Welcome to the exciting world of comparing National Parks! Today, we’ll be taking a journey through two of America’s most unique and fascinating parks: Gateway Arch National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park.
The Gateway Arch, located in St. Louis, Missouri, is a 630-foot monument that serves as the symbol of the city and is the tallest arch in the world. On the other hand, Mammoth Cave, located in central Kentucky, is the world’s longest known cave system and is a labyrinth of passageways that span more than 400 miles.
Both parks offer visitors a chance to explore and learn about America’s rich history and natural beauty, but they couldn’t be more different in what they have to offer. So, buckle up and get ready to discover which park is right for you. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or just looking for a unique adventure, there’s something for everyone in these two incredible National Parks.
Hiking Trails in Gateway Arch National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park both offer visitors a chance to experience the great outdoors, but they differ in hiking trails. Gateway Arch National Park features the Riverfront Trail, a 4.3-mile paved path along the Mississippi River. It provides a leisurely hike with stunning views of the Gateway Arch and downtown St. Louis. In contrast, Mammoth Cave National Park boasts over 70 miles of backcountry hiking trails, ranging from easy to strenuous. The park’s most popular trail, the Mammoth Cave Loop, is a 7.2-mile trek through the cave system, offering a unique hiking experience.
For those seeking a more challenging hike, Mammoth Cave National Park offers the Roppel Cave Trail, a strenuous 4.5-mile trek with steep inclines and rocky terrain. The trail leads to the bottom of the Roppel Canyon, where visitors can see the Green River and the park’s diverse wildlife. On the other hand, Gateway Arch National Park’s most challenging hike is the Arch to the Old Courthouse Trail, a 2.2-mile round-trip hike to the top of the Gateway Arch, offering panoramic views of the city.
In conclusion, both parks offer diverse hiking experiences, from the leisurely Riverfront Trail at Gateway Arch National Park to the strenuous Roppel Cave Trail at Mammoth Cave National Park. Whether you’re looking for an easy hike or a more challenging one, both parks have something to offer.
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 Mammoth Cave National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Green River Bluffs Trail | 7242.03 | 169.7736 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Cedar Sink Trail | 2896.812 | 70.7136 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Mammoth Cave National Park Scenic Drive | 17541.806 | 173.736 | Easy | point to point | 4.5 |
| Sinkhole Trail | 3862.416 | 108.8136 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Echo River Spring and Sinkhole Loop | 4988.954 | 122.8344 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Echo River and River Styx Springs Trail | 5471.756 | 129.8448 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Sal Hollow and Buffalo Creek Loop Trail | 8690.436 | 100.8888 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
| Dixon Cave Trail Loop | 2414.01 | 83.82 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| First Creek Lake Trail | 5793.624 | 158.8008 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| McCoy Hollow Trail | 19794.882 | 434.9496 | Hard | out and back | 4 |
Wildlife in Gateway Arch National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park are two of America’s most popular national parks. Located in Missouri and Kentucky respectively, both parks offer unique wildlife experiences to visitors.
The Gateway Arch National Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, river otters, beavers, and a variety of bird species such as the bald eagle and the American white pelican. Visitors to the park can also see the threatened Indiana bat and the endangered interior least tern. The park’s location near the Mississippi River provides a habitat for a large number of migratory birds, making it a popular destination for bird-watching.
In contrast, Mammoth Cave National Park is located in a karst region and is home to a unique collection of wildlife, including bats, salamanders, and blind fish. The park is also a habitat for the gray bat, which is an endangered species, and the Indiana bat, which is a threatened species. The park is also home to a number of bird species such as the red-tailed hawk, the great blue heron, and the American crow. Visitors to the park can also see a variety of wildflowers and trees, including the tulip poplar, the white oak, and the American beech.
Both Gateway Arch National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park offer visitors a chance to see a variety of wildlife in their natural habitats. Whether you’re interested in birds, bats, or wildflowers, both parks have something to offer.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Gateway Arch National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Gateway Arch National Park | Mammoth Cave 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 | Mammoth Cave 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 | Silver-Haired Bat |
| River Otter | Hoary Bat |
| Common Shrew | Red Fox |
| Red Squirrel | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Montane Shrew | House Mouse |
| Lynx | Mink |
| Wolverine | Gray Fox |
| American Marten | Western Long-Eared Bat |
| Grizzly Bear | River Otter |
| Meadow Vole | Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat |
| Moose | White-Tailed Deer |
| Least Weasel | Virginia Opossum |
| Pygmy Shrew | Meadow Vole |
| Northern Bog Lemming | Eastern Red Bat |
| White-Footed Mouse | |
| Norway Rat |
Fish
| Gateway Arch National Park | Mammoth Cave National Park |
|---|---|
| Longnose Sucker | Rainbow Trout |
| Lake Trout | Largemouth Bass |
| Northern Pike | Green Sunfish |
| Eelpout | Bluegill |
| King Salmon | Golden Shiner |
| Slimy Sculpin | Common Carp |
| Chum Salmon | Yellow Bullhead |
| Dolly Varden | Channel Catfish |
| Arctic Grayling | Black Crappie |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Mosquitofish | |
| Creek Chub | |
| Goldfish | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Amphibians
| Gateway Arch National Park | Mammoth Cave National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Eastern Tiger Salamander |
| Bullfrog | |
| Wood Frog |
Reptiles
| Gateway Arch National Park | Mammoth Cave National Park |
|---|---|
| Black Racer | |
| Ringneck Snake | |
| Eastern Garter Snake | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard |
Insects
| Gateway Arch National Park | Mammoth Cave National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Commom Wood Nymph |
Beautiful Landscapes in Gateway Arch National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park are two of America’s most iconic national parks. Gateway Arch National Park is famous for its 630-foot tall Gateway Arch, which is a symbol of the city of St. Louis and the American West. The Arch is a remarkable feat of engineering, and visitors can take a tram to the top for sweeping views of the city and the Mississippi River.
Mammoth Cave National Park, on the other hand, is famous for its extensive underground cave system, which is one of the longest in the world. Visitors can take tours of the caves, including the historic “New Entrance” tour and the “Wild Cave” tour. The caves are home to a variety of unique and fascinating geological formations, as well as bats and other subterranean wildlife.
Both parks also offer visitors opportunities to hike, camp, and enjoy other outdoor activities. At Gateway Arch National Park, you can hike along the Riverfront Trail, which offers views of the Arch and the Mississippi River, and camp at the Jefferson Expansion Memorial Park. At Mammoth Cave National Park, you can hike in the park’s scenic backcountry and camp at one of the park’s several campgrounds.
Whether you’re interested in history, geology, or simply enjoying the great outdoors, Gateway Arch National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park are two must-see destinations that offer a wealth of opportunities for adventure and exploration.
Things To-Do and Activities in Gateway Arch National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park
Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, MO, and Mammoth Cave National Park, located in central Kentucky, offer unique and diverse outdoor recreation experiences. Gateway Arch is famous for its 630-foot stainless steel monument, which visitors can tour by tram or climb to the top for panoramic views of the city. In addition to the Gateway Arch, the park offers scenic riverfront trails and boat tours on the Mississippi River. Visitors can also explore the Museum of Westward Expansion to learn about the history of westward expansion and the role of the Gateway Arch.
Mammoth Cave National Park, on the other hand, offers a unique underground experience. The park is home to the world’s longest cave system, with over 400 miles of explored passages. Visitors can take guided tours of the caves, ranging from easy half-mile walks to strenuous multi-mile expeditions. Above ground, the park features over 70 miles of hiking trails, including scenic overlooks and backcountry routes. Camping is also popular, with several campgrounds and backcountry camping options available.
Overall, both Gateway Arch National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park offer a range of activities for nature and history enthusiasts. Whether exploring the Gateway Arch, taking a scenic riverfront walk, or going underground in Mammoth Cave, visitors are sure to have an unforgettable experience.
Best Time to Visit Gateway Arch National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park are two iconic National Parks located in different parts of the country. The weather at these parks is vastly different, and this affects when is the best time of year to visit each park.
Gateway Arch National Park is located in St. Louis, Missouri and experiences hot summers and cold winters. The summer months of June, July, and August tend to be the warmest, with temperatures reaching up to 90°F. Winter months of December, January, and February can be very cold, with temperatures dropping to below freezing. Visitors should be prepared for both hot and cold weather when visiting the park during these months.
Mammoth Cave National Park, on the other hand, is located in Kentucky and experiences a more moderate climate. The park has warm summers and mild winters, with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to low 80s during the summer months and from the mid-30s to mid-40s during the winter months. Additionally, the park is located in a region with high humidity, which can make the summer months feel quite hot and muggy. The best time to visit Mammoth Cave is during the spring and fall months, when the weather is mild and comfortable.
Both Gateway Arch National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park are beautiful and offer unique experiences for visitors. However, the weather at each park should be considered when planning a trip, as it can greatly impact the overall experience.
Family Friendliness of Gateway Arch National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park are two unique and popular national parks in the United States. Both parks have a lot to offer families and are great destinations for families looking for an outdoor adventure. However, there are some differences in terms of family-friendliness that are worth considering.
Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, is more geared towards families with children. The park features a 630-foot tall Gateway Arch, which is the tallest monument in the United States and offers stunning views of the city. The park also has a museum and several interactive exhibits, making it an educational and engaging experience for children. In addition, there are several parks and green spaces in the park, making it a great place for families to relax and play.
Mammoth Cave National Park, on the other hand, is a bit less family-friendly. The park is known for its vast network of underground caves, which can be explored on guided tours. While this is certainly an exciting and unique experience, it may be too intense or dark for some younger children. Additionally, the park has limited above-ground activities and amenities, making it a better choice for families with older children or for adults.
In conclusion, both Gateway Arch National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park are great destinations for families. However, Gateway Arch National Park is the better choice for families with younger children, while Mammoth Cave National Park is better for families with older children or for adults.