America is home to some of the world’s most awe-inspiring national parks. From the towering peaks of the Rockies to the rolling hills of the Appalachians, there’s something for everyone. But when it comes to choosing between two of the country’s most spectacular parks, Kenai Fjords National Park and Shenandoah National Park, the decision can be tough. Both offer unique and unforgettable experiences, but which one is right for you?
Kenai Fjords National Park, located in Alaska, is a true wilderness adventure. With glaciers, fjords, and wildlife, this park is a naturalist’s paradise. Visitors can explore the stunning landscape by boat, kayak, or even on foot, and the chance to see whales, sea lions, and other marine mammals is always a possibility.
Shenandoah National Park, in Virginia, is a destination for those seeking a more relaxed and peaceful experience. With 500 miles of hiking trails, visitors can explore the lush forest, stunning waterfalls, and rolling hills. And while there may not be any whales to spot, the park is home to an abundance of wildlife, including black bears, deer, and turkeys.
Hiking Trails in Kenai Fjords National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park, located in Alaska, is known for its stunning coastal landscapes and glaciers. The park has a variety of hiking trails ranging from easy to challenging. One of the easiest hikes is the Exit Glacier Trail, which is a 1.8-mile round trip hike to the base of the Exit Glacier. On the other hand, the Harding Icefield Trail is one of the park’s most strenuous hikes, covering an 8.2-mile round trip through challenging terrain to reach the Icefield.
Shenandoah National Park, located in Virginia, is home to over 500 miles of hiking trails. The park’s trails range from easy walks to strenuous backcountry treks. The park’s easiest hike is the Fox Hollow Trail, a 1.7-mile loop through a meadow and forest. On the other hand, the Old Rag Mountain hike is the park’s most challenging hike, covering an 8.8-mile round trip with steep ascents and rocky terrain.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Kenai Fjords National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harding Ice Field Trail | 15610.598 | 1161.8976 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Exit Glacier Trail | 2896.812 | 81.9912 | Easy | 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 Kenai Fjords National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park and Shenandoah National Park are both popular national parks in the United States, but they offer vastly different experiences for visitors. In terms of wildlife, Kenai Fjords is known for its diverse array of marine mammals, including orcas, humpback whales, sea lions, and otters. Visitors may also see sea birds like puffins and auklets, as well as bald eagles, moose, and black bears on land. The park is also home to a variety of plant life, including spruce forests, wildflowers, and mosses.
Shenandoah National Park, on the other hand, is located in the Appalachian Mountains and is known for its diverse array of mammals, including black bears, deer, and wild turkeys. Visitors may also see a variety of birds, including warblers, vireos, and hawks, as well as a variety of reptiles and amphibians. Trees and plants in Shenandoah include oak, hickory, and rhododendrons.
In conclusion, both Kenai Fjords and Shenandoah offer unique wildlife viewing experiences for visitors. While Kenai Fjords is known for its marine life, Shenandoah is known for its diverse array of mammals and forested landscapes. Both parks offer opportunities for wildlife viewing, hiking, and exploring the natural beauty of the United States.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Kenai Fjords National Park and Shenandoah National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Kenai Fjords 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 |
| Bald Eagle | American Kestrel |
| Song Sparrow | Bald Eagle |
| European Starling | Song Sparrow |
| Northern Pintail | European Starling |
| American Wigeon | Northern Pintail |
| Green-Winged Teal | American Wigeon |
| American Pipit | Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Kenai Fjords National Park | 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 |
| Black-Tailed Deer | Raccoon |
| Gray Wolf | Black Bear |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | Silver-Haired Bat |
| California Myotis | Hoary Bat |
| Snowshoe Hare | Red Fox |
| Northern River Otter | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Masked Shrew | House Mouse |
| Red Squirrel | Mountain Lion |
| Montane Shrew | Gray Fox |
| Lynx | River Otter |
| Wolverine | Masked Shrew |
| American Marten | Water Shrew |
| Northern Flying Squirrel | Red Squirrel |
| Brown Bear | White-Tailed Deer |
| Meadow Mouse | Virginia Opossum |
| Moose | Marten |
| Pygmy Shrew | Northern Flying Squirrel |
Fish
| Kenai Fjords National Park | Shenandoah National Park |
|---|---|
| Redband Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Longnose Sucker | Brook Trout |
| Burbot | Brown Trout |
| Silver Salmon | Largemouth Bass |
| Chinook Salmon | Green Sunfish |
| Slimy Sculpin | Bluegill |
| Threespine Stickleback | Common Carp |
| Red Salmon | Mottled Sculpin |
| Pink Salmon | Longnose Dace |
| Chum Salmon | Yellow Bullhead |
| Dolly Varden | Creek Chub |
| Brown Bullhead | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Amphibians
| Kenai Fjords National Park | Shenandoah National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
Reptiles
| Kenai Fjords National Park | Shenandoah National Park |
|---|---|
| Black Racer | |
| Ringneck Snake | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Common Kingsnake | |
| Milksnake | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard |
Insects
| Kenai Fjords 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 Kenai Fjords National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park, in Alaska, is best known for its striking glaciers and stunning fjords, which were formed by the movement of glaciers over time. Visitors can take boats tours and witness the beauty of glaciers like the Aialik Glacier and the Holgate Glacier up close. Wildlife sightings, including humpback whales, orcas, sea lions and bald eagles, are also common.
Shenandoah National Park, located in Virginia, boasts a 200-mile scenic drive that takes visitors through rolling hills, forests and waterfalls. Skyline Drive is the park’s main attraction and is a perfect place to take in the views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Hiking trails like Old Rag Mountain and Stony Man Mountain offer breathtaking views, and visitors can also enjoy fishing, horseback riding and camping.
Both parks offer unique natural beauty and opportunities for outdoor recreation, but they differ in their landscapes, wildlife and activities. For those seeking a more rugged, coastal experience, Kenai Fjords National Park is the best choice. For those looking for a peaceful, forested escape, Shenandoah National Park is the ideal destination.
Things To-Do and Activities in Kenai Fjords National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park and Shenandoah National Park are two very different national parks, each with its own unique features and popular activities.
At Kenai Fjords, visitors love to explore the rugged coastline and observe marine wildlife such as whales, sea lions, and seals. Kayaking, boat tours, and fishing are also popular activities in the park. In addition, visitors can hike to glaciers and explore the park’s abundant wildlife and scenic vistas.
Shenandoah National Park, on the other hand, is known for its stunning mountain views and diverse hiking opportunities. Popular activities here include hiking, camping, horseback riding, and scenic drives. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, picnicking, and exploring historic sites within the park. The Skyline Drive, a scenic byway that runs the length of the park, offers breathtaking views and is a must-visit for anyone visiting Shenandoah.
In conclusion, both Kenai Fjords National Park and Shenandoah National Park offer unique outdoor experiences for visitors. Whether you’re looking for a coastal adventure or a mountain getaway, these parks have something to offer for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Kenai Fjords National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park and Shenandoah National Park are two beautiful national parks that are located in different parts of the United States. The seasonal weather at these parks is quite different and affects when is the best time of year to visit.
Kenai Fjords National Park is located in Alaska and has a temperate maritime climate. During the winter months, temperatures can drop below freezing and snow is not uncommon. Summer temperatures are mild and average in the mid-50s to mid-60s. This park is best visited from May to September when the weather is warm and the park is accessible.
Shenandoah National Park, on the other hand, is located in Virginia and has a humid subtropical climate. During the summer months, temperatures can reach into the 90s and the park is often humid. Winter temperatures are mild and average in the 40s. The park is most popular during the fall months when the leaves change color, but it can also be a great destination in the late spring or early summer when the weather is mild and the wildflowers are in bloom.
In conclusion, the weather at Kenai Fjords National Park and Shenandoah National Park is vastly different and affects when is the best time of year to visit. Visitors should plan their trips accordingly and take into account the seasonal weather patterns when deciding when to visit these parks.
Family Friendliness of Kenai Fjords National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park and Shenandoah National Park are both popular destinations for families. However, each park offers a unique set of experiences and amenities that may make one more appealing than the other for families.
Kenai Fjords National Park is located in Alaska and is known for its stunning glaciers and wildlife, including whales, sea lions, and seals. While this park is a top destination for adventure seekers, families with young children may find it more challenging to access and explore the park’s remote wilderness.
Shenandoah National Park, on the other hand, is located in Virginia and offers over 500 miles of scenic trails and breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The park also offers a wide range of family-friendly activities, including picnicking, camping, and ranger-led programs. Additionally, Shenandoah National Park is more easily accessible, with several main roads and trails, making it a more convenient option for families with young children.
In conclusion, both Kenai Fjords National Park and Shenandoah National Park offer unique opportunities for families to experience nature and enjoy outdoor activities. However, if you’re traveling with young children, Shenandoah National Park may be the more family-friendly option due to its accessibility and range of kid-friendly activities.