Introducing two of the most unique and fascinating national parks in the United States: Everglades National Park and Haleakalā National Park. These two parks boast a diverse range of landscapes, wildlife and recreational activities that make them must-visit destinations for nature and adventure lovers alike.
Imagine walking through the swamps of the Everglades, surrounded by towering cypress trees and the calls of alligators and other exotic animals. Or, picture yourself standing atop the summit of Haleakalā, looking out at the vast and otherworldly volcanic crater. These two parks are like two sides of a coin, each offering a completely different but equally awe-inspiring experience.
So, which park is right for you? In this article, we’ll be diving into the details of each park, comparing and contrasting their features, and helping you make a decision on which one to visit on your next adventure. Whether you’re a fan of hiking, wildlife watching, or just soaking up the beauty of nature, you won’t want to miss this!
Hiking Trails in Everglades National Park and Haleakalā National Park
Everglades National Park and Haleakalā National Park both offer unique hiking experiences, but their terrains and climates vary greatly. The Everglades is a vast, marshy wetland that covers much of southern Florida. The park’s trails range from easy boardwalks to strenuous backcountry hikes. One of the easiest hikes is the Anhinga Trail, a half-mile boardwalk that offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. On the other hand, the most challenging hike in the Everglades is the 99-mile Wilderness Waterway, which requires several days of backpacking.
Haleakalā National Park, located on the Hawaiian island of Maui, boasts a diverse range of landscapes, from tropical forests to volcanic deserts. The park’s trails range from easy scenic walks to strenuous backcountry excursions. The easiest hike in the park is the Sliding Sands Trail, a 2.5-mile round trip that leads to a stunning overlook of the park’s unique volcanic landscape. The hardest hike in the park is the Halemau’u Trail, a strenuous 8-mile round trip that winds its way up the side of a volcanic crater. Whether you’re looking for an easy walk or a challenging backcountry hike, both Everglades National Park and Haleakalā National Park offer plenty of options for outdoor enthusiasts.
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 Haleakalā National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pipiwai Trail and Waimoku Falls | 5471.756 | 249.936 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Sliding Sands Trail | 17702.74 | 851.916 | Very Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Seven Sacred Pools Trail (‘Ohe’o Gulch) | 965.604 | 32.9184 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Halalai’i and Pu’unaue Trail | 20116.75 | 978.7128 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| Halemau’u Haleakala Overlook Trail | 12230.984 | 723.9 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Haleakala Crater Trail | 18024.608 | 930.8592 | Hard | point to point | 5 |
| Pa Ka’oao Trail | 965.604 | 40.8432 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Leleiwi Overlook Trail | 482.802 | 30.7848 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Pa ka’oao Trail (White Hill Trail) | 804.67 | 32.9184 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Silversword Loop Via Halemau’u Trail | 20116.75 | 1105.8144 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Everglades National Park and Haleakalā National Park
Everglades National Park and Haleakalā National Park are two of the most unique national parks in the United States. These parks are known for their diverse wildlife and unique ecosystems.
In Everglades National Park, visitors can expect to see a variety of animals including alligators, panthers, manatees, and a wide range of bird species such as wood storks, roseate spoonbills, and ospreys. The park is also home to a variety of plants including mangroves, cypress trees, and saw grass.
On the other hand, Haleakalā National Park is home to a variety of unique wildlife including the nēnē goose, the Hawaiian hoary bat, and the endangered Hawaiian petrel. The park is also home to a variety of unique plant species including the silversword and the Haleakalā silversword. Additionally, visitors to the park can also expect to see a variety of unique bird species including the Hawaiian hawk and the Hawaiian goose.
Both Everglades National Park and Haleakalā National Park offer unique opportunities to see a wide range of wildlife and unique ecosystems. Whether you are interested in seeing alligators in the Everglades or unique bird species in Haleakalā, these parks are sure to provide a once in a lifetime experience for visitors.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Everglades National Park and Haleakalā National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Everglades National Park | Haleakalā National Park |
|---|---|
| Peregrine Falcon | Peregrine Falcon |
| Northern Harrier | Northern Harrier |
| Sharp-Shinned Hawk | Rock Pigeon |
| Osprey | House Sparrow |
| Tree Swallow | Northern Mockingbird |
| Mallard | Black-Crowned Night-Heron |
| Canada Goose | Barn Owl |
| Lincoln’s Sparrow | Cattle Egret |
| Ruby-Crowned Kinglet | Ring-Necked Pheasant |
| American Robin | Chukar |
| Great Horned Owl | Ruddy Turnstone |
| Red-Tailed Hawk | Northern Cardinal |
| Northern Flicker | California Quail |
| Merlin | |
| Barn Swallow | |
| Savannah Sparrow | |
| Great Blue Heron | |
| Hermit Thrush | |
| American Kestrel | |
| Bald Eagle | |
| Song Sparrow | |
| European Starling | |
| Northern Pintail | |
| American Wigeon | |
| Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Everglades National Park | Haleakalā National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | House Mouse |
| Bobcat | Norway Rat |
| Striped Skunk | Black Rat |
| Raccoon | Domestic Cattle |
| Red Fox | Feral Hog |
| House Mouse | |
| Mink | |
| Gray Fox | |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | |
| White-Tailed Deer | |
| Eastern Cottontail | |
| House Rat | |
| Spotted Skunk | |
| Fox Squirrel | |
| Eastern Gray Squirrel | |
| Feral Hog | |
| Northern Short-Tailed Shrew | |
| Least Shrew |
Fish
| Everglades National Park | Haleakalā National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | |
| Bluegill | |
| Golden Shiner | |
| Yellow Bullhead | |
| Channel Catfish | |
| Black Crappie | |
| Mosquitofish | |
| Brown Bullhead | |
| Goldfish |
Amphibians
| Everglades National Park | Haleakalā National Park |
|---|---|
| Bullfrog |
Insects
| Everglades National Park | Haleakalā National Park |
|---|---|
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Honey Bee |
Beautiful Landscapes in Everglades National Park and Haleakalā National Park
Everglades National Park and Haleakalā National Park are two of the most famous national parks in the United States. These parks are unique in their own ways and offer visitors a chance to experience different types of landscapes and natural wonders.
Everglades National Park is located in southern Florida and is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States. It is famous for its diverse landscape, including sawgrass marshes, mangrove forests, and pine rocklands. Visitors can take a scenic boat tour and observe alligators, manatees, and a variety of bird species. The park also has several hiking trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Haleakalā National Park, located in Hawaii, is famous for its towering volcanic mountain range. The park offers visitors the chance to experience the beauty of the sunrise from the summit of the mountain, which is over 10,000 feet above sea level. Visitors can also hike down into the crater and explore its unique landscape, which includes volcanic cinder cones, lava tubes, and native Hawaiian plants. In addition to its unique landscape, the park also has several scenic drives and hiking trails that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
Things To-Do and Activities in Everglades National Park and Haleakalā National Park
Everglades National Park in Florida and Haleakalā National Park in Hawaii offer unique outdoor experiences for visitors. In Everglades, the main attraction is its diverse wildlife including the American alligator, manatee, and many species of wading birds. Visitors can take an airboat tour to see these animals in their natural habitats or go kayaking to explore the park’s waterways. In addition, the park offers opportunities for fishing, camping, and wildlife viewing from a boardwalk.
Haleakalā National Park in Hawaii is famous for its scenic drive to the summit and breathtaking views of the volcanic crater. The park is also a popular destination for stargazing, as its high elevation and clear skies provide ideal conditions for viewing the night sky. In addition, visitors can go on a guided horseback ride through the park’s scenic backcountry or take a scenic drive to see the park’s diverse landscapes, including native Hawaiian forests and deserts.
Whether you’re interested in wildlife viewing, outdoor recreation, or scenic drives, these two parks have something to offer for everyone. The unique landscapes and activities offered at Everglades and Haleakalā National Parks make them must-visit destinations for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Best Time to Visit Everglades National Park and Haleakalā National Park
Everglades National Park and Haleakalā National Park are both unique and beautiful parks, but their weather patterns differ greatly. The Everglades, located in southern Florida, is hot and humid year-round with temperatures ranging from 70°F to 90°F. The best time to visit is between November and April, when the park is less humid and temperatures are more comfortable. However, this is also the park’s peak tourist season, so visitors should expect larger crowds.
In contrast, Haleakalā National Park, located in Maui, Hawaii, has a more temperate climate with temperatures ranging from 60°F to 80°F. Although the park is cooler than the Everglades, it can be quite windy and wet, especially during the winter months of December to March. The best time to visit is during the summer months of June to September, when the weather is dry and temperatures are warmer.
In conclusion, the weather at both Everglades National Park and Haleakalā National Park affects when is the best time to visit. Visitors should plan their trip accordingly and be prepared for the conditions they may encounter at each park. Whether you are looking for warm and humid weather or cooler and drier weather, both parks have something to offer and provide a unique and memorable outdoor experience.
Family Friendliness of Everglades National Park and Haleakalā National Park
Everglades National Park and Haleakalā National Park are two of the most unique and beautiful national parks in the United States. Both parks have something to offer families, but they are quite different from each other.
Everglades National Park is a vast wetland that is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including alligators, manatees, and numerous bird species. The park is a great place for families to go kayaking, fishing, and hiking. There are also ranger-led programs and educational exhibits that are perfect for kids. However, some parts of the park can be difficult to access, and the mosquitos can be quite prevalent.
On the other hand, Haleakalā National Park is a volcanic park that is located on the island of Maui in Hawaii. The park offers stunning views of the volcanic crater and the surrounding landscape. There are several hiking trails that are suitable for families, and there are also ranger-led programs and educational exhibits. However, the park is located at a high elevation and can be quite cold, so families should be prepared for the weather.
In conclusion, both Everglades National Park and Haleakalā National Park are family-friendly, but each park has its own unique challenges. If you are traveling with children and want a park with a variety of outdoor activities, Everglades National Park might be the better choice. If you are looking for a park with stunning views and unique geological features, Haleakalā National Park is the way to go.