“Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Hot Springs National Park offer vastly different landscapes, but both provide breathtaking experiences. One is a lush, rolling paradise of natural beauty, while the other is a rejuvenating oasis of hot springs and towering peaks. Whether you’re seeking adventure in the great outdoors or a relaxing escape, these two national parks have you covered. So, pack your hiking boots or your swimsuit and get ready to discover the beauty of America’s heartland. The only question left to ask is: Cuyahoga Valley or Hot Springs National Park – which one will you choose?”
Hiking Trails in Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Hot Springs National Park
Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Hot Springs National Park both provide diverse hiking experiences. Cuyahoga boasts over 125 miles of trails, from river walks to challenging hikes through rugged terrain. Easy hikes include the Towpath Trail and Ledges Trail, while more strenuous options are the Brandywine Falls Trail and Buckeye Trail. On the other hand, Hot Springs NP has 26 miles of trails, including the popular Hot Springs Mountain Tower Trail, which offers 360-degree views of the Ouachita Mountains. The park also features challenging hikes such as the Sunset Trail, a climb to West Mountain for panoramic views, and the steep Goat Rock Trail.
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 Hot Springs National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunset Trail | 20921.42 | 722.9856 | Hard | loop | 4 |
| West Mountain Trail | 3057.746 | 107.8992 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Goat Rock Trail | 3862.416 | 115.824 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Gulpha Gorge Trail | 1931.208 | 116.7384 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| The Grand Promenade and Side Trails | 1931.208 | 33.8328 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Dead Chief Trail | 4345.218 | 121.92 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Hot Springs Mountain Trail | 5310.822 | 204.8256 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Peak Trail | 2092.142 | 108.8136 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Sugarloaf Mountain Via Sunset Trail | 11426.314 | 592.836 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Goat Rock via Dead Chief Trail | 2092.142 | 87.7824 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Hot Springs National Park
Cuyahoga Valley NP in Ohio is known for diverse wildlife incl. white-tailed deer, beaver, river otter, coyote, red fox & over 300 bird species like bald eagle, great blue heron, pileated woodpecker. It also has a variety of plants from wildflowers to hemlocks and hardwoods.
Hot Springs NP in Arkansas has hot springs & diverse ecosystems that support animals like white-tailed deer, raccoon, skunk, opossum. Its birdlife incl. wood duck, green kingfisher, common raven & plants range from oak-hickory, shortleaf pine forests, ferns and shrubs.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Hot Springs National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Cuyahoga Valley National Park | Hot Springs 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 | 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 | Hot Springs National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Big Brown Bat | Big Brown Bat |
| Bobcat | Bobcat |
| Striped Skunk | Striped Skunk |
| Little Brown Bat | Little Brown Bat |
| Deer Mouse | Deer Mouse |
| Raccoon | Raccoon |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Black Bear |
| Hoary Bat | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Red Fox | Hoary Bat |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Red Fox |
| House Mouse | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Mink | House Mouse |
| Gray Fox | Mink |
| Badger | Gray Fox |
| Masked Shrew | North American River Otter |
| Red Squirrel | Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat |
| White-Tailed Deer | White-Tailed Deer |
| Virginia Opossum | Virginia Opossum |
| Meadow Vole | Eastern Red Bat |
| Red Bat | White-Footed Mouse |
| White-Footed Mouse | Norway Rat |
| Norway Rat | Eastern Cottontail |
Amphibians
| Cuyahoga Valley National Park | Hot Springs National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Bullfrog |
| Eastern Tiger Salamander | |
| Bullfrog | |
| Wood Frog |
Reptiles
| Cuyahoga Valley National Park | Hot Springs National Park |
|---|---|
| Racer | |
| Ring-Necked Snake | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Eastern Milk Snake | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard |
Insects
| Cuyahoga Valley National Park | Hot Springs National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulfur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| European Cabbage White | |
| Buckeye |
Fish
| Cuyahoga Valley National Park | Hot Springs National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Largemouth Bass | Largemouth Bass |
| Green Sunfish | Green Sunfish |
| Northern Bluegill Sunfish | Bluegill |
| Northern Fathead Minnow | Fathead Minnow |
| Golden Shiner | Golden Shiner |
| European Carp | European Carp |
| Northern Pike | Yellow Bullhead |
| Eastern Burbot | Graceful Catfish |
| Central Mottled Sculpin | Black Crappie |
| Graceful Catfish | Black Bullhead |
| Black Crappie | Mosquitofish |
| Creek Chub | Creek Chub |
| Goldfish | Brown Bullhead |
| Goldfish | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Beautiful Landscapes in Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Hot Springs National Park
Cuyahoga Valley NP features rolling hills, waterfalls (Brandywine, Blue Hen), forests and wetlands. Popular activities include hiking and wildlife viewing.
Hot Springs NP is known for its thermal waters, historic bathhouses, scenic drives and trails, picnic areas, and views of Hot Springs Mountain, with panoramic views of the Ouachita Mountains.
Things To-Do and Activities in Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Hot Springs National Park
Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio is a haven for outdoor recreation, with popular activities like fishing, biking, and scenic train rides. Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas draws visitors for its hot springs and bathhouses, as well as hikes and scenic drives in the Ouachita Mountains. Both parks host ranger-led programs and offer unique landscapes, but Cuyahoga Valley is known for its scenic trails, while Hot Springs is renowned for its hot springs and historic background as a health resort.
Best Time to Visit Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Hot Springs National Park
Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio has cold winters, hot summers, and mild spring and fall with colorful foliage. Best time to visit is spring and fall. Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas has hot summers, mild winters, and is popular year-round for its hot springs. Best time to visit is fall for cooler temperatures and autumn foliage.
Family Friendliness of Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Hot Springs National Park
Both Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Hot Springs National Park are family-friendly. Cuyahoga Valley has scenic railway, hiking trails, visitors center, picnic areas, and ranger-led programs. Hot Springs has hot springs, trails, ranger-led programs, a park bathhouse, campground, and park store. Hot Springs has a wider range of facilities and activities, making it a better option for families traveling with children.