Dry Tortugas National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the United States. Both are located on opposite corners of the country and offer unique landscapes, activities, and wildlife. But which one is the better pick for your next adventure?
The Dry Tortugas is a remote island chain located 70 miles west of Key West, Florida. It is known for its turquoise waters, abundant marine life, and historic Fort Jefferson. The park is only accessible by boat or seaplane, making it an exclusive destination for those seeking a true escape from civilization.
On the other hand, the New River Gorge is located in the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia. It is home to the world-famous New River Gorge Bridge, the longest steel arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere. The park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including whitewater rafting, rock climbing, and hiking through lush forests.
So, are you a thrill-seeker seeking an adrenaline rush in the mountains or a beach-goer looking for crystal-clear waters and seclusion? This article will help you decide which of these two national parks is the perfect fit for your next adventure. Get ready to pack your bags and explore the beauty of the Dry Tortugas and New River Gorge!
Hiking Trails in Dry Tortugas National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Dry Tortugas National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer unique hiking experiences, but there are some key differences between them.
The Dry Tortugas National Park is located in the Gulf of Mexico and it is famous for its crystal clear waters, pristine beaches, and abundant wildlife. The park offers a few hiking trails, but most of them are easy to moderate and suitable for visitors of all ages. The easiest trail is the Garden Key Trail, which is a half-mile loop that takes visitors through the lush vegetation on Garden Key. The hardest hike in the park is the Fort Jefferson Trail, which is a strenuous three-mile trek that takes visitors to the historic fort.
On the other hand, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is located in West Virginia and it is known for its scenic beauty, challenging hiking trails, and world-class climbing opportunities. The park has an extensive trail system that offers a range of hiking experiences, from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry treks. The easiest hike in the park is the Canyon Rim Trail, which is a flat and easy two-mile hike that offers stunning views of the New River Gorge. The hardest hike in the park is the Endless Wall Trail, which is a strenuous seven-mile trek that takes visitors through the heart of the New River Gorge.
In conclusion, both parks offer unique hiking experiences, but they cater to different levels of hikers. Dry Tortugas National Park is ideal for visitors who want to enjoy easy hikes and scenic views, while New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is perfect for visitors who want to challenge themselves with more difficult hikes.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Dry Tortugas National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Jefferson Loop | 804.67 | 0.9144 | Easy | 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 Dry Tortugas National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Dry Tortugas National Park, located 70 miles west of Key West, Florida, is known for its diverse wildlife, including sea turtles, seabirds, and tropical fish. In the park, visitors can see various species of sea turtles, including green sea turtles, hawksbill turtles, and loggerhead turtles. The park also has a large population of seabirds, including brown pelicans, frigatebirds, and gulls. In addition to marine life, the park is home to a variety of tropical fish, including angelfish, parrotfish, and butterflyfish.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, located in West Virginia, is known for its diverse wildlife, including white-tailed deer, black bears, and wild turkeys. In the park, visitors can see various species of mammals, including white-tailed deer, black bears, and raccoons. The park also has a large population of birds, including wild turkeys, broad-winged hawks, and pileated woodpeckers. In addition to mammals and birds, the park is home to a variety of plants, including rhododendrons, wildflowers, and ferns.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Dry Tortugas 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
| Dry Tortugas 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 |
| Red-Tailed Hawk | Barn Swallow |
| Northern Flicker | Savannah Sparrow |
| Merlin | Great Blue Heron |
| Barn Swallow | Hermit Thrush |
| Savannah Sparrow | European Starling |
| Great Blue Heron | Northern Pintail |
| Hermit Thrush | American Wigeon |
| American Kestrel | Green-Winged Teal |
| Song Sparrow | American Pipit |
| European Starling | Killdeer |
| Northern Pintail | Brown-Headed Cowbird |
| Green-Winged Teal | Hairy Woodpecker |
| American Pipit | Red-Breasted Nuthatch |
| Swainson’s Thrush | White-Crowned Sparrow |
| Killdeer | Northern Shoveler |
Mammals
| Dry Tortugas National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| House Rat | Coyote |
| American Beaver | |
| Muskrat | |
| Big Brown Bat | |
| Bobcat | |
| Striped Skunk | |
| Little Brown Bat | |
| Deer Mouse | |
| Raccoon | |
| Black Bear | |
| 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
| Dry Tortugas 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 |
Reptiles
| Dry Tortugas National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Rubber Boa |
Amphibians
| Dry Tortugas National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Tiger Salamander |
Insects
| Dry Tortugas National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Mourning Cloak | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Dry Tortugas National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Dry Tortugas National Park is located in the Gulf of Mexico, 70 miles west of Key West, Florida. The park is well-known for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs, making it a prime destination for snorkeling and diving. The park’s most famous landmark is Fort Jefferson, a massive 19th-century military fort built on Garden Key. This historic site is surrounded by turquoise waters and is a popular spot for bird watching.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is located in West Virginia and is famous for its stunning rock formations and scenic overlooks. The park is home to the New River Gorge Bridge, which is the world’s second-highest steel arch bridge and offers breathtaking views of the river and surrounding landscape. Hiking trails in the park offer opportunities to explore the unique geology of the area, including the towering sandstone cliffs and deep gorges. The park is also a popular destination for white-water rafting and rock climbing.
Things To-Do and Activities in Dry Tortugas National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Dry Tortugas National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two of the most popular parks in the United States, attracting millions of visitors every year. While they are both unique in their own way, they offer different experiences for visitors.
Dry Tortugas is a chain of seven islands located in the Gulf of Mexico and is famous for its crystal-clear waters, abundant marine life, and stunning coral formations. Some of the most popular activities here include snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, and bird watching. Visitors can also explore the historic Fort Jefferson, which dates back to the 1800s, and take a ferry ride to the islands for a day trip.
New River Gorge, on the other hand, is located in the Appalachian Mountains in West Virginia and is known for its breathtaking scenery, abundant wildlife, and challenging outdoor activities. Rock climbing, rafting, kayaking, and hiking are some of the most popular activities here. The park is also home to the world-famous New River Gorge Bridge, which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and is a popular spot for photos.
Both parks offer a range of activities for visitors, from relaxed sightseeing to adrenaline-fueled adventure. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful escape or an outdoor challenge, Dry Tortugas and New River Gorge have something to offer everyone.
Best Time to Visit Dry Tortugas National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Dry Tortugas National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve offer unique experiences to visitors. The seasonal weather at both parks can greatly impact when is the best time to visit. Dry Tortugas is located in the Florida Keys and experiences a tropical climate with hot and humid summers and mild winters. The months of June through September are considered the park’s rainy season and can result in rough waters making it difficult for visitors to reach the park by boat. Winter months are the driest and offer the best conditions for boating and exploring the park’s historic Fort Jefferson.
On the other hand, New River Gorge is located in West Virginia and experiences four distinct seasons. The park is popular for its white-water rafting, rock climbing and hiking. The warmest months are June through August, with temperatures reaching up to 90°F. Winter months can bring snow and freezing temperatures, making it difficult for outdoor activities. The spring and fall months offer mild temperatures and fewer crowds, making them the best time for outdoor recreation and scenic views of fall foliage. Visitors planning to visit New River Gorge should consider the weather and plan accordingly for their preferred activities.
Family Friendliness of Dry Tortugas National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Dry Tortugas National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two unique and beautiful places to visit. However, when it comes to family-friendliness, both parks offer different experiences.
Dry Tortugas National Park is located off the coast of Florida and is only accessible by boat or seaplane. Here, families can enjoy snorkeling, bird-watching, and visiting historic fort Jefferson. Although the park is not as easily accessible as some other national parks, the stunning scenery and rich history make it a great place for families to visit.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, on the other hand, is located in West Virginia and offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and white-water rafting. The park also has a number of picnic areas and Visitor Centers with educational programs. This park is a great choice for families that enjoy outdoor recreation and learning about natural and cultural history.
When deciding between these two parks, it really depends on what type of family vacation you are looking for. If you are looking for a remote island adventure with a rich history, Dry Tortugas may be the better choice. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more traditional national park experience with a variety of outdoor activities, then New River Gorge is the way to go.