Katmai National Park & Preserve and Shenandoah National Park are two of the most stunning and diverse national parks in the United States. Both parks offer breathtaking views, breathtaking hikes, and an abundance of natural beauty that will leave you in awe. The parks are vastly different, with Katmai being known for its Alaskan wilderness and bear viewing opportunities, while Shenandoah is famous for its rolling hills and picturesque vistas. In this article, we will take a deep dive into these two parks and see what each has to offer.
Get ready to be transported to two vastly different corners of the United States. From the rugged terrain of Alaska, to the rolling hills of Virginia, we will explore the unique features and experiences that make these two parks truly one of a kind. Whether you’re an experienced hiker, a wildlife enthusiast, or simply looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, these two parks have something for everyone. Get ready to be inspired and learn about the rich history, stunning landscapes, and incredible wildlife that can be found at Katmai National Park & Preserve and Shenandoah National Park.
Hiking Trails in Katmai National Park & Preserve and Shenandoah National Park
Katmai National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, is known for its rugged and remote terrain, while Shenandoah National Park, in Virginia, offers more traditional East Coast hiking experiences. Both parks offer a range of hiking opportunities.
In Katmai National Park, the easiest hike is the Brooks River Trail, a 1.5-mile round trip trail that offers views of Brooks Falls, where brown bears can often be seen fishing. On the other end of the spectrum is the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, a challenging 14-mile round trip hike through a volcanic ash-filled valley to see steam vents and fumaroles.
Shenandoah National Park offers a range of trails, from easy walks like the Dark Hollow Falls trail, a 1.4-mile round trip hike to a waterfall, to strenuous hikes like the Old Rag Mountain hike, a 9-mile round trip hike that requires rock scrambling and offers panoramic views from the summit.
Overall, both parks offer unique experiences for hikers, with Katmai providing a chance to see wildlife and experience rugged Alaskan terrain, while Shenandoah offers a more traditional East Coast hiking experience with scenic views and cascading waterfalls.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Katmai National Park & Preserve
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brooks Falls | 4667.086 | 63.7032 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Dumpling Mountain | 4828.02 | 225.8568 | Moderate | out and back | 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 Katmai National Park & Preserve and Shenandoah National Park
Katmai National Park & Preserve and Shenandoah National Park are two distinct national parks with unique wildlife. Katmai National Park is located in Alaska and is known for its large population of brown bears. Visitors to the park can observe these magnificent animals in their natural habitat, fishing for salmon in the Brooks River. The park also has a diverse range of bird species, including eagles, owls, and various types of waterfowl.
Shenandoah National Park, located in Virginia, has a different array of wildlife. The park is home to a variety of mammals, including white-tailed deer, black bears, raccoons, and squirrels. Bird lovers will enjoy the park’s diverse bird population, including species such as the pileated woodpecker, the red-tailed hawk, and the blue jay. Shenandoah National Park is also a popular destination for plant enthusiasts, with over 1,400 species of plants, including the rare and beautiful tulip poplar and the fragrant white-flowered redbud.
Both parks offer unique wildlife viewing opportunities, but each park has its own distinct character. Whether you are interested in observing bears in their natural habitat or exploring the diverse flora and fauna of the Appalachian Mountains, both Katmai National Park and Shenandoah National Park have something to offer for nature lovers of all kinds.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Katmai National Park & Preserve and Shenandoah National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Katmai National Park & Preserve | 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 |
| Northern Flicker | Red-Tailed Hawk |
| Merlin | Northern Flicker |
| Barn Swallow | Merlin |
| Savannah Sparrow | Barn Swallow |
| Hermit Thrush | Savannah Sparrow |
| American Kestrel | Great Blue Heron |
| Bald Eagle | Hermit Thrush |
| Song Sparrow | American Kestrel |
| European Starling | Bald Eagle |
| Northern Pintail | Song Sparrow |
| American Wigeon | European Starling |
| Green-Winged Teal | Northern Pintail |
| American Pipit | American Wigeon |
| Swainson’s Thrush | Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Katmai National Park & Preserve | Shenandoah National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Little Brown Bat | Big Brown Bat |
| Black Bear | Bobcat |
| Porcupine | Striped Skunk |
| Red Fox | Little Brown Bat |
| Mink | Deer Mouse |
| Gray Wolf | Raccoon |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | Black Bear |
| Varying Hare | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Northern River Otter | Hoary Bat |
| Masked Shrew | Red Fox |
| Red Squirrel | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Montane Shrew | House Mouse |
| Lynx | Mountain Lion |
| Wolverine | Gray Fox |
| American Marten | River Otter |
| Grizzly Bear | Masked Shrew |
| Meadow Vole | Water Shrew |
| Moose | Red Squirrel |
| Least Weasel | White-Tailed Deer |
| Pygmy Shrew | Virginia Opossum |
| Meadow Jumping Mouse | Marten |
| Northern Bog Lemming | Northern Flying Squirrel |
Fish
| Katmai National Park & Preserve | Shenandoah National Park |
|---|---|
| Redband Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Longnose Sucker | Brook Trout |
| Lake Trout | Brown Trout |
| Northern Pike | Largemouth Bass |
| Burbot | Green Sunfish |
| Silver Salmon | Bluegill |
| King Salmon | Common Carp |
| Slimy Sculpin | Mottled Sculpin |
| Threespine Stickleback | Longnose Dace |
| Sockeye Salmon | Yellow Bullhead |
| Pink Salmon | Creek Chub |
| Chum Salmon | Brown Bullhead |
| Dolly Varden | Smallmouth Bass |
| Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
| Katmai National Park & Preserve | Shenandoah National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
Reptiles
| Katmai National Park & Preserve | Shenandoah National Park |
|---|---|
| Black Racer | |
| Ringneck Snake | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Common Kingsnake | |
| Milksnake | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard |
Insects
| Katmai National Park & Preserve | 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 Katmai National Park & Preserve and Shenandoah National Park
Katmai National Park & Preserve is known for its stunning landscapes, including the famous Brooks Falls, where visitors can watch sockeye salmon leap into the air. The Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, a unique volcanic landscape, offers a glimpse into the park’s volcanic history. The park is also home to the remote Katmai Wilderness, where visitors can explore pristine wilderness and spot Alaskan brown bears fishing for salmon in Brooks River.
Shenandoah National Park is located in Virginia, and is famous for its spectacular views from Skyline Drive, which runs for 105 miles along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Visitors can hike to waterfalls and scenic overlooks, or drive to the summit of Stony Man Mountain for stunning views. The park is also home to dark skies, making it an ideal place for stargazing and exploring its nocturnal wildlife. Additionally, the park’s rolling hills and lush forests provide a haven for numerous species of plants and animals.
Things To-Do and Activities in Katmai National Park & Preserve and Shenandoah National Park
Katmai National Park & Preserve and Shenandoah National Park are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, but they offer different experiences. Katmai is known for its wildlife, particularly the large population of brown bears that fish for salmon in Brooks River. Visitors can observe the bears in their natural habitat on guided trips, or take a scenic flight to see the bears and the park’s stunning volcanic landscapes.
Shenandoah National Park, on the other hand, is popular for its scenic drives and hiking trails through the Appalachian Mountains. Visitors can drive Skyline Drive, a 105-mile road that offers stunning views of the rolling hills and valleys, and hike to waterfalls, overlooks, and mountain summits. The park also has a rich history, with sites such as Old Rag Mountain and the Rapidan Camp, the presidential retreat of Herbert Hoover, available to visit.
Both parks offer camping and picnicking opportunities, as well as ranger-led programs and educational exhibits. However, Katmai also offers opportunities for kayaking and fishing, while Shenandoah has more established horseback riding trails. Regardless of which park you choose, both offer unique and memorable experiences for visitors to immerse themselves in nature and enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors.
Best Time to Visit Katmai National Park & Preserve and Shenandoah National Park
Katmai National Park & Preserve and Shenandoah National Park are two unique natural areas with different climates and weather patterns.
Katmai is located in Alaska and has a subarctic climate with long, cold winters and short, cool summers. The best time to visit is during the summer months of June to August when temperatures are in the mid-50s to mid-60s Fahrenheit and there is plenty of daylight for outdoor activities. Winter temperatures can drop below zero and the park is often blanketed in snow, making it inaccessible to visitors.
Shenandoah National Park, located in Virginia, has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Spring and fall are particularly beautiful with mild temperatures and colorful foliage. Summer temperatures average in the mid-80s and can be humid, making it a popular time for camping and hiking. Winter can bring snow and ice, making some trails and roads closed, but cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are popular activities.
In conclusion, the weather at both parks affects when the best time to visit is. Katmai is best experienced during the short, cool summer months while Shenandoah is beautiful year-round with spring and fall being particularly lovely.
Family Friendliness of Katmai National Park & Preserve and Shenandoah National Park
Katmai National Park & Preserve and Shenandoah National Park offer different family-friendly experiences for visitors traveling with children.
Katmai National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska and is known for its stunning scenery and abundant wildlife, including brown bears. The park offers a variety of activities for families, including fishing, wildlife viewing, and ranger-led tours. The park also has several campgrounds, making it a great destination for families who enjoy camping and exploring the outdoors.
Shenandoah National Park, located in Virginia, offers a more traditional family experience. The park has a scenic drive, the Skyline Drive, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. There are also several hiking trails and picnic areas, as well as campgrounds for families who enjoy camping. In addition, the park offers ranger-led programs and educational opportunities for children, making it an ideal destination for families who want to learn about the natural world.
In terms of which park is better for families traveling with children, it depends on what type of experience the family is looking for. For families interested in wildlife viewing and outdoor adventure, Katmai National Park & Preserve may be the better option. For families who want a more traditional family vacation with hiking, camping, and educational opportunities, Shenandoah National Park may be the better choice.