Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two of America’s most breathtaking natural wonders. Both boast stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and a rich history that will leave you in awe. But which one is the ultimate destination for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers? In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into these two parks, comparing and contrasting their unique features. From soaring mountains to rushing rivers, we’ll help you decide which park is the perfect place for your next vacation.
The first stop on our journey is Lake Clark National Park & Preserve, a place where glaciers and volcanoes converge to create a breathtaking landscape. Here, you can hike through pristine wilderness, fish in pristine lakes, and watch as brown bears roam the shorelines. With over 4 million acres of wilderness, this park is the ultimate destination for those seeking solitude and adventure.
Next, we’ll explore New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, a place where the mighty New River winds its way through the Appalachian Mountains. With its scenic overlooks, world-class whitewater rafting, and challenging rock climbing, this park is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a relaxing day trip, New River Gorge has something for everyone.
Hiking Trails in Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two of the most popular national parks in the US. Both parks offer a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to strenuous backcountry treks.
At Lake Clark, the Pioneer Ridge Trail is one of the easiest hikes, offering stunning views of the park’s alpine tundra and glaciers. For more experienced hikers, the Tanalian Falls Trail is a challenging hike that takes you to the stunning Tanalian Falls. This 12-mile round trip hike is steep and strenuous, but the view from the top is worth it.
In contrast, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is known for its hard-core hiking trails. The Fayetteville Trail is one of the most popular trails, and it takes you to the rim of the New River Gorge, offering breathtaking views of the park’s sandstone cliffs and the New River below. For those looking for a more challenging hike, the Long Point Trail is a strenuous 12-mile round trip hike that takes you to the top of the park’s highest point, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Regardless of your hiking experience, both Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve offer something for everyone. Whether you want to take a leisurely walk or a challenging hike, these two parks have plenty to offer.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harding Ice Field Trail | 15610.598 | 1161.8976 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Exit Glacier Trail | 2896.812 | 81.9912 | Easy | out and back | 4.7 |
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 Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska and is known for its diverse wildlife, including brown bears, moose, and caribou. The park is also a haven for birdwatchers, with over 169 species of birds found here, including bald eagles and sandhill cranes. Visitors can also spot gray wolves and wolverines in the park’s remote wilderness areas.
On the other hand, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve located in West Virginia is home to a variety of animals and plants, including black bears, white-tailed deer, and river otters. The park is also known for its diverse bird species, including the barred owl, pileated woodpecker and the cerulean warbler. In addition, the park is home to many types of wildflowers and ferns, as well as hemlocks, rhododendrons, and oak-hickory forests.
Both parks offer unique opportunities for visitors to experience the beauty and diversity of nature. However, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is known for its large predators and remote wilderness areas, while New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is known for its diverse ecosystems and scenic vistas.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Lake Clark National Park & Preserve | 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 |
| Northern Pintail | Hairy Woodpecker |
| American Wigeon | Red-Breasted Nuthatch |
| Green-Winged Teal | White-Crowned Sparrow |
| American Pipit | Northern Shoveler |
Mammals
| Lake Clark National Park & Preserve | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Little Brown Bat | Big Brown Bat |
| Black Bear | Bobcat |
| Porcupine | Striped Skunk |
| Red Fox | Little Brown Bat |
| Mink | Deer Mouse |
| Gray Wolf | Raccoon |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | Black Bear |
| Snowshoe Hare | Porcupine |
| Northern River Otter | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Masked Shrew | Hoary Bat |
| Water Shrew | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Red Squirrel | House Mouse |
| Montane Shrew | Mountain Lion |
| Lynx | Black-Tailed Deer |
| Wolverine | Wolf |
| American Marten | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Brown Bear | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Meadow Vole | Ermine |
| Moose | California Myotis |
| Least Weasel | Snowshoe Hare |
| Pygmy Shrew | North American River Otter |
| Meadow Jumping Mouse | Masked Shrew |
Fish
| Lake Clark National Park & Preserve | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Steelhead | Rainbow Trout |
| Longnose Sucker | Eastern Brook Trout |
| Lake Trout | Brown Trout |
| Northern Pike | Coho Salmon |
| Burbot | Chinook Salmon |
| Silver Salmon | Mottled Sculpin |
| King Salmon | Slimy Sculpin |
| Slimy Sculpin | Threespine Stickleback |
| Threespine Stickleback | Kokanee |
| Sockeye Salmon | Pink Salmon |
| Pink Salmon | Dolly Varden |
| Chum Salmon | Cutthroat Trout |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
| Lake Clark National Park & Preserve | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Tiger Salamander |
Reptiles
| Lake Clark National Park & Preserve | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Rubber Boa |
Insects
| Lake Clark National Park & Preserve | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Mourning Cloak | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is located in Southwestern Alaska and boasts breathtaking landscapes, such as glaciers, active volcanoes and alpine tundra. One of its most famous natural wonders is the Chigmit Mountains, a subrange of the Aleutian Range, which is a unique and dramatic backdrop to the park’s stunning scenery. Visitors to Lake Clark can also enjoy scenic boat trips and recreational fishing opportunities in its many lakes, rivers and glaciers.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is located in southern West Virginia and is known for its iconic New River Gorge Bridge, which is the longest steel arch bridge in the Americas. The park also offers breathtaking views of the Appalachian Mountains, rolling hills and dense forests. The New River, a unique and scenic waterway, runs through the park and offers opportunities for rafting, kayaking and fishing. The park is also home to numerous hiking trails, including the Endless Wall Trail, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Things To-Do and Activities in Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two of the most breathtaking national parks in the United States. While both parks offer a range of outdoor activities, they differ in the experiences they provide.
At Lake Clark, visitors can enjoy a variety of water-based activities like fishing, kayaking, and rafting. The park’s largest lake, Lake Clark, is known for its rainbow trout, arctic grayling, and salmon fishing. The park also offers scenic float trips and kayaking trips down the rivers and streams that flow from the park’s glaciers.
In contrast, New River Gorge is a hot spot for rock climbing, hiking, and white-water rafting. The park’s centerpiece, the New River, is one of the oldest rivers in the world and offers some of the best rafting and kayaking in the southeast. The park also boasts over 1,400 climbing routes, making it a paradise for rock climbers. Additionally, the park’s trails offer opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.
In conclusion, both parks offer unique activities that suit different interests. Lake Clark is perfect for those who love water activities, while New River Gorge is ideal for adventure-seekers who enjoy rock climbing, hiking, and white-water rafting.
Best Time to Visit Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is located in southwestern Alaska and offers a diverse climate throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from below freezing in winter to above 60°F in summer. Winter temperatures average between 10°F to 20°F and the park can receive up to 18 feet of snow. Summer temperatures average between 50°F to 60°F, with long days and mild weather. This makes summer the best time to visit the park for those looking to take advantage of the mild weather and extended daylight hours for outdoor activities.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, located in West Virginia, offers a more temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Winter temperatures average between 30°F to 40°F, with occasional snowflakes, making it a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts. Summer temperatures average between 70°F to 80°F, with high humidity and occasional thunderstorms. Fall offers mild temperatures and colorful foliage, making it a popular time for scenic drives and hikes. Spring temperatures average between 50°F to 60°F, with the potential for rain and snow.
The weather at both parks can greatly affect the best time of year to visit. Lake Clark is best visited in summer for its mild weather and extended daylight hours, while New River Gorge is a year-round destination with a range of weather-related activities available during each season.
Family Friendliness of Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two of America’s most beautiful natural parks, but they are quite different from each other. Both parks are family-friendly, but one is better than the other for traveling with children.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is a great park for families as it offers many recreational opportunities such as hiking, fishing, and rock climbing. The park also has a visitors center where children can learn about the area’s history and wildlife. The park is also stunningly beautiful, with the New River cutting through the Appalachian Mountains and providing breathtaking views.
On the other hand, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is more remote and harder to access, making it less suitable for families. The park is located in the Alaska wilderness and is only accessible by boat or small plane. The park offers incredible opportunities for wildlife viewing, with the chance to see bears, caribou, and moose in their natural habitats. However, the remote location, extreme weather conditions, and lack of amenities make it a challenging destination for families with young children.
Overall, for families, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is the better of the two parks to visit. It provides a wealth of recreational opportunities, as well as educational experiences, all in a stunningly beautiful setting.