Looking for a travel adventure that will take you from the swampy Everglades of Florida to the hot springs of Arkansas? Look no further than a comparison of the unique and diverse wonders of Everglades National Park and Hot Springs National Park. These two national treasures offer visitors a chance to escape into nature and explore the beauty of the American wilderness.
Everglades National Park is a vast wetland that is home to an abundance of wildlife, including alligators, panthers, and hundreds of species of birds. Stroll along the boardwalks, take an airboat ride, or go on a guided tour to learn about the delicate ecosystem and the efforts to protect it.
Hot Springs National Park, on the other hand, is a relaxing oasis that features 47 hot springs, which were once used by indigenous people for their healing properties. Today, visitors can take a dip in the bathhouses, hike the trails, or explore the historic downtown area. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful soak or an invigorating hike, Hot Springs National Park has something for everyone.
Hiking Trails in Everglades National Park and Hot Springs National Park
Everglades National Park and Hot Springs National Park are two unique national parks in the United States. Both offer unique hiking experiences for visitors, but the type of hiking differs greatly between the two parks.
The Everglades is a vast, wetlands region in southern Florida. The hiking trails here are mostly boardwalks and elevated walkways that take visitors through the swampy landscape. Some of the easiest hikes include the Anhinga Trail, Gumbo Limbo Trail, and the Pahayokee Overlook Trail. These trails offer scenic views of the park’s diverse wildlife, including alligators, birds, and other swamp creatures.
Hot Springs National Park, on the other hand, is located in central Arkansas and is known for its hot springs and bathhouses. Hiking trails here range from easy walks along the creek to challenging hikes up Hot Springs Mountain. Some of the easiest hikes include the Sunset Trail and the Gulpha Gorge Trail, which follow the creek and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The hardest hike in the park is the Hot Springs Mountain Trail, which climbs 1,200 feet over 1.5 miles and offers breathtaking views of the park and surrounding area.
Overall, both national parks offer unique hiking experiences, but the type of hiking varies greatly between the two. The Everglades is a swampy landscape with boardwalks and elevated walkways, while Hot Springs National Park offers a mix of easy walks and challenging hikes. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a strenuous workout, both parks have something to offer.
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 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 Everglades National Park and Hot Springs National Park
Everglades National Park and Hot Springs National Park are two unique national parks, each with its own unique wildlife. In Everglades, visitors can expect to see a diverse range of wildlife, including alligators, manatees, and various species of wading birds such as herons and egrets. The park is also home to a number of threatened and endangered species, including the Florida panther, wood stork, and American crocodile.
Hot Springs National Park, on the other hand, is known for its diverse bird population, including many species of waterfowl and songbirds. Visitors may also see white-tailed deer, gray squirrels, and black bears. The park is also home to a variety of plant species, including oak, hickory, and pine trees, as well as a variety of wildflowers and ferns.
Both parks offer a unique experience for wildlife enthusiasts, but the type of wildlife you can expect to see varies greatly depending on which park you visit. In Everglades, visitors can expect to see a range of large and charismatic animals, such as alligators and manatees, as well as a variety of bird species. In Hot Springs, visitors can expect to see a diverse bird population and a variety of plant species, as well as smaller mammals such as deer and squirrels.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Everglades National Park and Hot Springs National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Everglades 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
| Everglades National Park | Hot Springs National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| Bobcat | American Beaver |
| Striped Skunk | Muskrat |
| Raccoon | Big Brown Bat |
| Red Fox | Bobcat |
| House Mouse | Striped Skunk |
| Mink | Little Brown Bat |
| Gray Fox | Deer Mouse |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | Raccoon |
| White-Tailed Deer | Black Bear |
| Eastern Cottontail | Silver-Haired Bat |
| House Rat | Hoary Bat |
| Spotted Skunk | Red Fox |
| Fox Squirrel | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Eastern Gray Squirrel | House Mouse |
| Feral Hog | Mink |
| Northern Short-Tailed Shrew | Gray Fox |
| Least Shrew | North American River Otter |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | |
| White-Tailed Deer | |
| Virginia Opossum | |
| Eastern Red Bat | |
| White-Footed Mouse | |
| Norway Rat | |
| Eastern Cottontail |
Fish
| Everglades National Park | Hot Springs National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Largemouth Bass |
| Bluegill | Green Sunfish |
| Golden Shiner | Bluegill |
| Yellow Bullhead | Fathead Minnow |
| Channel Catfish | Golden Shiner |
| Black Crappie | European Carp |
| Mosquitofish | Yellow Bullhead |
| Brown Bullhead | Graceful Catfish |
| Goldfish | Black Crappie |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Mosquitofish | |
| Creek Chub | |
| Brown Bullhead | |
| Goldfish | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Amphibians
| Everglades National Park | Hot Springs National Park |
|---|---|
| Bullfrog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Everglades National Park and Hot Springs National Park
Everglades National Park, located in Florida, is famous for its unique river of grass, which is home to a diverse range of wildlife species including alligators, panthers, manatees, and over 350 species of birds. The park offers visitors the chance to take an airboat tour or hike through its wilderness, providing stunning views of the swampy landscapes.
Hot Springs National Park, located in Arkansas, is home to several natural hot springs, which were initially used by Native Americans for their therapeutic benefits. Today, visitors can still bath in the hot springs and enjoy their rejuvenating properties. The park is also home to scenic trails, picnic areas, and the historic Bathhouse Row, which features several historic bathhouses from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
These two national parks offer vastly different experiences, with Everglades providing a glimpse into the unique ecosystem of the Florida wetlands, and Hot Springs offering the chance to relax in naturally heated hot springs and learn about the area’s rich history. Both parks offer a chance to experience the beauty of nature and escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Things To-Do and Activities in Everglades National Park and Hot Springs National Park
Everglades National Park and Hot Springs National Park offer different experiences for park visitors. In Everglades, the most popular activities are wildlife viewing, fishing, and airboat tours. Visitors can spot alligators, manatees, and a variety of birds while exploring the park’s unique ecosystems. Fishing is also a popular pastime, with opportunities to catch snook, tarpon, and redfish. Airboat tours provide a thrilling way to explore the park and see its wildlife from a different perspective.
In contrast, Hot Springs National Park is known for its natural hot springs and bathhouses. The park’s thermal waters have been attracting visitors for over two centuries, and soaking in the hot springs is a must-do activity for many. The park also offers hiking trails, including the Hot Springs Mountain Tower Trail, which provides panoramic views of the Ouachita Mountains. Additionally, the park features historic bathhouses and museums, showcasing the rich history and cultural significance of the hot springs.
Both parks offer a range of activities for visitors to enjoy, from wildlife viewing and fishing to hot springs and hiking. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing soak in thermal waters or an adventurous wildlife tour, both parks have something to offer.
Best Time to Visit Everglades National Park and Hot Springs National Park
Everglades National Park and Hot Springs National Park are two popular parks in the United States, but they are vastly different in terms of weather. Everglades National Park is located in Florida and is a subtropical wetland known for its hot and humid summers, and mild and dry winters. The best time to visit is between November and April, when temperatures are more bearable, and there is less chance of rain.
Hot Springs National Park is located in Arkansas, and its weather is characterized by hot and humid summers and mild winters with occasional snow. The park is open year-round, but the best time to visit is between March and May, and September and November, when temperatures are more comfortable, and there is less rain.
Visitors should keep in mind that both parks experience weather changes and fluctuations, so it is always best to check the forecast before heading out. Visitors should also be prepared for sudden changes in weather, especially in the Everglades, where pop-up thunderstorms can occur at any time of the year. Despite these weather variations, both Everglades National Park and Hot Springs National Park offer unique experiences and are definitely worth visiting.
Family Friendliness of Everglades National Park and Hot Springs National Park
Everglades National Park and Hot Springs National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both of them are great for families and offer a unique experience for visitors. However, when it comes to being family-friendly, there are some differences to consider.
Hot Springs National Park is a great choice for families as it offers a variety of activities that are perfect for kids. The park has a scenic drive, hiking trails, and a historic bathhouse. In addition, there are picnic areas and playgrounds where families can spend the day. The park is also quite accessible, with easy-to-reach picnic areas and scenic overlooks.
On the other hand, Everglades National Park is a bit more challenging for families with young children. The park is vast and there are few facilities or activities specifically designed for kids. Additionally, the park is known for its alligators and mosquitoes, which can be a bit scary for young children. However, the park offers a unique and beautiful landscape that is sure to impress.
In conclusion, if you’re traveling with children, Hot Springs National Park is the better choice. It offers a variety of family-friendly activities and has a more accessible layout. However, if you’re looking for a more adventurous and unique experience, Everglades National Park is an excellent option.