Two of the most awe-inspiring parks in the United States, Guadalupe Mountains National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, are located on opposite sides of the country. The former boasts towering peaks, while the latter is home to the deepest river gorge in America.
But which one is right for you? Are you a hiker looking for a challenging ascent, or a whitewater rafter seeking adventure? Perhaps you’re simply seeking a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Whatever your reason for visiting, both parks offer unique experiences that are sure to leave you with lasting memories.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Guadalupe Mountains National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. We’ll compare their natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and cultural significance, to help you decide which park is best for your next adventure. So get ready to lace up your hiking boots and pack your camping gear – we’re about to embark on a journey through two of the most stunning parks in the United States!
Hiking Trails in Guadalupe Mountains National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Guadalupe Mountains National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve both offer stunning outdoor recreational opportunities, with a range of hiking trails that cater to different skill levels.
In Guadalupe Mountains National Park, the easiest hike is the 1.5-mile round trip trail to the summit of McKittrick Canyon. The trail offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the vibrant colors of the fall foliage. For a more strenuous hike, visitors can take the 8-mile round trip hike to the top of Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve boasts over 70 miles of hiking trails, with the easiest being the 1.5-mile round trip hike to Endless Wall Trail. This hike offers stunning views of the New River and the surrounding Appalachian Mountains. For a more challenging hike, visitors can attempt the 4.5-mile round trip hike to the top of Kaymoor Trail. The hike is steep and strenuous, but rewards hikers with panoramic views of the New River Gorge and the surrounding wilderness.
Both parks offer a range of outdoor recreational opportunities, with trails that cater to different skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just starting out, both Guadalupe Mountains National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve have something to offer.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Guadalupe Mountains National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guadalupe Peak Texas Highpoint Trail | 13035.654 | 873.8616 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Devil’s Hall Trail | 5793.624 | 175.8696 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| McKittrick Canyon Trail | 32508.668 | 1330.7568 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Smith Spring Trail | 3862.416 | 117.9576 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Hunter Peak | 12552.852 | 809.8536 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| El Capitan Trail | 15449.664 | 514.8072 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Pratt Lodge via McKittrick Canyon Trail | 7724.832 | 103.9368 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Devil’s Hall Loop Trail | 5954.558 | 179.832 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Bush Mountain | 20116.75 | 1085.6976 | Very Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Pine Springs to McKittrick Canyon | 28485.318 | 1239.9264 | Moderate | point to point | 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 Guadalupe Mountains National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Guadalupe Mountains National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve both offer stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife. While both parks are known for their unique ecosystems, there are some key differences in the wildlife you’ll see at each.
At Guadalupe Mountains National Park, visitors can expect to see a variety of species including black bears, mountain lions, and mule deer. In addition, there are over 60 species of birds, including the Montezuma quail and the peregrine falcon. Plant life is also abundant at Guadalupe Mountains, with over 1,000 species of plants and flowers, including the Bigtooth Maple and the Apache Pine.
In contrast, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is known for its diverse range of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, black bears, and river otters. Bird-watching is also a popular activity at New River Gorge, as the park is home to over 160 species of birds, including the bald eagle and the peregrine falcon. In terms of plant life, New River Gorge is home to over 100 species of trees and wildflowers, including the American Beech and the Fringetree.
Ultimately, both Guadalupe Mountains National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve offer a unique and unforgettable wildlife experience. Whether you’re interested in exploring the mountains and forests of Guadalupe Mountains or the rolling hills and river valleys of New River Gorge, these parks are sure to provide you with an unforgettable adventure.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Guadalupe Mountains 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
| Guadalupe Mountains 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 |
| American Wigeon | Red-Breasted Nuthatch |
| Green-Winged Teal | White-Crowned Sparrow |
| American Pipit | Northern Shoveler |
Mammals
| Guadalupe Mountains National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| Big Brown Bat | American Beaver |
| Bobcat | Muskrat |
| Striped Skunk | Big Brown Bat |
| Deer Mouse | Bobcat |
| Raccoon | Striped Skunk |
| Black Bear | Little Brown Bat |
| Porcupine | Deer Mouse |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Raccoon |
| Hoary Bat | Black Bear |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Porcupine |
| Mountain Lion | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Mule Deer | Hoary Bat |
| Common Gray Fox | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Gray Wolf | House Mouse |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Mountain Lion |
| American Badger | Black-Tailed Deer |
| California Myotis | Wolf |
| Fringed Myotis | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat | Ermine |
| Western Harvest Mouse | California Myotis |
| Western Small-Footed Myotis | Snowshoe Hare |
| Bighorn Sheep | North American River Otter |
| White-Tailed Deer | Masked Shrew |
Fish
| Guadalupe Mountains National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Green Sunfish | Eastern Brook Trout |
| Brown Trout | |
| Coho Salmon | |
| Chinook Salmon | |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Threespine Stickleback | |
| Kokanee | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Reptiles
| Guadalupe Mountains National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Sonoran Gophersnake | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Eastern Racer | Common Garter Snake |
| Prairie Rattlesnake | Rubber Boa |
| Prairie Ring-Necked Snake | |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Common Side-Blotched Lizard | |
| Desert Kingsnake | |
| Texas Night Snake | |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| Desert Striped Whipsnake | |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | |
| Big Bend Tree Lizard | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Glossy Snake | |
| Long-Nosed Snake | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Amphibians
| Guadalupe Mountains National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Tiger Salamander | Tiger Salamander |
| American Bullfrog | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Insects
| Guadalupe Mountains National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulfur | Mourning Cloak |
| Painted Ladies | Cabbage White |
| Monarch | Silvery Blue |
| American Painted Lady | Purplish Copper |
| Common Checkered-Skipper | Anise Swallowtail |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Buckeye | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Beautiful Landscapes in Guadalupe Mountains National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Guadalupe Mountains National Park, in western Texas, is known for its towering peaks, including the highest point in Texas, Guadalupe Peak. The park features scenic drives and hiking trails that offer breathtaking views of the rugged and varied terrain. The McKittrick Canyon Trail is a popular destination, leading visitors through a colorful canyon filled with towering trees and a seasonal stream.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, in West Virginia, is famous for its towering cliffs and scenic views of the New River. The park includes over 70,000 acres of rugged terrain, including the New River Gorge Bridge, the third-longest steel arch bridge in the world. The park offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and rock climbing. The Endless Wall Trail offers breathtaking views of the New River Gorge and the surrounding landscape.
Both parks offer visitors the opportunity to explore and appreciate the beauty of nature. Whether you are looking for scenic drives, challenging hikes, or peaceful moments surrounded by stunning landscapes, these parks have something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for towering peaks or towering cliffs, both Guadalupe Mountains and New River Gorge have plenty to offer.
Things To-Do and Activities in Guadalupe Mountains National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Guadalupe Mountains National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. While both offer breathtaking views, they differ in terms of their most popular activities.
At Guadalupe Mountains National Park, visitors can enjoy scenic drives, backcountry camping, and stargazing. It is also a popular destination for rock climbing, with over 80 climbing routes. The park’s highest peak, Guadalupe Peak, is a popular hike for those looking for a challenging climb.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, on the other hand, is known for its incredible whitewater rafting and kayaking opportunities. The New River is considered one of the best rafting rivers in the country, and visitors can choose from a variety of trips ranging from mild to wild. The park also offers opportunities for rock climbing and hiking, including the famous Endless Wall Trail.
Both parks offer unique experiences, and the choice between them ultimately depends on the individual’s preferences. Those interested in scenic drives and stargazing may prefer Guadalupe Mountains National Park, while those seeking an adrenaline-fueled adventure may choose New River Gorge. No matter which park you choose, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience.
Best Time to Visit Guadalupe Mountains National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Guadalupe Mountains National Park, located in Texas, features a diverse range of seasonal weather patterns. During the summer, temperatures can soar to over 100°F, making it a popular destination for those seeking relief from the heat. Winter temperatures can drop to below freezing, with occasional snowfall.
In contrast, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, located in West Virginia, experiences a humid continental climate. The park is known for its milder temperatures, with summer highs in the high 80s and winter lows in the 30s. Snowfall is common during the winter months, making it a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts.
When considering the best time to visit either park, it’s important to keep in mind the weather conditions. Guadalupe Mountains National Park is best visited during the spring and fall when temperatures are more moderate, making it easier to explore the park’s extensive hiking trails. New River Gorge National Park is a year-round destination, with peak season being during the summer months when visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as rafting, kayaking, and rock climbing. Winter visitors can enjoy snow sports and the park’s scenic beauty.
Family Friendliness of Guadalupe Mountains National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Guadalupe Mountains National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two beautiful parks that offer unique opportunities for families to explore and enjoy the outdoors. Both parks have activities and attractions that are suitable for families with children of all ages. However, each park has its own strengths and weaknesses when it comes to being a family-friendly destination.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park is a great choice for families who enjoy hiking and scenic views. The park has several trails that are suitable for families with children, including the popular McKittrick Canyon Trail, which offers stunning views of the park’s towering peaks and colorful fall foliage. Additionally, the park has several picnic areas and scenic overlooks where families can relax and enjoy a picnic.
On the other hand, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is ideal for families who enjoy water activities and adventure. The park has several opportunities for rafting, kayaking, and fishing, as well as hiking and rock climbing. The park also has several campgrounds where families can enjoy a camping experience in the great outdoors.
In conclusion, both Guadalupe Mountains National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are great destinations for families with children. The choice between the two will depend on the individual interests and preferences of the family. Those who enjoy hiking and scenic views may prefer Guadalupe Mountains National Park, while those who enjoy water activities and adventure may prefer New River Gorge National Park and Preserve.