Looking for a fun and educational adventure this summer? Everglades National Park and Shenandoah National Park are two of the most beautiful and unique national parks in the United States. Both offer breathtaking natural beauty, abundant wildlife and a wealth of outdoor activities for visitors of all ages. But which one is right for you?
In this article, we will take a closer look at Everglades National Park and Shenandoah National Park and compare them on various factors such as climate, size, and attractions. With soaring mountains, rolling hills, and pristine waterways, these two parks offer very different experiences, and each will leave you with unforgettable memories.
Whether you prefer a tropical paradise filled with swampy mangroves, alligators, and exotic birds or a misty mountain oasis filled with deer, bears, and majestic waterfalls, you’ll find what you’re looking for in either of these parks. So, pack your backpack, grab your camera, and get ready for an unforgettable journey – the only question is, which park will you choose?
Hiking Trails in Everglades National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Everglades National Park and Shenandoah National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both offer a range of hiking trails for visitors with varying levels of experience.
The Everglades National Park has a large network of trails, with some of the easiest hikes including the Anhinga Trail and the Gumbo Limbo Trail. These trails offer visitors the chance to see a variety of wildlife, including alligators, snakes, and birds. However, the park also has some of the hardest hikes, including the Mahogany Hammock Trail, which is a strenuous hike through the mangroves.
Shenandoah National Park, on the other hand, has many trails that offer a more moderate level of difficulty. Some of the easier hikes include the Dark Hollow Falls Trail and the Lewis Falls Trail. These trails offer visitors the chance to see stunning waterfalls and scenic views of the surrounding forest. For those looking for a more challenging hike, the Old Rag Mountain Trail is a popular destination. It’s a strenuous hike to the summit of the mountain, but the views are well worth the effort.
Overall, both Everglades National Park and Shenandoah National Park offer a range of hiking trails that cater to all levels of experience. Whether you’re looking for an easy nature walk or a challenging hike, these 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 Shenandoah National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old Rag Mountain Loop | 13840.324 | 736.7016 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| White Oak Canyon and Cedar Run Trails Loop | 14484.06 | 722.9856 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
| Dark Hollow Falls Trail | 2253.076 | 171.9072 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Bearfence Mountain Trail | 1609.34 | 73.7616 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Hawksbill Gap Loop via Appalachian Trail | 4184.284 | 228.9048 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Rose River Trail | 5632.69 | 256.9464 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| White Oak Canyon Trail | 15288.73 | 733.9584 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Stony Man via Appalachian Trail | 2414.01 | 97.8408 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| South River Falls Trail | 7402.964 | 387.7056 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Little Stony Man Loop via Appalachian Trail | 5471.756 | 263.9568 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Everglades National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Everglades National Park and Shenandoah National Park are two of the most popular National Parks in the United States. Although they are both located in different regions of the country, they both offer unique opportunities to witness diverse wildlife.
In Everglades National Park, visitors can expect to see a variety of species including American Alligators, Manatees, and a range of birds such as Great Egrets and Wood Storks. The park is also home to the endangered Florida Panther and provides a habitat for many migratory birds. The park is also known for its diverse plant life, including a variety of cypress trees, mangroves, and orchids.
Shenandoah National Park, located in the Appalachian Mountains, is known for its diverse wildlife and stunning mountain views. Visitors can expect to see black bears, white-tailed deer, and other mammals such as raccoons and skunks. The park is also home to a variety of birds including the Pileated Woodpecker and the Eastern Bluebird. Additionally, Shenandoah is known for its diverse plant life, including the famous Appalachian Trail, and its breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
In conclusion, both Everglades National Park and Shenandoah National Park offer unique opportunities to witness diverse wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. Whether you are interested in observing alligators and manatees in the Everglades or black bears and white-tailed deer in Shenandoah, these parks are truly one of a kind.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Everglades National Park and Shenandoah National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Everglades National Park | Shenandoah 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 | Shenandoah 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 | Mountain Lion |
| Northern Short-Tailed Shrew | Gray Fox |
| Least Shrew | River Otter |
| Masked Shrew | |
| Water Shrew | |
| Red Squirrel | |
| White-Tailed Deer | |
| Virginia Opossum | |
| Marten | |
| Northern Flying Squirrel |
Fish
| Everglades National Park | Shenandoah National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Rainbow Trout |
| Bluegill | Brook Trout |
| Golden Shiner | Brown Trout |
| Yellow Bullhead | Largemouth Bass |
| Channel Catfish | Green Sunfish |
| Black Crappie | Bluegill |
| Mosquitofish | Common Carp |
| Brown Bullhead | Mottled Sculpin |
| Goldfish | Longnose Dace |
| Yellow Bullhead | |
| Creek Chub | |
| Brown Bullhead | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Amphibians
| Everglades National Park | Shenandoah National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog |
Reptiles
| Everglades National Park | Shenandoah National Park |
|---|---|
| Black Racer | |
| Ringneck Snake | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Common Kingsnake | |
| Milksnake | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard |
Insects
| Everglades National Park | Shenandoah National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch | |
| American Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Mourning Cloak | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Common Checkered Skipper | |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Buckeye | |
| Commom Wood Nymph | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Beautiful Landscapes in Everglades National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Everglades National Park and Shenandoah National Park are two of the most famous national parks in the United States. Both parks offer breathtaking landscapes, but they are different in many ways.
The Everglades is a unique ecosystem that covers over 1.5 million acres of wetlands, sawgrass marshes, and mangroves. This park is famous for its diverse wildlife, including alligators, panthers, and a variety of bird species. Visitors can explore the park by boat, hike along boardwalks, or take a scenic drive through the park.
Shenandoah National Park is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains and covers over 200,000 acres of forests, waterfalls, and scenic overlooks. The park is famous for its Skyline Drive, a 105-mile scenic drive that offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Visitors can hike along the Appalachian Trail, go horseback riding, or take a scenic drive to enjoy the view. In addition, the park is home to several waterfalls, including Whiteoak Canyon and Dark Hollow Falls.
Both parks offer unique experiences, but the Everglades is more suitable for nature lovers, while Shenandoah National Park is ideal for those who enjoy scenic drives and outdoor activities. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful escape or an adventure, these two parks are worth exploring.
Things To-Do and Activities in Everglades National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Everglades National Park and Shenandoah National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both are beloved for their stunning natural beauty and diverse activities that offer something for everyone.
In Everglades National Park, visitors can enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities such as bird watching, fishing, kayaking and camping. One of the most popular activities is exploring the park by airboat, where visitors can see the unique landscape of the Everglades from a different perspective. In addition, the park offers ranger-led programs, such as guided walks and nature talks, that provide a deeper appreciation for the park’s unique ecosystem.
Shenandoah National Park is also a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Hikers, campers, and nature lovers flock to the park to explore its many trails and scenic drives. The park is also home to several campgrounds, making it an ideal destination for those who love to camp and enjoy the great outdoors. In addition, visitors can also enjoy horseback riding, fishing, and wildlife viewing. One of the most popular activities is taking a scenic drive on Skyline Drive, a 105-mile road that offers breathtaking views of the park and surrounding area.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day trip or a multi-day adventure, Everglades National Park and Shenandoah National Park offer a variety of activities that are sure to please. With their unique landscapes and diverse activities, these parks are must-visit destinations for anyone who loves the great outdoors.
Best Time to Visit Everglades National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Everglades National Park and Shenandoah National Park are two of America’s most popular national parks, but they differ greatly in terms of their seasonal weather patterns. The Everglades is located in southern Florida, and its climate is tropical and humid year-round, with hot summers and warm winters. Shenandoah, on the other hand, is located in the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia, and its climate is temperate, with cool summers and cold winters.
The best time to visit the Everglades is from November to May, when the weather is dry and temperatures are mild. During the summer, temperatures can reach the high 90s, making outdoor activities challenging. On the other hand, the best time to visit Shenandoah is from late spring to early fall, when temperatures are mild and the park’s famous Appalachian Mountains are in full bloom. Winter is not the ideal season to visit, as the park can receive heavy snowfall and temperatures can drop below freezing.
In conclusion, both Everglades National Park and Shenandoah National Park offer unique experiences and breathtaking scenery, but the weather patterns at each park greatly influence when it is best to visit. Whether you are looking to escape the heat or experience the beauty of a winter wonderland, each park has its own ideal season for a visit.
Family Friendliness of Everglades National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Everglades National Park and Shenandoah National Park are two popular parks that attract many families each year. Both parks offer unique experiences and different levels of family-friendliness.
The Everglades is known for its vast wetlands, wildlife, and airboat tours. The park offers several ranger-led programs and has a Junior Ranger program for children. However, the park’s remote location and lack of shade can make it challenging for families with young children. Additionally, the park is large and spread out, making it difficult for families to see all of the attractions in one day.
Shenandoah National Park, on the other hand, is located in the Appalachian Mountains and offers scenic drives, hiking trails, and picnic areas. The park is more compact and easier to navigate, making it more convenient for families with young children. In addition, the park has a Junior Ranger program, ranger-led programs, and several picnic areas with playgrounds.
When it comes to choosing between these two parks, it ultimately depends on what type of experience you want to have and what is important to you and your family. If you’re looking for a remote wilderness experience and are willing to sacrifice some convenience, the Everglades might be the better choice. But if you prefer a more compact and accessible park with plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, Shenandoah may be the better option for your family.