Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two of the most unique and captivating natural wonders in the United States. Both parks offer breathtaking landscapes, fascinating geology, and exciting outdoor adventures, but they are incredibly different in many ways.
One is a living manifestation of the Earth’s volcanic activity, with massive craters, flowing lava, and steam vents. The other is a showcase of natural erosion and the power of water, with towering cliffs, deep gorges, and rushing rapids.
In this article, we will embark on a virtual journey to discover the wonders of these two national parks. We will explore their geology, wildlife, recreational activities, and cultural significance. Whether you are a seasoned hiker, a devoted camper, or simply a lover of nature and history, there’s something for everyone in these two amazing places.
So, buckle up and get ready to experience the beauty and diversity of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. Which park will come out on top as the ultimate destination for nature lovers and adventurers?
Hiking Trails in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is one of the most active volcanic parks in the world and is a must-visit for those who want to explore the unique geological wonders of the Big Island. The park offers a variety of hiking trails, from easy walks to challenging hikes. One of the easiest hikes is the Kilauea Iki Trail, a 4-mile trek that takes you through a volcanic crater and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. For a more strenuous hike, try the Mauna Ulu Trail, which is a 6-mile hike that takes you to the summit of a recently active volcano.
On the other hand, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is a popular destination for rock climbers and hikers alike. The park has over 70 miles of hiking trails that vary in difficulty, from easy walks to strenuous hikes. One of the easiest hikes is the Endless Wall Trail, a 1.5-mile trail that takes you along the rim of the New River Gorge and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. For a more challenging hike, try the Kaymoor Trail, a 7-mile trek that takes you to the site of an old coal-mining town and offers a strenuous workout.
Both national parks offer a variety of hiking trails, from easy walks to challenging hikes, making them great destinations for outdoor enthusiasts of all skill levels. Whether you’re looking to explore the unique geological wonders of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park or the breathtaking scenery of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, there’s a hike for everyone.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kilauea Iki Trail and Crater Rim Trail | 4828.02 | 209.7024 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Kalapana Lava Viewing | 15288.73 | 196.9008 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Pu’u Huluhulu via Napau Crater Trail | 4023.35 | 94.7928 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Halema���uma���u Steam Bluff and Sulfur Banks | 2092.142 | 24.9936 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Puu Loa Petroglyphs Trail | 1931.208 | 25.908 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Mauna Loa via Observatory Trail and Summit Trail | 20760.486 | 905.8656 | Very Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Devastation Trail to Puu Puai Overlook | 1609.34 | 37.7952 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| End of Chain of Craters Road Trail to Lava Viewing | 16576.202 | 130.7592 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Sandalwood (Iliahi) Trail | 1931.208 | 13.716 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Halema’uma’u Trail | 2735.878 | 130.7592 | Moderate | out and back | 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 Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is home to a unique and diverse range of wildlife and plant species, many of which are found nowhere else in the world. Visitors can expect to see endemic species like the Hawaiian hawk, the nēnē goose, and the silversword plant. The park’s landscape and vegetation provide habitat for a variety of mammals, including the Hawaiian hoary bat, the Hawaiian petrel, and the Hawaiian monk seal.
On the other hand, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is known for its rich biodiversity, including a wide range of wildlife species such as black bears, white-tailed deer, river otters, and various bird species like the golden eagle, the cerulean warbler, and the northern goshawk. The park’s varied habitats, including forests, rivers, and cliffs, support a diverse array of plants, including wildflowers, ferns, and shrubs.
Both parks offer visitors the opportunity to see unique and diverse wildlife species in their natural habitats. However, the specific species that can be seen at each park vary greatly due to the significant differences in climate and geography between the two locations. So, whether you’re interested in seeing endemic species in Hawai’i or want to witness the rich biodiversity of the Appalachian Mountains in New River Gorge, both parks are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Hawai’i Volcanoes 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
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Peregrine Falcon | Peregrine Falcon |
| Canada Goose | Northern Harrier |
| Great Blue Heron | Sharp-Shinned Hawk |
| Rock Pigeon | Osprey |
| House Sparrow | Tree Swallow |
| Northern Mockingbird | Mallard |
| Black-Crowned Night-Heron | Canada Goose |
| Wild Turkey | Lincoln’s Sparrow |
| Barn Owl | Great Horned Owl |
| Cattle Egret | Red-Tailed Hawk |
| Sanderling | Barn Swallow |
| Ring-Necked Pheasant | Savannah Sparrow |
| Chukar | Great Blue Heron |
| Ruddy Turnstone | Hermit Thrush |
| Northern Cardinal | European Starling |
| California Quail | Northern Pintail |
| American Wigeon | |
| Green-Winged Teal | |
| American Pipit | |
| Killdeer | |
| Brown-Headed Cowbird | |
| Hairy Woodpecker | |
| Red-Breasted Nuthatch | |
| White-Crowned Sparrow | |
| Northern Shoveler |
Mammals
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| House Mouse | Coyote |
| Norway Rat | American Beaver |
| ‘Iole | 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
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Bullfrog | Tiger Salamander |
Insects
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Painted Lady | Mourning Cloak |
| Monarch Butterfly | Cabbage White |
| American Painted Lady | Silvery Blue |
| Red Admiral | Purplish Copper |
| Cabbage White | Anise Swallowtail |
| Honey Bee |
Fish
| Hawai’i Volcanoes 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
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Rubber Boa |
Beautiful Landscapes in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, located on the Big Island of Hawaii, is famous for the active Kilauea volcano and the other volcanic landscapes. The park offers a unique opportunity to witness the power of nature and the creation of new land through volcanic eruptions. Visitors can hike through the Thurston Lava Tube, see the steam vents and sulfur banks, and walk along the rim of Kilauea caldera.
On the other hand, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in West Virginia offers a completely different type of landscape, with its stunning sandstone cliffs, steep valleys, and rolling hills. The New River, one of the oldest rivers in the world, cuts through the park and offers whitewater rafting, fishing and kayaking opportunities. The park is also home to the New River Gorge Bridge, the longest steel single-arch bridge in the world, which offers breathtaking views of the park.
Both parks offer unique and beautiful landscapes, making them both must-visit destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Whether you want to hike through volcanic landscapes or enjoy the tranquility of a scenic river, both Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve have something for everyone.
Things To-Do and Activities in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is a popular destination for visitors interested in experiencing the unique geological and cultural features of the Hawaiian islands. Visitors can hike volcanic craters, explore lava tubes, and witness the ongoing volcanic activity of Kilauea and Mauna Loa. The park also offers opportunities to learn about the Hawaiian culture, including ranger-led walks and talks, and cultural demonstrations.
On the other hand, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts, offering a range of recreational activities including rock climbing, rafting, and hiking. The park is known for its dramatic landscape, featuring a steep-sided canyon cut by the New River and towering cliffs that reach up to 1,400 feet. Visitors can also enjoy scenic drives, fishing, and wildlife viewing, as well as ranger-led programs and interpretive exhibits.
In conclusion, both Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are popular destinations for visitors seeking to experience unique landscapes and diverse recreational opportunities. Whether exploring the volcanic wonders of Hawaii or the rugged cliffs of New River Gorge, visitors are sure to have an unforgettable experience in these iconic American parks.
Best Time to Visit Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both offer unique and stunning landscapes, but there are some key differences between the two, especially when it comes to the weather.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is located on the Big Island of Hawaii and experiences a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. Rain is common, but it can also be sunny and warm. The best time to visit is during the dry season, which runs from April to October, when there is less rain and the visibility is better for viewing the volcanoes.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, on the other hand, is located in West Virginia and experiences four distinct seasons. The weather can range from mild to cold, with temperatures dropping below freezing in the winter. Snow is common in the winter, while the summer months can be warm and humid. The best time to visit is during the fall, when the leaves are changing colors and the weather is mild.
In conclusion, both Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve offer unique and beautiful landscapes, but the weather during different times of the year can affect the best time to visit. Visitors should keep in mind the seasonal weather patterns when planning their trip to either park.
Family Friendliness of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two unique and beautiful parks that offer different experiences for families. When it comes to family-friendliness, both parks have their own pros and cons.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is a natural wonderland, offering the chance to see active volcanoes and learn about Hawaiian culture. There are several ranger-led programs and hikes that are tailored for families, and the park has a visitor center with interactive exhibits. However, the park can be dangerous for young children due to the risk of volcanic activity, so parents should be cautious.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, on the other hand, focuses on outdoor recreation, offering opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, and rock climbing. The park also has several picnic areas and a visitors center with educational exhibits. With its focus on outdoor recreation, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve might be a better option for families who are looking for a more adventurous experience.
In conclusion, both Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are family-friendly in their own way. If you’re traveling with young children and want a unique natural experience, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is a great choice. If you’re looking for an adventurous family vacation, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve might be a better fit.