Glacier National Park and Shenandoah National Park are two of the most beautiful and breathtaking national parks in the United States. Both parks offer stunning scenery, diverse wildlife, and a variety of outdoor activities for visitors. However, each park has its own unique character and charm that sets it apart from the other.
For adventure seekers, Glacier National Park is a must-visit destination with its rugged terrain, towering peaks and pristine glacial lakes. Shenandoah National Park on the other hand, is a peaceful retreat that offers a serene escape from city life with its rolling hills and lush forests. Whether you’re looking for a thrilling hike or a relaxing picnic, both parks have something to offer.
In this article, we’ll be comparing and contrasting the two parks and helping you decide which one is right for your next outdoor adventure. So grab a pen and paper, and get ready to take some notes!
Hiking Trails in Glacier National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Glacier National Park, located in Montana, boasts over 700 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to strenuous backcountry treks. Hikers can explore the park’s diverse landscapes, from alpine meadows to rugged peaks. Some of the most popular hikes include the Highline Trail, which offers stunning views of the park’s rugged wilderness, and the Grinnell Glacier trail, which leads to a stunning glacier-carved lake. However, these hikes can be challenging, and it is best to be prepared for steep climbs and rocky terrain.
Shenandoah National Park, located in Virginia, offers over 500 miles of hiking trails for visitors to explore. The park is known for its rolling hills, lush forests, and stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Some of the easiest hikes include the Limberlost Trail, which is a gentle walk through the park’s lush forests, and the White Oak Canyon trail, which is a moderate hike with several waterfalls along the way. For those seeking a more strenuous challenge, the Old Rag Mountain hike is a popular destination, known for its steep climbs and rocky terrain.
Both parks offer a wide range of hiking opportunities for visitors of all skill levels, from easy walks to challenging backcountry treks. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely hike or an adventure in the wilderness, both Glacier and Shenandoah National Parks offer something for everyone.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Glacier National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grinnell Glacier Trail | 18185.542 | 658.9776 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Avalanche Lake via the Trail of the Cedars | 9173.238 | 227.9904 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Iceberg Lake Trail | 14966.862 | 441.96 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Hidden Lake Trail | 8529.502 | 418.7952 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Highline Trail – Logan Pass to Granite Park Chalet | 23979.166 | 785.7744 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| St. Mary and Virginia Falls Trail | 4667.086 | 137.7696 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Hidden Lake Overlook | 4506.152 | 176.784 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Cracker Lake Trail | 19312.08 | 502.92 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Trail of the Cedars | 1287.472 | 10.9728 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| The Garden Wall | 23657.298 | 1068.9336 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
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 Glacier National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Glacier National Park and Shenandoah National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer unique and diverse wildlife experiences, with different animals, birds and plants commonly seen in each park.
At Glacier National Park, visitors can expect to see a wide variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears, moose, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep. There are also many bird species in the park, including bald eagles, ospreys, and peregrine falcons. Additionally, visitors can also see a variety of plant species, including wildflowers, conifers, and deciduous trees.
Meanwhile, Shenandoah National Park is home to many animals, including deer, black bears, and foxes. There are also many bird species in the park, including hawks, owls, and songbirds. Visitors can also see a variety of plant species, including wildflowers, ferns, and native trees.
In conclusion, both Glacier National Park and Shenandoah National Park offer unique and diverse wildlife experiences, with different animals, birds, and plants commonly seen in each park. Whether you’re a birdwatcher, a wildlife enthusiast, or simply looking for a scenic hike, both parks are definitely worth a visit.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Glacier National Park and Shenandoah National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Glacier 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 |
| 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 National Park | Shenandoah National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Big Brown Bat | Big Brown Bat |
| Bobcat | Bobcat |
| Striped Skunk | Striped Skunk |
| Little Brown Bat | Little Brown Bat |
| Deer Mouse | Deer Mouse |
| Raccoon | Raccoon |
| Black Bear | Black Bear |
| Porcupine | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Hoary Bat |
| Hoary Bat | Red Fox |
| Red Fox | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | House Mouse |
| Mountain Lion | Mountain Lion |
| Mink | Gray Fox |
| Mule Deer | River Otter |
| Gray Wolf | Masked Shrew |
| Long-Legged Bat | Water Shrew |
| Long-Eared Bat | Red Squirrel |
| Badger | White-Tailed Deer |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | Virginia Opossum |
| California Myotis | Marten |
| Snowshoe Hare | Northern Flying Squirrel |
Fish
| Glacier National Park | Shenandoah National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Brook Trout | Brook Trout |
| Longnose Sucker | Brown Trout |
| Fathead Minnow | Largemouth Bass |
| Lake Trout | Green Sunfish |
| Northern Pike | Bluegill |
| Burbot | Common Carp |
| Mottled Sculpin | Mottled Sculpin |
| Slimy Sculpin | Longnose Dace |
| Longnose Dace | Yellow Bullhead |
| Sockeye Salmon | Creek Chub |
| Arctic Grayling | Brown Bullhead |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Reptiles
| Glacier National Park | Shenandoah National Park |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | Black Racer |
| Common Garter Snake | Ringneck Snake |
| Rubber Boa | Common Garter Snake |
| Common Kingsnake | |
| Milksnake | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard |
Amphibians
| Glacier National Park | Shenandoah National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog |
Insects
| Glacier 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 Glacier National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Glacier National Park is renowned for its stunning mountain landscapes and pristine glaciers. Visitors can enjoy scenic drives along the Going-to-the-Sun Road, which offers breathtaking views of the park’s rugged peaks and valleys. The road winds through the heart of the park and provides access to popular overlooks like Logan Pass, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. In addition to its scenic drives, Glacier National Park is home to numerous hiking trails, including the Highline Trail, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Shenandoah National Park is equally famous for its breathtaking landscapes and scenic overlooks. Visitors can drive along Skyline Drive, a 105-mile scenic road that winds through the heart of the park and offers stunning views of the rolling hills, forests, and waterfalls of the Blue Ridge Mountains. In addition to its scenic drives, Shenandoah National Park is home to numerous hiking trails, including the popular Old Rag Mountain, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Whether you’re an avid hiker or simply looking for a peaceful place to relax and enjoy nature, Shenandoah National Park is the perfect destination for you.
Things To-Do and Activities in Glacier National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Glacier National Park in Montana and Shenandoah National Park in Virginia offer a range of outdoor activities for visitors. Glacier is known for its rugged wilderness and diverse wildlife, such as grizzly bears and mountain goats, as well as its scenic drives and backcountry hiking. In contrast, Shenandoah is known for its lush forests and rolling hills, and is popular for scenic drives, picnicking, and wildlife viewing, with species such as deer and black bears.
For water-based activities, Glacier offers opportunities for kayaking and fishing on its many glistening lakes, while Shenandoah offers fishing and canoeing on its streams and rivers. Both parks offer horseback riding and camping, but Glacier also offers backcountry camping for a more remote wilderness experience.
For those interested in history, Glacier has historic lodges and chalets, while Shenandoah has historic homes and Civil War battlefields. Regardless of your interests, both parks offer breathtaking natural beauty and a chance to connect with nature. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful picnic spot or a challenging hike, both Glacier and Shenandoah have something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Glacier National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Glacier National Park and Shenandoah National Park are two of the most popular parks in the United States. Both are known for their stunning scenery, but the weather in each park is quite different.
Glacier National Park is located in Montana and is known for its cold, snowy winters and mild, but wet summers. The best time to visit Glacier National Park is in the summer, from June to September, when visitors can enjoy activities like hiking, fishing, and camping. However, it is important to be prepared for rain and thunderstorms, which are common during the summer months.
Shenandoah National Park is located in Virginia and has a more moderate climate. The park experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers and cold winters. The best time to visit Shenandoah National Park is in the fall, when the leaves on the trees change color and create a breathtaking display of red, orange, and yellow. The park is also popular in the spring, when wildflowers bloom and the weather is mild and sunny. In the winter, snow and ice can make some of the park’s trails and roads impassable, so it is not the best time to visit.
Family Friendliness of Glacier National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Glacier National Park and Shenandoah National Park are both family-friendly destinations, but each has its own unique attractions that cater to different needs and interests. Glacier National Park, located in Montana, offers a variety of outdoor activities for families such as hiking, fishing, and camping. The park’s scenic drives, such as the Going-to-the-Sun Road, are a popular attraction for families, offering stunning views of the park’s glaciers, peaks, and valleys.
Shenandoah National Park, located in Virginia, offers a more relaxed and less strenuous experience for families. The park features scenic drives, such as Skyline Drive, which runs the length of the park and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. Shenandoah also features numerous hiking trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds, making it an ideal destination for families who prefer a more leisurely pace.
Overall, both Glacier and Shenandoah are great parks to visit with family, but the choice between them will depend on your family’s interests and level of activity. If your family enjoys outdoor activities and is up for a challenge, then Glacier National Park is the better choice. But if you prefer a more relaxed, leisurely experience, then Shenandoah National Park is the way to go.