Hot Springs National Park and Shenandoah National Park are two popular destinations for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Both parks offer breathtaking views, unique geological features, and ample opportunities for outdoor activities. But which one is the better choice for your next vacation?
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the similarities and differences between these two spectacular national parks. From scenic drives to challenging hikes, from hot springs to waterfalls, we’ll cover all the must-see attractions and activities. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a first-time park visitor, you’ll find something to love at Hot Springs National Park or Shenandoah National Park.
So buckle up, grab your hiking boots, and get ready to explore two of America’s most beautiful parks!
Hiking Trails in Hot Springs National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Hot Springs National Park and Shenandoah National Park both offer scenic and challenging hiking trails for visitors. Hot Springs has 26 miles of trails ranging from easy to strenuous, with hotsprings being the main attraction. On the other hand, Shenandoah boasts over 500 miles of trails, including the popular 101-mile long Appalachian Trail.
At Hot Springs, the easy trails include the Grand Promenade, a one-mile walk through historic bathhouses and hot springs, and the Hot Springs Mountain Tower trail, a 0.5-mile hike to the top of Hot Springs Mountain for panoramic views. For those seeking a challenge, the Sunset Trail offers a strenuous 8.7-mile hike through rugged terrain and scenic views.
Shenandoah National Park offers a variety of trails from easy to strenuous, including several hikes to scenic overlooks. The easiest trail is the Rose River Loop, a 2.6-mile hike through a forested area with a waterfall. For those seeking a challenge, the Old Rag Mountain hike is a strenuous 8.8-mile hike to the summit with rocky terrain and breathtaking views.
In conclusion, both Hot Springs and Shenandoah National Parks offer a range of hiking trails for visitors with varying levels of difficulty, from easy walks to strenuous hikes. Whether you are seeking scenic views, waterfalls, or challenging terrain, both parks have something to offer.
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 |
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 Hot Springs National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Hot Springs National Park and Shenandoah National Park are two popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer unique wildlife sightings and experiences.
Hot Springs National Park is home to a variety of animals, including white-tailed deer, raccoons, squirrels, and skunks. Visitors may also see many different bird species, such as woodpeckers, blue jays, and red-tailed hawks. In addition to its animal life, the park is also home to a rich variety of plants and trees, including oak, hickory, and dogwood.
Shenandoah National Park is located in Virginia and boasts a diverse ecosystem that supports a wide range of wildlife. Visitors to Shenandoah National Park will be able to see black bears, white-tailed deer, and wild turkeys. Additionally, the park is home to a variety of bird species, including the scarlet tanager, the wood thrush, and the eastern bluebird. The park is also known for its lush vegetation, including rhododendrons, mountain laurels, and hemlocks.
Both Hot Springs National Park and Shenandoah National Park offer unique wildlife experiences and are perfect for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re interested in observing the diverse array of animals and plants or simply taking in the natural beauty of these parks, both are sure to provide a memorable experience.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Hot Springs National Park and Shenandoah National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Hot Springs 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
| Hot Springs 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 |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Hoary Bat | Hoary Bat |
| Red Fox | Red Fox |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| House Mouse | House Mouse |
| Mink | Mountain Lion |
| Gray Fox | Gray Fox |
| North American River Otter | River Otter |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | Masked Shrew |
| White-Tailed Deer | Water Shrew |
| Virginia Opossum | Red Squirrel |
| Eastern Red Bat | White-Tailed Deer |
| White-Footed Mouse | Virginia Opossum |
| Norway Rat | Marten |
| Eastern Cottontail | Northern Flying Squirrel |
Amphibians
| Hot Springs National Park | Shenandoah National Park |
|---|---|
| Bullfrog | Northern Leopard Frog |
Fish
| Hot Springs National Park | Shenandoah National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Rainbow Trout |
| Green Sunfish | Brook Trout |
| Bluegill | Brown Trout |
| Fathead Minnow | Largemouth Bass |
| Golden Shiner | Green Sunfish |
| European Carp | Bluegill |
| Yellow Bullhead | Common Carp |
| Graceful Catfish | Mottled Sculpin |
| Black Crappie | Longnose Dace |
| Black Bullhead | Yellow Bullhead |
| Mosquitofish | Creek Chub |
| Creek Chub | Brown Bullhead |
| Brown Bullhead | Smallmouth Bass |
| Goldfish | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Reptiles
| Hot Springs National Park | Shenandoah National Park |
|---|---|
| Black Racer | |
| Ringneck Snake | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Common Kingsnake | |
| Milksnake | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard |
Insects
| Hot Springs 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 Hot Springs National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Hot Springs National Park is located in central Arkansas and is known for its stunning hot spring terraces and scenic drives. The park features a main road, the Hot Springs Mountain Drive, which winds its way up a mountain and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area. In addition to the natural hot springs, visitors can also enjoy scenic hikes, picnic areas, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Shenandoah National Park, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, is famous for its breathtaking mountain vistas and scenic drives. One of the park’s most popular attractions is the Skyline Drive, a 105-mile road that winds its way through the park and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Along the way, visitors can take in breathtaking views from overlooks, hike to pristine waterfalls, and spot wildlife such as black bears and deer. The park is also home to over 500 miles of hiking trails, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Things To-Do and Activities in Hot Springs National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Hot Springs National Park, located in Arkansas, and Shenandoah National Park, located in Virginia, are two popular destinations for nature enthusiasts. Both parks offer a variety of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy.
Hot Springs National Park is well-known for its hot springs, from which the park gets its name. Visitors can relax in the hot springs, which are believed to have therapeutic properties. The park also offers scenic drives, such as the Hot Springs Mountain Drive, which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. In addition, visitors can enjoy camping, fishing, and wildlife watching at the park.
Shenandoah National Park, on the other hand, offers a range of activities for visitors to enjoy. The park is famous for its scenic drives, including Skyline Drive, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can also enjoy camping, fishing, and wildlife watching at the park. In addition, Shenandoah National Park is home to numerous waterfalls, making it a popular destination for waterfall enthusiasts.
Both parks offer a unique and memorable experience for visitors. Whether you’re looking to relax in the hot springs at Hot Springs National Park or take a scenic drive through Shenandoah National Park, both parks offer a variety of popular activities for visitors to enjoy.
Best Time to Visit Hot Springs National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Hot Springs National Park and Shenandoah National Park are two popular national parks in the United States that offer unique landscapes and outdoor experiences. Seasonal weather greatly affects when it is the best time to visit each park.
Hot Springs National Park, located in Arkansas, has a subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. The park is known for its hot springs that provide a warm soak year-round. The summer months from June to August are the hottest and wettest, with temperatures ranging from the high 80s to low 90s. Winter temperatures average in the mid-50s and are relatively mild, making it a great time for outdoor activities like hiking and camping.
Shenandoah National Park, located in Virginia, has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and cold winters. The park is famous for its fall foliage, with the best viewing from mid-October to mid-November. Summer temperatures average in the high 80s, making it a great time for outdoor activities like hiking and camping. Winter temperatures can drop to the low 20s, making it a great time for winter sports like skiing and snowshoeing.
In conclusion, the best time to visit Hot Springs National Park depends on the traveler’s preference for heat and humidity, while the best time to visit Shenandoah National Park depends on the traveler’s preference for fall foliage or winter sports.
Family Friendliness of Hot Springs National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Hot Springs National Park and Shenandoah National Park are two popular U.S. National Parks that offer a range of outdoor recreational opportunities. When it comes to family-friendliness, both parks have their own unique offerings.
Hot Springs National Park, located in Arkansas, is known for its hot springs, hiking trails, and scenic drives. The park offers many educational opportunities for families, including ranger-led activities and educational programs. The hot springs are a great spot for families to relax and soak in the natural warm water. The park also has several picnic areas, making it a great spot for families to enjoy a meal together.
Shenandoah National Park, located in Virginia, is known for its scenic drives, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Its famous Skyline Drive offers breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is a great spot for families to take a scenic drive. The park also offers a range of family-friendly activities, including ranger-led programs and educational exhibits. The park has several picnic areas and campgrounds, making it a great destination for families looking to spend time in nature.
In conclusion, both Hot Springs National Park and Shenandoah National Park offer a range of family-friendly activities and amenities. However, for families looking for a more relaxed, soak-in-the-hot-springs experience, Hot Springs National Park may be the better choice. On the other hand, families looking for scenic drives, hiking, and wildlife viewing may prefer Shenandoah National Park.