Badlands National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two of the most unique and diverse national parks in the United States. Both parks offer a wide range of outdoor activities, scenic landscapes, and rich cultural history. While they may seem vastly different at first glance, these parks have much in common and are both worth visiting. Imagine the Badlands with its rugged and otherworldly landscapes, and compare it with the New River Gorge which is a natural wonder with its steep cliffs and winding river. These two parks are perfect for visitors looking for an adventure, whether it’s exploring the rugged wilderness or taking in the stunning views. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, or an adrenaline junkie, Badlands National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve have something to offer everyone. So, pack your bags and get ready for a journey through two of America’s most awe-inspiring national parks.
Hiking Trails in Badlands National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Badlands National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve both offer a variety of hiking trails for visitors to explore, although the types of trails and the level of difficulty can vary between the two parks.
Badlands National Park is known for its rugged terrain and diverse array of wildlife. The park offers a variety of hiking trails, including the Badlands Loop Road, which is a paved road that winds through the park’s most scenic areas. The Badlands Loop Road is a great option for visitors who want to see the park’s most famous landscapes without having to hike on difficult trails. Other popular hiking trails in the park include the Fossil Exhibit Trail, which is a short, easy trail that leads to a fossil exhibit, and the Castle Trail, which is a more challenging trail that offers great views of the park’s rugged terrain.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is known for its scenic hiking trails that offer visitors the opportunity to explore the park’s rugged terrain and see its diverse array of wildlife. The park offers a variety of hiking trails, including the Endless Wall Trail, which is a popular trail that offers great views of the New River Gorge Bridge. The Endless Wall Trail is a great option for visitors who want to see the park’s most famous landscapes without having to hike on difficult trails. Other popular hiking trails in the park include the Long Point Trail, which is a moderate hike that offers great views of the New River Gorge, and the Kaymoor Miner’s Trail, which is a more challenging hike that leads to the remains of an old mining town.
Both Badlands National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve offer visitors the opportunity to explore the great outdoors and see some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country. However, the types of trails and the level of difficulty can vary between the two parks. The Badlands National Park is known for its rugged terrain and diverse array of wildlife, while New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is known for its scenic hiking trails that offer visitors the opportunity to explore the park’s rugged terrain and see its diverse array of wildlife. Both parks offer a variety of hiking trails, including easy, moderate, and challenging trails, so visitors can choose the hike that best suits their abilities and interests.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Badlands National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Notch Trail | 2092.142 | 39.9288 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Castle Trail | 16898.07 | 95.7072 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| The Door Trail | 1287.472 | 10.9728 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Saddle Pass Trail | 1126.538 | 65.8368 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Medicine Root Loop Trail | 7242.03 | 102.7176 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| The Window Trail | 321.868 | 1.8288 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Cliff Shelf Nature Trail | 804.67 | 19.812 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Fossil Exhibit Trail | 643.736 | 3.9624 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Sage Creek Loop | 36692.952 | 245.9736 | Hard | loop | 4 |
| Sheep Mountain Table Road | 23496.364 | 180.7464 | Moderate | out and back | 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 Badlands National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Badlands National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve both offer a diverse array of wildlife that visitors can observe and enjoy. However, the types of wildlife that can be found in each park are quite different.
Badlands National Park is home to a variety of wildlife species, including bison, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, coyotes, and prairie dogs. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including hawks, eagles, and vultures. Visitors can also spot a variety of reptiles and amphibians, including snakes, lizards, and toads. The park is also home to a variety of plant species, including sagebrush, cacti, and wildflowers.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, on the other hand, is home to a variety of wildlife species that are adapted to the park’s rugged terrain, including white-tailed deer, black bear, wild turkey, and river otter. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including peregrine falcon, turkey vulture and many species of woodpeckers. Visitors can also spot a variety of reptiles and amphibians, including copperheads, timber rattlesnakes, and salamanders. The park is also home to a variety of plant species, including rhododendron, mountain laurel, and hemlocks.
In summary, both Badlands National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve offer visitors the opportunity to see a diverse array of wildlife, but the types of wildlife that can be found in each park are quite different. Badlands National Park is known for its prairie and desert wildlife, while New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is known for its forest and river wildlife.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Badlands 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
| Badlands 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
| Badlands 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 |
| Porcupine | Black Bear |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Porcupine |
| Hoary Bat | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Red Fox | Hoary Bat |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| House | House Mouse |
| Mountain Lion | Mountain Lion |
| Mule Deer | Black-Tailed Deer |
| Gray Fox | Wolf |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Northern Myotis | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Badger | Ermine |
| Weasel | California Myotis |
| North American River Otter | Snowshoe Hare |
| Common Shrew | North American River Otter |
| Pacific Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat | Masked Shrew |
Reptiles
| Badlands National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Racer | Common Garter Snake |
| Western Rattlesnake | Rubber Boa |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Milksnake | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard |
Amphibians
| Badlands National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Tiger Salamander |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Bullfrog | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Insects
| Badlands National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | Mourning Cloak |
| Painted Lady | Cabbage White |
| Monarch | Silvery Blue |
| American Painted Lady | Purplish Copper |
| Red Admiral | Anise Swallowtail |
| Morning Cloak | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Common Check-Skipper | |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Honey Bee | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Commom Wood Nymph | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Fish
| Badlands National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Fathead Minnow | Rainbow Trout |
| Golden Shiner | Eastern Brook Trout |
| European Carp | Brown Trout |
| Longnose Dace | Coho Salmon |
| Yellow Bullhead | Chinook Salmon |
| Channel Catfish | Mottled Sculpin |
| Black Bullhead | Slimy Sculpin |
| Creek Chub | Threespine Stickleback |
| Kokanee | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Beautiful Landscapes in Badlands National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Badlands National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are both known for their unique and diverse landscapes. The Badlands is characterized by its rugged and otherworldly terrain, with layered rock formations, deep canyons, and towering spires. The most famous landscapes at Badlands National Park include the Badlands Loop Road, which offers a scenic drive through the park’s most iconic landscapes, the Pinnacles Overlook, which offers a stunning view of the park’s spires and formations, and the Badlands Loop Trail, which takes hikers through some of the park’s most rugged and remote landscapes.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, on the other hand, is known for its steep cliffs, winding river, and dense forests. The most famous landscapes at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve include the New River Gorge Bridge, which is the longest steel arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere, the Endless Wall Trail, which offers a scenic hike along the rim of the gorge, and the Kaymoor Trail, which takes hikers through a historic coal mining area. The park also offers a variety of overlooks and scenic drives that showcase the beauty of the gorge.
In conclusion, Badlands National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are both known for their unique and diverse landscapes. Visitors to Badlands National Park can experience the rugged and otherworldly terrain, with layered rock formations, deep canyons, and towering spires, while visitors to New River Gorge National Park and Preserve can experience the steep cliffs, winding river, and dense forests. Both parks offer a variety of overlooks, trails and scenic drives that showcase the beauty of the park.
Things To-Do and Activities in Badlands National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Badlands National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve both offer a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy, but the types of activities that are popular in each park are quite different.
Badlands National Park is known for its hiking trails and scenic drives. The park offers several designated hiking trails, including the Badlands Loop Road, which offers visitors the opportunity to see the park’s unique geologic formations, such as layered rock formations, canyons, and prairie grasslands. The park also offers a variety of scenic drives, including the Badlands Loop Road and the Badlands Pinnacles Road, which both offer breathtaking views of the park’s landscapes. Visitors can also take a guided ranger-led hike to learn more about the park’s geology, wildlife, and history.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, on the other hand, is known for its outdoor recreational activities. The park offers a wide range of activities for visitors, including rock climbing, white-water rafting, and hiking. The park’s main feature, the New River Gorge, is a popular spot for rock climbing, as it offers over 1,400 climbing routes. The park also offers several designated hiking trails, such as the Long Point Trail, which offers visitors the opportunity to see the park’s stunning views of the gorge and the New River. The park also offers a variety of water activities, including rafting, kayaking, and fishing on the New River.
In summary, both Badlands National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve offer visitors a wide range of activities to enjoy, but the types of activities that are popular in each park are quite different. Badlands National Park is known for its hiking trails and scenic drives, while New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is known for its outdoor recreational activities such as rock climbing, white-water rafting, and hiking.
Best Time to Visit Badlands National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Badlands National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve both experience distinct seasonal weather patterns that can greatly affect the best time of year to visit each park.
Badlands National Park is located in the Great Plains region of the United States, and the weather can be quite extreme, with hot summers and cold winters. The park receives very little rainfall, and the summers can be quite dry. The best time to visit the park is from late spring to early fall, when the temperatures are milder and the wildflowers are in bloom. However, visitors should be prepared for hot temperatures during the summer months and for cool temperatures in the early morning and evening.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is located in the Appalachian Mountains region of the United States, and the weather can be quite varied depending on the elevation and the season. The park receives significant rainfall throughout the year, and the summers can be quite humid. The best time to visit the park is during the fall, when the foliage is at its most colorful, and the temperatures are milder. However, visitors should be prepared for cool temperatures and the possibility of rain or snow at any time of year.
Both Badlands National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve offer visitors the opportunity to explore the great outdoors and see some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country. However, the weather can greatly affect the best time of year to visit each park. The weather in Badlands National Park can be quite extreme, with hot summers and cold winters, while the weather in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve can be quite varied depending on the elevation and the season. Visitors should plan their trip accordingly and be prepared for the weather conditions expected during their visit.
Family Friendliness of Badlands National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Badlands National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are both great options for families looking for an outdoor adventure. Both parks offer a wide range of activities that are suitable for children of all ages, but each park has its own unique offerings that make it better suited for families in certain ways.
Badlands National Park is known for its rugged and otherworldly landscapes, with layered rock formations, deep canyons, and towering spires. The park offers a variety of easy to moderate hikes, such as the Badlands Loop Trail and the Door Trail, that are suitable for children. The park also offers a scenic drive, the Badlands Loop Road, which is a great way to see the park’s landscapes without having to hike. Additionally, the Ben Reifel Visitor Center offers educational exhibits and ranger-led programs that are designed to be engaging and interactive for children.
On the other hand, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is known for its steep cliffs, winding river, and dense forests. The park offers a variety of hikes, such as the Kaymoor Trail and the Long Point Trail, that are suitable for families with children. The park also offers a variety of educational programs, such as ranger-led hikes and Junior Ranger programs, that are designed to be interactive and engaging for children. The park also offers an overlook at the New River Gorge Bridge Visitors Center that offers a stunning view of the park’s landscapes without having to hike.
In conclusion, both Badlands National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are great options for families looking for an outdoor adventure. Both parks offer a variety of activities that are suitable for children of all ages, such as easy to moderate hikes and educational programs. Both parks also offer scenic drives that are great way to see the park’s landscapes without having to hike. If you’re looking for a park with rugged and otherworldly landscapes, Badlands National Park is the best option, while if you’re looking for a park with steep cliffs, winding river, and dense forests, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is the best option.