Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Mammoth Cave National Park are two of the most magnificent natural wonders in the United States. These two parks are both unique in their own ways, offering visitors breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, an amateur photographer, or just looking for a peaceful escape, these two parks are sure to exceed your expectations.
In this article, we will compare Glacier Bay and Mammoth Cave in terms of their history, geography, attractions, and accessibility. We’ll take a closer look at the towering glaciers of Glacier Bay, the underground labyrinths of Mammoth Cave, and the many recreational activities available in both parks. Whether you’re planning a trip to one of these parks or just looking to learn more about them, this article is the perfect place to start.
So buckle up, grab a map and a compass, and get ready to embark on a journey through the wild and wondrous world of Glacier Bay and Mammoth Cave National Parks.
Hiking Trails in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Mammoth Cave National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Mammoth Cave National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both have their own unique features and hiking trails, so it’s important to know what each park has to offer.
At Glacier Bay, visitors can explore the rugged and wild terrain with trails ranging from easy to strenuous. One of the easiest hikes is the Bartlett Cove Trail, a 1.5-mile trail that winds through the forest and along the shoreline. The strenuous hikes include the Reid Glacier Trail, a 7.5-mile round trip trail that leads to the base of the Reid Glacier, and the Muir Glacier Trail, a 5.5-mile round trip trail that leads to the Muir Glacier.
At Mammoth Cave, the park offers over 70 miles of trails, from easy walks to strenuous backcountry hikes. The easiest hike is the River Styx Spring Trail, a 0.5-mile trail that takes visitors to the River Styx Spring. The strenuous hikes include the Echo River Spring Trail, a 3-mile trail that takes hikers through the backcountry, and the Grand Avenue Tour, a 7-mile trail that takes visitors through the heart of the cave system.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a leisurely walk, both parks have something to offer. While Glacier Bay’s trails offer stunning views of glaciers and wildlife, Mammoth Cave’s trails take visitors deep into the heart of one of the world’s largest caves.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bartlett Cove Forest Loop Trail | 1770.274 | 33.8328 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Bartlett River Trail | 11104.446 | 266.7 | Easy | out and back | 3 |
| Bartlet Lake Trail | 9495.106 | 141.732 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Tlingit Trail | 1770.274 | 19.812 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Point Gustavus | 20116.75 | 117.9576 | Moderate | out and back | 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 Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Mammoth Cave National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, is a unique and diverse wildlife haven. Visitors will have the chance to observe a variety of marine mammals, such as humpback whales, harbor seals, and sea lions, as well as a large number of bird species like puffins, bald eagles, and cormorants. In addition to the abundant marine life, Alaska’s glaciers, fjords, and forests provide habitats for land mammals like black bears, moose, and mountain goats.
On the other hand, Mammoth Cave National Park, located in Kentucky, has a different landscape and wildlife. The park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, grey squirrels, and black bears. Additionally, the park is a prime location for bird-watching, with species such as the red-tailed hawk, the eastern screech owl, and the wood duck commonly seen. Visitors can also explore the park’s extensive cave system, which is home to several unique species of bats and cave-dwelling invertebrates.
Both Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Mammoth Cave National Park offer visitors the chance to see a variety of unique and diverse wildlife species. Whether you’re interested in marine mammals or land mammals, birds or bats, these parks are sure to deliver an unforgettable wildlife experience.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Mammoth Cave National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | 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 |
| Barn Swallow | Barn Swallow |
| Savannah Sparrow | Savannah Sparrow |
| Great Blue Heron | Great Blue Heron |
| Hermit Thrush | Hermit Thrush |
| American Kestrel | American Kestrel |
| Bald Eagle | Bald Eagle |
| Song Sparrow | Song Sparrow |
| European Starling | European Starling |
| Northern Pintail | Northern Pintail |
| American Wigeon | American Wigeon |
| Green-Winged Teal | Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | Mammoth Cave National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Little Brown Bat | Muskrat |
| Deer Mouse | Big Brown Bat |
| Black Bear | Bobcat |
| Porcupine | Striped Skunk |
| Red Fox | Little Brown Bat |
| House Mouse | Deer Mouse |
| Mountain Lion | Raccoon |
| Mink | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Mule Deer | Hoary Bat |
| Gray Wolf | Red Fox |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Snowshoe Hare | House Mouse |
| River Otter | Mink |
| Masked Shrew | Gray Fox |
| Water Shrew | Western Long-Eared Bat |
| Red Squirrel | River Otter |
| Montane Shrew | Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat |
| Long-Tailed Vole | White-Tailed Deer |
| Lynx | Virginia Opossum |
| Wolverine | Meadow Vole |
| Marten | Eastern Red Bat |
| Northern Flying Squirrel | White-Footed Mouse |
| Grizzly Bear | Norway Rat |
Fish
| Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | Mammoth Cave National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Brook Trout | Largemouth Bass |
| Longnose Sucker | Green Sunfish |
| Lake Trout | Bluegill |
| Northern Pike | Golden Shiner |
| Burbot | Common Carp |
| Silver Salmon | Yellow Bullhead |
| Chinook Salmon | Channel Catfish |
| Slimy Sculpin | Black Crappie |
| Threespine Stickleback | Black Bullhead |
| Sockeye Salmon | Mosquitofish |
| Pink Salmon | Creek Chub |
| Chum Salmon | Goldfish |
| Dolly Varden | Smallmouth Bass |
| Cutthroat Trout | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
| Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | Mammoth Cave National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Eastern Tiger Salamander |
| Bullfrog | |
| Wood Frog |
Reptiles
| Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | Mammoth Cave National Park |
|---|---|
| Black Racer | |
| Ringneck Snake | |
| Eastern Garter Snake | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard |
Insects
| Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | Mammoth Cave National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Commom Wood Nymph |
Beautiful Landscapes in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Mammoth Cave National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska and is known for its stunning glaciers and tidewater glaciers. The park offers a unique experience for visitors to see glaciers up close, witness their beauty, and learn about the process of glacier formation. One of the most famous landscapes in the park is the Marjorie Glacier, which is a large glacier that can be seen from the park’s shore. Visitors can take a boat tour to get a closer look at the Marjorie Glacier and other glaciers in the park.
Mammoth Cave National Park is located in Kentucky and is known for its vast cave system. The park is home to the longest known cave system in the world, with over 400 miles of explored passageways. Visitors can take guided tours of the caves to learn about the history and geology of the cave system. The park is also home to beautiful landscapes, including rolling hills and lush forests. Visitors can hike the park’s trails to see these landscapes and enjoy the natural beauty of the park.
Both Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Mammoth Cave National Park offer unique experiences for visitors to see beautiful landscapes and learn about the natural wonders of the parks. Whether you are interested in glaciers or caves, these parks have something for everyone and are must-visit destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Things To-Do and Activities in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Mammoth Cave National Park
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is a popular destination for visitors who love to explore the wilderness and see glaciers up close. The park is located in Southeast Alaska and is known for its incredible glaciers, wildlife, and natural beauty. Visitors can take a boat tour to see the glaciers, go kayaking, or take a scenic flight to get a bird’s eye view of the park.
Mammoth Cave National Park, on the other hand, is a great destination for visitors interested in exploring caves. The park is located in Kentucky and is home to the largest cave system in the world. Visitors can take guided tours of the caves, go hiking or camping, and explore the park’s natural beauty. The park also offers ranger-led programs, such as night walks and wild cave tours, for those seeking a more immersive experience.
Both parks offer unique experiences and visitors often choose between the two based on their personal interests. For those who value wilderness and wildlife, Glacier Bay is a great choice. For those who love underground adventures, Mammoth Cave is the perfect destination. Regardless of which park visitors choose, they can be sure they will have an unforgettable experience and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Best Time to Visit Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Mammoth Cave National Park
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is located in Alaska and is known for its glaciers, rugged coastline, and abundant wildlife. The park has a subarctic climate, with long, cold winters and short, cool summers. The average temperature in winter is around 20°F (-6°C) and in summer it’s around 50°F (10°C). Winter is the best time to view the glaciers, but visitors should be prepared for harsh weather conditions, including snow and high winds. Summer is the best time to see the wildlife and enjoy outdoor recreation, but visitors should be prepared for rain and cool temperatures.
Mammoth Cave National Park is located in Kentucky and is known for its limestone caves and underground river system. The park has a temperate climate, with warm, humid summers and cool, dry winters. The average temperature in summer is around 80°F (27°C) and in winter it’s around 50°F (10°C). Summer is the best time to explore the caves and enjoy outdoor recreation, but visitors should be prepared for high humidity and potential thunderstorms. Winter is the best time to hike and enjoy scenic views, but visitors should be prepared for cold temperatures and potential snow.
Family Friendliness of Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Mammoth Cave National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Mammoth Cave National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both of these parks offer unique and diverse experiences for visitors, but they have different levels of family-friendliness.
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is a great option for families with children because the park offers a range of outdoor activities for all ages. Visitors can go kayaking, hiking, and fishing in the park’s pristine wilderness. The park also offers guided boat tours and educational ranger programs, which are great for families with kids.
In contrast, Mammoth Cave National Park might not be the best choice for families as it mostly consists of underground cave systems, which can be challenging for younger children. The park does offer ranger-led tours, but the tours can be physically demanding, and the caves can be dark and damp. Additionally, the park does not have many outdoor activities for children, which makes it less appealing for families with kids.
In conclusion, if you’re traveling with children, Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is a better option than Mammoth Cave National Park. The former offers a wide range of outdoor activities and educational programs that are suitable for families with kids, while the latter is mainly focused on underground cave systems that might not be as appealing to families with children.