Biscayne National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two vastly different national parks, each with its own unique set of natural wonders and activities to offer. Biscayne National Park is located in the subtropical climate of southern Florida and is known for its crystal clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse marine life. New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, on the other hand, is located in the rugged mountains of West Virginia and is known for its breathtaking views, challenging hiking trails, and world-class rock climbing. Both parks offer visitors the chance to experience the beauty and diversity of nature, but in very different ways. If you’re looking for a tropical getaway or an outdoor adventure, these two parks have something for everyone.
Hiking Trails in Biscayne National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Biscayne National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve both offer a variety of hiking trails for visitors to explore, but the types of hikes available at each park are quite different.
At Biscayne National Park, visitors can explore the park’s many miles of coastline and mangrove forests on foot. The park’s easiest hikes include the short, paved paths that lead to the park’s beaches and the observation tower at the park’s main visitor center. The park’s longest hike is the 17-mile, multi-day Cape Florida Wilderness Trail, which takes hikers through a variety of ecosystems, including hardwood hammocks and mangrove swamps.
At New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, visitors can explore the park’s rugged, mountainous terrain on foot. The park’s easiest hikes include the short, paved trails that lead to overlooks with stunning views of the New River Gorge. The park’s longest hike is the 18-mile, multi-day Grandview Ridge Trail, which takes hikers through the park’s rugged backcountry, offering views of the New River Gorge, the park’s namesake river, and the surrounding mountains.
Overall, both Biscayne National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve offer a variety of hiking trails for visitors to explore, but the types of hikes available at each park are quite different. While Biscayne National Park offers easy and moderate hikes through coastal and mangrove forests, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is more rugged, with more challenging hikes through mountainous terrain.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Biscayne National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biscayne National Park Walk | 15932.466 | 0.9144 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Black Creek Canal Trail | 2735.878 | 0.9144 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Jetty Trail | 1448.406 | 0 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Boca Chita Trail | 1287.472 | 0.9144 | Easy | loop | 3 |
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 Biscayne National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Biscayne National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are both home to a wide variety of wildlife, but the types of animals, birds, and plants that can be seen at each park are quite different.
Biscayne National Park is located in southern Florida and is home to a wide variety of marine life, including tropical fish, dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, and many species of birds. Visitors can also see a wide variety of coral reef structures, seagrass beds, and mangrove forests. The park is also home to a wide variety of coastal and mangrove plants, including the red mangrove, white mangrove, and black mangrove.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, on the other hand, is located in West Virginia, and is home to a wide variety of terrestrial wildlife, including black bears, white-tailed deer, and wild turkeys, as well as a variety of smaller mammals such as raccoons, opossums, and foxes. The park is also home to a wide variety of bird species, including the bald eagle, peregrine falcon, and the red-tailed hawk. The park is also home to a wide variety of plant life, including a variety of deciduous trees, such as the oak, maple, and hickory, as well as a wide variety of wildflowers and ferns.
Both Biscayne National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are home to a wide variety of wildlife and plants, but the types of animals, birds, and plants that can be seen at each park are quite different. Biscayne National Park is known for its marine life and coastal plants, while New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is known for its terrestrial wildlife and deciduous trees.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Biscayne 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
| Biscayne 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 |
| Ruby-Crowned Kinglet | Mallard |
| American Robin | Canada Goose |
| Red-Tailed Hawk | Lincoln’s Sparrow |
| Northern Flicker | Great Horned Owl |
| Merlin | Red-Tailed Hawk |
| Barn Swallow | Barn Swallow |
| Savannah Sparrow | Savannah Sparrow |
| Great Blue Heron | Great Blue Heron |
| American Kestrel | Hermit Thrush |
| Bald Eagle | European Starling |
| Song Sparrow | Northern Pintail |
| European Starling | American Wigeon |
| Northern Pintail | Green-Winged Teal |
| American Wigeon | American Pipit |
| American Pipit | Killdeer |
| Swainson’s Thrush | Brown-Headed Cowbird |
| Killdeer | Hairy Woodpecker |
| Brown-Headed Cowbird | Red-Breasted Nuthatch |
| Red-Winged Blackbird | White-Crowned Sparrow |
| Blue-Winged Teal | Northern Shoveler |
Mammals
| Biscayne National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Bobcat | Coyote |
| Striped Skunk | American Beaver |
| Raccoon | Muskrat |
| House Mouse | Big Brown Bat |
| Common Gray Fox | Bobcat |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | Striped Skunk |
| White-Tailed Deer | Little Brown Bat |
| Virginia Opossum | Deer Mouse |
| Black Rat | Raccoon |
| Eastern Gray Squirrel | Black Bear |
| Least Shrew | Porcupine |
| Silver-Haired Bat | |
| Hoary Bat | |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | |
| House Mouse | |
| Mountain Lion | |
| Black-Tailed Deer | |
| Wolf | |
| Long-Legged Myotis | |
| Long-Eared Myotis | |
| Ermine | |
| California Myotis | |
| Snowshoe Hare | |
| North American River Otter | |
| Masked Shrew |
Fish
| Biscayne National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Rainbow Trout |
| Bluegill | Eastern Brook Trout |
| Golden Shiner | Brown Trout |
| Common Carp | Coho Salmon |
| Yellow Bullhead | Chinook Salmon |
| Black Crappie | Mottled Sculpin |
| Brown Bullhead | Slimy Sculpin |
| Threespine Stickleback | |
| Kokanee | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Insects
| Biscayne National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Honey Bee | Mourning Cloak |
| Cabbage White | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Reptiles
| Biscayne National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Rubber Boa |
Amphibians
| Biscayne National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Tiger Salamander |
Beautiful Landscapes in Biscayne National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Biscayne National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two very different national parks that offer unique landscapes to explore. Biscayne National Park is located in southern Florida and is known for its crystal clear waters, coral reefs, and mangrove forests. The park is a paradise for water enthusiasts, with opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and boating. Visitors can also explore the park by kayak or canoe, taking in the beauty of the park’s many islands and coves.
On the other hand, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is located in West Virginia, and is known for its rugged terrain and stunning rock formations. The park is home to the New River, one of the oldest rivers in the world, and offers plenty of opportunities for white-water rafting and kayaking. The park also features miles of hiking trails, including the challenging Endless Wall Trail, which offers breathtaking views of the New River Gorge. The park is also famous for its rock climbing and the New River Gorge Bridge, which is the third longest steel arch bridge in the world.
Things To-Do and Activities in Biscayne National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Biscayne National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, but the types of activities that are popular at each park are quite different.
Biscayne National Park is located on the coast of southern Florida, and is known for its wide variety of water-based activities. Some of the most popular activities at Biscayne National Park include snorkeling, scuba diving, and kayaking, as visitors can explore the park’s extensive coral reef system, as well as its mangrove forests and seagrass beds. Fishing is also a popular activity in the park, as visitors can catch a wide variety of species such as tarpon, bonefish, and permit.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, on the other hand, is located in West Virginia and is known for its rugged terrain and outdoor activities. Some of the most popular activities at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve include hiking, rock climbing, and white-water rafting. Visitors can explore the park’s many hiking trails, including the popular Endless Wall Trail, which offers stunning views of the park’s namesake New River Gorge. Rock climbing is also a popular activity in the park, as the park is home to one of the longest stretches of rock climbing in the eastern United States. White-water rafting is also a popular activity in the park, as visitors can navigate the New River’s Class III and IV rapids.
Both Biscayne National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, but the types of activities that are popular at each park are quite different. Biscayne National Park is known for its water-based activities, while New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is known for its outdoor activities such as hiking, rock climbing and white-water rafting.
Best Time to Visit Biscayne National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Biscayne National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are both beautiful national parks with unique seasonal weather patterns. Biscayne National Park is located in southern Florida and has a tropical climate with hot and humid summers and warm winters. The best time to visit is during the winter and spring months when the temperatures are milder and the humidity is lower.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is located in West Virginia and has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. The park experiences warm summers and cool winters. The best time to visit is during the fall when the leaves change color and the temperatures are cooler. The park also experiences heavy rainfall during the spring and early summer, which makes the hiking trails muddy and difficult to navigate. The best time to visit the park for hiking is during the fall and winter months when the weather is dry and mild.
In terms of hiking, Biscayne National Park offers a variety of easy and moderate trails that take visitors through mangrove forests and along the shoreline. The park also has a number of guided kayak tours that allow visitors to explore the park’s backcountry. On the other hand, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve offers a variety of easy, moderate and strenuous trails that take visitors through the park’s spectacular landscapes, including the New River Gorge, which is one of the oldest rivers in North America and the longest white-water rafting in the Eastern United States. The park also has a number of scenic overlooks that offer breathtaking views of the gorge.
Family Friendliness of Biscayne National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Biscayne National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are both great destinations for families, but they offer different types of experiences. Biscayne National Park is located on the Atlantic coast of Florida and is known for its crystal clear waters, coral reefs, and diverse marine life. The park offers a variety of activities such as snorkeling, diving, boating, and fishing, making it a great destination for families who enjoy water sports and outdoor activities. Additionally, there are several guided ranger programs and educational opportunities available for children to learn about the unique ecosystem of the park.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is located in West Virginia and is known for its stunning natural beauty and opportunities for outdoor adventure. The park is home to the New River, which is one of the oldest rivers in North America, and offers a variety of activities such as whitewater rafting, kayaking, and fishing. The park also has over 80 miles of hiking trails, including some that are suitable for families, as well as rock climbing and camping opportunities. Additionally, the park offers ranger-led programs and educational opportunities for children to learn about the natural and cultural history of the area.
Overall, Biscayne National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve both offer great opportunities for families to enjoy the outdoors and learn about the natural world. The choice between the two will depend on the specific interests and preferences of the family. If your family is looking for a water-based adventure, then Biscayne National Park would be the better choice. But if your family is looking for a more rugged outdoor adventure, then New River Gorge National Park and Preserve would be the better choice.