Discover the great outdoors and visit two of the most magnificent national parks in the United States: Shenandoah National Park and Theodore Roosevelt National Park. These parks offer breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, birdwatcher, or simply looking to take a scenic drive, you won’t be disappointed by what these parks have to offer.
But which one should you visit? Shenandoah National Park boasts a 105-mile scenic drive, over 500 miles of hiking trails, and over 200,000 acres of protected wilderness. Meanwhile, Theodore Roosevelt National Park offers unique badlands formations, diverse wildlife including bison, elk and bighorn sheep, and the opportunity to explore two distinct units, the North and South Units.
So, how do you choose between these two incredible parks? Stick with us as we compare and contrast these two national treasures, and help you make an informed decision on which park to visit. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful hike through the mountains or an adventurous journey through the badlands, we’ve got you covered. Get ready to pack your bags and hit the road, as we explore the best that Shenandoah National Park and Theodore Roosevelt National Park have to offer!
Hiking Trails in Shenandoah National Park and Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Shenandoah National Park, located in Virginia, is a popular destination for hikers with over 500 miles of trails. The trails range from easy, scenic walks to strenuous, multi-day backcountry hikes. Some of the most popular trails include Old Rag Mountain, which is a challenging rock scramble, and Limberlost Trail, which is a gentle hike through the forest.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park, located in North Dakota, has a smaller trail system with 70 miles of trails. The park is known for its scenic drives, but also has several hikes that offer panoramic views of the Badlands formations. The Buck Hill trail is a popular hike, offering a strenuous climb to the top of a hill for breathtaking views. The Wind Canyon trail is a more strenuous hike, taking visitors through a narrow canyon with towering cliffs.
In conclusion, both Shenandoah and Theodore Roosevelt National Parks offer unique hiking experiences for visitors. While Shenandoah has a larger trail system and more diverse range of hikes, Theodore Roosevelt offers breathtaking views of the Badlands formations. Regardless of your hiking experience or preference, both parks have something to offer.
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 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Theodore Roosevelt 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 | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Shenandoah National Park and Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Shenandoah National Park and Theodore Roosevelt National Park are both known for their incredible wildlife. While both parks offer opportunities to see a wide variety of animals, birds, and plants, there are some key differences between the two.
Shenandoah National Park is located in Virginia and is known for its large black bear population, as well as its deer, wild turkeys, and various bird species like the blue-headed vireo, hooded warbler and the wood thrush. In addition to these, the park is also home to a diverse array of plant life, including wildflowers like the pink lady’s slipper and the spring beauty, as well as mature hardwood forests.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park, on the other hand, is located in North Dakota and is known for its diverse wildlife, including bison, pronghorns, elk, and bighorn sheep, as well as its large bird population, including hawks and various species of songbirds. In addition to these, the park also boasts a variety of plant species, including prairie grasses, wildflowers and cacti.
In conclusion, both Shenandoah National Park and Theodore Roosevelt National Park offer a unique and diverse range of wildlife and plant life. Whether you’re interested in observing large mammals like bison and black bears, or bird watching and botanizing, both parks offer something for everyone.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Shenandoah National Park and Theodore Roosevelt National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Shenandoah National Park | Theodore Roosevelt 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
| Shenandoah National Park | Theodore Roosevelt 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 |
| Mountain Lion | Mountain Lion |
| Gray Fox | Mink |
| River Otter | Mule Deer |
| Masked Shrew | Gray Wolf |
| Water Shrew | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Red Squirrel | Long-Eared Myotis |
| White-Tailed Deer | Badger |
| Virginia Opossum | Snowshoe Hare |
| Marten | North American River Otter |
| Northern Flying Squirrel | Masked Shrew |
Fish
| Shenandoah National Park | Theodore Roosevelt National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Longnose Sucker |
| Brook Trout | Green Sunfish |
| Brown Trout | Bluegill |
| Largemouth Bass | Flathead Minnow |
| Green Sunfish | Golden Shiner |
| Bluegill | Carp/European Carp |
| Common Carp | Northern Pike |
| Mottled Sculpin | Burbot |
| Longnose Dace | Longnose Dace |
| Yellow Bullhead | Channel Catfish |
| Creek Chub | Black Bullhead |
| Brown Bullhead | Creek Chub |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Amphibians
| Shenandoah National Park | Theodore Roosevelt National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Reptiles
| Shenandoah National Park | Theodore Roosevelt National Park |
|---|---|
| Black Racer | Bullsnake |
| Ringneck Snake | Racer |
| Common Garter Snake | Rattlesnake |
| Common Kingsnake | Sagebrush Lizard |
| Milksnake | Common Garter Snake |
| Eastern Fence Lizard | Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard |
Insects
| Shenandoah National Park | Theodore Roosevelt 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 Shenandoah National Park and Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Shenandoah National Park is located in Virginia and is known for its beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains and scenic Skyline Drive. The park boasts numerous overlooks and hiking trails, including the popular Old Rag Mountain hike. Another popular attraction is Dark Hollow Falls, a 70-foot waterfall that can be reached by a moderate hike.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park is located in North Dakota and is named after the 26th President of the United States, who was also a conservationist. The park features rolling hills, badlands formations, and prairies with bison, pronghorn antelope, and other wildlife. Visitors can hike or drive along the scenic loop road to see the unique landscapes, including the Painted Canyon Overlook. The park also has several campgrounds, making it a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Both parks offer stunning landscapes and natural wonders, but they are distinct in their own ways. Shenandoah National Park is ideal for visitors looking for scenic drives and mountainous landscapes, while Theodore Roosevelt National Park is perfect for those seeking a more rugged, prairie experience with wildlife viewing opportunities. Regardless of what you’re looking for, both parks are a must-visit for any nature lover.
Things To-Do and Activities in Shenandoah National Park and Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Shenandoah National Park and Theodore Roosevelt National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer a wide range of activities for visitors of all ages and interests. When visiting Shenandoah National Park, visitors can enjoy scenic drives, such as the Skyline Drive, bird watching, horseback riding, and picnicking. The park also offers numerous camping opportunities, including backcountry camping and front-country camping.
In contrast, Theodore Roosevelt National Park is known for its diverse landscape, including the Badlands and prairies. Visitors can enjoy scenic drives, wildlife watching, and hiking. The park also offers several ranger-led programs, including campfire talks, guided hikes, and wildlife walks. Additionally, visitors can take a scenic drive through the park to see stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Both parks offer a unique experience for visitors, with Shenandoah offering more traditional park activities and Theodore Roosevelt offering a more rugged and natural experience. Whether you are looking for a relaxing picnic or an adventurous hike, both parks have something to offer.
Best Time to Visit Shenandoah National Park and Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Shenandoah National Park and Theodore Roosevelt National Park are both popular destinations for nature lovers, but there are differences in their seasonal weather patterns that can affect when is the best time to visit. Shenandoah National Park is located in Virginia and is known for its beautiful autumn foliage and mild summers. The spring months are usually mild with occasional showers, while winters can be cold and snowy. This makes fall the most popular time to visit, with temperatures ranging from the high 50s to mid 60s.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park, on the other hand, is located in North Dakota and has a more extreme climate. Summers are hot and dry, with temperatures ranging from the high 80s to low 90s. Winters are cold and harsh, with temperatures frequently dropping below zero. Spring and fall are short and mild, but can be windy. This means that the best time to visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park is during the summer, when temperatures are more comfortable and wildlife is more active.
In conclusion, both Shenandoah National Park and Theodore Roosevelt National Park offer unique experiences for nature lovers, but the best time to visit will depend on the type of weather you prefer and can handle. Whether you prefer the mild and colorful autumn in Shenandoah or the hot and dry summers in Theodore Roosevelt, both parks offer stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife for visitors to enjoy.
Family Friendliness of Shenandoah National Park and Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Shenandoah National Park and Theodore Roosevelt National Park are both great options for families looking for a nature-filled getaway. However, they cater to different types of families with different needs.
Shenandoah National Park is a great choice for families with younger children. The park offers several scenic drives, including the famous Skyline Drive, which provides breathtaking views of the Appalachian Mountains. There are also several easy hiking trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds that cater to families. Additionally, the park has several ranger-led programs and educational activities, making it a great place to learn about nature.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park, on the other hand, is more suited to families with older children who are able to tackle more strenuous hikes. The park is located in the Badlands of North Dakota and is known for its rugged terrain and scenic beauty. Despite its remote location, the park has several campgrounds and picnic areas for families to enjoy. However, the park offers fewer ranger-led programs and educational activities than Shenandoah National Park, so it may not be as family-friendly for those with younger children.
In conclusion, both Shenandoah National Park and Theodore Roosevelt National Park are great options for families, but Shenandoah is better for families with younger children and Theodore Roosevelt is better for families with older children.