Welcome to the wild world of National Parks! If you’re a nature lover and an adventure seeker, you’ll love our comparison of two of the most stunning parks in the US: New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and North Cascades National Park. These two parks are known for their breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. Both parks are a true paradise for those who crave adventure and breathtaking views, but they each have their own unique flavor and vibe.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is a mecca for rock climbers and whitewater rafters. With its towering cliffs and rapids, this park is a thrill-seeker’s dream come true. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, you’re sure to find a challenge in this park. North Cascades National Park, on the other hand, is a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. With its rugged peaks and serene lakes, this park is a true wilderness experience. Whether you’re a hiker, kayaker, or just a lover of the great outdoors, you’ll be in awe of the natural beauty of this park.
Hiking Trails in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and North Cascades National Park
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and North Cascades National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States, and they offer a wide range of hiking trails for visitors to explore. New River Gorge National Park is located in West Virginia and is known for its stunning cliffs and deep canyons. North Cascades National Park is located in Washington and is known for its rugged peaks and glaciers.
For those seeking an easy hike, New River Gorge National Park offers the Endless Wall Trail, a 2.5-mile hike that follows the rim of the gorge and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. North Cascades National Park has several easy hikes, including the Ladder Creek Falls Trail, a 1.5-mile hike that leads to a beautiful waterfall, and the Thunder Creek Trail, a 5-mile hike along a creek with great views of the surrounding peaks.
For those seeking a more challenging hike, New River Gorge National Park has the Long Point Trail, a 6-mile hike that takes you to the top of a cliff and offers breathtaking views of the park. North Cascades National Park has several challenging hikes, including the Sahale Glacier Trail, a 8.5-mile hike that takes you to the top of a mountain and offers incredible views of the surrounding glaciers, and the Cascade Pass Trail, a 5.5-mile hike that takes you to the top of a pass and offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks.
Both New River Gorge National Park and North Cascades National Park offer a variety of hiking trails that are sure to please visitors of all skill levels. Whether you’re seeking an easy hike or a challenging adventure, these parks have something to offer.
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 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in North Cascades National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Lake Trail | 8529.502 | 291.9984 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm Trail | 17541.806 | 1175.9184 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Sourdough Mountain Trail | 14644.994 | 1555.6992 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Cascade Pass Trail to Cottonwood Camp | 25588.506 | 1422.8064 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Cascade Pass Trail | 10460.71 | 542.8488 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Sahale Arm Trail to Quien Sabe Glacier | 19955.816 | 1651.7112 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Trail of the Cedars Nature Walk | 3057.746 | 21.9456 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Fourth of July Pass via Panther Creek Trail | 14966.862 | 759.8664 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Ruby Mountain Summit via Fourth of July and Thunder Creek Trail | 23335.43 | 1949.8056 | Hard | out and back | 4 |
| Gorge Creek Falls Trail | 804.67 | 11.8872 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
Wildlife in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and North Cascades National Park
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and North Cascades National Park are two of the most diverse and spectacular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer a wide range of wildlife, from birds and mammals to reptiles, amphibians, and plants.
At New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, visitors can expect to see a variety of mammals, including black bears, deer, coyotes, and bobcats. Bird watchers will also be able to spot a diverse range of species, including bald eagles, ospreys, and turkey vultures. The park is also home to a number of reptiles, including copperheads, timber rattlesnakes, and skinks.
In contrast, North Cascades National Park is known for its alpine and subalpine ecosystems, which are home to a variety of unique species. Visitors to the park can expect to see mountain goats, marmots, and pikas, as well as a variety of bird species, including the American dipper and the western Tanager. The park is also home to a diverse array of plant life, including wildflowers, mosses, and lichens.
Both parks offer a unique and breathtaking look at the natural beauty of the United States, with a variety of wildlife that is sure to captivate visitors of all ages. Whether you are a bird watcher, a nature enthusiast, or simply looking for a chance to reconnect with the great outdoors, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and North Cascades National Park are two must-visit destinations for anyone interested in exploring the country’s diverse and stunning wildlife.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and North Cascades National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| New River Gorge National Park and Preserve | North Cascades 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 |
| Great Horned Owl | Ruby-Crowned Kinglet |
| Red-Tailed Hawk | American Robin |
| Barn Swallow | Great Horned Owl |
| Savannah Sparrow | Red-Tailed Hawk |
| 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 | American Pipit |
Mammals
| New River Gorge National Park and Preserve | North Cascades 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 |
| Porcupine | Porcupine |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Hoary Bat | Hoary Bat |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Red Fox |
| House Mouse | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Mountain Lion | House Mouse |
| Black-Tailed Deer | Puma |
| Wolf | Mink |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Black-Tailed Deer |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Wolf |
| Ermine | Long-Legged Myotis |
| California Myotis | Western Long-Eared Bat |
| Snowshoe Hare | Ermine |
| North American River Otter | California Myotis |
| Masked Shrew | Snowshoe Hare |
Fish
| New River Gorge National Park and Preserve | North Cascades National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Redband Trout |
| Eastern Brook Trout | Brook Trout |
| Brown Trout | Largemouth Bass |
| Coho Salmon | Longnose Sucker |
| Chinook Salmon | Lake Trout |
| Mottled Sculpin | Burbot |
| Slimy Sculpin | Silver Salmon |
| Threespine Stickleback | King Salmon |
| Kokanee | Slimy Sculpin |
| Pink Salmon | Longnose Dace |
| Dolly Varden | Threespine Stickleback |
| Cutthroat Trout | Kokanee |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Reptiles
| New River Gorge National Park and Preserve | North Cascades National Park |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Common Garter Snake | Western Yellowbelly Racer |
| Rubber Boa | Prairie Rattlesnake |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Rubber Boa | |
| Western Fence Lizard |
Amphibians
| New River Gorge National Park and Preserve | North Cascades National Park |
|---|---|
| Tiger Salamander |
Insects
| New River Gorge National Park and Preserve | North Cascades National Park |
|---|---|
| Mourning Cloak | Orange Sulphur |
| Cabbage White | Painted Lady |
| Silvery Blue | Red Admiral |
| Purplish Copper | Mourning Cloak |
| Anise Swallowtail | Silvery Blue |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Honey Bee | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and North Cascades National Park
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in West Virginia is famous for its stunning sandstone cliffs and white-water rapids. The park features over 1,000 climbing routes and is considered one of the top destinations for rock climbing in the world. The park’s highlight is the New River Gorge Bridge, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
North Cascades National Park in Washington State is known for its rugged peaks and glaciers. The park features over 300 glaciers, making it one of the largest collections of glaciers in the lower 48 states. The park also boasts stunning alpine lakes and waterfalls, as well as diverse wildlife and plant life. The park’s highlight is the scenic drive on the North Cascades Highway, which provides stunning views of the park’s majestic peaks.
Things To-Do and Activities in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and North Cascades National Park
New River Gorge and North Cascades are two popular national parks in the United States. New River Gorge, located in West Virginia, is a destination for adventure sports such as rock climbing, whitewater rafting, and zip-lining. The park’s iconic New River Gorge Bridge, which spans over 3,000 feet, is a popular spot for BASE jumpers and offers breathtaking views for visitors.
North Cascades, located in Washington state, is a rugged wilderness known for its stunning peaks, glaciers, and alpine lakes. Popular activities in the park include hiking, backpacking, and camping. The park’s remote location makes it an ideal destination for those seeking a true wilderness experience. North Cascades is also home to one of the largest collections of glaciers in the lower 48 states, making it a popular destination for those interested in geology and natural history.
Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or a nature lover, both New River Gorge and North Cascades have something to offer. Whether it’s the thrill of rock climbing, the rush of whitewater rafting, or the peace of a quiet hike in the wilderness, these two parks have something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and North Cascades National Park
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and North Cascades National Park are two of the many scenic natural areas located in the United States. The weather in each park is distinct and affects the best time of year to visit.
New River Gorge is located in West Virginia and experiences warm summers and cold, snowy winters. Summer temperatures can reach into the 80s, making it a great time for outdoor activities like hiking and rock climbing. Winter temperatures average in the 30s, making it a good destination for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding.
North Cascades National Park, on the other hand, is located in the Pacific Northwest and experiences a wet, cool climate. Summer temperatures average in the 60s, making it a great time for activities like camping and fishing. Winter temperatures average in the 30s, but the park can receive heavy snowfall, making it popular for backcountry skiing and snowshoeing.
Both parks offer unique experiences and scenic beauty, but the best time of year to visit will depend on individual preferences and the type of activities desired. For those seeking warm weather activities, summer is the best time to visit New River Gorge. For those seeking winter sports, both parks offer great opportunities but North Cascades may be more challenging due to its heavy snowfall. For those seeking a combination of mild weather and scenic beauty, fall may be the best time to visit either park.
Family Friendliness of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and North Cascades National Park
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and North Cascades National Park are both popular destinations for families who are looking to spend time in nature. While both parks offer a variety of outdoor activities and stunning scenery, they differ in terms of their level of family-friendliness.
New River Gorge is a great choice for families with children because it has many easy trails and several campgrounds that are accessible by car. Additionally, the park has many scenic overlooks and picnic areas, making it easy to enjoy the views with young children. The park’s location in West Virginia also makes it a convenient destination for families living in the eastern United States.
North Cascades National Park, on the other hand, is more challenging for families. The park is located in Washington State and is known for its rugged terrain and backcountry wilderness. While this can be an exciting adventure for older children and teens, it can be more difficult for younger children and families with strollers. Additionally, many of the trails in the park are strenuous and require a high level of physical fitness, making them less accessible for families with young children.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for an outdoor adventure with your family and want to experience breathtaking scenery, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is the more family-friendly option. If you are looking for a more challenging trip and are traveling with older children or teenagers, North Cascades National Park might be a better fit.