The United States is home to some of the world’s most stunning natural landscapes. From towering mountain peaks to vast stretches of wetlands, there’s no shortage of breathtaking scenery to explore. Everglades National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two such destinations that are sure to take your breath away. Both parks offer unique experiences and beautiful vistas, but which one is right for you?
In this article, we’ll be exploring the differences between these two parks, highlighting the best things to see and do at each one. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a nature enthusiast, you’re sure to discover something new about these two iconic American destinations. So sit back, grab a cup of coffee, and get ready to embark on a virtual journey through two of the country’s most magnificent national parks.
Hiking Trails in Everglades National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Everglades National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve offer a diverse range of hiking trails for visitors.
The Everglades is famous for its swampy terrain and boardwalk trails, including the Anhinga Trail, which provides an up-close look at alligators and other wildlife. For those seeking a more challenging hike, the Gumbo Limbo Trail is a strenuous 5.5-mile trek through the heart of the park.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, on the other hand, is known for its rugged terrain and stunning views. The Bridge Trail is a popular 0.75-mile hike that takes visitors to the New River Gorge Bridge, offering breathtaking views of the park and surrounding area. The Endless Wall Trail is a strenuous 8.5-mile hike that takes visitors along the rim of the New River Gorge, providing panoramic views of the park and its unique geology.
For those seeking an easier hike, the Grandview Trail at New River Gorge is a 2.5-mile hike offering scenic views of the park and the New River. The Paddler’s Campsite Trail at Everglades is a 2-mile trek through the mangroves, providing easy access to the park’s waterways for kayakers and canoeists.
Whether you’re seeking a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, both Everglades National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve have something for everyone.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Everglades National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shark Valley Trail | 25427.572 | 6.7056 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Anhinga Trail | 2414.01 | 0 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Pa-Hay-Okee Overlook Trail | 321.868 | 0 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Gumbo Limbo Trail | 643.736 | 0 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
| Long Pine Key Trail | 24944.77 | 0 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Mahogany Hammock Trail | 643.736 | 0 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
| Everglades Coastal Prairie Trail | 27358.78 | 4.8768 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Pinelands Trail | 643.736 | 0 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
| Everglades National Park East Entrance to Flamingo Scenic Route | 58258.108 | 7.9248 | Easy | point to point | 4.5 |
| Nine Mile Pond | 8851.37 | 0 | Easy | loop | 4 |
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 Everglades National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Everglades National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two unique parks that offer different wildlife experiences. Everglades National Park is located in Florida and is known for its diverse variety of species and habitats, including freshwater marshes, mangrove swamps, and sawgrass prairies. Animals commonly seen in the park include manatees, American alligators, and a variety of wading birds such as ibis and herons. Additionally, the park is also home to numerous species of rare and threatened species, including the Florida panther and the American crocodile.
On the other hand, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is located in West Virginia and is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including black bears, white-tailed deer, and river otters. The park is also famous for its bird-watching opportunities, with species such as the Peregrine Falcon, Wild Turkey, and the American Bald Eagle often seen in the area. Additionally, the park is home to a variety of plant species, including the American Beech, Red Maple, and the Eastern Hemlock. Both Everglades National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve offer unique wildlife experiences and are great places for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts to explore.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Everglades 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
| Everglades 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
| Everglades National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| Bobcat | American Beaver |
| Striped Skunk | Muskrat |
| Raccoon | Big Brown Bat |
| Red Fox | Bobcat |
| House Mouse | Striped Skunk |
| Mink | Little Brown Bat |
| Gray Fox | Deer Mouse |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | Raccoon |
| White-Tailed Deer | Black Bear |
| Eastern Cottontail | Porcupine |
| House Rat | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Spotted Skunk | Hoary Bat |
| Fox Squirrel | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Eastern Gray Squirrel | House Mouse |
| Feral Hog | Mountain Lion |
| Northern Short-Tailed Shrew | Black-Tailed Deer |
| Least Shrew | Wolf |
| Long-Legged Myotis | |
| Long-Eared Myotis | |
| Ermine | |
| California Myotis | |
| Snowshoe Hare | |
| North American River Otter | |
| Masked Shrew |
Fish
| Everglades National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Rainbow Trout |
| Bluegill | Eastern Brook Trout |
| Golden Shiner | Brown Trout |
| Yellow Bullhead | Coho Salmon |
| Channel Catfish | Chinook Salmon |
| Black Crappie | Mottled Sculpin |
| Mosquitofish | Slimy Sculpin |
| Brown Bullhead | Threespine Stickleback |
| Goldfish | Kokanee |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Reptiles
| Everglades National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Rubber Boa |
Amphibians
| Everglades National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Tiger Salamander |
Insects
| Everglades National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Mourning Cloak | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Everglades National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Everglades National Park in Florida is known for its vast wetlands and diverse wildlife. Visitors can explore the park by boat, kayak, or on foot to discover its unique landscape, including beautiful sawgrass marshes, mangrove forests and cypress swamps. The park is home to numerous species of animals, including alligators, manatees, and a variety of bird species.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in West Virginia is famous for its stunning sandstone cliffs and scenic overlooks. The park is a popular destination for rock climbing, hiking and whitewater rafting, with the New River providing some of the best rapids in the East. The park also features beautiful waterfalls and stunning rocky outcroppings that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can also explore the park’s rich history, including the remnants of coal-mining communities and the iconic steel arch bridge that spans the New River Gorge.
Things To-Do and Activities in Everglades National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Everglades National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two unique national parks that offer a variety of activities for visitors. Everglades National Park spans over 1.5 million acres and is home to diverse wildlife such as alligators, manatees, and crocodiles. Popular activities in the park include airboat tours, fishing, and wildlife watching. Visitors can also take a stroll on the Anhinga Trail, which offers excellent views of the park’s wetlands and wildlife.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, on the other hand, covers over 70,000 acres and boasts stunning views of the New River Gorge Bridge. The park offers a range of outdoor activities including rock climbing, rafting, and hiking. Visitors can also explore the park’s scenic drives, such as the Endless Wall Trail, which takes you on a scenic road trip along the New River Gorge. For those interested in history, the park also offers tours of the former coal mining town of Thurmond.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful stroll in nature or an adrenaline-pumping adventure, both Everglades National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve have something to offer. So pack your bags and get ready to experience the beauty of two of America’s most unique national parks!
Best Time to Visit Everglades National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Everglades National Park in Florida and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in West Virginia are two unique parks with differences in weather patterns.
Everglades National Park is known for its warm and humid tropical climate, with temperatures ranging from 60-90°F. The park’s rainy season occurs from May to October, with heavy rainfall and high humidity levels. The summer months can be particularly hot, making it best to visit during the winter months when temperatures are milder.
In contrast, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve experiences four distinct seasons, with temperatures ranging from the low 30s to the high 80s. The park is known for its beautiful fall foliage, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains in shades of red, orange, and yellow. Winter in the park can be cold and snowy, making it best to visit in the spring or summer when temperatures are milder.
Visitors should take note of the seasonal weather patterns when planning a trip to either of these parks. The weather can greatly affect the type of activities one can enjoy, such as hiking and camping, so it is important to plan accordingly. Whether you’re looking for a tropical escape or a chance to experience the changing seasons, both Everglades National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve offer unique experiences for nature lovers.
Family Friendliness of Everglades National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Everglades National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two unique parks with different features to offer. When it comes to family-friendliness, both parks have something to offer, but they cater to different types of families.
Everglades National Park is ideal for families who enjoy outdoor activities and wildlife. The park offers ranger-guided boat tours and tram rides that take families on scenic trips through the park’s wetlands and forests. Children can also explore the park’s trails and boardwalks, participate in ranger-led activities, and learn about the park’s wildlife and ecosystems.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is better suited for families who enjoy hiking and adventure sports. The park is home to over 70 miles of trails, including several that are family-friendly. The park is also a popular destination for rock climbing, mountain biking, and white-water rafting, making it an ideal destination for families who enjoy adventure sports. The park also has a visitors center with interactive exhibits, which is an excellent place for families to learn about the park’s history and geology.
In conclusion, both Everglades National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are great options for families, but their offerings are different. If you’re traveling with children, consider the interests and preferences of your family when choosing which park to visit.