Hot Springs National Park and Virgin Islands National Park are two of the most diverse and unique national parks in the United States. Both parks offer breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation. However, each park has its own unique features and attractions that set it apart from the other. In this article, we’ll compare these two parks and help you decide which one is the best destination for your next national park adventure.
Hot Springs National Park, located in Arkansas, is known for its natural hot springs and historic bathhouses. The park’s thermal waters have been a popular destination for visitors for over 200 years, and the park offers a variety of activities including hiking, camping, and soaking in the hot springs.
On the other hand, Virgin Islands National Park, located in the U.S. Virgin Islands, offers a completely different experience. With its crystal-clear waters, pristine beaches, and lush tropical forests, the park is a tropical paradise for beach-goers and nature lovers alike. Whether you want to hike, snorkel, or simply relax on the beach, Virgin Islands National Park has something for everyone.
Hiking Trails in Hot Springs National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Hot Springs National Park and Virgin Islands National Park both offer unique hiking experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. Hot Springs National Park is located in Arkansas, and is known for its scenic trails that lead visitors through the forest and to natural hot springs. The park has several easy hikes, including the Hot Springs Mountain Tower trail, which is a paved path that leads to the top of a tower with panoramic views of the surrounding area. Another popular trail is the Gulpha Gorge, which is an easy hike along a river and through a beautiful gorge. For more experienced hikers, the park offers challenging trails such as the Sunset Trail, which is a strenuous hike that takes visitors through the park’s backcountry and up a steep incline.
Virgin Islands National Park, located in the US Virgin Islands, offers a different type of hiking experience. The park is situated on the island of St. John, and is known for its coastal hikes that lead visitors through lush tropical forests and along stunning beaches. The easiest hike in the park is the Cinnamon Bay trail, which is a short and flat path that takes visitors to a beautiful beach. The park also has challenging hikes, including the Reef Bay Trail, which is a strenuous hike through the jungle and down to a beach where visitors can see an ancient petroglyph site. Another challenging hike is the Bordeaux Mountain trail, which is a strenuous hike to the top of the island’s highest peak, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area.
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 Virgin Islands National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wind Canyon Trail | 804.67 | 16.764 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Caprock Coulee Loop | 6115.492 | 159.7152 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Painted Canyon Nature Trail | 1770.274 | 78.9432 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Petrified Forest Trail | 16415.268 | 253.8984 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Maah Daah Hey Trail | 229009.082 | 4614.9768 | Hard | point to point | 4.5 |
| Lower Paddock Creek Trail | 11587.248 | 127.7112 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Buck Hill Trail | 643.736 | 16.764 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Ridgeline Nature Trail | 1126.538 | 33.8328 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Coal Vein Trail | 965.604 | 4.8768 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Buckhorn Trail | 19633.948 | 324.9168 | Hard | loop | 4.6 |
Wildlife in Hot Springs National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas and Virgin Islands National Park in the US Virgin Islands offer unique wildlife experiences.
Hot Springs is home to a variety of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, squirrels, raccoons, and armadillos. The park is also a habitat for many bird species, including the Eastern Bluebird, Wood Duck, and Wild Turkey. In addition to its diverse wildlife, the park is famous for its thermal springs, which provide a unique habitat for rare species of fish, snails, and algae.
Virgin Islands National Park, located on the island of St. John, is known for its diverse wildlife, including the Green Sea Turtle, Hawksbill Turtle, and Leatherback Turtle, which can be found in the waters surrounding the island. The park is also home to many bird species, including the Caribbean Elaenia, Bananaquit, and the Eastern Meadowlark. On land, visitors can see iguanas, mongooses, and agoutis, as well as a variety of plant species, including the red mangrove and the prickly pear cactus.
Both parks offer visitors the opportunity to see unique and diverse wildlife in their natural habitats. Whether you’re interested in bird watching, observing sea turtles, or exploring the diverse plant life, both Hot Springs National Park and Virgin Islands National Park have something to offer.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Hot Springs National Park and Virgin Islands National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Hot Springs National Park | Virgin Islands 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 | 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 | Swainson’s Thrush |
Mammals
| Hot Springs National Park | Virgin Islands 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 | Porcupine |
| 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 | Mink |
| North American River Otter | Mule Deer |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | Gray Wolf |
| White-Tailed Deer | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Virginia Opossum | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Eastern Red Bat | Badger |
| White-Footed Mouse | Snowshoe Hare |
| Norway Rat | North American River Otter |
| Eastern Cottontail | Masked Shrew |
Amphibians
| Hot Springs National Park | Virgin Islands National Park |
|---|---|
| Bullfrog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Fish
| Hot Springs National Park | Virgin Islands National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Longnose Sucker |
| Green Sunfish | Green Sunfish |
| Bluegill | Bluegill |
| Fathead Minnow | Flathead Minnow |
| Golden Shiner | Golden Shiner |
| European Carp | Carp/European Carp |
| Yellow Bullhead | Northern Pike |
| Graceful Catfish | Burbot |
| Black Crappie | Longnose Dace |
| Black Bullhead | Channel Catfish |
| Mosquitofish | Black Bullhead |
| Creek Chub | Creek Chub |
| Brown Bullhead | |
| Goldfish | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Reptiles
| Hot Springs National Park | Virgin Islands National Park |
|---|---|
| Bullsnake | |
| Racer | |
| Rattlesnake | |
| Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard |
Beautiful Landscapes in Hot Springs National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas is known for its thermal springs, which have been sought after for their health benefits for over two centuries. The park’s famous Bathhouse Row features historic bathhouses where visitors can soak in the hot springs. In addition, the park also has scenic hiking trails and scenic drives, including the Hot Springs Mountain Tower, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding Ouachita Mountains.
Virgin Islands National Park on St. John in the US Virgin Islands boasts pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and lush tropical landscapes. The park’s famous landscapes include the pristine Trunk Bay Beach and the rugged Bordeaux Mountain, which offer breathtaking views of the surrounding Caribbean Sea. The park also features several hiking trails, including the Lind Point Trail, which leads to a hilltop overlook with stunning views of the island and the sea. Additionally, the park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including green sea turtles, iguanas, and tropical birds.
Things To-Do and Activities in Hot Springs National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas and Virgin Islands National Park in the US Virgin Islands offer unique recreational opportunities for visitors. Hot Springs is known for its thermal waters, which are popular for bathing and soaking. People also visit the park for hiking and scenic drives, as well as historic tours of the bathhouses. The park is also home to several picnic areas and campgrounds.
In contrast, Virgin Islands National Park is a top destination for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, and sailing in the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean. The park also offers several hiking trails, picnic areas, and scenic overlooks. One of the most popular activities is exploring the park’s historic sugar plantation ruins.
Both parks offer a variety of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. Whether it’s soaking in the thermal waters of Hot Springs, or exploring the beaches and clear waters of Virgin Islands National Park, both parks offer a unique and memorable experience for all who visit.
Best Time to Visit Hot Springs National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
The weather in Hot Springs National Park and Virgin Islands National Park are vastly different, affecting the best time to visit each park. Hot Springs National Park, located in Arkansas, has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Summer temperatures average in the 80s and 90s with high humidity, while winter temperatures often drop into the 30s and 40s. The park’s iconic thermal springs provide relief from the heat during summer months, while winter brings the opportunity for outdoor activities such as hiking and bird watching.
In contrast, the Virgin Islands National Park, located on the island of St. John, experiences a tropical climate with year-round warm temperatures and high humidity. The park experiences a rainy season from September to November, with the potential for hurricanes from June to November. Winter months bring the best weather for outdoor activities, with little rain and calm seas for snorkeling and kayaking. The park also offers a variety of beach activities throughout the year, making it a popular destination for visitors seeking a tropical getaway.
In conclusion, while both parks offer unique weather experiences, visitors should consider the time of year they visit to fully enjoy the parks’ offerings. For those seeking relief from the heat, Hot Springs National Park is best visited during the cooler months, while the Virgin Islands National Park is ideal for a tropical escape during the winter months.
Family Friendliness of Hot Springs National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Hot Springs National Park and Virgin Islands National Park are two very different parks that offer unique experiences for families. Hot Springs National Park is located in the heart of Arkansas and is well-known for its hot springs and bathhouses. This park is great for families with younger children as there are many interactive exhibits and educational programs. The park also has several picnic areas and easy hiking trails that are perfect for families.
On the other hand, Virgin Islands National Park is located on the island of St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands. This park is perfect for families with older children who are looking for an adventure. The park has a variety of activities including snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking. The park is also home to several beautiful beaches and offers stunning views of the Caribbean Sea.
When it comes to family-friendliness, Hot Springs National Park is the better option for families with younger children. The park’s interactive exhibits, educational programs, and easy hiking trails make it a great place for families to learn and explore together. Virgin Islands National Park, on the other hand, is better suited for families with older children who are looking for adventure. The park’s snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking opportunities make it a great place for families to bond and create memories.