If you’re looking for a breathtaking experience in the great outdoors, look no further than New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks! These two parks are some of the most stunning natural wonders in the United States, each with its own unique features and breathtaking landscapes. With towering peaks, rolling hills, and crystal-clear rivers, these parks are the perfect destination for any nature lover. Whether you’re looking to hike, camp, or simply take in the breathtaking views, there’s something for everyone here.
In this article, we’ll explore the best things about these two parks, comparing and contrasting their features and attractions. From the towering trees of Sequoia & Kings Canyon to the breathtaking cliffs of New River Gorge, we’ll take a deep dive into the beauty of each park and help you decide which one is right for you. So grab your hiking boots, pack a picnic, and get ready to explore some of the most stunning natural wonders in the country.
Hiking Trails in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are two of the most popular parks in the United States. Both parks offer a wide range of hiking trails that cater to different skill levels, from easy to strenuous.
At New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, some of the easiest trails include the Endless Wall Trail, which offers stunning views of the New River Gorge Bridge and the Endless Wall cliff face. Another easy trail is the Bridge View Overlook Trail, which is a short, 0.5-mile hike that takes visitors to an overlook of the New River Gorge Bridge. On the other hand, one of the hardest hikes in the park is the Grandview Rim Trail, which is a 10-mile hike that takes visitors along the rim of the New River Gorge.
At Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, the easiest hikes include the Big Trees Trail, which is a 0.5-mile loop that takes visitors through the famous sequoia groves, and the General Grant Tree Trail, which is a 1-mile loop that takes visitors to the second largest tree in the world. One of the hardest hikes in the park is the Rae Lakes Loop, which is a 41-mile hike that takes visitors through the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Both parks offer unique experiences for hikers, with New River Gorge National Park and Preserve offering breathtaking views of the New River Gorge and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks offering breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the famous sequoia groves. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just starting out, both 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 Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moro Rock Trail | 643.736 | 56.9976 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Tokopah Falls via Tokopah Valley Trail | 6437.36 | 194.7672 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Heather Lake, Emerald Lake, and Pear Lake Trail via Watchtower and Pear Lake Trails | 18990.212 | 887.8824 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| General Sherman Tree Trail | 1287.472 | 46.9392 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Marble Falls Trail | 11909.116 | 495.9096 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Congress Trail | 5149.888 | 151.7904 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Alta Peak Trail | 23979.166 | 1238.7072 | Very Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Mineral King to Eagle Lake Trail | 10460.71 | 674.8272 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Big Trees Trail | 2092.142 | 36.8808 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Giant Forest Loop Trail | 11265.38 | 390.7536 | Easy | loop | 5 |
Wildlife in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are both popular destinations for nature lovers, but they offer different wildlife experiences.
At New River Gorge, visitors can spot black bears, coyotes, and river otters in the park’s diverse forest, meadow, and river habitats. The park is also home to several species of bats, including the Indiana bat, which is an endangered species. In addition, birdwatchers can observe a variety of species including the red-tailed hawk, great blue heron, and the pileated woodpecker.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon, on the other hand, is known for its towering sequoia trees, which can reach heights of over 300 feet. While hiking through the park, visitors may spot black bears, mule deer, and marmots. The park’s higher elevations are home to pikas and ground squirrels, while birdwatchers can observe the mountain bluebird and the Clark’s nutcracker.
Both parks offer unique wildlife experiences and are ideal for nature lovers looking to observe and appreciate the diverse ecosystems of the United States.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| New River Gorge National Park and Preserve | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks |
|---|---|
| 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 | Northern Flicker |
| Hermit Thrush | Merlin |
| European Starling | Barn Swallow |
| Northern Pintail | Savannah Sparrow |
| American Wigeon | Great Blue Heron |
| Green-Winged Teal | Hermit Thrush |
| American Pipit | American Kestrel |
| Killdeer | Bald Eagle |
| Brown-Headed Cowbird | Song Sparrow |
| Hairy Woodpecker | European Starling |
| Red-Breasted Nuthatch | Northern Pintail |
| White-Crowned Sparrow | Green-Winged Teal |
| Northern Shoveler | American Pipit |
Mammals
| New River Gorge National Park and Preserve | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks |
|---|---|
| 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 | Mountain Lion |
| Wolf | Mink |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Mule Deer |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Gray Fox |
| Ermine | Wolf |
| California Myotis | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Snowshoe Hare | Long-Eared Myotis |
| North American River Otter | Badger |
| Masked Shrew | Ermine |
Fish
| New River Gorge National Park and Preserve | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Eastern Brook Trout | Brook Trout Charr Salter |
| Brown Trout | Brown Trout |
| Coho Salmon | Green Sunfish |
| Chinook Salmon | Golden Shiner |
| Mottled Sculpin | European Carp |
| Slimy Sculpin | Black Bullhead |
| Threespine Stickleback | Brown Bullhead |
| Kokanee | Goldfish |
| Pink Salmon | Smallmouth Bass |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Reptiles
| New River Gorge National Park and Preserve | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | Gopher Snake |
| Common Garter Snake | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Rubber Boa | Racer |
| Ring-Necked Snake | |
| Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Common Kingsnake | |
| Rubber Boa | |
| Nightsnake | |
| Southwestern Black-Headed Snake | |
| Western Whiptail | |
| Western Skink | |
| Long-Nosed Snake | |
| Western Fence Lizard |
Amphibians
| New River Gorge National Park and Preserve | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks |
|---|---|
| Tiger Salamander | Bullfrog |
Insects
| New River Gorge National Park and Preserve | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks |
|---|---|
| Mourning Cloak | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is located in West Virginia and is known for its stunning cliffs and rock formations. The most famous of these is the New River Gorge Bridge, which towers 876 feet above the river and is a popular spot for rock climbers and base jumpers. The park also features scenic overlooks with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, and several waterfalls, including Long Point Falls and Kaymoor Falls.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, located in California, are known for their towering sequoia trees, some of which are over 2,000 years old. The parks are also home to the largest mountain in the contiguous United States, Mount Whitney, which rises to over 14,000 feet. Visitors to the park can hike through the lush forest, see stunning vistas from the top of Moro Rock, and enjoy the beauty of the crystal-clear streams that wind through the landscape. In addition to the sequoias and mountains, the parks are also home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, deer, and coyotes.
Things To-Do and Activities in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are both known for their stunning natural beauty and opportunities for outdoor recreation. However, there are some key differences in the types of activities that visitors can enjoy at each park.
At New River Gorge, visitors can enjoy world-class rock climbing, whitewater rafting, and hiking. The park is home to over 1,400 climbing routes and the New River is one of the best whitewater rafting destinations in the country. Hiking trails range from easy scenic walks to challenging backcountry treks.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon, on the other hand, are known for their towering trees and breathtaking vistas. The parks are home to the largest trees on Earth, the giant sequoias. Visitors can hike among these magnificent trees, go camping, or drive through scenic highways to enjoy the views. Wildlife viewing is also popular, with opportunities to see black bears, mule deer, and a variety of bird species.
Both parks offer a variety of ranger-led programs and educational opportunities, including guided hikes and campfire programs. However, due to their unique landscapes and ecosystems, the types of programs available at each park vary.
In conclusion, while both New River Gorge and Sequoia & Kings Canyon offer incredible natural beauty and opportunities for outdoor recreation, each park has its own unique activities and experiences to offer visitors. Whether you’re looking for adventure or just want to soak up the beauty of nature, these parks are sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
Best Time to Visit New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in West Virginia and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks in California are two iconic national parks in the United States. While both parks offer breathtaking scenery and diverse outdoor opportunities, they differ greatly in terms of seasonal weather patterns.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers, cool but mild autumns, cold and snowy winters, and mild springs. The best time to visit the park is in the late spring and early fall when the weather is mild, and the park’s abundant wildlife and plant life are at their peak.
On the other hand, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks have a Mediterranean climate, which means long, hot summers with occasional thunderstorms and cool, mild winters with occasional snowfall. The best time to visit the parks is in the late spring and early fall when the weather is mild, and the park’s famous giant sequoias are in full bloom.
Visitors to both parks should be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions, especially in the higher elevations, and should always check the park’s weather forecast before planning their trip. Whether you’re looking to hike, camp, or simply enjoy the stunning natural beauty of these parks, the best time of year to visit will depend on your personal preferences and the type of activities you plan to enjoy.
Family Friendliness of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer stunning natural beauty and numerous recreational opportunities, but they differ in terms of their family-friendliness.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is a great destination for families with children who enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and rock climbing. The park features numerous trails that are suitable for families of all ages and skill levels. Additionally, the New River Gorge Bridge offers stunning views and a unique opportunity for children to learn about bridge engineering.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, on the other hand, are better suited for families with older children who are interested in exploring the vast and diverse landscapes of the park. The parks are home to some of the largest trees in the world, and visitors can take guided tours of the famous General Sherman Tree. The parks also offer opportunities for hiking and camping, but the trails can be more strenuous and the elevations higher compared to New River Gorge.
When it comes to choosing between these two parks, it really depends on the interests and capabilities of your family. If you are looking for an outdoor adventure with a variety of activities, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve may be the better choice. If, however, you would like to experience the majesty of the world’s largest trees and take in the breathtaking beauty of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are the way to go.