Isle Royale National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two of the most distinct and unique national parks in the United States. Both parks offer visitors an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, but in vastly different ways.
Isle Royale, located in the middle of Lake Superior, is a remote wilderness experience unlike any other. With its rugged shorelines, dense forests and pristine waters, it’s a true outdoor adventurer’s dream. On the other hand, New River Gorge is a mecca for adrenaline junkies, with its world-renowned white-water rafting and rock climbing opportunities.
Whether you’re seeking peace and solitude or an adrenaline rush, these two parks are sure to deliver. But which one is right for you? That’s where this article comes in. We’ll be comparing and contrasting these two fantastic national parks and helping you decide which one is the best fit for your next outdoor adventure.
So pack your bags, grab your hiking boots, and get ready for an unforgettable journey as we explore the differences and similarities between Isle Royale National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve.
Hiking Trails in Isle Royale National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Isle Royale National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two vastly different national parks with unique landscapes and hiking trails.
Isle Royale National Park is an island in Lake Superior and offers a remote wilderness experience with over 165 miles of hiking trails. The park’s most popular trail, the Greenstone Ridge Trail, is a 40-mile trek that takes you through the heart of the island and offers challenging terrain and stunning views of the lake. On the other hand, the Minong Ridge Trail is a relatively easier hike that takes you along the island’s ridges and offers vistas over the forest and lakes.
On the other hand, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is located in West Virginia and offers a range of hiking trails for all skill levels. The park’s most challenging hike is the Endless Wall Trail, a strenuous 10-mile trek that provides stunning views of the New River Gorge. For those seeking an easier trail, the Grandview Rim Trail is a 2-mile hike that takes you to overlooks with panoramic views of the New River Gorge.
In conclusion, both parks offer unique hiking experiences for visitors of all skill levels. Whether you are looking for challenging hikes with breathtaking views or easier trails through stunning landscapes, Isle Royale National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve have something for everyone.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Isle Royale National Park
Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Greenstone Ridge Trail: Windigo to Tobin Harbor | 63568.93 | 1216.7616 | Hard | point to point | 4 |
Rainbow Cove Trail | 2253.076 | 21.9456 | Easy | out and back | 5 |
Malone Bay to Hatchett Lake | 37658.556 | 664.7688 | Moderate | out and back | 0 |
Ishpeming Trail to Ishpeming Point | 23496.364 | 339.852 | Moderate | out and back | 0 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tolmie Peak Trail | 8851.37 | 463.9056 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Skyline Trail | 8529.502 | 535.8384 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
Comet and Christine Falls | 6920.162 | 610.8192 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Camp Muir Route Via Skyline Trail | 13518.456 | 1403.9088 | Very Hard | out and back | 5 |
Burroughs Mountain Loop Trail | 15127.796 | 780.8976 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
Naches Peak Loop Trail | 5310.822 | 193.8528 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
Spray Park Trail to Mount Pleasant | 11104.446 | 635.8128 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Mount Fremont Lookout Trail | 9012.304 | 348.996 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
Pinnacle Peak Saddle Trail | 3862.416 | 321.8688 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Summerland Trail | 13196.588 | 655.9296 | Moderate | out and back | 4.6 |
Wildlife in Isle Royale National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Isle Royale National Park is located in the middle of Lake Superior and is known for its large population of wolves and moose. The moose were introduced to the island in the early 1900s and have thrived due to the lack of predators. The wolves, on the other hand, are believed to have swam over from the mainland. These two species have a unique predator-prey relationship and can often be seen interacting in the wild. Other wildlife commonly seen on the island includes beavers, foxes, and black bears.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, located in West Virginia, is known for its diverse wildlife and bird populations. Visitors to the park can expect to see an array of wildlife, including black bears, white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and river otters. The park also has a large population of bats, including the Indiana Bat, which is protected under the Endangered Species Act. Plant life in the park includes a variety of hardwoods, such as oak and hickory, as well as hemlock and rhododendron. Overall, the New River Gorge provides a rich and diverse wildlife experience for visitors.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Isle Royale National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
Isle Royale National Park | New River Gorge National Park and 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 | Great Horned Owl |
American Robin | Red-Tailed Hawk |
Great Horned Owl | Barn Swallow |
Red-Tailed Hawk | Savannah Sparrow |
Northern Flicker | Great Blue Heron |
Merlin | Hermit Thrush |
Barn Swallow | European Starling |
Savannah Sparrow | Northern Pintail |
Great Blue Heron | American Wigeon |
Hermit Thrush | Green-Winged Teal |
American Kestrel | American Pipit |
Bald Eagle | Killdeer |
Song Sparrow | Brown-Headed Cowbird |
European Starling | Hairy Woodpecker |
Northern Pintail | Red-Breasted Nuthatch |
American Wigeon | White-Crowned Sparrow |
Green-Winged Teal | Northern Shoveler |
Mammals
Isle Royale National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
---|---|
Coyote | Coyote |
American Beaver | American Beaver |
Muskrat | Muskrat |
Big Brown Bat | Big Brown Bat |
Striped Skunk | Bobcat |
Little Brown Bat | Striped Skunk |
Deer Mouse | Little Brown Bat |
Silver-Haired Bat | Deer Mouse |
Hoary Bat | Raccoon |
Red Fox | Black Bear |
Long-Tailed Weasel | Porcupine |
Mink | Silver-Haired Bat |
Gray Wolf | Hoary Bat |
Short-Tailed Weasel | Long-Tailed Weasel |
Snowshoe Hare | House Mouse |
North American River Otter | Mountain Lion |
Canada Lynx | Black-Tailed Deer |
Marten | Wolf |
Moose | Long-Legged Myotis |
Red Bat | Long-Eared Myotis |
Norway Rat | Ermine |
Southern Red-Backed Vole | California Myotis |
Northern Long-Eared Bat | Snowshoe Hare |
North American River Otter | |
Masked Shrew |
Fish
Isle Royale National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
---|---|
Redband Trout | Rainbow Trout |
Coaster Brook Trout | Eastern Brook Trout |
Brown Trout | Brown Trout |
Longnose Sucker | Coho Salmon |
Harvey Lake Fathead Minnow | Chinook Salmon |
Golden Shiner | Mottled Sculpin |
Lake Trout | Slimy Sculpin |
Northern Pike | Threespine Stickleback |
Ellpout | Kokanee |
Coho Salmon | Pink Salmon |
Chinook Salmon | Dolly Varden |
Mottled Sculpin | Cutthroat Trout |
Slimy Sculpin | |
Longnose Dace | |
Black Crappie | |
Pink Salmon | |
Creek Chub |
Amphibians
Isle Royale National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
---|---|
Northern Leopard Frog | Tiger Salamander |
Wood Frog |
Reptiles
Isle Royale National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
---|---|
Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
Common Garter Snake | |
Rubber Boa |
Insects
Isle Royale National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
---|---|
Mourning Cloak | |
Cabbage White | |
Silvery Blue | |
Purplish Copper | |
Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Isle Royale National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Isle Royale National Park is a remote wilderness island located in Lake Superior. It is famous for its rugged, pristine beauty and its diverse array of wildlife, including moose and wolves. Visitors can enjoy exploring the island’s many hiking trails, fishing for lake trout, kayaking and canoeing, and taking part in ranger-led programs and guided tours.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, located in West Virginia, is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The park is known for its stunning rock formations, including the New River Gorge Bridge, which is the longest steel arch bridge in the world and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can also enjoy hiking, rock climbing, rafting, fishing, and camping. The park is also home to an incredible array of wildlife, including black bears, river otters, and more.
Both Isle Royale National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve offer visitors a chance to immerse themselves in nature and experience the beauty of America’s national parks. Whether you’re looking to hike, camp, fish, or simply enjoy breathtaking views, these parks are sure to provide a memorable experience.
Things To-Do and Activities in Isle Royale National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Isle Royale and New River Gorge are two unique parks with different offerings for visitors. Isle Royale, located in Michigan, is a remote wilderness island known for its scenic hikes and rich wildlife. The popular activities include backpacking, kayaking, and fishing. Visitors can also take part in ranger-led programs and explore the historic shipwrecks in the surrounding waters.
On the other hand, New River Gorge in West Virginia is the center of outdoor recreation. The park is famous for its world-class rock climbing, river rafting and kayaking, and hiking opportunities. Visitors can also take part in the park’s interpretive programs and visit the New River Gorge Bridge, the third highest steel arch bridge in the world. In addition to these activities, the park offers scenic drives and opportunities to observe wildlife, including rare species such as black bears and river otters.
Whether you’re looking for a remote wilderness experience, or an adrenaline-fueled adventure, both Isle Royale and New River Gorge have something to offer. Each park is unique and provides visitors with the opportunity to escape into nature. So, it depends on what type of adventure you’re looking for, as both parks have their own special charm.
Best Time to Visit Isle Royale National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Isle Royale National Park, located in Lake Superior, has long, harsh winters and short summers. Winter temperatures average around 20°F with heavy snowfall, making the park only accessible by snowshoe or cross-country ski. Summer temperatures range from 40°F to 70°F with occasional storms. Spring and fall are mild with temperatures ranging from 30°F to 60°F.
On the other hand, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in West Virginia experiences warm summers with temperatures ranging from 70°F to 90°F, and cool winters with temperatures averaging around 40°F. The park also receives a lot of rain throughout the year, especially in the spring and fall.
The weather at Isle Royale National Park makes it best to visit in the summer months, while New River Gorge National Park and Preserve can be visited year-round due to its milder weather. However, the best time to visit New River Gorge is during the fall when the leaves change color, creating stunning views.
Family Friendliness of Isle Royale National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Isle Royale National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two of the most popular parks in the United States. Both are a great destination for families, but they differ in terms of what they offer for families traveling with children.
Isle Royale National Park is known for its rugged wilderness and remote location. It is a great destination for families who enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and camping. The park also offers guided ranger programs and educational opportunities for children. However, due to its remote location, it may not be the best choice for families with young children or those who need a lot of creature comforts.
On the other hand, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is a great option for families who enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. The park offers hiking, rock climbing, whitewater rafting, and scenic drives. It is also home to the New River Gorge Bridge, which is the third longest steel arch bridge in the world. The park has picnic areas, campgrounds, and even a lodge for families who want a more comfortable experience.
In conclusion, both Isle Royale National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are great destinations for families. However, for families traveling with young children, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve may be the better choice due to its variety of activities and more comfortable accommodations.