Cabbage White Cabbage White
Buckeye Honey Bee

Fish

Cuyahoga Valley National Park Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Northern Largemouth Bass
Green Sunfish
Northern Bluegill Sunfish
Northern Fathead Minnow
Golden Shiner
European Carp
Northern Pike
Eastern Burbot
Central Mottled Sculpin
Graceful Catfish
Black Crappie
Creek Chub
Goldfish

Beautiful Landscapes in Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

Cuyahoga Valley National Park offers rolling hills, lush forests, and the winding Cuyahoga River. Brandywine Falls (65 ft waterfall), Ledges Overlook (cliff vista), and Towpath Trail (hike with historic locks & canal structures) are popular spots.

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is home to active Kilauea (erupting since 1983) and Mauna Loa (largest shield volcano). Jaggar Museum overlook offers views of the eruption, and visitors can explore volcanic landscapes, such as Thurston Lava Tube (underground lava tunnel). Scenic drives, such as Crater Rim drive, offer views of the volcanic caldera and steam vents.

Things To-Do and Activities in Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio offers scenic railway rides, hiking, biking and ranger-led programs. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island features unique volcanic activity and landscapes, including the Kilauea volcano, which draws visitors for hiking, ranger-led programs, campgrounds and scenic drives. Both parks offer opportunities for outdoor recreation, but the main attraction is the natural feature and the experience it provides: the scenic railway and lush valleys in Cuyahoga or volcanic landscapes and eruptions in Hawaii Volcanoes.

Best Time to Visit Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio has a humid continental climate, with warm summers and cold winters. Summer temperatures average in the 70s to 80s, while winter temperatures average in the 20s to 30s. Winter months are mild with occasional snow and ice, but mostly wet. In contrast, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park in Hawaii has a tropical rainforest climate, with warm temperatures averaging 60s to 80s throughout the year. The park is located on an active volcano and experiences frequent rain and heavy fog, especially in winter. The best time to visit Cuyahoga Valley is during summer or fall due to good weather, while the best time to visit Hawai’i Volcanoes is during the drier months of June to August.

Family Friendliness of Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

Both Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park offer unique family experiences, but it depends on interests. Cuyahoga Valley has outdoor activities like hiking, biking, picnicking and cultural attractions like scenic railroad and Canal Exploration Center. Hawaii Volcanoes has live volcanoes and volcanic landscapes, but with rugged terrain and potential danger from volcanic activity, it may be less suitable for young children. It’s best to visit Cuyahoga Valley for a more relaxed experience, while Hawaii Volcanoes is ideal for families who want adventure.

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