Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks in California and Shenandoah National Park in Virginia are three of the most breathtaking and awe-inspiring parks in the United States. These parks offer visitors the chance to escape into nature, explore the great outdoors, and reconnect with their wild side. But which park is the best? In this article, we’ll compare these three parks, taking a closer look at their unique features, their pros, and their cons. We’ll also delve into the history of each park, exploring their origins and how they’ve changed over the years. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a bird-watcher, or a nature lover, you’ll find something to love in these parks. So, gear up, grab your hiking shoes, and get ready to explore one of America’s most beautiful natural treasures.
Hiking Trails in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Shenandoah National Park
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Shenandoah National Park are all great destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, but the hiking trails available in each park are slightly different.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are known for their majestic giant sequoia trees, and the trails in these parks offer breathtaking views of these trees and the surrounding Sierra Nevada Mountains. Some popular hikes include the Congress Trail, which is an easy 2-mile hike that takes visitors through a grove of giant sequoias, and the High Sierra Trail, which is a strenuous 72-mile hike that offers some of the best views in the park.
Shenandoah National Park, located in Virginia, offers more than 500 miles of hiking trails, including the popular Old Rag Mountain hike, which is a challenging 9-mile hike with steep rocky ascents and descents. For those looking for an easier hike, the Fox Hollow Trail is a 3-mile hike through a peaceful forest with beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.
Overall, each park offers a unique set of hiking experiences, so it is important to consider the level of difficulty you are looking for when choosing a park to visit. Whether you are looking for an easy hike through a peaceful forest or a challenging hike with stunning views, both Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Shenandoah National Park have something to offer.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Moro Rock Trail | 643.736 | 56.9976 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Tokopah Falls via Tokopah Valley Trail | 6437.36 | 194.7672 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Heather Lake, Emerald Lake, and Pear Lake Trail via Watchtower and Pear Lake Trails | 18990.212 | 887.8824 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
General Sherman Tree Trail | 1287.472 | 46.9392 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
Marble Falls Trail | 11909.116 | 495.9096 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Congress Trail | 5149.888 | 151.7904 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
Alta Peak Trail | 23979.166 | 1238.7072 | Very Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
Mineral King to Eagle Lake Trail | 10460.71 | 674.8272 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
Big Trees Trail | 2092.142 | 36.8808 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
Giant Forest Loop Trail | 11265.38 | 390.7536 | Easy | loop | 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 Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Shenandoah National Park
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Shenandoah National Park are popular destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Both parks are well known for their diverse wildlife and stunning scenic views. However, each park has its own unique set of wildlife that visitors can observe and admire.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are home to a variety of large mammals such as black bears, mountain lions, and mule deer. Visitors may also come across smaller animals such as squirrels, chipmunks, and marmots. The parks are also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 200 species of birds such as the California Condor, the Western Tanager, and the Mountain Bluebird. The parks are also famous for their giant sequoias, the largest trees in the world, as well as other unique plant species such as the Dogwood and the Wild Iris.
Shenandoah National Park, on the other hand, is home to a different set of wildlife species. The park is known for its diverse mammals such as white-tailed deer, black bears, and grey foxes. Visitors can also see a variety of bird species, including the Wood Thrush, the American Goldfinch, and the Eastern Bluebird. The park is also home to a diverse range of plant life, including the American Beech, the Red Maple, and the Serviceberry.
In conclusion, both parks offer visitors the chance to observe and admire a variety of wildlife and plant species in their natural habitats. Whether you’re a birdwatcher, wildlife enthusiast, or simply enjoy exploring the great outdoors, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Shenandoah National Park are both must-visit destinations.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Shenandoah National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks | 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 |
Green-Winged Teal | American Wigeon |
American Pipit | Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks | 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 |
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 | Mountain Lion |
Mountain Lion | Gray Fox |
Mink | River Otter |
Mule Deer | Masked Shrew |
Gray Fox | Water Shrew |
Wolf | Red Squirrel |
Long-Legged Myotis | White-Tailed Deer |
Long-Eared Myotis | Virginia Opossum |
Badger | Marten |
Ermine | Northern Flying Squirrel |
Fish
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks | Shenandoah National Park |
---|---|
Rainbow Trout | Rainbow Trout |
Brook Trout Charr Salter | Brook Trout |
Brown Trout | Brown Trout |
Green Sunfish | Largemouth Bass |
Golden Shiner | Green Sunfish |
European Carp | Bluegill |
Black Bullhead | Common Carp |
Brown Bullhead | Mottled Sculpin |
Goldfish | Longnose Dace |
Smallmouth Bass | Yellow Bullhead |
Creek Chub | |
Brown Bullhead | |
Smallmouth Bass |
Reptiles
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks | Shenandoah National Park |
---|---|
Gopher Snake | Black Racer |
Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | Ringneck Snake |
Racer | Common Garter Snake |
Ring-Necked Snake | Common Kingsnake |
Sagebrush Lizard | Milksnake |
Common Garter Snake | Eastern Fence Lizard |
Common Kingsnake | |
Rubber Boa | |
Nightsnake | |
Southwestern Black-Headed Snake | |
Western Whiptail | |
Western Skink | |
Long-Nosed Snake | |
Western Fence Lizard |
Amphibians
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks | Shenandoah National Park |
---|---|
Bullfrog | Northern Leopard Frog |
Insects
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks | 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 Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Shenandoah National Park
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are located in California, USA, and are famous for their towering trees and breathtaking vistas. The parks are home to the General Sherman Tree, the largest tree on Earth by volume. Visitors can also hike through the backcountry to see other giant sequoias and stunning overlooks such as Moro Rock and the Cedar Grove Overlook.
Shenandoah National Park, located in Virginia, USA, boasts an expansive skyline drive that winds along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The drive offers scenic vistas, including overlooks of the Shenandoah Valley and the Piedmont. The park is also home to over 500 miles of trails, including to the summit of Old Rag Mountain, one of the most popular and challenging hikes in the park. Additionally, visitors can enjoy waterfalls such as Dark Hollow Falls and Lewis Falls.
In conclusion, each of these national parks offers unique and beautiful landscapes that are sure to leave a lasting impression. Whether you’re a fan of towering trees, scenic drives, or breathtaking vistas, these parks have something for everyone.
Things To-Do and Activities in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Shenandoah National Park
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Shenandoah National Park are both popular destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. While all three parks offer a range of outdoor activities, each has its own unique offerings.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are known for their towering trees and scenic vistas. Popular activities include camping, wildlife watching, and scenic drives along the Generals Highway and the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway. Visitors can also enjoy a range of ranger-led programs, including nature walks, campfire programs, and stargazing events.
Shenandoah National Park, located in Virginia, is a popular destination for hiking, camping, and scenic drives along the Skyline Drive. The park is also known for its abundant wildlife, including black bears, deer, and wild turkeys. Visitors can enjoy ranger-led programs, including guided hikes, campfire programs, and wildlife watching opportunities.
Regardless of your preferred outdoor activity, all three parks offer a range of opportunities for visitors to connect with nature and experience the beauty of the great outdoors. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a first-time visitor, these parks offer something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Shenandoah National Park
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Shenandoah National Park are three of the most popular national parks in the United States. The seasonal weather at these parks can be very different, and it is important to know what to expect when planning a visit.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California and have a Mediterranean climate. This means that they are dry and hot in the summer, and cool and wet in the winter. The best time to visit is in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the scenery is beautiful. Summer can be hot and crowded, while winter can be cold and snowy.
Shenandoah National Park is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia and has a humid subtropical climate. This means that it is hot and humid in the summer, and cool and wet in the winter. The best time to visit is in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the scenery is beautiful. Summer can be hot and crowded, while winter can be cold and icy.
In conclusion, the seasonal weather at Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Shenandoah National Park can greatly affect the best time of year to visit these parks. Visitors should consider the climate and weather conditions when planning a trip to these national parks.
Family Friendliness of Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Shenandoah National Park
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Shenandoah National Park are two popular destinations for families looking to spend time in nature. While both parks offer opportunities for outdoor recreation and wildlife viewing, each has its own unique features that make it more or less family-friendly.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are located in California and are known for their towering sequoia trees, which can be seen on several trails within the parks. The parks also have several campgrounds and picnic areas, making it a great choice for families who enjoy camping. Additionally, the parks offer ranger-led programs and junior ranger activities, making it a great educational opportunity for children.
Shenandoah National Park, on the other hand, is located in Virginia and is known for its scenic drive, the Skyline Drive, which winds through the park and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The park also has several picnic areas and campgrounds, as well as a variety of hiking trails, including several that are suitable for families with younger children. However, Shenandoah National Park may not be as educational as Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, as it does not have as many ranger-led programs and junior ranger activities.
In conclusion, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks is a better choice for families who are looking for a combination of outdoor recreation and educational opportunities, while Shenandoah National Park is more suitable for families who are looking for a scenic drive and easy hikes.