The United States is home to some of the world’s most fascinating national parks, each with its unique history and natural beauty. But have you ever wondered what sets Gateway Arch National Park apart from Hot Springs National Park, or vice versa? In this article, we will compare and contrast these two popular destinations to help you decide which one is right for your next adventure.
From the 630-foot stainless-steel arch in St. Louis to the natural hot springs in Arkansas, these parks offer vastly different experiences. Gateway Arch National Park showcases the country’s westward expansion and technological feats, while Hot Springs National Park offers a chance to relax and rejuvenate in the warm waters.
So, are you ready to embark on a journey of discovery? Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or simply looking for a fun and unique vacation, this article will give you the inside scoop on what these two national parks have to offer.
Hiking Trails in Gateway Arch National Park and Hot Springs National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Hot Springs National Park are two of the most popular parks in the United States, known for their unique landscapes and recreational opportunities.
One of the key differences between these two parks is their hiking trails. Gateway Arch National Park features several urban hikes that wind through the city, but the park’s crown jewel is the 630-foot Gateway Arch itself, which can be climbed via a staircase or a tram. Although the Arch is a strenuous climb, it offers breathtaking views of the city and the Mississippi River.
Hot Springs National Park, on the other hand, is known for its scenic trails that lead to natural hot springs. The park boasts over 26 miles of trails, ranging from easy walks to strenuous hikes. Some of the easiest hikes include the Sunset Trail, which leads to a scenic overlook, and the Hot Springs Mountain Tower Trail, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. For those seeking a more challenging hike, the trails along the Gulpha Gorge are steep and strenuous, but reward hikers with stunning views of the park’s natural beauty.
Overall, both Gateway Arch National Park and Hot Springs National Park offer a variety of hiking opportunities for visitors of all skill levels. Whether you are looking for an urban hike or a scenic stroll through nature, these parks have something to offer everyone.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Gateway Arch National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Louis Riverfront Trail | 34439.876 | 109.728 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Jefferson National Expansion Memorial | 2574.944 | 20.7264 | 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 Gateway Arch National Park and Hot Springs National Park
Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, is home to a variety of wildlife species, including white-tailed deer, beavers, and river otters. The park’s location along the Mississippi River provides a habitat for a variety of bird species, including bald eagles, herons, and pelicans. In addition, the park’s lush vegetation provides a habitat for a variety of plants and flowers, including wildflowers and native grasses.
Hot Springs National Park, located in Arkansas, is known for its hot springs and diverse wildlife. The park is home to a variety of mammals, including black bears, coyotes, and raccoons. Bird enthusiasts can also enjoy a variety of bird species, including vultures, woodpeckers, and barred owls. The park’s lush vegetation provides a habitat for a variety of plants, including ferns, mosses, and wildflowers. In addition, the park’s hot springs provide a unique habitat for a variety of aquatic plants and animals, including algae, crustaceans, and mollusks.
Both parks offer visitors a chance to see a variety of wildlife species in their natural habitats. Whether you’re interested in mammals, birds, or plants, both Gateway Arch National Park and Hot Springs National Park offer a wealth of opportunities for wildlife observation and enjoyment.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Gateway Arch National Park and Hot Springs National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Gateway Arch 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 |
| 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
| Gateway Arch National Park | Hot Springs 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 | Mink |
| American Marten | Gray Fox |
| Grizzly Bear | North American River Otter |
| Meadow Vole | Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat |
| Moose | White-Tailed Deer |
| Least Weasel | Virginia Opossum |
| Pygmy Shrew | Eastern Red Bat |
| Northern Bog Lemming | White-Footed Mouse |
| Norway Rat | |
| Eastern Cottontail |
Fish
| Gateway Arch National Park | Hot Springs National Park |
|---|---|
| Longnose Sucker | Largemouth Bass |
| Lake Trout | Green Sunfish |
| Northern Pike | Bluegill |
| Eelpout | Fathead Minnow |
| King Salmon | Golden Shiner |
| Slimy Sculpin | European Carp |
| Chum Salmon | Yellow Bullhead |
| Dolly Varden | Graceful Catfish |
| Arctic Grayling | Black Crappie |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Mosquitofish | |
| Creek Chub | |
| Brown Bullhead | |
| Goldfish | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Amphibians
| Gateway Arch National Park | Hot Springs National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Bullfrog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Gateway Arch National Park and Hot Springs National Park
Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, is most famous for its 630-foot tall Gateway Arch, a stainless steel monument that serves as a symbol of American westward expansion. The park offers stunning views of the Mississippi River and the city of St. Louis from the top of the arch. Visitors can also explore the Old Courthouse, where Dred Scott sued for his freedom, and take a riverboat cruise on the Mississippi.
Hot Springs National Park, located in Hot Springs, Arkansas, is best known for its thermal springs, which are naturally heated by geothermal energy. The park features a series of bathhouses, where visitors can soak in the mineral-rich waters and enjoy the therapeutic benefits. The park is also home to scenic hiking trails, including the Hot Springs Mountain Tower, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding Ouachita Mountains. Additionally, visitors can tour the historic Fordyce Bathhouse, which has been restored to its 1920s appearance.
Things To-Do and Activities in Gateway Arch National Park and Hot Springs National Park
Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, offers a unique blend of history and outdoor recreation. Visitors can take a tram to the top of the 630-foot Gateway Arch for panoramic views of the city and Mississippi River. History buffs can visit the Museum of Westward Expansion to learn about the pioneers who traveled through the area. The park also features a riverfront park and a bike and pedestrian trail that hugs the Mississippi River.
Hot Springs National Park, located in Hot Springs, Arkansas, is a haven for nature lovers and those seeking relaxation. The park’s main attraction is the thermal waters that flow from 47 hot springs, which are available for visitors to soak in at the Bathhouse Row historic district. People also love to hike in the park’s mountainous terrain, and visit scenic overlooks like the Hot Springs Mountain Tower. In addition, the park offers camping, fishing and horseback riding opportunities.
Both Gateway Arch National Park and Hot Springs National Park offer unique experiences that cater to different interests. While Gateway Arch National Park is ideal for those interested in history, architecture, and urban outdoor recreation, Hot Springs National Park is perfect for nature lovers and those seeking relaxation. Regardless of what you’re interested in, both parks are worth a visit.
Best Time to Visit Gateway Arch National Park and Hot Springs National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Hot Springs National Park have different climates, making the best time to visit vary based on individual preferences and activities.
Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, has hot and humid summers and cold, snowy winters. Summer temperatures can reach over 90°F, while winter temperatures can dip below freezing. This weather pattern makes spring and fall the best time to visit Gateway Arch National Park, when temperatures are more moderate.
Hot Springs National Park, located in Hot Springs, Arkansas, has a more temperate climate with hot summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures can reach the mid-80s, while winter temperatures typically stay above freezing. This weather pattern makes it a popular destination year-round, with peak visitation during the summer months.
Both parks offer unique experiences and attractions, but the weather can affect what activities are available and the most enjoyable time to visit. For example, at Gateway Arch National Park, the summer heat and humidity can make outdoor activities less comfortable, while the winter snow and ice can make some areas of the park inaccessible. At Hot Springs National Park, the mild temperatures and natural hot springs make it a popular destination for outdoor recreation and relaxation all year.
Family Friendliness of Gateway Arch National Park and Hot Springs National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Hot Springs National Park are two popular destinations for families, but each one is unique in its own way. The Gateway Arch National Park is located in St. Louis and is a great place to visit if you want to learn about the history of the westward expansion of America. The park features the 630-foot tall Gateway Arch, which is a symbol of the American west. Visitors can ride a tram to the top of the Arch for a breathtaking view of the city. The park also has a museum with interactive exhibits and a movie that tells the story of the westward expansion.
Hot Springs National Park, on the other hand, is located in Arkansas and is known for its hot springs and natural beauty. The park has hiking trails and scenic drives, making it a great place to enjoy the outdoors. The park also has several thermal baths that visitors can use to relax and rejuvenate. There is also a museum that tells the history of the hot springs and the park.
When it comes to which park is better for families, it really depends on the interests of the family. If you’re interested in history and want to learn about the westward expansion of America, then the Gateway Arch National Park is a great choice. If you’re looking for a more outdoor-oriented experience, then Hot Springs National Park is a better choice. Both parks have plenty to offer families, so it really comes down to what you’re looking for in a family vacation.