Shenandoah National Park and Voyageurs National Park are two of the most beautiful and diverse national parks in the United States. Both parks have their own unique features that make them special and attract visitors from all over the world. Whether you’re a nature lover, an outdoor enthusiast, or just looking for a peaceful escape from the city, these parks have something for everyone.
Shenandoah National Park is located in Virginia and is known for its rolling hills, stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and diverse wildlife. The park is home to over 500 species of animals, including black bears, deer, and turkeys. The park is also famous for its scenic drives and hiking trails, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Voyageurs National Park, on the other hand, is located in northern Minnesota and is known for its pristine lakes, lush forests, and diverse wildlife. The park is a popular destination for boaters, kayakers, and canoeists, as well as for hikers and campers. With its stunning scenery and diverse wildlife, Voyageurs National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves nature and the great outdoors.
In this article, we will take a closer look at both parks and compare the unique features that make them special. So if you’re trying to decide between Shenandoah National Park and Voyageurs National Park, or just curious about what each park has to offer, then keep reading!
Hiking Trails in Shenandoah National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Shenandoah National Park and Voyageurs National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States, and they offer a variety of different hiking experiences. Shenandoah National Park is known for its rolling hills, scenic overlooks and diverse woodland habitats. With over 500 miles of trails, hikers can find anything from a leisurely nature walk to a strenuous backcountry hike. The park also has a number of easy hikes, such as the Stony Man Trail, which offers a scenic view of the surrounding valley, and the Limberlost Trail, which is a gentle hike through a lush forest.
In contrast, Voyageurs National Park is located near the Canadian border in northern Minnesota, and it is known for its vast network of interconnected lakes and waterways. The park has over 100 miles of trails, and many of the trails are designed for water-based activities like canoeing and kayaking. While there are a few easy hikes, such as the Kabetogama Peninsula Trail, the majority of the trails in Voyageurs are considered strenuous, with steep inclines and rocky terrain. Some of the toughest hikes in the park include the Rainy Lake Loop Trail, which requires a strenuous climb up to a scenic overlook, and the Little American Island Loop Trail, which is a remote hike through dense woodland.
Regardless of the difficulty level, both Shenandoah National Park and Voyageurs National Park offer a unique and challenging hiking experience. With their diverse landscapes and rich ecosystems, these two parks are sure to provide an unforgettable outdoor adventure for any hiker.
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 Voyageurs National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blind Ash Bay Trail | 5793.624 | 117.9576 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Kabetogama Lake Overlook Trail | 643.736 | 17.9832 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Cruiser Lake to Brown Lake and Anderson Bay | 14001.258 | 224.9424 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Beaver Pond Overlook Trail | 482.802 | 1.8288 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Kab-Ash Trail | 24461.968 | 406.908 | Easy | out and back | 3 |
| Sullivan Bay Trail | 2092.142 | 27.7368 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Black Bay Beaver Pond Trail | 1931.208 | 22.86 | Easy | out and back | 5 |
Wildlife in Shenandoah National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Shenandoah National Park, located in Virginia, is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. It boasts a diverse range of wildlife, including black bears, white-tailed deer, turkeys, and foxes, as well as numerous bird species such as hawks, eagles, and warblers. The park also has a rich collection of wildflowers, ferns, and other plants, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers.
In contrast, Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota is a water-based park known for its abundant aquatic wildlife. Visitors can expect to see a variety of fish species, including walleye, northern pike, and muskellunge, as well as beavers, loons, and river otters. The park also has a diverse range of bird species, including the common loon, bald eagle, and osprey.
Both parks offer unique experiences for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. While Shenandoah is known for its rich collection of wildlife and plants on land, Voyageurs is famous for its abundant aquatic wildlife and breathtaking water-based vistas. Whether you’re a birdwatcher or simply enjoy exploring the great outdoors, both parks offer a wealth of opportunities to experience the beauty of nature.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Shenandoah National Park and Voyageurs National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Shenandoah National Park | Voyageurs 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 |
| American Wigeon | American Wigeon |
| Green-Winged Teal | Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Shenandoah National Park | Voyageurs 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 |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Porcupine |
| Hoary Bat | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Red Fox | Hoary Bat |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Red Fox |
| House Mouse | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Mountain Lion | House Mouse |
| Gray Fox | Mountain Lion |
| River Otter | Mink |
| Masked Shrew | Common Gray Fox |
| Water Shrew | Plains Wolf |
| Red Squirrel | American Badger |
| White-Tailed Deer | Ermine |
| Virginia Opossum | Snowshoe Hare |
| Marten | River Otter |
| Northern Flying Squirrel | Masked Shrew |
Fish
| Shenandoah National Park | Voyageurs National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Largemouth Bass |
| Brook Trout | Longnose Sucker |
| Brown Trout | Green Sunfish |
| Largemouth Bass | Bluegill |
| Green Sunfish | Fathead Minnow |
| Bluegill | Golden Shiner |
| Common Carp | Lake Trout |
| Mottled Sculpin | Northern Pike |
| Longnose Dace | Ellpout |
| Yellow Bullhead | Mottled Sculpin |
| Creek Chub | Slimy Sculpin |
| Brown Bullhead | Longnose Dace |
| Smallmouth Bass | Black Crappie |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Creek Chub | |
| Brown Bullhead | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Amphibians
| Shenandoah National Park | Voyageurs National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Wood Frog |
Reptiles
| Shenandoah National Park | Voyageurs National Park |
|---|---|
| Black Racer | |
| Ringneck Snake | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Common Kingsnake | |
| Milksnake | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard |
Insects
| Shenandoah National Park | Voyageurs 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 Voyageurs National Park
Shenandoah National Park and Voyageurs National Park are two of the most beautiful and diverse national parks in the United States. Shenandoah, located in Virginia, is most famous for its scenic Skyline Drive, which offers breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and rolling hills. There are also numerous waterfalls, including Dark Hollow Falls, which is one of the most popular hikes in the park.
Voyageurs National Park, located in Minnesota, is known for its stunning lakes and waterways. The park is a popular destination for boaters, canoeists, and kayakers looking to explore the many bays, inlets, and islands of the park. The park is also home to several large, pristine lakes, including Kabetogama Lake and Namakan Lake. These lakes are surrounded by dense forests and are popular spots for fishing and wildlife viewing.
Both parks offer a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and boating, and both are popular destinations for visitors looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Whether you’re looking for breathtaking views, quiet lakes, or a chance to explore the great outdoors, these two parks are sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
Things To-Do and Activities in Shenandoah National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Shenandoah National Park and Voyageurs National Park are two of America’s most loved national parks, and for good reason. Both parks have a variety of outdoor activities to offer, but there are some key differences between the two.
Shenandoah National Park is located in Virginia and is best known for its scenic drive, Skyline Drive, which offers breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Visitors can also enjoy camping, fishing, and wildlife watching. The park has over 500 miles of hiking trails, but hiking is not the most popular activity among visitors.
Voyageurs National Park, on the other hand, is located in Minnesota and is centered around the waterways of four large lakes. Canoeing and kayaking are the most popular activities at this park, and visitors can also enjoy fishing, camping, and wildlife watching. The park also offers scenic boat tours, which are a great way to explore the park and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness.
Both parks offer a unique and unforgettable experience, but it really depends on the interests of the individual. If you enjoy scenic drives and scenic views, Shenandoah National Park is the place for you. If you enjoy water-based activities, like canoeing and kayaking, then Voyageurs National Park is the perfect choice. Regardless of which park you choose, you’re sure to have an amazing time and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Best Time to Visit Shenandoah National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Shenandoah National Park and Voyageurs National Park are two popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The seasonal weather in these parks can greatly impact when is the best time to visit.
Shenandoah National Park, located in Virginia, experiences warm summers with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to low-80s, and cold winters with temperatures dropping to the low 20s. The park is a popular destination in the summer and fall, when visitors can enjoy scenic drives, hiking, and camping amidst the changing leaves. Winter can be a peaceful time to visit, but snow and ice on the roads can make travel difficult.
Voyageurs National Park, located in Minnesota, experiences harsh winters with temperatures reaching below freezing and hot summers with temperatures reaching the low 80s. The park is best visited in the summer, when visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, and camping. Winter can be a beautiful time to visit, with opportunities for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and ice fishing, but is not recommended for those who are not equipped for cold weather camping.
Both parks offer unique experiences and weather conditions, making it important for visitors to plan their trips accordingly. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful winter getaway or an adventurous summer trip, Shenandoah National Park and Voyageurs National Park are both worth considering.
Family Friendliness of Shenandoah National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Shenandoah National Park is located in Virginia and is considered to be a very family-friendly park. It offers visitors a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, wildlife watching, and scenic drives. With over 500 miles of trails, families can explore the park’s beautiful scenery and diverse wildlife. The park also has several picnic areas, making it easy for families to enjoy a meal together while taking in the views.
Voyageurs National Park, located in Minnesota, is also a great option for families. This park is known for its water-based activities, including canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. With over 40 lakes and interconnected waterways, there is plenty of room for families to explore and enjoy the water. In addition, Voyageurs National Park has several campgrounds, making it easy for families to spend a night or two in the park.
When it comes to choosing between Shenandoah National Park and Voyageurs National Park for a family vacation, both parks have their own unique features. Shenandoah National Park is better for families who enjoy hiking and scenic drives, while Voyageurs National Park is better for families who enjoy water-based activities. Ultimately, the best park for a family will depend on the interests and preferences of the individual family.