If you’re planning a vacation and would like a quick comparison of Biscayne National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, we’ve got you covered.
We’ll take a look at what they have to offer in terms of hiking and wildlife, plus what the best time of year to visit might be.
Let’s get started with an overview of Biscayne National Park.
Table Of Contents
- 1 Biscayne National Park Overview
- 2 New River Gorge National Park and Preserve Overview
- 3 Hiking At National Parks
- 4 Biscayne National Park Hiking Trails
- 5 Hiking Overview at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
- 6 Wildlife at Biscayne National Park
- 7 Wildlife at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
- 8 What’s the best time to visit?
Biscayne National Park Overview
Biscayne National Park is a beautiful and diverse sanctuary located on the southern coast of Florida. This stunning park spans more than 170,000 acres of shimmering coastlines, lush tropical forests, and fascinating marine habitats. Biscayne is home to an incredible array of wildlife, including dolphins, manatees, and sea turtles. Whether you’re looking to go diving in the crystal-clear waters or go camping among the shady palm trees, Biscayne National Park has something for everyone. Whether you’re exploring the park on your own or taking a guided tour with one of the park rangers, Biscayne is sure to be an unforgettable experience that will stay with you for a lifetime. So next time you’re in sunny Florida, be sure to pay a visit to Biscayne National Park! You won’t regret it.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve Overview
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is a beautiful and diverse destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Located in West Virginia, this expansive park spans more than 1,700 square miles and features rugged mountain scenery, winding rivers, picturesque waterfalls, steep canyons, lush forests, and abundant wildlife. With so much to see and do, New River Gorge is the perfect choice for anyone looking to get outside and explore the great outdoors. Whether you’re interested in hiking or biking along scenic trails or rafting or kayaking down rushing rivers, New River Gorge has something to offer everyone. So why not plan your next trip today? Whether you’re looking for adventure or simply a relaxing respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, New River Gorge is the perfect place to reconnect with nature. Get outside and discover what New River Gorge has to offer!
Hiking At National Parks
Most national parks have some of the best hiking trails you’ll find anywhere in the US.
If you’re planning to take along your furry friend, double-check the rules before you go – as many of the parks have different rules about bringing animals along with you.
Biscayne National Park Hiking Trails
Biscayne National Park is a popular destination for hikers of all skill levels. The park offers a variety of trails, ranging from easy walks to more challenging hikes. For those looking for an easy hike, the Boca Chita Key Nature Trail is a great option. The trail is only 0.5 miles long and is mostly flat, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll. For those looking for a more challenging hike, the Anhinga Trail is a great option. The trail is 3 miles long and has some elevation changes, making it perfect for those looking to get a workout. No matter what your skill level, Biscayne National Park has a hiking trail that’s perfect for you.
Best Hikes At Biscayne National Park
The ratings below are based on user-submitted data at AllTrails.com
| Hike Name | Elevation Gain | Difficulty Rating | Type | Average Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biscayne National Park Walk | 0.9144 | 1 | out and back | 4 |
| Black Creek Canal Trail | 0.9144 | 1 | out and back | 4 |
| Jetty Trail | 0 | 1 | out and back | 4 |
| Boca Chita Trail | 0.9144 | 1 | loop | 3 |
Hiking Overview at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
New River Gorge National Park is home to some of the best hiking trails in the country. The park, which is located in southern West Virginia, features more than 50 miles of trails that wind through a variety of terrains. While all of the trails offer stunning views of the New River Gorge, each one has its own unique challenges.
For those looking for an easy hike, the Fayetteville Trail is a great option. This two-mile trail winds through a forest and offers gentle elevation changes. The trail can be accessed from the Fayetteville Visitors Center and is perfect for families or those who are new to hiking.
For those looking for a more challenging hike, the New River Gorge Trail is the longest and most difficult trail in the park. This 31-mile trail follows the New River from one end of the gorge to the other. Along the way, hikers will need to navigate steep cliffs, narrow ledges, and deep ravines. The New River Gorge Trail is only recommended for experienced hikers who are properly prepared for a multi-day adventure.
Top 10 Hiking Trails at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
| Hike Name | Elevation Gain | Difficulty Rating | Type | Average Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upper Sand Creek Lake Trail | 598.932 | 7 | out and back | 4.5 |
| Medano Lake Trail | 697.992 | 3 | out and back | 4 |
| Montville Nature Trail | 26.8224 | 1 | loop | 4 |
| Dunes Overlook Sand Ramp Trail | 80.772 | 3 | out and back | 3.5 |
| Little Medano Creek Trail to Medano Lake | 1079.9064 | 3 | out and back | 4 |
| Wellington Ditch Trail | 47.8536 | 1 | out and back | 4 |
| Dunes Overlook Trail | 143.8656 | 3 | out and back | 4 |
| Pinion Flats Campground Trail | 26.8224 | 1 | loop | 4 |
| High Dune Trail | 191.7192 | 5 | out and back | 5 |
| High and Star Dune Loop | 403.86 | 3 | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife at Biscayne National Park
Biscayne National Park is home to a wide variety of plants and animals. Visitors can expect to see everything from coral reefs and mangroves to turtles and dolphins. The park is also home to a number of threatened and endangered species, including the Florida panther and the American crocodile. In addition to its diverse wildlife, Biscayne National Park also offers stunning views of the Miami skyline and Biscayne Bay. So whether you’re looking to spot some rare wildlife or simply enjoy the scenery, Biscayne National Park is definitely worth a visit.
Wildlife at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
At New River Gorge National Park, you can expect to see a wide range of beautiful wildlife. Whether you’re gazing at towering trees or trekking through muddy marshes, you are sure to encounter an array of animals and plants along the way. Some of the most common species include deer, foxes, squirrels, turkeys, wild turkeys, salamanders, snakes, lizards, hawks, eagles, crows and blue jays. Additionally, New River Gorge is home to many different types of flora including ferns, mosses, conifers and deciduous trees. Whether you’re exploring on your own or partaking in one of the park’s many guided tours and hikes, New River Gorge has something to offer for all nature-lovers and wildlife enthusiasts alike!
What’s the best time to visit?
A lot of times, weather can dictate when it makes the most sense to visit a particular national park.
Plus, depending on the types of activities you’re hoping to take part in, seasonality will be a huge factor in whether those things are even available.
Biscayne National Park Weather Considerations
Biscayne National Park is located in southern Florida, and its weather patterns are reflective of that region. The park experiences warm, humid summers and mild, dry winters. The hottest months are typically July and August, when temperatures can reach the high 90s. December through February are the coolest months, with average highs in the 70s. Biscayne National Park generally sees very little rainfall, although hurricanes can occasionally bring heavy rains and strong winds to the area. Overall, the best time to visit Biscayne National Park is during the dry season from December to April. However, visitors should be aware that temperatures can still be quite warm during this time period.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve Weather Considerations
New River Gorge National Park is a great place to visit any time of year, but the best time to go depends on what you’re looking for. For example, if you’re interested in hiking, the spring and fall are ideal because the temperatures are moderate and there’s less chance of rain. However, if you’re looking to whitewater raft, the summer is the best time to visit since that’s when the water level is at its highest. On the other hand, winter can be a magical time at New River Gorge National Park, especially if you’re hoping to see some snow. So whether you’re looking for adventure or peace and quiet, be sure to check the New River Gorge National Park weather forecast before planning your trip.