Shenandoah National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve are two of the most spectacular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer stunning views and unique experiences, but they are very different from each other. Whether you are looking for a relaxing scenic drive or a rugged wilderness adventure, one of these parks is sure to have what you are looking for.
Shenandoah National Park is located in Virginia and is known for its rolling hills, scenic sky-line drive, and breathtaking views. The park offers a range of activities, from hiking and camping to wildlife watching and picnicking. With over 500 miles of trails, there is no shortage of opportunities to explore the park’s diverse landscapes.
Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is located in Alaska and is the largest national park in the United States. The park is known for its glaciers, rugged mountains, and abundant wildlife, including grizzly bears, moose, and Dall sheep. It offers a true wilderness experience, with opportunities for backcountry camping, fishing, and hiking.
So, are you ready to choose between the rolling hills of Shenandoah National Park and the rugged wilderness of Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve? Read on to learn more about these two amazing parks and find out which one is the perfect destination for your next adventure.
Hiking Trails in Shenandoah National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Shenandoah National Park in Virginia and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve in Alaska are two vastly different parks offering unique hiking experiences.
Shenandoah has over 500 miles of trails, ranging from easy walks to strenuous climbs. The Old Rag Mountain hike is one of the park’s most popular and challenging hikes, featuring rocky terrain and steep ascents. On the other hand, the gentler Dark Hollow Falls trail is an easy hike with a stunning waterfall as a reward.
Wrangell – St Elias, on the other hand, is known for its backcountry opportunities and remote wilderness. The park has over 13 million acres of land, making it the largest national park in the country. The challenging Mount Wrangell hike offers stunning views of the surrounding glaciers and peaks, while the Root Glacier hike is a relatively easy and accessible trek.
Both parks offer unique hiking experiences and are worth a visit for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re seeking a strenuous challenge or a peaceful stroll, both Shenandoah and Wrangell – St Elias 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 Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rankin Ridge Interpretive Trail | 1609.34 | 72.8472 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Wind Cave Canyon Trail | 6115.492 | 64.9224 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Lookout Point Trail and Centennial Trail Loop | 8368.568 | 156.972 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Cold Brook Canyon Trail | 4506.152 | 60.96 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| East Bison Flats Trail | 16254.334 | 445.9224 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Boland Ridge Trail | 7724.832 | 248.7168 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Centennial Trail: Highway 87 to Highlander Rd | 13035.654 | 286.8168 | Moderate | point to point | 4.5 |
| Elk Mountain Interpretive Trail | 4023.35 | 99.9744 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Prairie Vista Loop | 1609.34 | 31.6992 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Highland Creek Trail to Centennial Trail Loop | 21887.024 | 443.7888 | Hard | loop | 4.6 |
Wildlife in Shenandoah National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Shenandoah National Park in Virginia and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve in Alaska are two vastly different parks with unique wildlife. Shenandoah is known for its diverse woodland creatures such as black bears, white-tailed deer, and wild turkeys, as well as a variety of bird species including the Baltimore Oriole, Northern Flicker and the Wood Thrush. The park also has a variety of plant life, including trees such as maple, oak, and hickory, as well as wildflowers like trillium, violets, and wild rose.
Wrangell – St. Elias on the other hand, is home to a wide range of larger mammals, such as moose, caribou, and grizzly bears, as well as wolves and wolverines. The park is also a haven for birdwatchers, with species such as the Harlequin Duck, the Tufted Puffin and the Bald Eagle commonly seen. The area is also rich in plant life, with tundra and taiga forests, as well as alpine meadows and glaciers.
Both parks offer unique wildlife experiences, but if you’re looking for a more diverse range of woodland creatures, Shenandoah National Park is the way to go. On the other hand, if you’re interested in viewing larger mammals and bird species, Wrangell – St. Elias National Park & Preserve is the place for you.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Shenandoah National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Shenandoah National Park | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| 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 | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Big Brown Bat | Little Brown Bat |
| Bobcat | Black Bear |
| Striped Skunk | Porcupine |
| Little Brown Bat | Red Fox |
| Deer Mouse | Puma |
| Raccoon | Mink |
| Black Bear | Mule Deer |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Wolf |
| Hoary Bat | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| Red Fox | Snowshoe Hare |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Land Otter |
| House Mouse | Common Shrew |
| Mountain Lion | Water Shrew |
| Gray Fox | Red Squirrel |
| River Otter | Montane Shrew |
| Masked Shrew | Long-Tailed Vole |
| Water Shrew | Lynx |
| Red Squirrel | Wolverine |
| White-Tailed Deer | American Marten |
| Virginia Opossum | Northern Flying Squirrel |
| Marten | Grizzly Bear |
| Northern Flying Squirrel | Meadow Vole |
Fish
| Shenandoah National Park | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Steelhead |
| Brook Trout | Longnose Sucker |
| Brown Trout | Lake Trout |
| Largemouth Bass | Northern Pike |
| Green Sunfish | Burbot |
| Bluegill | Silver Salmon |
| Common Carp | King Salmon |
| Mottled Sculpin | Slimy Sculpin |
| Longnose Dace | Threespine Stickleback |
| Yellow Bullhead | Sockeye Salmon |
| Creek Chub | Pink Salmon |
| Brown Bullhead | Chum Salmon |
| Smallmouth Bass | Dolly Varden |
| Cutthroat Trout | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
| Shenandoah National Park | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Wood Frog |
Reptiles
| Shenandoah National Park | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Black Racer | |
| Ringneck Snake | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Common Kingsnake | |
| Milksnake | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard |
Insects
| Shenandoah National Park | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | Silvery Blue |
| Painted Lady | Clouded Sulphur |
| 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 Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Shenandoah National Park is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia and spans over 200,000 acres. The park is most famous for its 105-mile Skyline Drive which offers scenic views of the rolling hills, forests, and streams of the park. The drive also provides access to numerous overlooks and trails, including the popular Old Rag Mountain hike. Another famous feature of the park is Dark Hollow Falls, a 70-foot waterfall that is a popular destination for visitors.
Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is located in Alaska and is the largest national park in the United States. It covers over 13 million acres and includes four mountain ranges, glaciers, and a variety of wildlife. The park is famous for its scenic views of the Wrangell Mountains, including Mount St. Elias, the second tallest peak in the United States. Visitors can also explore the massive Kennicott Glacier, one of the largest glaciers in North America, or go on a wildlife viewing excursion to see animals such as grizzly bears, moose, and caribou.
Things To-Do and Activities in Shenandoah National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Shenandoah National Park, located in Virginia, is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The park features scenic drives, such as the Skyline Drive, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness. Popular activities in the park include camping, picnicking, wildlife viewing and fishing in the park’s many streams and rivers. The park also offers over 500 miles of hiking trails, including easy nature walks and strenuous backcountry treks.
Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, is the largest national park in the United States. The park offers a unique wilderness experience, with opportunities for backpacking, mountaineering, and river rafting. Visitors can also take scenic flights over the park’s glaciers and mountain ranges, or go dog sledding in the winter. The park’s glaciers and snow-capped peaks provide a stark contrast to the lush forests and rolling hills of Shenandoah.
In conclusion, both Shenandoah National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve offer a diverse range of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. While Shenandoah is known for its scenic drives, picnicking, and hiking, Wrangell – St Elias offers a more rugged wilderness experience with opportunities for backpacking, mountaineering, and river rafting. Both parks are unique in their own way, and offer visitors a chance to connect with nature and experience the beauty of the great outdoors.
Best Time to Visit Shenandoah National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Shenandoah National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve are two popular National Parks in the US that offer unique experiences. The seasonal weather at these parks is different, and it affects the best time of year to visit each park.
Shenandoah National Park is located in Virginia and has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Springtime brings mild weather and blooming wildflowers, while summer is hot and humid. Fall is known for its stunning foliage, while winter can be cold with occasional snowfall.
Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska and has a subarctic climate with long, cold winters and short, cool summers. Winter temperatures can dip well below freezing, while summer temperatures average around 50°F. This park is also known for its abundant snowfall, making it a popular destination for winter sports.
When it comes to visiting these parks, the best time of year will depend on what you want to experience. If you are looking for warm weather and outdoor activities, summer is the best time to visit Shenandoah National Park. If you are interested in winter sports, Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve is a great destination. Both parks offer unique experiences and breathtaking landscapes, making them worth visiting no matter the season.
Family Friendliness of Shenandoah National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Shenandoah National Park and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve are two popular destinations for families traveling with children. While both parks offer opportunities for outdoor recreation and exploration, they differ in terms of accessibility and kid-friendly amenities.
Shenandoah National Park, located in Virginia, is known for its scenic Skyline Drive and numerous hiking trails. The park has several campgrounds and picnic areas, and is also home to a number of ranger-led programs, including campfire talks and nature walks. In addition, the park offers a Junior Ranger program, which allows children to learn about the park through interactive activities and earn a badge.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is located in Alaska and is the largest national park in the United States. While it is remote and difficult to access, it offers a unique wilderness experience for those who make the journey. The park has very few developed facilities and services, but it is home to glaciers, mountains, and wildlife, making it an ideal destination for families who enjoy outdoor adventure and remote wilderness experiences.
In conclusion, both Shenandoah National Park and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve are great options for families, but each park offers a different kind of experience. If you’re looking for a more accessible park with kid-friendly amenities, Shenandoah National Park is the better choice. However, if your family is adventure-seeking and enjoys remote wilderness experiences, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve may be the better option.