Cuyahoga Valley National Park vs Virgin Islands National Park

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Cuyahoga Valley National Park vs Virgin Islands National Park

“Nature enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and peace-seekers unite! Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Virgin Islands National Park offer a world of difference in terms of landscapes, experiences and activities. While one park boasts rolling hills in Ohio, the other is a tropical paradise on St. John. Both offer breathtaking environments, but which will you choose for your next escape from city life? Join us as we compare and contrast these two stunning national parks and find out what makes each one truly unique.”

Hiking Trails in Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Virgin Islands National Park

Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio offers a mix of easy and challenging hikes. The Ledges Trail is a 1.5-mile hike with rock formations and river views. The Buckeye Trail is the park’s toughest, a 7.4-mile hike through rugged terrain and steep inclines. Virgin Islands National Park in US Virgin Islands, showcases tropical landscapes and beaches. The easy 1.5-mile Cinnamon Bay Trail leads to a beach. The more difficult 3-mile Reef Bay Trail descends to the shoreline through rainforest.

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 Virgin Islands National Park

Name Length Elevation Type Difficulty Visitor Ratings
Wind Canyon Trail 804.67 16.764 Easy loop 4.5
Caprock Coulee Loop 6115.492 159.7152 Moderate loop 4.5
Painted Canyon Nature Trail 1770.274 78.9432 Easy loop 4
Petrified Forest Trail 16415.268 253.8984 Moderate loop 4
Maah Daah Hey Trail 229009.082 4614.9768 Hard point to point 4.5
Lower Paddock Creek Trail 11587.248 127.7112 Moderate out and back 4.5
Buck Hill Trail 643.736 16.764 Moderate out and back 4.5
Ridgeline Nature Trail 1126.538 33.8328 Moderate out and back 4
Coal Vein Trail 965.604 4.8768 Easy loop 4
Buckhorn Trail 19633.948 324.9168 Hard loop 4.6

Wildlife in Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Virgin Islands National Park

Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio offers a mix of woodland and wetland habitats that attract wildlife like white-tailed deer, beavers, red foxes, and various bird species. In contrast, Virgin Islands National Park in the US Virgin Islands is primarily coastal and features a variety of marine wildlife such as green sea turtles and iguanas, as well as birds like brown pelicans and Bananaquits. The park’s vegetation is also distinct, with dry scrub forests dominated by cacti and other drought-resistant plants, in contrast to Cuyahoga’s temperate deciduous forest of oak, maple, and beech trees.

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

Birds

Cuyahoga Valley National Park Virgin Islands 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 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 Swainson’s Thrush

Mammals

Cuyahoga Valley National Park Virgin Islands 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 Porcupine
Hoary Bat Silver-Haired Bat
Red Fox Hoary Bat
Long-Tailed Weasel Red Fox
House Mouse Long-Tailed Weasel
Mink House Mouse
Gray Fox Mountain Lion
Badger Mink
Masked Shrew Mule Deer
Red Squirrel Gray Wolf
White-Tailed Deer Long-Legged Myotis
Virginia Opossum Long-Eared Myotis
Meadow Vole Badger
Red Bat Snowshoe Hare
White-Footed Mouse North American River Otter
Norway Rat Masked Shrew

Amphibians

Cuyahoga Valley National Park Virgin Islands National Park
Northern Leopard Frog Northern Leopard Frog
Eastern Tiger Salamander Tiger Salamander
Bullfrog Woodhouse’s Toad
Wood Frog Plains Spadefoot

Reptiles

Cuyahoga Valley National Park Virgin Islands National Park
Racer Bullsnake
Ring-Necked Snake Racer
Common Garter Snake Rattlesnake
Eastern Milk Snake Sagebrush Lizard
Eastern Fence Lizard Common Garter Snake
Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard

Insects

Cuyahoga Valley National Park Virgin Islands National Park
Orange Sulfur
Painted Lady
Monarch Butterfly
American Painted Lady
European Cabbage White
Buckeye

Fish

Cuyahoga Valley National Park Virgin Islands National Park
Northern Largemouth Bass Longnose Sucker
Green Sunfish Green Sunfish
Northern Bluegill Sunfish Bluegill
Northern Fathead Minnow Flathead Minnow
Golden Shiner Golden Shiner
European Carp Carp/European Carp
Northern Pike Northern Pike
Eastern Burbot Burbot
Central Mottled Sculpin Longnose Dace
Graceful Catfish Channel Catfish
Black Crappie Black Bullhead
Creek Chub Creek Chub
Goldfish

Beautiful Landscapes in Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Virgin Islands National Park

Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio is known for its scenic river, rolling hills, and lush forests. Brandywine Falls, a 65-ft waterfall, attracts visitors. Ledges Overlook offers panoramic views. Virgin Islands National Park in the U.S. Virgin Islands showcases stunning beaches, turquoise waters with diverse coral reefs, and lush tropical forests. Hike Bordeaux Mountain for views of the island and Caribbean Sea.

Things To-Do and Activities in Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Virgin Islands National Park

Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio offers outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and picnicking, as well as cultural experiences like scenic railway rides and concerts. In contrast, Virgin Islands National Park in the U.S. Virgin Islands is renowned for its beach activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, and swimming, surrounded by lush tropical vegetation. While Cuyahoga Valley focuses more on cultural experiences, Virgin Islands National Park provides a tropical escape with water-based activities.

Best Time to Visit Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Virgin Islands National Park

Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio has temperate climate, cold in winter and warm in summer, while Virgin Islands National Park, US Virgin Islands has a tropical climate, warm all year. Cuyahoga Valley temperatures average low 40s in winter and mid-70s in summer. The park is famous for its seasonal changes, with fall being the peak time for vibrant fall foliage. In contrast, Virgin Islands National Park has year-round warm weather with temperatures averaging mid-80s. The best time to visit is Dec-May with less rain and better water visibility for snorkeling, diving.

Family Friendliness of Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Virgin Islands National Park

Both Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Virgin Islands National Park offer family-friendly options, but differ in their offerings. Cuyahoga Valley, located in Ohio, has scenic railway rides, hiking trails, and educational programs. Virgin Islands National Park, located in the US Virgin Islands, has beaches, snorkeling, and tropical forest hikes. For families looking for a mix of activities and education, Cuyahoga Valley is a better option. For those seeking beach and tropical experiences, Virgin Islands National Park is the choice.

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