“Adventure awaits as we take a journey to compare two of America’s breathtaking parks – Haleakalā National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. Both parks offer unique landscapes, activities and experiences, but which one will come out on top?
Embark on a virtual trip to the summit of Haleakalā, one of Hawaii’s most iconic parks, where you’ll be greeted by the sunrise over the crater of an ancient volcano. Take a deep breath and savor the serene beauty of the rugged, red terrain that surrounds you.
Then, gear up for the thrill of a lifetime at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, where white-knuckle rafting, rock climbing, and hiking await. With its breathtaking cliffs, rushing rapids, and scenic trails, this park is a true adventurer’s paradise.
Which park will reign supreme? Read on to find out in our in-depth comparison of Haleakalā National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve.”
Hiking Trails in Haleakalā National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Haleakalā National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two of the most popular National Parks in the United States. Both parks have a lot to offer to visitors, including hiking trails.
Haleakalā National Park, located in Maui, Hawaii, has many unique and diverse hiking trails, ranging from easy to challenging. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Sliding Sands Trail and the Hosmer Grove Trail. The Sliding Sands Trail is a 2.6-mile round trip hike that takes visitors through a colorful and otherworldly landscape of volcanic cinder cones and cinder fields. The Hosmer Grove Trail is a 1-mile trail that takes visitors through a grove of introduced trees and is an easy and relaxing hike. On the other hand, some of the park’s hardest hikes include the Halemau’u Trail and the Keonehe’ehe’e Trail. The Halemau’u Trail is a 7.6-mile hike that takes visitors to the summit of the park’s 10,023-foot tall mountain. The Keonehe’ehe’e Trail is a 4.4-mile hike that takes visitors through a scenic and challenging landscape of rugged ridges and deep valleys.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, located in West Virginia, offers a different type of hiking experience. The park is known for its rugged and challenging terrain, making it a popular destination for experienced hikers. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Endless Wall Trail and the Arrowhead Trail. The Endless Wall Trail is a 1.5-mile trail that takes visitors along the rim of the New River Gorge and offers stunning views of the river and the surrounding mountains. The Arrowhead Trail is a 2.9-mile trail that takes visitors through a scenic forest and is a great choice for those looking for a mild hike. On the other hand, some of the park’s hardest hikes include the Kaymoor Trail and the Long Point Trail. The Kaymoor Trail is a 7.5-mile hike that takes visitors through a scenic and challenging landscape of rugged cliffs and steep slopes. The Long Point Trail is a 5-mile hike that takes visitors to the summit of a 1,400-foot tall mountain and offers stunning views of the park and its surroundings.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Haleakalā National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pipiwai Trail and Waimoku Falls | 5471.756 | 249.936 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Sliding Sands Trail | 17702.74 | 851.916 | Very Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Seven Sacred Pools Trail (‘Ohe’o Gulch) | 965.604 | 32.9184 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Halalai’i and Pu’unaue Trail | 20116.75 | 978.7128 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| Halemau’u Haleakala Overlook Trail | 12230.984 | 723.9 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Haleakala Crater Trail | 18024.608 | 930.8592 | Hard | point to point | 5 |
| Pa Ka’oao Trail | 965.604 | 40.8432 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Leleiwi Overlook Trail | 482.802 | 30.7848 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Pa ka’oao Trail (White Hill Trail) | 804.67 | 32.9184 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Silversword Loop Via Halemau’u Trail | 20116.75 | 1105.8144 | Hard | 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 Haleakalā National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Haleakalā National Park is located on the island of Maui in Hawaii and is known for its unique volcanic landscapes, including the summit crater of the Haleakalā volcano. The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including native Hawaiian birds such as the nēnē (Hawaiian goose) and the ʻi’iwi (scarlet honeycreeper). Visitors may also see the Hawaiian hoary bat, the only native land mammal in Hawaii, and the Hawaiian green sea turtle, which nests on the park’s sandy beaches.
On the other hand, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in West Virginia is best known for its stunning river gorge and whitewater rafting opportunities. The park is also home to a diverse array of wildlife, including black bears, white-tailed deer, and river otters. Bird-watching is also a popular activity in the park, with species such as the pileated woodpecker, the broad-winged hawk, and the American bald eagle commonly seen. The park is also home to a variety of plants, including wildflowers, ferns, and hemlocks, making it a great destination for nature lovers.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Haleakalā 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
| Haleakalā National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Peregrine Falcon | Peregrine Falcon |
| Northern Harrier | Northern Harrier |
| Rock Pigeon | Sharp-Shinned Hawk |
| House Sparrow | Osprey |
| Northern Mockingbird | Tree Swallow |
| Black-Crowned Night-Heron | Mallard |
| Barn Owl | Canada Goose |
| Cattle Egret | Lincoln’s Sparrow |
| Ring-Necked Pheasant | Great Horned Owl |
| Chukar | Red-Tailed Hawk |
| Ruddy Turnstone | Barn Swallow |
| Northern Cardinal | Savannah Sparrow |
| California Quail | Great Blue Heron |
| Hermit Thrush | |
| European Starling | |
| Northern Pintail | |
| American Wigeon | |
| Green-Winged Teal | |
| American Pipit | |
| Killdeer | |
| Brown-Headed Cowbird | |
| Hairy Woodpecker | |
| Red-Breasted Nuthatch | |
| White-Crowned Sparrow | |
| Northern Shoveler |
Mammals
| Haleakalā National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| House Mouse | Coyote |
| Norway Rat | American Beaver |
| Black Rat | Muskrat |
| Domestic Cattle | Big Brown Bat |
| Feral Hog | Bobcat |
| Striped Skunk | |
| Little Brown Bat | |
| Deer Mouse | |
| Raccoon | |
| Black Bear | |
| Porcupine | |
| Silver-Haired Bat | |
| Hoary Bat | |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | |
| House Mouse | |
| Mountain Lion | |
| Black-Tailed Deer | |
| Wolf | |
| Long-Legged Myotis | |
| Long-Eared Myotis | |
| Ermine | |
| California Myotis | |
| Snowshoe Hare | |
| North American River Otter | |
| Masked Shrew |
Amphibians
| Haleakalā National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Bullfrog | Tiger Salamander |
Insects
| Haleakalā National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Painted Lady | Mourning Cloak |
| Monarch Butterfly | Cabbage White |
| American Painted Lady | Silvery Blue |
| Cabbage White | Purplish Copper |
| Honey Bee | Anise Swallowtail |
Fish
| Haleakalā National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | |
| Eastern Brook Trout | |
| Brown Trout | |
| Coho Salmon | |
| Chinook Salmon | |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Threespine Stickleback | |
| Kokanee | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Reptiles
| Haleakalā National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Rubber Boa |
Beautiful Landscapes in Haleakalā National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Haleakalā National Park, located in Maui, Hawaii, features the massive Haleakalā volcano crater. This unique landscape is over 10,000 feet above sea level and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Visitors can hike the crater floor, take a sunrise tour, or simply admire the view from the lookout. In addition to the crater, the park also boasts scenic drives, hiking trails, and diverse wildlife, including the endangered Hawaiian goose.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, located in West Virginia, is known for its stunning canyons and dramatic cliffs along the New River. The New River Gorge Bridge, which spans over 3,000 feet, is one of the most famous landmarks in the park and offers breathtaking views of the river and surrounding landscape. In addition to the bridge, visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, rock climbing, and white-water rafting. The park also offers scenic drives and a variety of wildlife, including black bears and white-tailed deer.
Things To-Do and Activities in Haleakalā National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Haleakalā National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are both popular outdoor destinations in the US, offering unique experiences for visitors. While both parks offer a wide range of outdoor activities, there are some key differences in what visitors love to do there.
At Haleakalā, visitors come for the stunning views of the sunrise and sunset over the crater, as well as to explore the diverse ecosystems found in the park, including the high-altitude desert and subalpine forest. In addition to hiking, visitors can explore the park on horseback, take a scenic drive, or participate in ranger-led programs.
On the other hand, New River Gorge is a hub for adventure sports, with the New River offering opportunities for rafting, kayaking, and fishing. Rock climbing is also popular in the park, with over 1,400 climbing routes including some of the best in the eastern US. In addition, visitors can enjoy scenic drives, hiking, and camping in the park.
In conclusion, both Haleakalā and New River Gorge offer a wide range of outdoor activities for visitors, but each park has its own unique features. Whether you’re looking for scenic views, wilderness exploration, or adventure sports, both parks have something to offer.
Best Time to Visit Haleakalā National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Haleakalā National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two unique and beautiful parks located in different regions of the US. The seasonal weather at these parks is vastly different, affecting the best time of year to visit.
At Haleakalā National Park in Hawaii, temperatures are warm and stable year-round, with an average temperature of 70°F. Summer temperatures can reach up to 90°F, while winter temperatures can drop to 60°F. The park experiences relatively low humidity and receives very little rainfall, making it a great destination for outdoor activities.
In contrast, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in West Virginia experiences four distinct seasons, with temperatures ranging from the high 30s in winter to the high 80s in summer. The park experiences heavy rainfall in the spring and fall, and occasional snowfall in the winter. The summer months provide the best weather for outdoor activities, with clear skies and warm temperatures.
The weather at both parks greatly impacts the best time of year to visit. For those looking to hike or camp in Haleakalā National Park, the warm and stable weather year-round makes it a great destination at any time. New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, however, is best visited in the summer months, when the weather is clear and warm, allowing for optimal outdoor activities.
Family Friendliness of Haleakalā National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Haleakalā National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two popular destinations for families traveling with children. Both parks offer unique experiences, but they differ greatly in terms of accessibility and family-friendly activities.
Haleakalā National Park is located on the island of Maui in Hawaii and is known for its stunning sunrises and sunsets. With its easy hiking trails and scenic drives, it is a great option for families with younger children. The park also offers ranger-led programs, including junior ranger activities, that are designed for children and provide an educational component to their trip.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, on the other hand, is located in West Virginia and is known for its incredible rock formations and outdoor recreation opportunities. While the park offers a range of activities for families with older children, such as hiking and rock climbing, it may not be as suitable for families with young children. The park’s many steep cliffs, rugged terrain, and fast-moving rivers can be dangerous for young children.
In conclusion, if you’re traveling with young children, Haleakalā National Park is a better option. With its easy hiking trails, scenic drives, and ranger-led programs, families with young children will have a safe and enjoyable trip while enjoying the beauty of the island of Maui.