Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Voyageurs National Park are two of the most breathtaking and unique national parks in the United States. Both are known for their stunning natural beauty and offer visitors a chance to experience the great outdoors in a way that is truly unforgettable. But what sets these two parks apart from each other, and which is the best choice for your next outdoor adventure? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Gates of the Arctic and Voyageurs National Park, comparing and contrasting their features, activities, and amenities to help you decide which one is right for you.
Whether you’re an avid hiker, a nature photographer, or just someone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, these two parks have something to offer. Gates of the Arctic is a wilderness lover’s paradise, with rugged terrain, pristine lakes, and glaciers that stretch as far as the eye can see. Voyageurs National Park, on the other hand, is a water-lover’s dream, with over 500 square miles of pristine lakes, bays, and waterways that are perfect for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing.
So, are you ready to embark on a journey to one of these breathtaking national parks? Let’s dive in and see which one is the best fit for your next outdoor adventure!
Hiking Trails in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Voyageurs National Park
Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Voyageurs National Park are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. However, each park offers a unique hiking experience.
At Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve, hikers can expect a challenging backcountry experience. With no designated trails, hikers must navigate through rugged terrain and navigate using topographic maps and compasses. Some of the hardest hikes include the Knife Creek and Alatna River trails, which require experienced wilderness skills.
In contrast, Voyageurs National Park offers a variety of trails, ranging from easy lakeshore walks to strenuous backcountry hikes. Some popular trails include the Kabetogama Peninsula Hiking Trail and the Rainy Lake Hiking Trail, both of which offer stunning views of the parks waterways and forests. For those looking for an easy hike, the Ash River Trail is a great option, with a 1.5-mile round trip hike through the park’s northern hardwood forest.
Regardless of your hiking experience and ability, both Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Voyageurs National Park offer something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a challenging backcountry adventure, or a scenic lakeside stroll, these parks are must-visit destinations for any outdoor enthusiast.
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 Voyageurs National Park
Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Blind Ash Bay Trail | 5793.624 | 117.9576 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
Kabetogama Lake Overlook Trail | 643.736 | 17.9832 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
Cruiser Lake to Brown Lake and Anderson Bay | 14001.258 | 224.9424 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
Beaver Pond Overlook Trail | 482.802 | 1.8288 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
Kab-Ash Trail | 24461.968 | 406.908 | Easy | out and back | 3 |
Sullivan Bay Trail | 2092.142 | 27.7368 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
Black Bay Beaver Pond Trail | 1931.208 | 22.86 | Easy | out and back | 5 |
Wildlife in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Voyageurs National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve and Voyageurs National Park have both unique and similar wildlife experiences. Gates of the Arctic is located in Alaska and is known for its diverse wildlife, including grizzly bears, caribou, moose, and wolves. This park is also home to a variety of bird species, such as the bald eagle, peregrine falcon, and the gyrfalcon. In addition to animals, Gates of the Arctic is known for its stunning beauty, with vast scenery and breathtaking natural wonders.
On the other hand, Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota is famous for its water-based wildlife, including loons, otters, beavers, and pelicans. This park is also known for its diverse plant life, including wildflowers, ferns, and shrubs. In addition to these, you can also find woodland animals such as deer, black bears, and bobcats. Voyageurs National Park is also a great place to observe the night sky, given its remote location and minimal light pollution. Whether you are interested in birdwatching, wildlife observation, or simply want to enjoy the natural beauty of the park, both Gates of the Arctic and Voyageurs National Park offer unforgettable experiences.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Voyageurs National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Voyageurs 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 | Voyageurs 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 | Porcupine |
Common Shrew | Silver-Haired Bat |
Red Squirrel | Hoary Bat |
Montane Shrew | Red Fox |
Lynx | Long-Tailed Weasel |
Wolverine | House Mouse |
American Marten | Mountain Lion |
Grizzly Bear | Mink |
Meadow Vole | Common Gray Fox |
Moose | Plains Wolf |
Least Weasel | American Badger |
Pygmy Shrew | Ermine |
Northern Bog Lemming | Snowshoe Hare |
River Otter | |
Masked Shrew |
Fish
Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Voyageurs National Park |
---|---|
Longnose Sucker | Largemouth Bass |
Lake Trout | Longnose Sucker |
Northern Pike | Green Sunfish |
Eelpout | Bluegill |
King Salmon | Fathead Minnow |
Slimy Sculpin | Golden Shiner |
Chum Salmon | Lake Trout |
Dolly Varden | Northern Pike |
Arctic Grayling | Ellpout |
Mottled Sculpin | |
Slimy Sculpin | |
Longnose Dace | |
Black Crappie | |
Black Bullhead | |
Creek Chub | |
Brown Bullhead | |
Smallmouth Bass |
Amphibians
Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Voyageurs National Park |
---|---|
Wood Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
Wood Frog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Voyageurs National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Voyageurs National Park are two of the most beautiful national parks in the United States. Gates of the Arctic is located in northern Alaska and is known for its stunning landscapes, including the Brooks Range, which is a mountain range that runs through the park. The park is also home to the Arrigetch Peaks, a group of towering granite spires that offer breathtaking views for visitors.
Voyageurs National Park is located in northern Minnesota and is famous for its interconnected waterways, which are surrounded by dense forests and granite cliffs. Visitors can explore the park by boat or canoe, taking in the beauty of the lakes, bays, and islands. The park is also home to the Kabetogama Peninsula, which is a large volcanic rock formations that rise up from the lake. Visitors can hike to the top of the rock formations for panoramic views of the park.
Both parks offer visitors the opportunity to explore and experience the beauty of the natural world. Whether you’re looking for breathtaking mountain views or serene waterways, these parks are sure to leave you in awe.
Things To-Do and Activities in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Voyageurs National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Voyageurs National Park are two popular national parks in the United States that attract visitors from all over the world. Both parks offer a wide range of activities for visitors, but each park has its own unique set of activities that are most popular.
At Gates of the Arctic, visitors can go backpacking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Backpacking is a popular activity because of the park’s remote location and vast wilderness. Visitors can go on multi-day backpacking trips, exploring the rugged terrain and scenic vistas. Fishing is also popular in the park, with visitors fishing for Arctic grayling and Arctic char in the park’s many rivers and streams. Wildlife viewing is another popular activity, with visitors having the opportunity to see a variety of animals, including caribou, moose, and grizzly bears.
At Voyageurs National Park, visitors can go boating, fishing, and hiking. Boating is the most popular activity in the park, with visitors exploring the many lakes and rivers that make up the park. Fishing is also popular, with visitors fishing for walleye, northern pike, and smallmouth bass. Hiking is also popular, with visitors exploring the park’s many trails and scenic vistas. Additionally, visitors can also go kayaking and canoeing, giving them a unique perspective of the park’s waterways.
Both Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Voyageurs National Park offer a unique set of activities for visitors to enjoy. Whether it’s backpacking in Gates of the Arctic, or boating and fishing in Voyageurs, there is something for everyone in these parks.
Best Time to Visit Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Voyageurs National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve and Voyageurs National Park are two of the most beautiful national parks in the United States, but they are different in many ways, including their seasonal weather patterns.
Gates of the Arctic is located in interior Alaska and is known for its long, harsh winters, with temperatures often dropping to -40°F. Summer temperatures are much milder, but it is still important to be prepared for extreme weather conditions, including heavy rain and strong winds. The best time to visit Gates of the Arctic is during the summer months of June through August, when temperatures are at their warmest and wildlife is most active.
Voyageurs National Park, on the other hand, is located in northern Minnesota and experiences a more temperate climate, with warm summers and cold winters. Winters can be harsh, with temperatures dropping below zero and heavy snowfall, but the park is still accessible by snowmobile or snowshoe. Summer temperatures are mild, with average temperatures in the 70s, making it the best time to visit for outdoor recreation such as boating and hiking.
In conclusion, both Gates of the Arctic and Voyageurs National Park offer unique and beautiful experiences, but it is important to consider the seasonal weather patterns when planning a visit. While Gates of the Arctic is best visited in the summer, Voyageurs National Park is accessible year-round and offers a range of activities for visitors in both the summer and winter seasons.
Family Friendliness of Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Voyageurs National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve and Voyageurs National Park are two of the most beautiful parks in the United States. Both parks are great destinations for families, but they offer different experiences.
Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve is located in Alaska and is known for its rugged wilderness and stunning landscapes. It is a great place for families who enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and fishing. However, this park is not as developed as other parks and does not offer as many amenities for families. Children may find the long hikes and remote location challenging.
Voyageurs National Park is located in Minnesota and is known for its stunning lakes and waterways. It is a great place for families who enjoy boating, fishing, and other water-based activities. This park is more developed than Gates of the Arctic and offers more amenities for families, including campgrounds, picnic areas, and visitor centers. Children will love exploring the lakes and waterways, and there is plenty of wildlife to see, including beavers, moose, and bears.
In conclusion, if you’re traveling with children and looking for a more developed park with amenities, Voyageurs National Park is the better option. However, if you’re looking for a more rugged wilderness experience, Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve is a great choice.