If you’re planning a vacation and would like a quick comparison of Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve, we’ve got you covered.
We’ll take a look at what they have to offer in terms of hiking and wildlife, plus what the best time of year to visit might be.
Let’s get started with an overview of Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Table Of Contents
- 1 Cuyahoga Valley National Park Overview
- 2 Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve Overview
- 3 Hiking At National Parks
- 4 Cuyahoga Valley National Park Hiking Trails
- 5 Hiking Overview at Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
- 6 Wildlife at Cuyahoga Valley National Park
- 7 Wildlife at Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
- 8 What’s the best time to visit?
Cuyahoga Valley National Park Overview
Though a short distance from the urban areas of Cleveland and Akron, Cuyahoga Valley National Park seems worlds away. The park is a refuge for native plants and wildlife, and provides routes of discovery for visitors. The winding Cuyahoga River gives way to deep forests, rolling hills, and open farmlands. Walk or ride the Towpath Trail to follow the historic route of the Ohio & Erie Canal.
Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve Overview
Wrangell-St. Elias is a vast national park that rises from the ocean all the way up to 18,008 ft. At 13.2 million acres, the park is the same size as Yellowstone National Park, Yosemite National Park, and Switzerland combined! Within this wild landscape, people continue to live off the land as they have done for centuries. This rugged, beautiful land is filled with opportunities for adventure.
Hiking At National Parks
Most national parks have some of the best hiking trails you’ll find anywhere in the US.
If you’re planning to take along your furry friend, double-check the rules before you go – as many of the parks have different rules about bringing animals along with you.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park Hiking Trails
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a beautiful place to go hiking with many different trails to choose from. The easiest trail is the Towpath Trail which is level and paved making it great for those who are looking for an easy hike or for those with strollers or wheelchairs. The most difficult trail is the Ledges Trail which has a few steep areas and is mostly rocky. Whichever trail you choose, you are sure to have a great time exploring Cuyahoga Valley National Park!
Best Hikes At Cuyahoga Valley National Park
The ratings below are based on user-submitted data at AllTrails.com
| Hike Name | Elevation Gain | Difficulty Rating | Type | Average Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pine Grove Trail | 27.7368 | 1 | loop | 4 |
| Buckeye Trail and Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Loop | 101.8032 | 3 | loop | 4 |
| Oak Hill Trail | 28.956 | 1 | loop | 4 |
| Ledges Trail and Pine Grove Trail Loop | 83.82 | 3 | loop | 4.5 |
| Boston to Red Lock Loop via Buckeye Trail and Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath | 235.9152 | 3 | loop | 4 |
| Wetmore Outer Loop | 243.84 | 3 | loop | 4.5 |
| Tree Farm Trail | 44.8056 | 1 | loop | 3.5 |
| Riding Run Trail Loop | 130.7592 | 3 | loop | 4.5 |
| Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath: Peninsula to Boston Mills | 25.908 | 1 | out and back | 4.5 |
| Perkins Trail and Riding Run Loop | 164.8968 | 3 | loop | 4.5 |
Hiking Overview at Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Wrangell – St Elias National Park is a haven for hikers of all levels of experience. Novice hikers can start with the easy Crosswind Lake trail, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains without too much elevation gain. For those looking for a more challenging hike, the Crescent Lake trail is a great option. It is longer than the Crosswind Lake trail and has a steeper elevation gain, but it is still considered to be relatively easy. More experienced hikers can tackle one of the park’s difficult trails, such as the Donoho Peak trail, which summits one of the park’s tallest peaks. Wrangell – St Elias National Park is truly a paradise for hikers of all levels of ability.
Top 10 Hiking Trails at Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
| Hike Name | Elevation Gain | Difficulty Rating | Type | Average Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upper Sand Creek Lake Trail | 598.932 | 7 | out and back | 4.5 |
| Medano Lake Trail | 697.992 | 3 | out and back | 4 |
| Montville Nature Trail | 26.8224 | 1 | loop | 4 |
| Dunes Overlook Sand Ramp Trail | 80.772 | 3 | out and back | 3.5 |
| Little Medano Creek Trail to Medano Lake | 1079.9064 | 3 | out and back | 4 |
| Wellington Ditch Trail | 47.8536 | 1 | out and back | 4 |
| Dunes Overlook Trail | 143.8656 | 3 | out and back | 4 |
| Pinion Flats Campground Trail | 26.8224 | 1 | loop | 4 |
| High Dune Trail | 191.7192 | 5 | out and back | 5 |
| High and Star Dune Loop | 403.86 | 3 | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife at Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including deer, coyotes, foxes, raccoons, skunks, and opossums. The park also has a large population of songbirds, such as robins, cardinals, and blue jays. In addition, Cuyahoga Valley National Park is home to numerous amphibians and reptiles, including frogs, toads, salamanders, turtles, and snakes. Visitors to the park should be aware that Cuyahoga Valley National Park is also home to black bears. While bear sightings are rare, it is important to know what to do if you encounter one. For more information on Cuyahoga Valley National Park wildlife, please visit the park’s website or speak with a ranger during your visit.
Wildlife at Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Wrangell – St Elias National Park is a mecca for wildlife enthusiasts. The park is home to an incredible array of animals, including bears, moose, wolves, and caribou. In addition, the park is also home to a variety of plant life, including tundra plants and towering spruce trees. With so much to see and explore, Wrangell – St Elias National Park is the perfect place to get up close and personal with some of Alaska’s most amazing wildlife.
What’s the best time to visit?
A lot of times, weather can dictate when it makes the most sense to visit a particular national park.
Plus, depending on the types of activities you’re hoping to take part in, seasonality will be a huge factor in whether those things are even available.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park Weather Considerations
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is located in Ohio and experiences a variety of weather conditions throughout the year. The best time to visit the park is during the spring or fall when the temperatures are mild and there is less chance of rain. The worst time to visit Cuyahoga Valley National Park is during the summer when the temperatures can be hot and humid, and there is a greater chance of thunderstorms. However, no matter what time of year you visit Cuyahoga Valley National Park, be sure to dress appropriately for the weather conditions and pack plenty of water.
Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve Weather Considerations
Wrangell – St Elias National Park is one of the largest national parks in the United States, and it is known for its varied and extreme weather conditions. The park experiences very cold winters, with average temperatures ranging from -20 to -10 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the summers are relatively mild, with average temperatures ranging from 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The best time to visit the park is during the summer months, when the weather is more conducive to outdoor activities such as hiking and camping. However, visitors should be aware that the early summer months can be rainy, so it is best to plan accordingly. The worst time to visit the park is during the winter, when temperatures are at their lowest and conditions are often treacherous. If you do choose to visit during this time, be sure to bring appropriate clothing and gear to ensure your safety.