Denali National Park & Preserve vs New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

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Denali National Park & Preserve vs New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

Denali National Park & Preserve and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders in the United States. Both parks offer a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors, but which one is the best for you? This article will take a deep dive into both parks, comparing the highlights, activities, and attractions that each has to offer. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a history buff, or simply looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, one of these parks is sure to capture your heart.

Denali is a wilderness of breathtaking beauty, located in the heart of Alaska. The park’s centerpiece is Mount Denali, North America’s tallest peak, which towers over the surrounding tundra. Visitors can take scenic bus tours, hike through pristine wilderness, or watch the aurora borealis dance across the night sky. New River Gorge, on the other hand, is located in the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia. The park is home to the New River Gorge Bridge, one of the tallest and longest steel arch bridges in the world, as well as world-class whitewater rafting, rock climbing, and hiking opportunities. Whether you’re seeking adventure or simply want to take in the stunning scenery, both Denali and New River Gorge have something for everyone.

Hiking Trails in Denali National Park & Preserve and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

Denali National Park & Preserve and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two of the most beautiful parks in the United States. Both offer breathtaking views and challenging hikes for adventurers.

When it comes to hiking trails, Denali National Park & Preserve offers a variety of options, from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry treks. One of the easiest hikes is the 1.5-mile round-trip hike to the Savage River, which takes you through a stunning forest and along the river. The hardest hike in Denali is the climb up Mount Denali, which is a strenuous, multi-day journey that requires advanced mountaineering skills.

New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, on the other hand, is known for its challenging hike through the deep, narrow canyons and steep cliffs. One of the easiest hikes in the park is the Endless Wall Trail, a 2.5-mile hike that takes you along the rim of the New River Gorge and offers stunning views of the river below. If you’re looking for a more challenging hike, try the Grandview Rim Trail, a strenuous 7.5-mile hike that takes you to the top of the rim and offers a panoramic view of the surrounding area.

In conclusion, both Denali National Park & Preserve and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve offer a variety of hiking trails that cater to different skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner hiker or an experienced mountaineer, you’re sure to find a trail that suits your needs and interests in these two beautiful parks.

Most Popular Hiking Trails in Denali National Park & Preserve

Name Length Elevation Type Difficulty Visitor Ratings
Mount Healy Overlook Trail 6920.162 507.7968 Moderate out and back 4.5
Horseshoe Lake Trail 3379.614 119.7864 Easy loop 4.5
Triple Lakes Trail 29772.79 1124.712 Hard out and back 4.5
Bison Gulch 11265.38 1178.9664 Hard out and back 4.5
Rock Creek Trail 7081.096 287.7312 Moderate out and back 4
Taiga Trail 2574.944 62.7888 Moderate loop 4
McKinley Station Trail 4667.086 113.9952 Easy loop 4.5
Mount Thorofare Ridge Loop 6598.294 507.7968 Hard loop 4.5
McKinley Bar Trail 7402.964 295.9608 Easy out and back 4
Tiaga Loop and Horseshoe Lake Trail to Beaver Dam 4828.02 158.8008 Moderate 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 Denali National Park & Preserve and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

Denali National Park & Preserve and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both are known for their unique landscapes and diverse wildlife.

At Denali, visitors can expect to see a variety of mammals such as grizzly bears, moose, caribou, and wolves. The park is also home to several bird species such as the Golden Eagle, and the Willow Ptarmigan. Additionally, the park is home to a variety of plant species including the Alaska Cedar, the Dwarf Birch, and the Alaskan Spruce.

At New River Gorge, visitors can observe a different set of wildlife including white-tailed deer, black bears, and the rare Indiana bat. The park is also a popular spot for bird watchers, with species such as the Peregrine Falcon and the American Redstart commonly seen. The park is also home to a variety of plant species such as the American Beech, the Eastern Hemlock, and the Appalachian Hardwood Forest.

In conclusion, both Denali and New River Gorge are excellent destinations for those interested in observing a variety of wildlife. Visitors to Denali can expect to see a wide range of mammals and birds, while those visiting New River Gorge will be able to observe different species including deer, bats, and birds of prey.

Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Denali National Park & Preserve and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.

Birds

Denali National Park & Preserve 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
Hermit Thrush American Wigeon
American Kestrel Green-Winged Teal
Bald Eagle American Pipit
Song Sparrow Killdeer
European Starling Brown-Headed Cowbird
Northern Pintail Hairy Woodpecker
American Wigeon Red-Breasted Nuthatch
Green-Winged Teal White-Crowned Sparrow
Swainson’s Thrush Northern Shoveler

Mammals

Denali National Park & Preserve New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Coyote Coyote
American Beaver American Beaver
Muskrat Muskrat
Little Brown Bat Big Brown Bat
Black Bear Bobcat
Porcupine Striped Skunk
Red Fox Little Brown Bat
Mink Deer Mouse
Wolf Raccoon
Short-Tailed Weasel Black Bear
Snowshoe Hare Porcupine
River Otter Silver-Haired Bat
Common Shrew Hoary Bat
Water Shrew Long-Tailed Weasel
Red Squirrel House Mouse
Montane Shrew Mountain Lion
Lynx Black-Tailed Deer
Wolverine Wolf
American Marten Long-Legged Myotis
Northern Flying Squirrel Long-Eared Myotis
Grizzly Bear Ermine
Meadow Vole California Myotis
Moose Snowshoe Hare
Least Weasel North American River Otter
Pygmy Shrew Masked Shrew

Fish

Denali National Park & Preserve New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Longnose Sucker Rainbow Trout
Lake Trout Eastern Brook Trout
Northern Pike Brown Trout
Burbot Coho Salmon
Coho Salmon Chinook Salmon
Chinook Salmon Mottled Sculpin
Slimy Sculpin Slimy Sculpin
Chum Salmon Threespine Stickleback
Dolly Varden Kokanee
Arctic Grayling Pink Salmon
Dolly Varden
Cutthroat Trout

Amphibians

Denali National Park & Preserve New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Wood Frog Tiger Salamander

Reptiles

Denali National Park & Preserve New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Western Terrestrial Garter Snake
Common Garter Snake
Rubber Boa

Insects

Denali National Park & Preserve New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Mourning Cloak
Cabbage White
Silvery Blue
Purplish Copper
Anise Swallowtail

Beautiful Landscapes in Denali National Park & Preserve and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

Denali National Park & Preserve is well-known for its stunning vistas and breathtaking wilderness. Visitors can hike through the rolling tundra and see the towering peaks of the Alaska Range, including Mount McKinley, the tallest mountain in North America. The park is also home to glaciers, scenic rivers, and a rich array of wildlife, including grizzly bears, moose, and caribou.

On the other hand, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is famous for its stunning rock formations and spectacular views. The park is home to the New River Gorge Bridge, a steel arch bridge that spans the river and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The park also features a diverse range of outdoor recreation opportunities, including rock climbing, rafting, and hiking, as well as scenic drives and scenic overlooks. Visitors can also view the unique geology of the area, including sandstone cliffs and rock formations, as well as the rich history of the region, including the coal mining industry that once dominated the area.

Things To-Do and Activities in Denali National Park & Preserve and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

Denali National Park & Preserve and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two of the most popular national parks in the US, attracting millions of visitors every year. Both parks offer a unique outdoor experience with a range of activities for visitors to enjoy.

Denali is famous for its stunning mountain views, with Mount Denali, the tallest peak in North America, being the centerpiece. Visitors can take scenic drives, go wildlife viewing, and enjoy the park’s beautiful alpine tundra. Denali also offers a range of seasonal activities including dog sledding, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing.

New River Gorge, on the other hand, is a mecca for rock climbers, with over 1,400 climbing routes and some of the best sport climbing in the country. The park also offers opportunities for white water rafting, kayaking, and fishing. Hikers can trek the park’s scenic trails, taking in stunning views of the New River Gorge Bridge, the longest steel arch bridge in the Americas.

Whether you’re looking for a scenic drive, a challenging climb, or a leisurely hike, both Denali and New River Gorge have something to offer. Each park is unique in its own way, and both are sure to provide visitors with unforgettable memories and experiences.

Best Time to Visit Denali National Park & Preserve and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

Denali National Park & Preserve and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two unique destinations to visit in the United States. While both parks have their own unique features, the seasonal weather can greatly impact a visitor’s experience.

Denali National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska and experiences long, cold winters and short, mild summers. Winter temperatures can reach as low as -40°F and snow can fall any day of the year, making it a haven for winter sports enthusiasts. Summer temperatures can reach into the 60s, making it perfect for hiking and wildlife viewing. The best time to visit is during the summer months, between June and September.

On the other hand, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is located in West Virginia and experiences warm summers and cold winters. Summer temperatures can reach into the 80s, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and rock climbing. Winter temperatures can drop into the 20s, making it a popular destination for winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding. The best time to visit is during the fall months, between September and November, when the leaves change color and provide a stunning backdrop for outdoor activities.

Family Friendliness of Denali National Park & Preserve and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

Denali National Park & Preserve and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two beautiful parks that offer unique experiences for visitors of all ages. Both parks have fantastic opportunities for families, but each park offers different experiences that are better suited for families with children.

Denali National Park & Preserve is one of the most family-friendly parks in the country. With a variety of easy hikes, bus tours, and wildlife watching opportunities, families can experience the beauty of the park while keeping things simple. The park also offers a range of educational programs, including ranger-led activities and campfire talks, that are perfect for families with children.

On the other hand, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve offers a more adventurous experience for families. With opportunities for rock climbing, white water rafting, and other outdoor activities, families can challenge themselves while enjoying the beauty of the park. The park also has a number of scenic overlooks and hiking trails that are perfect for families who enjoy a more active outdoor experience.

In conclusion, both parks are family-friendly and offer unique experiences for visitors of all ages. However, if you’re traveling with children, Denali National Park & Preserve may be the better choice for a more relaxed, educational experience, while New River Gorge National Park and Preserve may be better for families who are looking for a more adventurous outdoor experience.

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