The United States is home to many beautiful and diverse national parks, each with its own unique features and attractions. Two of the most popular parks are Gateway Arch National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. Both parks offer breathtaking views and exciting outdoor experiences, but they couldn’t be more different from each other. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at these two parks and compare their offerings.
Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, is a testament to America’s westward expansion and is home to the iconic 630-foot Gateway Arch. The Arch symbolizes the spirit of the American West, and visitors can take a tram to the top for a stunning view of the city. In addition to the Arch, the park offers boat tours, walking trails, and a museum that explores the history of the American West.
On the other hand, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is located in West Virginia and is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. This park is known for its stunning natural beauty, including the New River Gorge Bridge, which is one of the highest bridges in the world. Visitors can hike, camp, and raft in the park, and there are also plenty of opportunities for rock climbing, fishing, and hunting. Whether you’re a nature lover, thrill-seeker, or just looking for a peaceful escape, New River Gorge has something to offer.
Hiking Trails in Gateway Arch National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Gateway Arch National Park, located in Missouri, offers several hiking trails for visitors to explore. The park features the famous Gateway Arch monument and offers scenic views of the Mississippi River. One of the easiest hikes is the Riverfront Trail, which offers a leisurely stroll along the riverbank with views of the Arch. On the other hand, one of the most challenging hikes is the Arch Trail, which takes visitors to the top of the Arch for panoramic views of the city. This hike involves a strenuous climb up stairs and is not recommended for those with a fear of heights.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, located in West Virginia, features over 70,000 acres of rugged wilderness and stunning scenery. The park offers a variety of hiking trails for all levels of difficulty, including the easy Rim Trail and the challenging Endless Wall Trail. The Rim Trail offers scenic views of the New River Gorge and is a popular choice for families and first-time visitors. The Endless Wall Trail, on the other hand, is a strenuous hike that takes visitors along the cliffs of the New River Gorge, offering breathtaking views and a true test of endurance. Both trails offer unique experiences and are perfect for those looking to explore the natural beauty of the park.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Gateway Arch National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Louis Riverfront Trail | 34439.876 | 109.728 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Jefferson National Expansion Memorial | 2574.944 | 20.7264 | 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 Gateway Arch National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Gateway Arch National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are both popular national parks in the United States, but they offer vastly different experiences. Both parks are home to a variety of wildlife, but the types of animals, birds, and plants you’ll see depend on the park you visit.
At Gateway Arch National Park, visitors can expect to see a variety of birds, including bald eagles, falcons, and gulls. The park is also home to a number of squirrels, rabbits, and other small mammals. The park’s riverfront location provides habitat for various fish species, such as catfish and bass, and is a popular destination for bird watching and fishing.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, on the other hand, is known for its diverse wildlife, including black bears, deer, and wild turkeys. Visitors can also spot a variety of reptiles, such as rattlesnakes, and a range of bird species, including hawks, eagles, and songbirds. The park’s lush forests and rocky cliffs provide habitat for a wide range of plants, including wildflowers, ferns, and mosses. The park is a popular destination for hiking, camping, and rock climbing, and offers opportunities to see wildlife in its natural habitat.
In conclusion, both Gateway Arch National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve offer unique experiences for nature enthusiasts. Visitors to Gateway Arch National Park can expect to see a variety of birds, fish, and small mammals, while those visiting New River Gorge National Park and Preserve can look forward to seeing black bears, deer, wild turkeys, and a range of reptiles and plants.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Gateway Arch 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
| Gateway Arch 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 |
| Savannah Sparrow | European Starling |
| Hermit Thrush | Northern Pintail |
| American Kestrel | American Wigeon |
| Bald Eagle | Green-Winged Teal |
| Northern Pintail | American Pipit |
| American Wigeon | Killdeer |
| Green-Winged Teal | Brown-Headed Cowbird |
| American Pipit | Hairy Woodpecker |
| Swainson’s Thrush | Red-Breasted Nuthatch |
| Hairy Woodpecker | White-Crowned Sparrow |
| Red-Breasted Nuthatch | Northern Shoveler |
Mammals
| Gateway Arch National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Black Bear | Big Brown Bat |
| Porcupine | Bobcat |
| Red Fox | Striped Skunk |
| Mink | Little Brown Bat |
| Wolf | Deer Mouse |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | Raccoon |
| Varying Hare | Black Bear |
| River Otter | Porcupine |
| Common Shrew | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Red Squirrel | Hoary Bat |
| Montane Shrew | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Lynx | House Mouse |
| Wolverine | Mountain Lion |
| American Marten | Black-Tailed Deer |
| Grizzly Bear | Wolf |
| Meadow Vole | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Moose | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Least Weasel | Ermine |
| Pygmy Shrew | California Myotis |
| Northern Bog Lemming | Snowshoe Hare |
| North American River Otter | |
| Masked Shrew |
Fish
| Gateway Arch National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Longnose Sucker | Rainbow Trout |
| Lake Trout | Eastern Brook Trout |
| Northern Pike | Brown Trout |
| Eelpout | Coho Salmon |
| King Salmon | Chinook Salmon |
| Slimy Sculpin | Mottled Sculpin |
| Chum Salmon | Slimy Sculpin |
| Dolly Varden | Threespine Stickleback |
| Arctic Grayling | Kokanee |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Amphibians
| Gateway Arch National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Tiger Salamander |
Reptiles
| Gateway Arch National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Rubber Boa |
Insects
| Gateway Arch National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Mourning Cloak | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Gateway Arch National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Gateway Arch National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two of the most beautiful and popular parks in the United States. Gateway Arch is famous for its 630-foot tall stainless steel arch that serves as a symbol of the westward expansion of the United States. The park offers stunning views of the Mississippi River and the city of St. Louis. Visitors can take a tram to the top of the arch for a panoramic view of the city and the river.
New River Gorge is known for its towering cliffs and stunning views of the New River. The park offers scenic hiking trails, as well as opportunities for rock climbing and whitewater rafting. One of the most popular attractions in the park is the New River Gorge Bridge, which is the longest steel arch bridge in the western hemisphere. Visitors can take a scenic drive on the bridge or hike along the trails that run along the river. The park also offers stunning views of the surrounding Appalachian Mountains, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Things To-Do and Activities in Gateway Arch National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Gateway Arch National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two of the most popular parks in the United States and offer visitors a variety of outdoor activities. While both parks offer scenic hiking trails and opportunities for camping, they differ in their most popular attractions.
At Gateway Arch National Park, visitors flock to see the famous 630-foot tall Gateway Arch, a symbol of American westward expansion. The park also offers riverboat cruises, a museum and a movie about the construction of the Arch.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, on the other hand, is a mecca for rock climbers, offering over 1,400 climbing routes. The park also has scenic drives, including the beautiful overlook at Hawks Nest State Park, and opportunities for white-water rafting on the New River.
Both parks offer unique experiences and a chance to connect with nature. Whether you are interested in history, adventure or simply want to relax, Gateway Arch National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are both worth considering for your next outdoor excursion.
Best Time to Visit Gateway Arch National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Gateway Arch National Park is located in St. Louis, Missouri and is known for its 630-foot stainless steel monument that symbolizes the city’s role as the “Gateway to the West”. The park experiences a warm and humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. Summer temperatures can reach up to 90°F, while winter temperatures drop to around 20°F.
On the other hand, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is located in West Virginia and has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and cool winters. Summer temperatures can reach up to 85°F, while winter temperatures drop to just above freezing.
Both parks are beautiful and offer unique experiences, but the best time to visit depends on what visitors are looking for. If visitors are interested in outdoor activities such as hiking or kayaking, the best time to visit New River Gorge is from spring to fall, when temperatures are mild and the foliage is lush. However, if visitors are interested in visiting Gateway Arch National Park and want to avoid the heat, the best time to visit is during the spring or fall, when temperatures are more moderate. Winter can also be a great time to visit Gateway Arch National Park, as it offers a different, more peaceful experience with fewer crowds.
Family Friendliness of Gateway Arch National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
The Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis, Missouri is a popular destination for families. The park features a 630-foot-tall stainless steel arch that is both impressive and educational. Kids can learn about the history of the Westward Expansion, the role the Mississippi River played in it and the challenges faced by pioneers. The museum inside the Arch offers interactive displays and hands-on activities, making it a fun and engaging experience for kids of all ages. The park also has a scenic riverfront park and a tram ride to the top of the Arch, which offers breathtaking views of the city.
In contrast, the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in West Virginia is a bit more rugged, but still very family-friendly. The park is known for its stunning natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and rafting. The New River offers a unique combination of adventure and education, as families can explore the history and geology of the area and see first-hand the impact that humans have had on the environment. The park offers ranger-led programs and guided tours, as well as picnic areas, campgrounds, and scenic overlooks.
Overall, both parks are great options for families, but the Gateway Arch National Park is better suited for younger children, while the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is better for families with older children or teens who are interested in outdoor adventure and learning about the environment.