Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Shenandoah National Park are two of the most beautiful and diverse national parks in the United States. Each park has its own unique character and charm that attracts millions of visitors every year. Whether you are a nature lover, an adventurer, or a history buff, there is something for everyone in these two parks. So, buckle up and get ready to join us on a journey through the breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Shenandoah National Park.
Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve is an oasis of serenity in the heart of Alaska’s rugged wilderness. This park is home to some of the most pristine and wild landscapes in the country, including glaciers, forests, rivers, and peaks. It is a true paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, offering endless opportunities for adventure, from backpacking and hiking to fishing and wildlife viewing.
Shenandoah National Park, on the other hand, is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia and is known for its rolling hills, scenic drives, and breathtaking views. This park is a popular destination for families, hikers, and campers, offering a variety of recreational activities, from short nature walks to challenging backcountry trails. Whether you are looking to escape from the city or to reconnect with nature, Shenandoah National Park is the perfect place to do so.
Hiking Trails in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Shenandoah National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, offers a unique and rugged hiking experience. The park is characterized by its remote wilderness and challenging trails, with limited facilities and marked trails. The hardest hike in the park is the 89-mile long Arrigetch Peaks, which takes several days to complete and requires backpacking skills. On the other hand, the easiest hike is the 2.5-mile long John River Trail.
Shenandoah National Park, located in Virginia, has over 500 miles of trails, offering a range of difficulty levels. The park is known for its scenic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Appalachian Trail. The most challenging hike in the park is the Old Rag Mountain, a 9.3-mile loop with steep and rocky terrain. On the other hand, the easiest hike is the 1.4-mile long Lewis Falls Trail, which offers a peaceful stroll along a waterfall.
Both parks offer opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to explore and challenge themselves, but the type of experience will depend on the level of difficulty desired. Gates of the Arctic is for those seeking a rugged, remote wilderness experience, while Shenandoah is for those who want a mix of different levels of difficulty with scenic views.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve
| 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 | 5 |
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 Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Shenandoah National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, located in Alaska, is a remote wilderness area with a unique array of wildlife. The park is home to a variety of mammals, including caribou, grizzly bears, and wolves. Additionally, visitors can see moose, Dall sheep, and arctic foxes. The park also offers bird-watching opportunities, including sightings of peregrine falcons, golden eagles, and gyrfalcons. The park is also home to a number of fish species, including Arctic grayling, lake trout, and arctic char.
Shenandoah National Park, located in Virginia, offers a different experience with its temperate climate. The park is home to a variety of mammals, including black bears, deer, and foxes. Visitors can also see a range of bird species, including remarkable sightings of the endangered cerulean warbler, as well as other birds such as the scarlet tanager and the wood thrush. The park also boasts a rich plant life, including the rare Virginia spiraea and the delicate wild hyacinth. Additionally, visitors can see a variety of fungi, including the colorful turkey tail and the delicate fairy ring mushroom.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Shenandoah National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | 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 |
| Savannah Sparrow | Barn Swallow |
| Hermit Thrush | Savannah Sparrow |
| American Kestrel | Great Blue Heron |
| Bald Eagle | Hermit Thrush |
| Northern Pintail | American Kestrel |
| American Wigeon | Bald Eagle |
| Green-Winged Teal | Song Sparrow |
| American Pipit | European Starling |
| Swainson’s Thrush | Northern Pintail |
| Hairy Woodpecker | American Wigeon |
| Red-Breasted Nuthatch | Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Shenandoah National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Black Bear | Big Brown Bat |
| Porcupine | Bobcat |
| Red Fox | Striped Skunk |
| Mink | Little Brown Bat |
| Wolf | Deer Mouse |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | Raccoon |
| Varying Hare | Black Bear |
| River Otter | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Common Shrew | Hoary Bat |
| Red Squirrel | Red Fox |
| Montane Shrew | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Lynx | House Mouse |
| Wolverine | Mountain Lion |
| American Marten | Gray Fox |
| Grizzly Bear | River Otter |
| Meadow Vole | Masked Shrew |
| Moose | Water Shrew |
| Least Weasel | Red Squirrel |
| Pygmy Shrew | White-Tailed Deer |
| Northern Bog Lemming | Virginia Opossum |
| Marten | |
| Northern Flying Squirrel |
Fish
| Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Shenandoah National Park |
|---|---|
| Longnose Sucker | Rainbow Trout |
| Lake Trout | Brook Trout |
| Northern Pike | Brown Trout |
| Eelpout | Largemouth Bass |
| King Salmon | Green Sunfish |
| Slimy Sculpin | Bluegill |
| Chum Salmon | Common Carp |
| Dolly Varden | Mottled Sculpin |
| Arctic Grayling | Longnose Dace |
| Yellow Bullhead | |
| Creek Chub | |
| Brown Bullhead | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Amphibians
| Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Shenandoah National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
Reptiles
| Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Shenandoah National Park |
|---|---|
| Black Racer | |
| Ringneck Snake | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Common Kingsnake | |
| Milksnake | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard |
Insects
| Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | 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 Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Shenandoah National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve is located in northern Alaska and features the Brooks Mountain Range and the Noatak River Basin. This park is know for its rugged terrain, and provides visitors with a true wilderness experience. Hiking and backpacking are popular activities in this park, as well as fishing and rafting on its rivers and streams.
Shenandoah National Park, located in Virginia, is known for its beautiful landscapes, including the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Skyline Drive, and the park’s many waterfalls. The Skyline Drive is a scenic road that runs the length of the park, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Visitors can also enjoy hiking and camping, as well as picnicking, fishing, and horseback riding. The park also has over 500 miles of trails for visitors to explore, including the famous Appalachian Trail.
Things To-Do and Activities in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Shenandoah National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Shenandoah National Park both offer diverse outdoor recreational activities for nature lovers. Gates of the Arctic is remote wilderness that covers over 8 million acres and is ideal for backcountry camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Shenandoah, on the other hand, is located in Virginia and covers over 200,000 acres of rolling hills, forests, and streams. It’s popular for scenic drives, picnicking, and camping.
Both parks offer scenic drives for visitors, but the experience is very different. The drive through Shenandoah is along Skyline Drive, a 105-mile road that winds along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains. In contrast, the Dalton Highway in Gates of the Arctic is a rugged, remote road that runs from Fairbanks to Deadhorse.
Fishing is a popular activity in both parks, but the type of fishing and the species of fish are different. In Shenandoah, visitors can fish for trout and bass in the park’s streams, while in Gates of the Arctic, visitors can fish for Arctic grayling and Arctic char.
For those seeking a more immersive wilderness experience, backcountry camping is a great option in Gates of the Arctic. With no designated campsites, visitors must be self-sufficient, packing in all supplies and adhering to Leave No Trace principles. In contrast, Shenandoah offers several campgrounds, with amenities like running water, fire pits, and picnic tables.
In conclusion, both Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Shenandoah National Park have something for everyone, from scenic drives to fishing and camping. However, the type of experience one is seeking will dictate which park is the better choice.
Best Time to Visit Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Shenandoah National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska, while Shenandoah National Park is located in Virginia. The climate in Alaska is subarctic, with long, cold winters and short, cool summers. In the winter, temperatures can drop below -40°F, and the park is covered in snow. In the summer, temperatures average around 50°F, and the sun shines for nearly 24 hours a day. The best time to visit is during the summer months, when visitors can experience the park’s scenic beauty, wildlife, and recreational opportunities.
Shenandoah National Park, on the other hand, has a temperate climate with warm summers and cold winters. During the summer months, temperatures average around 80°F, and the park is filled with blooming wildflowers and lush greenery. In the winter, temperatures average around 40°F, and the park is blanketed in snow. The best time to visit is in the fall, when the park’s trees put on a spectacular display of color.
In conclusion, the seasonal weather at each park affects the best time of year to visit. While Gates of the Arctic is best visited during the summer, Shenandoah is at its best during the fall. Visitors should plan their trips accordingly to make the most of their park experience.
Family Friendliness of Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Shenandoah National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Shenandoah National Park are both excellent options for families who are looking for a fun and educational outdoor experience. However, the two parks offer different levels of family-friendliness.
Shenandoah National Park is a great choice for families. It has many kid-friendly trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds. The park also offers ranger-led programs and an extensive network of Skyline Drive, which provides stunning views of the park. Additionally, there are many nearby towns that offer lodging, dining and shopping options.
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is a more remote and challenging destination. The park is located in the far northern part of Alaska and is known for its rugged wilderness and untamed beauty. Although it is a popular destination for backcountry enthusiasts, it may not be as accessible or convenient for families traveling with children. There are limited facilities and services within the park, and visitors must be prepared for self-sufficient camping and backcountry travel.
In conclusion, both parks are great options for families, but Shenandoah National Park is likely the better choice for families traveling with children due to its accessibility, kid-friendly trails, and range of amenities. However, families who are up for an adventure may find Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve to be a unique and unforgettable experience.