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.