“Ready to escape to the great outdoors and immerse yourself in nature’s beauty? Look no further than Channel Islands National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve! These two national parks offer breathtaking landscapes, unique wildlife and endless opportunities for adventure. While they’re both stunning in their own special way, they differ in their geography and activities. Channel Islands is a remote archipelago off the coast of California, where visitors can kayak, whale watch and hike among rare and endemic species. New River Gorge, on the other hand, is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, with white water rafting, rock climbing and scenic overlooks in the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia. Are you ready to choose your next outdoor destination?”
Hiking Trails in Channel Islands National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
“When it comes to hiking, both Channel Islands National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve offer a range of trails for all skill levels. Channel Islands boasts scenic coastal hikes, such as the easy 2-mile Cavern Point Loop, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. For those looking for a challenge, the strenuous 7-mile Santa Cruz Island Backcountry hike takes you through secluded canyons and rolling hills. At New River Gorge, the easy 0.5-mile Endless Wall Trail gives visitors a taste of the park’s rock climbing culture, including vista views of the New River. For the more experienced hiker, the strenuous 11-mile Bridge to Bridge hike takes you through forests, along cliffs and over the New River. No matter your skill level, both parks offer breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable experiences on their diverse hiking trails.”
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Channel Islands National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Potato Harbor Trail | 7885.766 | 183.7944 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Smugglers Cove Trail | 12391.918 | 426.72 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Scorpion Bay to Cavern Point Loop | 2574.944 | 84.7344 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| El Montanon Trail | 13679.39 | 569.976 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
| Santa Cruz Island: Pelican Bay And Prisoners Harbor Trails | 13840.324 | 436.7784 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| East Anacapa Island Trail | 3862.416 | 115.824 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Scorpion Canyon Loop Trail | 7242.03 | 238.9632 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Del Norte and Montanon Trail to Scorpion Campgroud | 20116.75 | 810.768 | Hard | point to point | 5 |
| Cueva Valdez to Arch Rock Trail | 11748.182 | 535.8384 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Pelican Bay Trail | 6437.36 | 249.936 | 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 Channel Islands National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
“When it comes to wildlife, both Channel Islands National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve offer unique and diverse ecosystems. Channel Islands is home to over 2,000 plant and animal species, including the island fox, spotted skunk and the blue whale. Bird watchers can spot rare species such as the ashy storm petrel and the Xantus’s murrelet. The park also has a rich marine environment, where visitors may see sea lions, seals, dolphins and many species of fish. At New River Gorge, visitors can spot black bears, white-tailed deer, turkey and many species of songbirds. The park is also home to a diverse array of wildflowers and trees, including the redbud, dogwood and tulip poplar. Whether you’re a birdwatcher, botanist or simply looking to see some spectacular wildlife, both parks offer diverse and abundant opportunities for wildlife viewing.”
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Channel Islands 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
| Channel Islands 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
| Channel Islands National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Big Brown Bat | Coyote |
| Deer Mouse | American Beaver |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Muskrat |
| Hoary Bat | Big Brown Bat |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Bobcat |
| California Myotis | Striped Skunk |
| Fringed Myotis | Little Brown Bat |
| Mexican Free-Tailed Bat | Deer Mouse |
| Western Harvest Mouse | Raccoon |
| Pallid Bat | Black Bear |
| Red Bat | Porcupine |
| Black Rat | 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 |
Reptiles
| Channel Islands National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Yellow-Bellied Racer | Common Garter Snake |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | Rubber Boa |
Fish
| Channel Islands National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | |
| Eastern Brook Trout | |
| Brown Trout | |
| Coho Salmon | |
| Chinook Salmon | |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Threespine Stickleback | |
| Kokanee | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Amphibians
| Channel Islands National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Tiger Salamander |
Insects
| Channel Islands National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Mourning Cloak | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Channel Islands National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
“When it comes to natural wonders, both Channel Islands National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are full of breathtaking landscapes. At Channel Islands, visitors can marvel at the rugged beauty of the five islands and their shorelines, as well as the sea caves, kelp forests and the rare and endemic species of plants and animals. Meanwhile, New River Gorge is famous for its stunning New River Gorge Bridge, which spans over 3,000 feet and offers panoramic views of the park and its surrounding mountains. Waterfall enthusiasts will also find plenty to love, with the park’s Grandview and Canyon Rim trails offering breathtaking views of the park’s many waterfalls. Whether you’re looking for awe-inspiring landscapes or simply looking to take in the beauty of nature, both parks offer breathtaking natural wonders that are sure to leave you in awe.”
Things To-Do and Activities in Channel Islands National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
“When it comes to outdoor activities, Channel Islands National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve offer a diverse range of options. At Channel Islands, visitors can enjoy kayaking, whale watching, snorkeling and hiking, as well as camping on the islands. The park’s serene beauty and remote location make it a haven for nature lovers. New River Gorge, on the other hand, is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, with white-water rafting, rock climbing, fishing, camping and hiking being among the most popular activities. Whether you’re looking for adventure or simply looking to enjoy the beauty of nature, both parks offer a multitude of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.”
Best Time to Visit Channel Islands National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
“When it comes to weather, Channel Islands National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve each have distinct seasonal patterns. Channel Islands experiences a Mediterranean climate, with cool, damp winters and mild, dry summers. Winter is the best time for whale watching, while summer is ideal for kayaking and hiking. New River Gorge, on the other hand, experiences a temperate climate with hot summers and cold winters. Spring and fall offer the best weather for outdoor activities, such as white water rafting, rock climbing and hiking. Winter can bring snow and icy conditions, making some trails and roads impassable. No matter the season, both parks offer breathtaking landscapes and unique opportunities for outdoor adventure, so the best time to visit depends on your personal preferences and the activities you’re interested in pursuing.”
Family Friendliness of Channel Islands National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
“When it comes to family-friendly experiences, both Channel Islands National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve offer activities and opportunities for families to enjoy. Channel Islands, with its scenic coastal hikes and opportunities for kayaking and whale watching, is a great destination for families looking for a unique and educational outdoor experience. New River Gorge, with its scenic overlooks, rock climbing and white-water rafting, is a great destination for families seeking adventure and excitement. That being said, Channel Islands may not be the best option for families with young children or those who prefer more low-key outdoor experiences. On the other hand, New River Gorge may be a bit more challenging for families with young children, but it offers a wealth of opportunities for families looking for an action-packed adventure. Ultimately, the best park for your family will depend on your personal interests and the ages and abilities of your children.”