Grand Canyon National Park vs New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

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Grand Canyon National Park vs New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

The Great American Outdoors is home to some of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the world, each with its own unique stories and adventures waiting to be discovered. From the Grand Canyon’s vast and magnificent gorges to the rugged beauty of New River Gorge, the United States is a treasure trove of natural beauty. But which of these two iconic parks is the ultimate destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers?

In this article, we’ll delve into the breathtaking landscapes, thrilling activities, and rich history of Grand Canyon National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. We’ll compare and contrast these two American treasures, highlighting the best of what each has to offer, and help you decide which one is right for you. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a whitewater rafter, or simply a lover of all things nature, this article is sure to inspire you to plan your next great outdoor adventure. So, gear up and get ready to discover the ultimate showdown between the Grand Canyon and New River Gorge!

Hiking Trails in Grand Canyon National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

Grand Canyon National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve both offer visitors a chance to explore stunning natural landscapes through hiking trails. While the Grand Canyon is known for its vast size and incredible depth, New River Gorge is famous for its rugged terrain and scenic views.

The Grand Canyon offers a variety of hiking trails for all skill levels, from easy Rim Trail walks to challenging backcountry treks. Some of the easier options include the South Kaibab Trail, which provides breathtaking views of the Canyon, and the Bright Angel Trail, which is a popular spot for day-hikers. For those seeking a more strenuous hike, the Grand Canyon offers backcountry trails such as the Hermit Trail and the Tonto Trail, which can take multiple days to complete.

New River Gorge also has a range of trails for all skill levels, including the popular Endless Wall Trail, which offers stunning views of the New River Gorge Bridge, and the Long Point Trail, which provides a scenic overlook of the park. For those seeking a more challenging hike, the park offers the Kaymoor Trail, which descends into the gorge and follows an historic coal-mining railway, and the Arrowhead Trail, which offers a strenuous hike through the rugged terrain of the park.

Whether you’re looking for an easy stroll or a multi-day adventure, both Grand Canyon and New River Gorge have something to offer for every type of hiker.

Most Popular Hiking Trails in Grand Canyon National Park

Name Length Elevation Type Difficulty Visitor Ratings
Bright Angel Trail to Bright Angel Campground and River Trail 28485.318 1525.8288 Hard out and back 5
South Kaibab Trail to Cedar Ridge 4988.954 358.7496 Moderate out and back 5
Three-Mile Resthouse via Bright Angel Trail 8690.436 635.8128 Hard out and back 4.5
South Kaibab, Phantom Ranch, and Bright Angel Trail Loop 26875.978 1400.8608 Hard point to point 5
South Kaibab Trail to Ooh Aah Point 2896.812 210.9216 Moderate out and back 5
Grand Canyon Rim Trail 8690.436 106.9848 Easy out and back 4.5
Rim-to-Rim: North Kaibab to Grand Canyon Village 34761.744 1614.8304 Hard point to point 5
Shoshone Point Trail 3379.614 45.72 Easy out and back 5
Plateau Point Trail via Bright Angel Trail 19633.948 961.9488 Hard out and back 5
South Kaibab Trail to Skeleton Point 8690.436 602.8944 Hard out and back 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 Grand Canyon National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

The Grand Canyon National Park and New River Gorge National Park & Preserve are two iconic parks in the United States that are known for their breathtaking landscapes and rich wildlife. While both parks are popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, they are quite different in terms of the types of wildlife that you can expect to see.

At the Grand Canyon National Park, visitors can expect to encounter a wide variety of animals, including elk, bighorn sheep, mule deer, and coyotes. Birds such as the bald eagle, peregrine falcon, and condor are also commonly seen at the park. In addition to these larger animals, the Grand Canyon is also home to a diverse array of plant life, including the iconic cacti species, such as the prickly pear and saguaro.

In contrast, the New River Gorge National Park & Preserve is known for its thriving populations of black bears, white-tailed deer, and river otters. In addition to these larger mammals, the park is also home to a variety of bird species, including the pileated woodpecker, the great blue heron, and the turkey vulture. The park’s lush vegetation, including hardwood forests and lush ferns, is also a haven for many species of insects and other small wildlife.

Overall, both parks offer unique and diverse wildlife experiences, making them both must-visit destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re interested in exploring the Grand Canyon’s stunning vistas or the New River Gorge’s lush forests, you’re sure to encounter a wide range of fascinating wildlife during your visit.

Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Grand Canyon 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

Grand Canyon 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

Grand Canyon National Park New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Coyote Coyote
American Beaver American Beaver
Muskrat Muskrat
Big Brown Bat Big Brown Bat
Bobcat Bobcat
Striped Skunk Striped Skunk
Little Brown Bat Little Brown Bat
Deer Mouse Deer Mouse
Raccoon Raccoon
Black Bear Black Bear
Porcupine Porcupine
Silver-Haired Bat Silver-Haired Bat
Hoary Bat Hoary Bat
Long-Tailed Weasel Long-Tailed Weasel
House Mouse House Mouse
Mountain Lion Mountain Lion
Mule Deer Black-Tailed Deer
Gray Fox Wolf
Long-Legged Myotis Long-Legged Myotis
Long-Eared Myotis Long-Eared Myotis
Badger Ermine
California Myotis California Myotis
North American River Otter Snowshoe Hare
Fringed Myotis North American River Otter
Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat Masked Shrew

Fish

Grand Canyon National Park New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Redband Trout Rainbow Trout
Brook Trout Eastern Brook Trout
Brown Trout Brown Trout
Largemouth Bass Coho Salmon
Green Sunfish Chinook Salmon
Bluegill Mottled Sculpin
Fathead Minnow Slimy Sculpin
Golden Shiner Threespine Stickleback
European Carp Kokanee
Speckled Dace Pink Salmon
Yellow Bullhead Dolly Varden
Graceful Catfish Cutthroat Trout
Black Crappie
Black Bullhead
Mosquitofish
Smallmouth Bass

Reptiles

Grand Canyon National Park New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Gopher Snake Western Terrestrial Garter Snake
Western Terrestrial Garter Snake Common Garter Snake
Western Rattlesnake Rubber Boa
Ring-Necked Snake
Sagebrush Lizard
Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard
Side-Blotched Lizard
Common Kingsnake
Nightsnake
Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard
Milksnake
Striped Whipsnake
Smith’s Black-Headed Snake
Tree Lizard
Western Whiptail
Eastern Collared Lizard
Eastern Fence Lizard
Glossy Snake
Western Skink
Long-Nosed Snake
Desert Spiny Lizard

Amphibians

Grand Canyon National Park New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Tiger Salamander Tiger Salamander
Canyon Treefrog
Plains Spadefoot

Insects

Grand Canyon National Park New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Orange Sulphur Mourning Cloak
Monarch Butterfly Cabbage White
Common Sulphur Silvery Blue
Variegated Fritillary Purplish Copper
Commom Wood Nymph Anise Swallowtail

Beautiful Landscapes in Grand Canyon National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

Grand Canyon National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two of the most famous natural landscapes in the United States. Grand Canyon is best known for its colorful rock formations and vast canyons that stretch over 277 miles. The South Rim is the most popular spot for visitors and offers breathtaking views of the canyon and the surrounding landscape. Visitors can hike, bike, or take a scenic drive along the rim for a unique perspective of the canyon.

On the other hand, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, with its stunning rock formations, scenic overlooks, and world-class whitewater rafting. The New River Gorge Bridge, which is the third highest bridge in the United States, is a popular spot for visitors and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can go rock climbing, hiking, and even bungee jumping for an adrenaline-fueled adventure.

Both parks offer unique and breathtaking landscapes that are sure to leave visitors in awe. Whether you’re a nature lover, an adventurer, or just looking for a scenic escape, both parks are worth a visit.

Things To-Do and Activities in Grand Canyon National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

Grand Canyon 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 a wide range of activities for visitors, from hiking and camping to rafting and rock climbing.

At the Grand Canyon, visitors can hike along the South Rim, including the popular Bright Angel Trail, or take a scenic drive along the Rim Drive. In addition, visitors can take a scenic helicopter tour or a river rafting trip down the Colorado River. The park also offers horseback rides, ranger-led programs, and scenic drives.

At New River Gorge, visitors can hike along the trails, such as the Endless Wall Trail, or explore the park by rock climbing or via a scenic drive. The park is also a popular destination for white-water rafting, with the New River offering some of the best rapids in the country. The park also offers ranger-led programs and scenic drives.

Both parks offer breathtaking scenery, but the Grand Canyon is known for its stunning views of the Canyon, while New River Gorge is known for its rugged beauty and world-class white-water rafting. Overall, both parks offer a wide range of activities for visitors and are great destinations for outdoor enthusiasts.

Best Time to Visit Grand Canyon National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

Grand Canyon National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two iconic parks in the United States. While they have different landscapes and activities, their seasonal weather patterns also differ.
At the Grand Canyon, the weather varies greatly depending on elevation. The rim, which is at 7,000 feet, experiences cool and moderate temperatures, while the inner canyon, which is at 4,000 feet, is much warmer. Summer temperatures can reach into the 90s, while winter temperatures can drop below freezing. Visitors should be prepared for sudden weather changes, especially during the monsoon season from July to mid-September when thunderstorms are common.
The New River Gorge, located in West Virginia, experiences temperate weather, with four distinct seasons. Summer is warm with occasional thunderstorms, while fall brings comfortable temperatures and stunning foliage. Winter can bring snow and ice, making rock climbing a challenge, but also offering opportunities for winter sports. Spring is mild, with temperatures in the 60s, making it a great time for outdoor recreation.
The best time to visit the Grand Canyon is in the spring or fall, while the best time to visit New River Gorge is in the fall or spring. Visitors should consult local weather reports and park conditions before planning their trip.

Family Friendliness of Grand Canyon National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

Grand Canyon National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve offer distinct outdoor experiences for families. The Grand Canyon is a world-renowned natural wonder, with scenic vistas and diverse landscapes that will capture the imagination of visitors of all ages. While hiking and river rafting adventures are popular activities, families can also enjoy scenic drives, ranger-led programs, and junior ranger activities at the park’s visitor centers.

On the other hand, New River Gorge is a great place for families who love adventure and outdoor recreation. The park features world-class white-water rafting, rock climbing, and scenic drives along the New River. Additionally, the park offers ranger-led programs, campgrounds, and picnic areas. While the Grand Canyon offers a more traditional national park experience, New River Gorge is ideal for families who want a more active outdoor adventure.

For families traveling with children, the Grand Canyon provides a more accessible experience with a wider range of activities suitable for different ages. New River Gorge, on the other hand, may be more challenging for families with young children, as some of the park’s recreational activities may not be suitable for young children. Ultimately, both parks are great destinations for families, but the Grand Canyon is better suited for families who want a more all-encompassing, scenic national park experience, while New River Gorge is best for families with older children who enjoy adventure and outdoor recreation.

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