Looking for a change of scenery and a chance to explore the great outdoors? Look no further than Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and Shenandoah National Park. Both parks offer breathtaking views, unique wildlife, and endless opportunities for adventure. But which one is right for you? In this article, we’ll compare these two stunning parks and help you decide which one to visit first.
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is located in the heart of Alaska and offers a true wilderness experience. With glaciers, lakes, and towering mountains, this park is a true gem for nature lovers. And, if you’re lucky, you might even spot a bear or two!
Shenandoah National Park, on the other hand, is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia and is a popular destination for hiking, camping, and scenic drives. This park offers over 500 miles of trails, including the famous Appalachian Trail, and is home to a diverse range of wildlife. Whether you’re a hiker, a birdwatcher, or simply looking for a relaxing escape from the city, Shenandoah has something for everyone.
Hiking Trails in Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and Shenandoah National Park
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and Shenandoah National Park offer unique hiking experiences for all skill levels. Lake Clark has several backcountry trails that are challenging and reward hikers with breathtaking views of glaciers, waterfalls, and wildlife. The park’s most strenuous hike is the Pioneer Ridge Trail, which is a 15-mile round trip that takes you through rugged terrain and steep inclines. On the other hand, the Port Alsworth Nature Trail is a great option for those who want a more relaxed hike. The trail is only half a mile long and is an easy walk through the park’s scenic beauty.
Shenandoah National Park, on the other hand, has over 500 miles of trails, including the famous Appalachian Trail. The Old Rag Mountain hike is the park’s most popular and challenging hike, with steep rocky ascents and stunning views from the summit. For those looking for an easier hike, the Rose River Falls Trail is a great option. This 2.6-mile round trip hike takes you to a beautiful waterfall and is considered one of the park’s most scenic trails.
Both parks have a variety of trails to choose from, making them enjoyable for both experienced and novice hikers. Whether you are looking for a challenging hike or a leisurely walk, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and Shenandoah National Park have something to offer.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
| 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 | 4.7 |
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 Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and Shenandoah National Park
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska and is known for its diverse wildlife, including grizzly bears, moose, caribou, and wolves. The park also has a large population of bald eagles and other bird species. Visitors can also see a variety of fish in the park’s rivers and lakes, including salmon and rainbow trout.
Shenandoah National Park, located in Virginia, is home to a range of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, black bear, and wild turkey. The park is also a popular destination for birdwatching, with over 180 species of birds seen in the park, including red-tailed hawks and pileated woodpeckers. Visitors can also see a variety of beautiful wildflowers and other plants in the park, including mountain laurel and wild azaleas.
Both parks offer visitors the opportunity to see a wide range of wildlife in their natural habitats. Lake Clark has a more rugged and remote landscape, with a focus on larger mammals such as bears and moose. Shenandoah, on the other hand, is more accessible and has a wider variety of wildlife and plants, making it a great destination for families and nature enthusiasts.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and Shenandoah National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Lake Clark 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 |
| 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 |
| Northern Pintail | European Starling |
| American Wigeon | Northern Pintail |
| Green-Winged Teal | American Wigeon |
| American Pipit | Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Lake Clark 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 |
| Snowshoe Hare | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Northern River Otter | Hoary Bat |
| Masked Shrew | Red Fox |
| Water Shrew | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Red Squirrel | House Mouse |
| Montane Shrew | Mountain Lion |
| Lynx | Gray Fox |
| Wolverine | River Otter |
| American Marten | Masked Shrew |
| Brown Bear | Water Shrew |
| Meadow Vole | Red Squirrel |
| Moose | White-Tailed Deer |
| Least Weasel | Virginia Opossum |
| Pygmy Shrew | Marten |
| Meadow Jumping Mouse | Northern Flying Squirrel |
Fish
| Lake Clark National Park & Preserve | Shenandoah National Park |
|---|---|
| Steelhead | 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
| Lake Clark National Park & Preserve | Shenandoah National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
Reptiles
| Lake Clark National Park & Preserve | Shenandoah National Park |
|---|---|
| Black Racer | |
| Ringneck Snake | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Common Kingsnake | |
| Milksnake | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard |
Insects
| Lake Clark 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 Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and Shenandoah National Park
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is located in southwestern Alaska and is known for its stunning landscapes and natural wonders. The park is home to towering peaks, glaciers, and numerous alpine lakes. One of the most famous landscapes in the park is the Mount Redoubt, an active volcano with a height of 10,197 feet. Visitors can also witness the stunning beauty of the Chigmit Mountains, which are part of the Aleutian Range.
Shenandoah National Park, located in Virginia, is known for its beautiful mountain landscapes and scenic drives. The park is home to the Blue Ridge Mountains, which offer panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and forests. One of the most famous landscapes in the park is Hawksbill Mountain, the highest peak in the park at 4,050 feet. Visitors can also witness the stunning beauty of the Skyline Drive, which runs for 105 miles through the park and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes.
Things To-Do and Activities in Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and Shenandoah National Park
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and Shenandoah National Park are two beautiful parks with unique offerings for visitors. Both parks are located in the United States, with Lake Clark in Alaska and Shenandoah in Virginia. When it comes to outdoor activities, both parks offer a variety of options for visitors to explore and enjoy.
At Lake Clark, visitors can experience some of the best fishing and bear viewing opportunities in the country. With its pristine waters, the park is home to a wide range of fish species, including salmon and rainbow trout. Visitors can also take guided bear viewing tours to see the park’s famous Alaskan brown bears in their natural habitat.
Shenandoah, on the other hand, is a popular destination for horseback riding, camping, and scenic drives. Visitors can enjoy over 500 miles of trails, including the famous Skyline Drive, which offers stunning views of the park and surrounding areas. The park also offers campgrounds for those who want to spend a night or more in the great outdoors.
Both parks offer a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors, whether they are seeking adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both. Whether it’s fishing in Alaska or horseback riding in Virginia, each park has something special to offer and is worth visiting.
Best Time to Visit Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and Shenandoah National Park
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and Shenandoah National Park are two vastly different parks in terms of weather conditions. Lake Clark is located in Alaska and has a subarctic climate with long, cold winters and short, mild summers. On the other hand, Shenandoah is located in Virginia and has a temperate climate with hot summers and cold winters.
The best time to visit Lake Clark is during the summer months, June to August, when the weather is mild and the park is accessible by boat or floatplane. During this time, visitors can take part in fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Winter is not recommended for visiting as it is extremely cold and many of the park’s facilities are closed.
Shenandoah National Park, on the other hand, is best visited during the spring and fall months, April to June and September to November, when the weather is mild and comfortable. During these months, visitors can enjoy scenic drives, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Summer months can be hot and humid, making outdoor activities less enjoyable. Winter can be cold and snowy, with some park facilities and roads closed.
In conclusion, the weather conditions at Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and Shenandoah National Park are vastly different, affecting the best time of year to visit each park. While Lake Clark is best visited in the summer, Shenandoah is best visited in the spring and fall.
Family Friendliness of Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and Shenandoah National Park
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and Shenandoah National Park are two of the most beautiful and family-friendly parks in the United States. Both offer incredible outdoor experiences for families, but in different ways. Lake Clark is known for its stunning glaciers, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife, making it a top destination for nature lovers. Meanwhile, Shenandoah is famous for its rolling hills, scenic drives, and easy-to-follow trails, making it a more accessible park for families with young children.
When it comes to family-friendliness, both parks have a lot to offer. However, Shenandoah is the better choice for families with young children. The park has a number of easy-to-follow, child-friendly trails, which can be tackled by even the youngest members of the family. In addition, the park boasts a number of picnic areas and campgrounds, making it the perfect place to spend a day or two with your children. Meanwhile, Lake Clark may be a bit too rugged for very young children, with its remote wilderness and challenging terrain.
In conclusion, both Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and Shenandoah National Park are excellent choices for families looking to spend time in the great outdoors. However, if you’re traveling with young children, Shenandoah is the more accessible and family-friendly option.