Shenandoah National Park and Yellowstone National Park are two of the most well-known national parks in the United States. Both parks offer breathtaking natural beauty, unique wildlife, and endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation. But which one is better? In this article, we’ll explore the similarities and differences between these two incredible parks, and help you decide which one is the perfect destination for your next outdoor getaway.
Yellowstone is famous for its geysers, hot springs and the world’s largest active geyser, Old Faithful. It is also home to an array of wildlife, including wolves, bison, elk, and black bears. Shenandoah National Park, on the other hand, is known for its picturesque Skyline Drive, which offers stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and its 500 miles of hiking trails.
So, which park will come out on top? Will it be the geysers and hot springs of Yellowstone, or the rolling hills and scenic drives of Shenandoah? Read on to find out!
Hiking Trails in Shenandoah National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Shenandoah National Park and Yellowstone National Park are two of the most popular parks in the United States. Both have a large number of hiking trails, but they are different in terms of the type of trails and the difficulty level.
Shenandoah National Park is well known for its scenic drives and its many easy hikes. The most popular easy hikes in Shenandoah include the Limberlost Trail, the Rose River Loop, and the Dark Hollow Falls Trail. These trails offer great views of the park’s waterfalls, streams, and rolling hills.
Yellowstone National Park, on the other hand, is known for its more challenging hikes. Some of the most strenuous hikes in Yellowstone include the Mount Washburn Trail, the Cascade Lake Trail, and the Hellroaring Plateau Trail. These hikes offer amazing views of the park’s geysers, hot springs, and wildlife, but they can be very difficult and require a good level of fitness.
Both Shenandoah and Yellowstone offer a variety of hiking trails to suit different levels of ability and interest. Whether you’re looking for an easy hike with great views or a challenging hike that will push you to your limits, these parks have something 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 Yellowstone National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mystic Falls, Fairy Creek and Little Firehole Loop | 5632.69 | 184.7088 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Grand Prismatic Hot Spring | 2574.944 | 60.96 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Upper Geyser Basin and Old Faithful Observation Point Loop | 7242.03 | 73.7616 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Canyon Rim North Trail to Inspiration Point | 12713.786 | 349.9104 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| West Thumb Geyser Basin Trail | 1609.34 | 17.9832 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Mammoth Hot Springs Area Trail | 5632.69 | 170.9928 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Artists Paintpots Trail | 1609.34 | 30.7848 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Avalanche Peak Trail | 7402.964 | 614.7816 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Old Faithful Geyser Loop Trail | 1126.538 | 4.8768 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Upper Falls, Lower Falls and Crystal Falls Trail | 6115.492 | 140.8176 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Shenandoah National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Shenandoah National Park, located in Virginia, and Yellowstone National Park, located in Wyoming and Montana, are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Each park offers a unique experience for visitors, including the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife.
In Shenandoah, visitors can see black bears, deer, turkey, and many species of birds, including the Baltimore oriole and the wood thrush. The park also has a diverse range of plant life, including rhododendron and mountain laurel.
Yellowstone, on the other hand, is home to a larger variety of wildlife, including wolves, bison, elk, and moose. Visitors may also see grizzly bears, black bears, and coyotes. In addition to these large mammals, Yellowstone also has a variety of bird species, including the bald eagle and the osprey. The park is also home to a diverse range of plant life, including lodgepole pine forests, sagebrush, and wildflowers.
In conclusion, while both parks offer unique and exciting wildlife experiences, Yellowstone offers a wider variety of animals, while Shenandoah has a wider variety of plants. Regardless, both parks offer stunning landscapes and the opportunity to see some of the country’s most magnificent wildlife.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Shenandoah National Park and Yellowstone National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Shenandoah National Park | Yellowstone 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 | Yellowstone 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 | Mule Deer |
| Water Shrew | Wolf |
| Red Squirrel | Long-Legged Myotis |
| White-Tailed Deer | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Virginia Opossum | Badger |
| Marten | Short Tailed Weasel |
| Northern Flying Squirrel | California Myotis |
Fish
| Shenandoah National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Brook Trout | Brook Trout |
| Brown Trout | Brown Trout |
| Largemouth Bass | Longnose Sucker |
| Green Sunfish | Lake Trout |
| Bluegill | Mottled Sculpin |
| Common Carp | Longnose Dace |
| Mottled Sculpin | Speckled Dace |
| Longnose Dace | Arctic Grayling |
| Yellow Bullhead | |
| Creek Chub | |
| Brown Bullhead | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Amphibians
| Shenandoah National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Bullfrog | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Reptiles
| Shenandoah National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Black Racer | Racer |
| Ringneck Snake | Greater Short-Horned Lizard |
| Common Garter Snake | Rubber Boa |
| Common Kingsnake | |
| Milksnake | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard |
Insects
| Shenandoah National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | Orange Sulphur |
| Painted Lady | Painted Lady |
| Monarch | Monarch |
| American Lady | American Painted Lady |
| Red Admiral | Red Admiral |
| Mourning Cloak | Mourning Cloak |
| Cabbage White | Silvery Blue |
| Silvery Blue | Common Checkered Skipper |
| Common Checkered Skipper | Common Sulphur |
| Clouded Sulphur | Variegated Fritillary |
| Variegated Fritillary | Commom Wood Nymph |
| Buckeye | Purplish Copper |
| Commom Wood Nymph | Anise Swallowtail |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Beautiful Landscapes in Shenandoah National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Shenandoah National Park, located in Virginia, boasts of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains and offers scenic beauty in the form of rolling hills and valleys. The park is famous for its Skyline Drive, a scenic 105-mile road that winds its way through the heart of the park, offering breathtaking views from numerous overlooks. It also has more than 500 miles of trails for hiking, including several that offer views of waterfalls and other natural wonders.
Yellowstone National Park, located in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, is the first national park in the United States and is widely known for its geothermal features, including the famous Old Faithful geyser. The park is also home to some of the most stunning mountain ranges, including the Grand Teton Mountains, and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore its vast wilderness areas. The park also offers scenic drives, with several roads winding through the park offering breathtaking views of its natural wonders, including majestic waterfalls and hot springs.
Both parks offer visitors a chance to escape into nature and enjoy some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country. Whether you’re looking for a scenic drive, a challenging hike, or simply a chance to relax and soak in the beauty of the great outdoors, these two parks are sure to deliver.
Things To-Do and Activities in Shenandoah National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Shenandoah National Park and Yellowstone National Park are two of the most popular nature destinations in the United States. Both parks offer a variety of recreational activities for visitors to enjoy, but there are some differences between the two parks in terms of what visitors can expect.
In Shenandoah National Park, visitors can enjoy scenic drives along Skyline Drive, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Other popular activities include camping, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. The park is also home to over 500 miles of hiking trails, including easy walks and challenging backcountry hikes.
Yellowstone National Park is a unique destination that offers a diverse range of activities. In addition to scenic drives and hiking, visitors can also experience geyser basins, hot springs, and other geothermal features. Wildlife viewing is also a popular activity in the park, with opportunities to see bison, elk, and other animals in their natural habitats.
Both parks offer opportunities for outdoor recreation and wildlife viewing, but the specific activities available will depend on the park you choose to visit. Whether you prefer scenic drives, hiking, or geothermal features, both Shenandoah National Park and Yellowstone National Park have something to offer.
Best Time to Visit Shenandoah National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Shenandoah National Park and Yellowstone National Park are two of the most visited national parks in the US. Both are known for their stunning natural beauty and diverse wildlife, but the weather at each park can vary greatly.
Shenandoah National Park is located in Virginia and experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and cold winters. The best time to visit is in the spring when the park’s lush greenery and wildflowers are in full bloom, or in the fall when the leaves change color. During the summer, temperatures can reach the 90s and there is a high probability of rain and thunderstorms. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing, and snow and ice can make hiking and outdoor activities difficult.
Yellowstone National Park, located in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, is known for its harsh and unpredictable weather. Summer temperatures can reach into the 80s, but sudden changes in weather can bring thunderstorms and even snow. Winter temperatures in Yellowstone regularly drop below zero, and heavy snowfall can make roads impassable. The park is also prone to geothermal activity, which can cause sudden changes in weather. The best time to visit Yellowstone is in the spring or summer when temperatures are milder, although it is still important to be prepared for sudden changes in weather.
In conclusion, both Shenandoah National Park and Yellowstone National Park offer unique experiences, but the weather can greatly affect the best time to visit. It is important to plan ahead and be prepared for sudden changes in weather, especially in Yellowstone.
Family Friendliness of Shenandoah National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Shenandoah National Park and Yellowstone National Park are both family-friendly destinations for visitors looking to enjoy the great outdoors with their children. Both parks offer a variety of activities for families to enjoy, but there are some differences to take into consideration when choosing between the two.
Shenandoah National Park is considered more family-friendly due to its close proximity to major cities, such as Washington D.C. and Richmond, Virginia. The park has a large network of trails, which makes it easy for families to enjoy hikes and picnics. The park is also home to numerous campgrounds and picnic areas, which are perfect for families to relax and enjoy the scenery.
On the other hand, Yellowstone National Park is a bit more remote and remote and can be harder to reach with young children. However, the park offers some unique opportunities to observe wildlife, including geysers and hot springs. The park also has a number of educational programs for children, which can be a great way for families to learn about the natural world.
Both parks offer a great experience for families, but it really depends on what you are looking for. If you are looking for a more relaxed and accessible park, Shenandoah may be the better choice. If you are interested in a more remote and educational experience, Yellowstone may be the better option. Either way, both parks are great destinations for families to spend time together and enjoy the great outdoors.