The Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri, and the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia both offer unique and exciting experiences for visitors, but which is worth a visit? This article will compare and contrast these two national parks and help you decide which one is right for your next adventure.
The Gateway Arch is a 630-foot monument that symbolizes the westward expansion of the United States. Visitors can take a tram to the top for panoramic views of the city, and there is also a museum showcasing the history of the westward expansion. Meanwhile, Shenandoah National Park covers over 200,000 acres of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering scenic drives, hiking trails, and breathtaking views from its many overlooks.
Both parks offer something for everyone, but which one will leave a lasting impression? Will it be the towering Gateway Arch, or the serene beauty of Shenandoah National Park? Read on to find out!
Hiking Trails in Gateway Arch National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Shenandoah National Park are two popular National Parks in the US. Both parks offer unique hiking experiences with a range of trails for all levels of hikers.
Gateway Arch National Park is located in St Louis, Missouri and is centered around the 630-foot Gateway Arch monument. The park offers several short trails with stunning views of the city and the Mississippi River. The park’s main trail is the Riverfront Trail, a 2.2-mile hike that takes you along the river’s edge. This trail is easy and suitable for all levels of hikers.
Shenandoah National Park, located in Virginia, is known for its scenic drives and breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The park offers over 500 miles of trail, including the famous Appalachian Trail. The park’s easiest hike is the Rose River Falls Trail, a 1.7-mile hike that takes you to a beautiful waterfall. The toughest hike in the park is the Old Rag Mountain hike, a strenuous 9-mile hike that requires a full day to complete.
In conclusion, both Gateway Arch National Park and Shenandoah National Park offer a variety of hiking experiences for all levels of hikers. Whether you’re looking for a short, easy hike or a challenging all-day adventure, these parks have something for 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 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 Gateway Arch National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Shenandoah National Park are two popular national parks that offer unique and diverse wildlife experiences.
At Gateway Arch National Park, visitors can expect to see a variety of bird species such as Bald Eagles, Peregrine Falcons, and Rock Pigeons, along with mammals like White-tailed Deer, Red Foxes, and River Otters. The park is also home to a number of unique plant species, including the American Lotus and Wild Senna.
Shenandoah National Park is a haven for bird enthusiasts, with over 200 species of birds found in the park, including the Blackburnian Warbler, Canada Warbler, and Cerulean Warbler. Visitors can also expect to see a variety of mammals, such as Black Bears, White-tailed Deer, and Gray Squirrels, as well as reptiles and amphibians like Eastern Box Turtles and American Toads. The park is also home to a number of beautiful wildflowers, including the Mountain Laurel and Wild Pink.
In conclusion, both Gateway Arch National Park and Shenandoah National Park offer a unique and diverse wildlife experience, with different species of birds, mammals, and plants to be seen. Whether you are a bird-watcher or wildlife enthusiast, these parks are definitely worth a visit.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Gateway Arch National Park and Shenandoah National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Gateway Arch 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 |
| 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 | 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
| Gateway Arch National Park | 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
| Gateway Arch National Park | Shenandoah National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
Reptiles
| Gateway Arch National Park | Shenandoah National Park |
|---|---|
| Black Racer | |
| Ringneck Snake | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Common Kingsnake | |
| Milksnake | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard |
Insects
| Gateway Arch 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 Gateway Arch National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Shenandoah National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, is famous for its 630-foot-tall Gateway Arch, which is the tallest monument in the Western Hemisphere. Visitors can take a tram to the top of the arch for panoramic views of the city and Mississippi River.
Shenandoah National Park, located in Virginia, offers breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The park is home to over 500 miles of hiking trails, including the popular Appalachian Trail. Visitors can drive along Skyline Drive, a scenic road that runs the length of the park, for stunning views of the rolling hills and valleys. The park is also home to several waterfalls, including Dark Hollow Falls and Whiteoak Canyon Falls.
Both parks offer a variety of recreational activities, from hiking and camping to fishing and bird watching. Whether you’re looking for an urban escape or a nature-filled adventure, Gateway Arch National Park and Shenandoah National Park are both excellent destinations for outdoor enthusiasts.
Things To-Do and Activities in Gateway Arch National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Shenandoah National Park are two popular national parks in the United States. While both offer a wealth of outdoor activities for visitors, each park has its own unique attractions and experiences.
Gateway Arch National Park is located in St. Louis, Missouri and is known for its 630-foot stainless steel monument, the Gateway Arch. Visitors can take a tram to the top of the Arch for breathtaking views of the city and the Mississippi River. The park is also home to several museums and exhibits, including the Museum of Westward Expansion and the Old Courthouse, where the famous Dred Scott case was heard.
Shenandoah National Park, on the other hand, is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia and covers over 200,000 acres. It is a popular destination for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. Visitors can drive the scenic Skyline Drive, which runs the length of the park and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The park is also home to over 500 miles of hiking trails, including the popular Old Rag Mountain hike.
Whether you’re looking to take in breathtaking views, explore history and culture, or get outside and enjoy nature, both Gateway Arch National Park and Shenandoah National Park offer something for everyone. Each park has its own unique charm and attractions, making them both must-visit destinations for nature lovers, history buffs, and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Best Time to Visit Gateway Arch National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, and Shenandoah National Park, located in Virginia, both offer unique outdoor experiences. However, the seasonal weather can greatly affect the best time to visit each park.
Gateway Arch National Park experiences hot summers with temperatures often reaching into the 90s and humid conditions. Winters can be cold with temperatures dropping below freezing and snowfall. The park is most popular in the spring and fall when temperatures are mild and perfect for outdoor activities.
Shenandoah National Park has a more moderate climate with cooler summers and mild winters. The park is known for its stunning fall foliage and is most popular during the autumn months. Summertime can also be a great time to visit as temperatures are comfortable for hiking and camping. Winters can bring snow and cold temperatures, but the park’s scenic drives remain open, offering unique winter views.
When deciding the best time to visit Gateway Arch National Park or Shenandoah National Park, consider the weather and what activities you want to enjoy. If you enjoy warm weather activities and don’t mind the heat and humidity, summer may be the best time to visit Gateway Arch National Park. If you prefer cooler temperatures and want to experience the fall foliage, autumn would be the ideal time to visit Shenandoah National Park.
Family Friendliness of Gateway Arch National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Shenandoah National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks have a lot to offer families, but they each have their own unique features that make them ideal for different types of travelers.
For families traveling with young children, Gateway Arch National Park is the better option. This park is located in St. Louis, Missouri and is home to the iconic Gateway Arch, a 630-foot monument that offers stunning views of the city. The park also features several interactive exhibits and educational programs that are perfect for kids. Additionally, the park is located in a bustling city, so families can easily find restaurants, shops, and other attractions to visit.
On the other hand, Shenandoah National Park is better for families with older children and teens. This park is located in Virginia and offers a more rugged and natural experience. The park is home to hundreds of miles of hiking trails, scenic drives, and breathtaking waterfalls. The park also has several campgrounds, making it a great option for families who love to camp and spend time in nature.
Both Gateway Arch National Park and Shenandoah National Park are great options for families, but they each have their own unique features that make them better suited for different types of travelers. Whether you’re traveling with young children or older kids, these parks have something to offer everyone.