Everglades National Park and Gateway Arch National Park are two of the most unique and captivating parks in the United States. Both offer visitors a chance to experience the natural beauty of America and explore the rich history of these iconic sites. But which one is better for your next adventure? In this article, we’ll compare and contrast these two incredible parks and help you decide which one is right for your next trip.
With its lush wetlands, abundant wildlife, and endless waterways, Everglades National Park is a true haven for nature lovers. This 1.5 million-acre park provides a glimpse into the unique ecosystem of South Florida and is home to a diverse array of species, from manatees and alligators to the endangered Florida panther. Whether you’re kayaking through the mangroves or hiking through the pine rocklands, there’s something for everyone in Everglades National Park.
On the other hand, Gateway Arch National Park is a testament to American ingenuity and determination. This iconic 630-foot monument towers over the city of St. Louis, Missouri and provides stunning views of the Mississippi River and the surrounding cityscape. Visitors can take a tram to the top of the Arch for a truly unforgettable experience. With its rich history, interactive exhibits, and breathtaking views, Gateway Arch National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in American history and culture.
Hiking Trails in Everglades National Park and Gateway Arch National Park
Everglades National Park and Gateway Arch National Park are two vastly different national parks, but both offer unique and beautiful hiking experiences.
Everglades National Park is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States, with a variety of hiking trails that range from easy boardwalks to strenuous backcountry trails. The park’s most popular trail is the Anhinga Trail, a 0.8-mile boardwalk that winds through a sawgrass marsh and offers visitors a chance to see alligators, wading birds, and other wildlife. For a more challenging hike, visitors can take the 9.5-mile Pine Island Trail, which takes hikers through a pine rockland forest and provides views of the park’s backcountry.
Gateway Arch National Park, on the other hand, is located in St. Louis, Missouri and is best known for the Gateway Arch, a 630-foot tall monument that is a symbol of the city’s role as the “Gateway to the West.” The park’s hiking trails are much less strenuous than those of Everglades National Park, but they offer stunning views of the Mississippi River and the city of St. Louis. One of the easiest trails is the Riverfront Trail, a 1.5-mile trail that runs along the Mississippi River and offers views of the Gateway Arch. For a slightly more challenging hike, visitors can take the Arch Grounds Loop, a 0.7-mile trail that takes hikers to the base of the Arch and provides views of the city’s skyline.
Overall, both Everglades National Park and Gateway Arch National Park offer unique and beautiful hiking experiences, but they cater to different types of hikers. Everglades National Park is ideal for those looking for a more challenging hike, while Gateway Arch National Park is perfect for those who want to enjoy a more leisurely hike with stunning views.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Everglades National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shark Valley Trail | 25427.572 | 6.7056 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Anhinga Trail | 2414.01 | 0 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Pa-Hay-Okee Overlook Trail | 321.868 | 0 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Gumbo Limbo Trail | 643.736 | 0 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
| Long Pine Key Trail | 24944.77 | 0 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Mahogany Hammock Trail | 643.736 | 0 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
| Everglades Coastal Prairie Trail | 27358.78 | 4.8768 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Pinelands Trail | 643.736 | 0 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
| Everglades National Park East Entrance to Flamingo Scenic Route | 58258.108 | 7.9248 | Easy | point to point | 4.5 |
| Nine Mile Pond | 8851.37 | 0 | Easy | loop | 4 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Gateway Arch National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Louis Riverfront Trail | 34439.876 | 109.728 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Jefferson National Expansion Memorial | 2574.944 | 20.7264 | Easy | loop | 4 |
Wildlife in Everglades National Park and Gateway Arch National Park
Everglades National Park and Gateway Arch National Park both offer unique wildlife experiences, but the types of creatures you’ll encounter are quite different. In the Everglades, you’ll see alligators, manatees, and a variety of wading birds like herons, egrets, and spoonbills. In addition to these water-dwelling creatures, the Everglades is also home to a diverse array of land animals such as deer, raccoons, and panthers. The park’s vast wetlands and subtropical climate also make it a haven for rare and threatened species like the American crocodile and the West Indian manatee.
On the other hand, Gateway Arch National Park is located in the heart of St. Louis, Missouri and is home to a more urbanized wildlife population. Here, visitors can observe beavers, squirrels, and a variety of birds like geese and ducks. The park is also surrounded by the Mississippi River and its ecosystem, which is home to an array of fish species and migrating birds. While the park’s wildlife population is not as diverse as the Everglades, it is still an important habitat for many species and a great place to observe urban wildlife.
Overall, both Everglades National Park and Gateway Arch National Park offer unique wildlife experiences for visitors. Whether you’re looking to see alligators and manatees in the Everglades or observe urban wildlife in Gateway Arch, both parks offer unique opportunities to learn about and appreciate the diversity of wildlife in the United States.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Everglades National Park and Gateway Arch National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Everglades National Park | Gateway Arch 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 | Savannah Sparrow |
| Savannah Sparrow | Hermit Thrush |
| Great Blue Heron | American Kestrel |
| Hermit Thrush | Bald Eagle |
| American Kestrel | Northern Pintail |
| Bald Eagle | American Wigeon |
| Song Sparrow | Green-Winged Teal |
| European Starling | American Pipit |
| Northern Pintail | Swainson’s Thrush |
| American Wigeon | Hairy Woodpecker |
| Green-Winged Teal | Red-Breasted Nuthatch |
Mammals
| Everglades National Park | Gateway Arch National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| Bobcat | American Beaver |
| Striped Skunk | Muskrat |
| Raccoon | Black Bear |
| Red Fox | Porcupine |
| House Mouse | Red Fox |
| Mink | Mink |
| Gray Fox | Wolf |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| White-Tailed Deer | Varying Hare |
| Eastern Cottontail | River Otter |
| House Rat | Common Shrew |
| Spotted Skunk | Red Squirrel |
| Fox Squirrel | Montane Shrew |
| Eastern Gray Squirrel | Lynx |
| Feral Hog | Wolverine |
| Northern Short-Tailed Shrew | American Marten |
| Least Shrew | Grizzly Bear |
| Meadow Vole | |
| Moose | |
| Least Weasel | |
| Pygmy Shrew | |
| Northern Bog Lemming |
Fish
| Everglades National Park | Gateway Arch National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Longnose Sucker |
| Bluegill | Lake Trout |
| Golden Shiner | Northern Pike |
| Yellow Bullhead | Eelpout |
| Channel Catfish | King Salmon |
| Black Crappie | Slimy Sculpin |
| Mosquitofish | Chum Salmon |
| Brown Bullhead | Dolly Varden |
| Goldfish | Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
| Everglades National Park | Gateway Arch National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Everglades National Park and Gateway Arch National Park
Everglades National Park and Gateway Arch National Park are two of the most famous national parks in the United States, each offering a unique and awe-inspiring landscape that visitors can enjoy. Both parks are famous for their stunning landscapes, but they are two very different places, each with its own unique features.
Everglades National Park is famous for its massive swamps and wetlands, which are home to an incredible array of wildlife, including alligators, manatees, and a variety of bird species. Visitors can take airboat tours to explore the park, or hike along the many trails to see the diverse ecosystems that make up the Everglades.
Gateway Arch National Park, on the other hand, is famous for its towering stainless steel arch, designed by architect Eero Saarinen, which provides visitors with stunning views of the Mississippi River and the city of St. Louis. The park also features a museum that details the history of the Westward Expansion of the United States and the role of the Gateway Arch in this movement.
Both Everglades National Park and Gateway Arch National Park offer visitors a chance to experience the beauty and wonder of America’s natural and cultural heritage, and both are must-see destinations for anyone visiting the United States.
Things To-Do and Activities in Everglades National Park and Gateway Arch National Park
Everglades National Park and Gateway Arch National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. While they are both unique and beautiful, they offer different experiences. Everglades National Park is known for its diverse wildlife, including alligators, crocodiles, and manatees. Visitors to Everglades National Park can go on airboat tours, kayaking expeditions, or even take a walk on the Anhinga Trail to see a variety of wildlife up close.
Gateway Arch National Park, on the other hand, is centered around the 630-foot Gateway Arch, which is the iconic symbol of St. Louis. Visitors to Gateway Arch National Park can take a tram to the top of the Arch for stunning views of the city and the Mississippi River. They can also learn about the history of the Arch and the city at the Museum of Westward Expansion, which is located beneath the Arch. Another popular activity is a boat tour on the Mississippi River, which provides a different perspective of the Arch and the city.
In conclusion, both Everglades National Park and Gateway Arch National Park offer unique and exciting activities for visitors. Whether you’re interested in wildlife and outdoor adventures or history and architecture, these parks have something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Everglades National Park and Gateway Arch National Park
Everglades National Park and Gateway Arch National Park offer unique experiences to visitors, and the weather plays a big role in determining the best time of year to visit. The Everglades is located in southern Florida and is known for its subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and warm, mild winters. The park experiences heavy rainfall from June through October, which can make outdoor activities difficult. The best time to visit is from November to May, when the weather is dry and it is easier to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and wildlife viewing.
On the other hand, Gateway Arch National Park is located in St. Louis, Missouri and has a temperate climate with hot summers and cold winters. The park experiences warm and humid summers from June to August, with temperatures averaging in the mid-80s. Winters in St. Louis can be cold and snowy, with temperatures sometimes dropping below freezing. The best time to visit Gateway Arch National Park is during the spring and fall, when temperatures are mild and the weather is pleasant. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views from the top of the arch, as well as participate in various activities such as hiking and sightseeing.
Family Friendliness of Everglades National Park and Gateway Arch National Park
Everglades National Park and Gateway Arch National Park are two popular national parks in the United States, each offering their own unique experiences and attractions. Both parks are family-friendly, but they differ in what they offer to visitors with children.
The Everglades National Park is a vast wetland area that covers over 1.5 million acres in southern Florida. This park is ideal for families who enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, and kayaking. Children can learn about the ecosystem and the wildlife that lives in this area, including alligators, manatees, panthers, and hundreds of bird species. The park also offers ranger-led activities and programs specifically designed for families.
On the other hand, the Gateway Arch National Park is located in St. Louis, Missouri and is centered around the iconic 630-foot tall Gateway Arch. This park is better for families who enjoy history, architecture, and city life. Children can learn about the history of the American West, the Lewis and Clark Expedition, and the Gateway Arch. The park offers a museum, movie theater, and tram rides to the top of the Arch. There is also a riverfront park and playground for children to play in.
In conclusion, it depends on the interests of your family. If your family is interested in outdoor activities and nature, Everglades National Park is a great option. If your family is interested in history, architecture, and city life, Gateway Arch National Park is a great option.