Shenandoah National Park and Virgin Islands National Park are two very different parks that offer unique experiences for visitors. Located in Virginia and the U.S. Virgin Islands, respectively, these parks offer picturesque landscapes, a variety of recreational opportunities, and an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. With so much to offer, it can be difficult to choose which one to visit. But that’s where we come in! In this article, we will compare and contrast these two beautiful parks, and help you determine which one is right for your next adventure.
Shenandoah National Park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering over 500 miles of trails for hiking and scenic drives through the Blue Ridge Mountains. On the other hand, Virgin Islands National Park is a tropical paradise, where visitors can snorkel, kayak, and relax on pristine beaches. Both parks offer breathtaking views and opportunities to connect with nature, but they are truly different experiences.
So, are you ready to choose between the mountains and the sea? Join us as we take a closer look at Shenandoah National Park and Virgin Islands National Park and decide which one is right for you.
Hiking Trails in Shenandoah National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Shenandoah National Park, located in Virginia, covers over 200,000 acres and boasts over 500 miles of hiking trails. The easy trails include the Limberlost Trail and the Doyles River Trail, both offering stunning views of the Appalachian Mountains and opportunities for wildlife viewing. The hardest hike in the park is the Old Rag Mountain, a 9.1 mile hike that involves rock scrambling and steep inclines.
Virgin Islands National Park, located in the U.S. Virgin Islands, is home to over 20 miles of hiking trails that showcase the island’s lush tropical wilderness and stunning beaches. Some of the easiest hikes include the Annaberg Trail and the Cinnamon Bay Trail, both offering breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea. The hardest hike in the park is the Reef Bay Trail, a 4.5-mile hike that involves a steep descent to the Reef Bay Beach and a strenuous climb back up.
Both Shenandoah National Park and Virgin Islands National Park offer a range of hiking options for visitors of all skill levels, from easy nature walks to challenging mountain hikes. Whether you’re looking for breathtaking views of rolling hills or crystal-clear waters, these parks have something to offer for everyone.
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 Virgin Islands 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 | 4.6 |
Wildlife in Shenandoah National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Shenandoah National Park and Virgin Islands National Park are two very different parks with their own unique wildlife. Shenandoah National Park, located in Virginia, is known for its diverse forests and abundant wildlife. The park is home to black bears, white-tailed deer, raccoons, and over 200 species of birds, including the wild turkey and the pileated woodpecker.
In contrast, the Virgin Islands National Park located in the U.S. Virgin Islands, is a tropical paradise with a unique array of wildlife. Visitors to the park can expect to see a variety of birds, including the red-legged thrush and the bananaquit, as well as iguanas, green sea turtles, and a variety of marine life including starfish, sea urchins, and sea anemones. The park is also home to a diverse range of plants, including mangroves and sea grapes, which provide vital habitat for the wildlife that call the park home.
Both parks offer visitors the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife in their natural habitats, but the types of wildlife that can be seen differ greatly between the two parks. Whether you are interested in observing forest animals or tropical birds and marine life, both Shenandoah National Park and Virgin Islands National Park are sure to provide a unique and fascinating wildlife experience.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Shenandoah National Park and Virgin Islands National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Shenandoah National Park | Virgin Islands 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 | Virgin Islands 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 | Virgin Islands 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 | Virgin Islands National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Reptiles
| Shenandoah National Park | Virgin Islands 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 | Virgin Islands 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 Virgin Islands National Park
Shenandoah National Park is located in Virginia, USA, and is known for its stunning Blue Ridge Mountains and rolling hills. The park covers over 200,000 acres and offers a variety of scenic drives, such as the famous Skyline Drive, which offers incredible views of the Appalachian Mountains. Hikers and outdoor enthusiasts will also enjoy the many trails in the park, including the Old Rag Mountain hike which takes you to the summit of one of the park’s most famous peaks. In addition to the mountains, visitors can also enjoy the peaceful beauty of the park’s many streams, waterfalls and lush forests.
Virgin Islands National Park, on the other hand, is located in the Caribbean and is known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters and lush tropical vegetation. The park covers over 7,000 acres and is a popular destination for snorkeling, diving and kayaking. Visitors can explore the park’s many beaches, including Trunk Bay, which is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The park also offers a variety of hiking trails, including the Reef Bay Trail, which takes you through the lush tropical forests and past historic sugar plantations. Whether you are a beach lover or an outdoor enthusiast, Virgin Islands National Park is a must-see destination that offers a truly unique experience.
Things To-Do and Activities in Shenandoah National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Shenandoah National Park and Virgin Islands National Park are two popular national parks that are frequently compared. They are unique in their own ways and offer different experiences for visitors.
Shenandoah National Park is located in the Appalachian Mountains and is known for its scenic drives, such as the Skyline Drive, and its many trails for hiking and camping. Visitors can also enjoy scenic vistas, wildlife viewing, and fishing in the park’s rivers and streams. The park is also home to numerous picnic areas and campgrounds, which are popular with families and outdoor enthusiasts.
In contrast, Virgin Islands National Park is located in the Caribbean and is known for its stunning beaches, snorkeling, and water sports. The park is also a popular spot for kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing. Visitors can also enjoy birdwatching, as the park is home to many species of tropical birds. Additionally, the park has several historic sites, such as the Annaberg Sugar Plantation, that are popular with history buffs and culture seekers.
Overall, both parks offer a range of activities for visitors to enjoy, from outdoor recreation to cultural experiences. Whether you prefer hiking in the mountains or lounging on the beach, both Shenandoah National Park and Virgin Islands National Park are great destinations to explore.
Best Time to Visit Shenandoah National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Shenandoah National Park, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, is a popular destination for visitors seeking scenic views, hiking, and wildlife. The park experiences a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Spring brings mild temperatures and blooming flowers, while summers can be hot and humid. In autumn, the park is known for its stunning fall foliage with cool temperatures. Winters can be cold with snow and ice.
In contrast, Virgin Islands National Park, located on the island of St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands, has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. The park experiences a rainy season from September to November and a dry season from December to August with little variation in temperature. Visitors to the park can expect to enjoy warm, sunny weather, with occasional rain showers.
The best time to visit Shenandoah National Park depends on the activities you plan to do and your personal preferences. If you enjoy hiking, spring and fall are the best seasons to visit with comfortable temperatures, while summer can be too hot. Winter is best for those who enjoy winter sports. Virgin Islands National Park is an all-season destination, with the best time to visit determined by personal preference for weather and crowds. The dry season is the most popular time to visit, but the park can be less crowded during the rainy season.
Family Friendliness of Shenandoah National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Shenandoah National Park, located in Virginia, is known for its scenic drive and vast hiking trails, making it a great destination for families who enjoy outdoor activities. The park offers a variety of family-friendly hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes, so there’s something for all ages and fitness levels. Additionally, visitors can drive the famous Skyline Drive, a scenic road that offers stunning views of the park and its wildlife.
On the other hand, Virgin Islands National Park is located on the island of St. John in the US Virgin Islands, and is known for its beautiful beaches and snorkeling opportunities. The park is particularly popular with families who enjoy water activities, such as swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. Visitors can also hike the park’s trails, but the focus is primarily on water-based activities. With its warm weather and crystal-clear waters, it’s the perfect destination for families who want to experience a tropical adventure.
In terms of which park is better for families, it really depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re looking for a more traditional national park experience with plenty of hiking opportunities, Shenandoah National Park is the way to go. However, if you’re looking for a tropical getaway with plenty of water activities, Virgin Islands National Park is the better choice. Both parks are family-friendly, so you can’t go wrong with either one.