Arches National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two of the most spectacular parks in the United States, each offering a unique and unforgettable experience. Imagine towering red rock formations, deep canyons, and ancient sandstone arches in one park, and then picture rugged cliffs, wild white water rapids, and steep gorges in the other. If you’re a lover of nature, adventure, and breathtaking landscapes, you’ll want to read on to find out more about these two spectacular parks. From the fiery reds of Arches to the emerald greens of New River Gorge, these parks will leave you in awe and wanting more. Both parks offer a wide range of activities, from hiking and rock climbing to rafting and camping, making them the perfect destination for nature enthusiasts, thrill-seekers and families alike. So, come along with us as we explore the beauty, history, and excitement of Arches and New River Gorge, and discover which park is the perfect fit for your next adventure.
Hiking Trails in Arches National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Arches National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve both offer a wide range of hiking trails for visitors to explore.
Arches National Park is known for its beautiful natural arches and other rock formations, and many of the park’s hiking trails lead visitors to these geological wonders. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Park Avenue Trail, which is a 1.5-mile round-trip hike that leads visitors through a narrow canyon to a viewpoint overlooking Park Avenue, and the Sand Dune Arch Trail, which is a 0.3-mile round-trip hike to a beautiful natural arch. Some of the more challenging hikes in the park include the Delicate Arch Trail, which is a 3-mile round-trip hike to one of the park’s most famous arches, and the Devils Garden Trail, which is a 7.2-mile round-trip hike that leads visitors through a variety of different rock formations.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is known for its beautiful cliffs, waterfalls, and the New River. Many of the park’s hiking trails lead visitors to scenic overlooks and other natural wonders. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Long Point Trail, which is a 0.5-mile round-trip hike that leads visitors to a scenic overlook, and the Endless Wall Trail, which is a 2.5-mile round-trip hike that leads visitors to a viewpoint overlooking the New River Gorge. Some of the more challenging hikes in the park include the Kaymoor Miners Trail, which is a 7-mile round-trip hike that leads visitors to an old coal mining town and the Arrowhead Trail, which is a 9-mile round-trip hike that leads visitors to the summit of a mountain.
In summary, Arches National Park is known for its beautiful natural arches, rock formations and desert landscapes, while New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is known for its beautiful cliffs, waterfalls, and the New River. Both parks offer a wide range of hiking trails for visitors to explore, from easy hikes to scenic overlooks to challenging hikes to natural wonders.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Arches National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delicate Arch Trail | 4988.954 | 186.8424 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Devils Garden Loop Trail with 7 Arches | 12070.05 | 325.8312 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| Double Arch Trail | 804.67 | 9.7536 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Fiery Furnace and Surprise Arch | 2735.878 | 132.8928 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
| Landscape Arch Trail | 3057.746 | 78.9432 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Windows Loop and Turret Arch Trail | 1931.208 | 51.816 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Balanced Rock Loop Trail | 482.802 | 13.716 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Park Avenue Trail | 2896.812 | 90.8304 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Sand Dune Arch Trail | 482.802 | 32.9184 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Wolfe Ranch and Petroglyph Trail | 804.67 | 4.8768 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
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 Arches National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Arches National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are both located in the United States and offer unique and diverse wildlife experiences.
Arches National Park is home to a variety of desert-dwelling animals, such as desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, coyotes, mountain lions, and many species of lizards, snakes and rodents. The park is also home to a variety of birds, including golden eagles, red-tailed hawks, and peregrine falcons. The park is also home to a variety of plants, including cacti, yucca, and Joshua trees. Some of the wildflowers that can be seen in spring and early summer are the Indian paintbrush, evening primrose and desert trumpet.
On the other hand, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is home to a variety of wildlife species that are adapted to the park’s lush, forested landscape. The park is home to black bears, white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and many species of birds, including pileated woodpeckers and great-horned owls. The park also has a wide variety of plants, including hemlocks, rhododendrons, and various species of ferns and mosses. The park is known for its fall foliage and in the fall, the leaves of the trees change colors, creating a beautiful scene.
Both Arches National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve offer unique and diverse wildlife experiences. Arches is home to desert-dwelling animals and plants, while New River Gorge is home to a variety of animals and plants that are adapted to the park’s lush, forested landscape. Both parks offer visitors the opportunity to see and learn about the diverse wildlife that call these parks home.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Arches 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
| Arches 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
| Arches National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| Red Fox | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | House Mouse |
| House Mouse | Mountain Lion |
| Mountain Lion | Black-Tailed Deer |
| American Mink | Wolf |
| Mule Deer | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Common Gray Fox | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Ermine |
| Long-Eared Myotis | California Myotis |
| American Badger | Snowshoe Hare |
| California Myotis | North American River Otter |
| Northern River Otter | Masked Shrew |
Reptiles
| Arches National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | Common Garter Snake |
| Eastern Racer | Rubber Boa |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | |
| Nightsnake | |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| Milksnake | |
| Striped Whipsnake | |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | |
| Tree Lizard | |
| Western Whiptail | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard |
Amphibians
| Arches National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Tiger Salamander |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| American Bullfrog | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Fish
| Arches National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Rainbow Trout |
| Green Sunfish | Eastern Brook Trout |
| Bluegill | Brown Trout |
| Fathead Minnow | Coho Salmon |
| Common Carp | Chinook Salmon |
| Speckled Dace | Mottled Sculpin |
| Yellow Bullhead | Slimy Sculpin |
| Threespine Stickleback | |
| Kokanee | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Insects
| Arches National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Mourning Cloak | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Arches National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Arches National Park is known for its spectacular red rock formations and ancient sandstone arches. The most famous landscape at Arches is the Delicate Arch, which is a natural arch that stands at over 50 feet tall. This iconic arch is a popular spot for visitors to the park and is often featured in photographs and on postcards. The park also has other famous arches such as Landscape Arch, which is the longest natural arch in the world at over 300 feet long, and Double Arch, which is unique for its two arches that are connected. The park also offers many other natural wonders such as Balanced Rock, a massive rock formation that appears to be balancing precariously on a small base, and the Windows section, a group of arches that are close together and offer great views of the surrounding landscape.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is known for its rugged cliffs, wild white water rapids, and steep gorges. The most famous landscape at New River Gorge is the New River Gorge Bridge, which is an engineering marvel that spans the New River and offers visitors an incredible view of the park. The park also has other famous landscapes such as the Endless Wall, which is a 2.5-mile-long cliff face that offers some of the best rock climbing opportunities in the park, and Grandview Sandstone Overlook, which offers panoramic views of the park and the New River Gorge. The park also offers many other natural wonders such as the Fayette Station Rapid, which is a popular spot for white water rafting and kayaking, and the Kaymoor mine and Trail, which is a historic coal mine that offers visitors a glimpse into the park’s industrial past.
Things To-Do and Activities in Arches National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Arches National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve both offer a wide variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, but the most popular activities at each park tend to vary depending on the park’s unique features and landscape.
At Arches National Park, the most popular activities include hiking, photography, and sightseeing. Visitors can explore the park’s famous arches and rock formations, such as Delicate Arch and Landscape Arch, via a variety of hiking trails that range from easy to strenuous. The park’s red rock formations and vast desert landscape also make it a popular destination for photography enthusiasts. Visitors can also take scenic drives through the park to see the arches and other natural wonders from the road.
On the other hand, at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, the most popular activities include hiking, rock climbing, and whitewater rafting. The park’s rugged terrain and lush forest make it a popular destination for hiking and rock climbing enthusiasts. The park’s namesake, the New River, also offers world-class whitewater rafting and kayaking opportunities. The park also offers beautiful scenic drives and overlooks which are great for sightseeing.
In summary, Arches National Park is known for its famous arches and rock formations, and visitors primarily come to hike, take photographs, and sightsee. New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is known for its rugged terrain, lush forest and its namesake river, and visitors primarily come to hike, rock climb, and go whitewater rafting. Both parks offer a wide variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, but the most popular activities tend to vary depending on the park’s unique features and landscape.
Best Time to Visit Arches National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Arches National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve both have distinct seasonal weather patterns that can affect when the best time of year to visit each park is.
Arches National Park is located in the desert region of Utah, and the park’s weather is characterized by hot summers and mild winters. The summer months of June, July, and August are the hottest, with average high temperatures in the mid-90s Fahrenheit. The park also receives very little precipitation during the summer months, making it an ideal time to visit if you’re looking to explore the park’s many hiking trails. However, it’s important to note that summer temperatures can be extreme, so it’s important to stay hydrated and be prepared for the heat. The winter months of December, January, and February are the coldest, with average low temperatures in the 30s Fahrenheit. The park does occasionally receive snowfall during the winter months, but it’s not common.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is located in West Virginia, and the park’s weather is characterized by mild summers and cool to cold winters. The summer months of June, July, and August are the warmest, with average high temperatures in the mid-80s Fahrenheit. The park also receives occasional thunderstorms during the summer months, so it’s important to be prepared for sudden changes in the weather. The fall months of September and October are a popular time to visit the park, as the leaves on the trees change color, creating a beautiful scenic view. The winter months of December, January, and February are the coldest, with average low temperatures in the 20s Fahrenheit. The park does occasionally receive snowfall during the winter months, but it’s not common.
In summary, Arches National Park is best visited in the spring and fall while New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are best visited in the fall and summer months. Visitors should be prepared for the heat in Arches National Park in the summer and the cold temperatures in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in the winter.
Family Friendliness of Arches National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Both Arches National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are great options for families looking to experience the beauty of nature, but they offer different types of activities and experiences that may suit different families’ preferences.
Arches National Park is known for its stunning red rock formations, ancient sandstone arches, and other natural wonders that can be seen from scenic drives and short walks. There are several easy-to-moderate hikes in the park, such as the Park Avenue Trail, that take visitors through a beautiful canyon, or the Windows Section, which offers a chance to see some of the park’s famous arches close up. Additionally, the park offers ranger-led programs for children, such as the Junior Ranger program, which allows children to learn more about the park’s natural and cultural history while earning a badge.
On the other hand, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve offers a wider range of activities, including hiking, rock climbing, white water rafting, and kayaking. While the park offers several easy-to-moderate hikes, such as the Long Point Trail, which offers views of the New River Gorge, or the Endless Wall trail, which offers an easy hike with great views of the park, it also offers more strenuous hikes and challenging rock climbing routes. The park also offers guided white-water rafting trips, which can be a great opportunity for families looking for an adrenaline rush.
In summary, if you’re traveling with children and you’re looking for a more laid back experience with short walks and scenic drives, Arches National Park would be a great option. If your family is looking for a more adventurous experience with more activities and activities that require more physical effort, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve would be a better choice.