“Nature has a way of taking our breath away, and it’s especially true when it comes to National Parks. America is home to some of the most stunning landscapes in the world, and two of the most awe-inspiring are Grand Teton National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. These two parks are as different as night and day, yet both are equally mesmerizing.
Grand Teton National Park is characterized by its towering peaks, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife. In contrast, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve boasts a stunning river gorge and breathtaking cliffs that have become a mecca for rock climbers. Both parks offer incredible opportunities for adventure and nature exploration, but which one is right for you?
In this article, we’ll compare these two parks in detail and help you determine which one is the perfect destination for your next outdoor adventure. From scenic drives and challenging hikes to wildlife encounters and thrilling activities, we’ll cover it all. So, buckle up and get ready to take a journey through two of America’s most magnificent National Parks.”
Hiking Trails in Grand Teton National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Grand Teton National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two of the most beautiful and popular National Parks in the United States, each offering its own unique experience for visitors. When it comes to hiking trails, both parks have a lot to offer, but with different characterstics.
At Grand Teton National Park, the most popular trails are the Teton Crest Trail and the Taggart Lake Trail. The Teton Crest Trail offers stunning views of the Teton Range and is a challenging hike, with steep ascents and descents over rocky terrain. On the other hand, the Taggart Lake Trail is a relatively easy hike, with gentle inclines and a clear path.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, on the other hand, is known for its rugged terrain and its challenging hikes. The Endless Wall Trail is one of the most popular hikes in the park and is considered one of the most difficult hikes in the country, with steep inclines and rocky terrain. However, the park also offers easier hikes, such as the Arrowhead Trail, which is a relatively flat and well-maintained path with stunning views of the New River Gorge.
Both Grand Teton National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve have something for every type of hiker, from easy strolls to challenging hikes. Whether you are an experienced hiker or just starting out, both parks offer breathtaking views, diverse landscapes, and a chance to connect with nature.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Grand Teton National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cascade Canyon Trail | 15610.598 | 343.8144 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Jenny Lake Trail | 12391.918 | 221.8944 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Taggart Lake Loop | 6598.294 | 130.7592 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Delta Lake via Amphitheater Lake Trail | 14484.06 | 709.8792 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Surprise and Amphitheater Lakes Trail | 14323.126 | 896.7216 | Very Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Hidden Falls Trail | 7885.766 | 179.832 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Phelps Lake Trail | 11265.38 | 220.98 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Lake Solitude Trail | 25749.44 | 803.7576 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| String Lake Trail | 5954.558 | 79.8576 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Taggart Lake and Bradley Lake Loop | 9656.04 | 231.9528 | 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 Grand Teton National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Grand Teton National Park is located in the state of Wyoming, while New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is located in West Virginia. Both parks offer unique wildlife experiences to visitors.
At Grand Teton, visitors can observe a variety of wildlife, including moose, elk, bison, and pronghorns. Additionally, visitors have the opportunity to see black and grizzly bears, as well as coyotes, wolves, and mountain lions. Birdwatchers can also enjoy the park’s diverse bird population, including eagles, hawks, and numerous species of songbirds.
New River Gorge, on the other hand, is home to a different selection of wildlife. Black bears, white-tailed deer, and raccoons are commonly seen in the park. Visitors may also spot river otters, squirrels, and beavers along the New River. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including vultures, hawks, and woodpeckers. The park’s lush forests are also home to a variety of plant species, including wildflowers and ferns.
In conclusion, both Grand Teton and New River Gorge offer unique wildlife experiences, but with different species. Grand Teton is known for its large mammals, while New River Gorge is home to a variety of smaller mammals and bird species. Regardless, both parks offer amazing opportunities to observe and learn about the diverse wildlife that inhabits each park.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Grand Teton 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 Teton 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 Teton 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 |
| Red Fox | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | House Mouse |
| Mountain Lion | Mountain Lion |
| Mink | Black-Tailed Deer |
| Mule Deer | Wolf |
| Wolf | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Ermine |
| Badger | California Myotis |
| Ermine | Snowshoe Hare |
| California Myotis | North American River Otter |
| Snowshoe Hare | Masked Shrew |
Fish
| Grand Teton National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Redband Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Brook Trout | Eastern Brook Trout |
| Brown Trout | Brown Trout |
| Lake Trout | Coho Salmon |
| Mottled Sculpin | Chinook Salmon |
| Longnose Dace | Mottled Sculpin |
| Speckled Dace | Slimy Sculpin |
| Arctic Grayling | Threespine Stickleback |
| Kokanee | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Reptiles
| Grand Teton National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Rubber Boa | Common Garter Snake |
| Rubber Boa |
Amphibians
| Grand Teton National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Tiger Salamander |
Insects
| Grand Teton National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Mourning Cloak | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Grand Teton National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Grand Teton National Park is located in Wyoming and is known for its stunning mountain range, including the Grand Teton mountain itself, which stands at 13,770 feet. The park offers visitors breathtaking views from mountain overlooks, including Jackson Lake Overlook and Oxbow Bend Overlook, which offer panoramic views of the Teton Range and the Snake River. In addition to the mountains, visitors can also explore the park’s glacial lakes, including String Lake and Jenny Lake, which provide opportunities for boating, fishing, and hiking.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, located in West Virginia, is famous for its towering cliffs and scenic overlooks, including the iconic New River Gorge Bridge. The park is also known for its waterfalls, including the daring kayaker’s paradise of Lower Kaymoor and the stunning beauty of Long Point Falls. In addition, visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including rock climbing, whitewater rafting, and hiking. The park also provides opportunities to explore the rich cultural and industrial history of the region, including visits to historic coal mining sites and the remains of the New River Gorge Railroad.
Things To-Do and Activities in Grand Teton National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Grand Teton National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two of the most beautiful natural parks in the United States. While both parks offer breathtaking scenic views, they attract different types of outdoor enthusiasts. Grand Teton is a popular destination for rock climbing, backpacking, and wildlife viewing. The park’s jagged peaks and clear lakes draw climbers from around the world, while its diverse wildlife, including grizzly bears and moose, make it a top destination for wildlife viewing.
New River Gorge, on the other hand, is a haven for white water rafting, kayaking, and fishing. The park’s namesake, the New River, is one of the oldest rivers in the world and offers some of the best rafting and kayaking opportunities on the East Coast. In addition, the park is home to world-class rock climbing and offers ample fishing opportunities in the New River and its tributaries. Whether you’re a seasoned outdoorsman or a first-time visitor, New River Gorge has something to offer.
In conclusion, both Grand Teton and New River Gorge are popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, but each park offers unique experiences and draws different types of visitors. Whether you’re a rock climber, fisherman, or wildlife enthusiast, these parks have something to offer.
Best Time to Visit Grand Teton National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Grand Teton National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two stunning national parks in the United States. While the two parks offer different experiences, the seasonal weather in each park can greatly impact the best time of year to visit.
Grand Teton National Park is located in the state of Wyoming and is known for its stunning mountain scenery. The park experiences warm summers, with average temperatures in the high 70s to low 80s, and cold winters, with average temperatures in the teens. Snowfall is common in the winter months, making it a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts. The best time to visit Grand Teton National Park is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and the snow has melted, allowing for a variety of outdoor activities.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, located in West Virginia, offers a different experience compared to Grand Teton. The park is known for its stunning scenery and recreational opportunities, including white-water rafting, fishing, and hiking. The park experiences warm summers, with average temperatures in the high 80s, and cool winters, with average temperatures in the 40s. Rain is common throughout the year, but the park is at its best during the fall months, when the leaves change color and provide a stunning backdrop for outdoor activities.
In conclusion, the seasonal weather at Grand Teton National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve greatly impacts when is the best time of year to visit each park. Visitors should consider the weather when planning their trip to ensure they have the best experience possible.
Family Friendliness of Grand Teton National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Grand Teton National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are both family-friendly parks that offer unique experiences for visitors of all ages. Grand Teton is known for its stunning mountain scenery and diverse wildlife, including grizzly bears, moose, and elk. The park offers a range of recreational activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife watching. This park is also home to several lodges, which offer convenient accommodations for families.
On the other hand, New River Gorge is a more rugged park that is known for its dramatic cliffs, deep canyons, and rapids. It is a popular destination for rock climbing, whitewater rafting, and other adventure sports. The park also has a number of picnic areas, hiking trails, and scenic overlooks, making it a great place for families to explore.
When it comes to which park is better for families, it really depends on what type of experience you’re looking for. If you’re looking for a more traditional family vacation, with plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, then Grand Teton is the better choice. However, if you’re looking for a more adventurous trip, with opportunities for rock climbing, rafting, and other outdoor activities, then New River Gorge is the way to go.
Ultimately, both Grand Teton and New River Gorge are great options for families, offering unique opportunities to explore and enjoy the great outdoors. Whether you’re looking for stunning mountain scenery or rugged canyon landscapes, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for at one of these two parks.