Hot Springs National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two of the most unique and beautiful parks in the United States. Both of these parks offer visitors the opportunity to experience breathtaking natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities. However, each park has its own unique flavor, from the hot springs of Hot Springs National Park to the rugged and wild New River Gorge. In this article, we will compare and contrast these two parks, and help you decide which one is the best option for your next outdoor adventure.
Hot Springs National Park, located in Arkansas, offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Visitors can enjoy the soothing hot springs, which have been drawing people to the area for thousands of years. With over 40 thermal springs, this park is a true oasis for those looking to relax and rejuvenate.
On the other hand, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, located in West Virginia, offers a more rugged and adventurous experience. The park is home to the New River Gorge Bridge, which is one of the tallest steel arch bridges in the world. The park is also home to over 70 miles of hiking trails and some of the best whitewater rafting in the country. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or a thrilling outdoor adventure, both of these parks have something to offer.
Hiking Trails in Hot Springs National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
New River Gorge and Hot Springs National Parks both offer scenic hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts, but each park has a distinct set of trails that cater to different skill levels. At Hot Springs National Park, visitors can hike the easy Hot Springs Mountain Tower Trail, which offers panoramic views of the park. The challenging Goat Rock Trail, on the other hand, is a strenuous hike that takes visitors through rocky terrain and steep inclines.
In contrast, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve has a wider range of hiking trails, with some of the most challenging trails in the park being the Endless Wall Trail and the Kaymoor Trail. Both of these trails offer breathtaking views of the New River Gorge and its surrounding area, but they are not for the faint of heart. On the other hand, visitors looking for an easier hike can take the Grandview Rim Trail, which offers stunning views of the park’s scenic vistas without the difficulty of some of the other trails.
Ultimately, both Hot Springs National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve offer hiking trails that cater to different skill levels. Whether you are a seasoned hiker or a beginner, you will find a trail that suits your needs at one of these parks.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Hot Springs National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunset Trail | 20921.42 | 722.9856 | Hard | loop | 4 |
| West Mountain Trail | 3057.746 | 107.8992 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Goat Rock Trail | 3862.416 | 115.824 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Gulpha Gorge Trail | 1931.208 | 116.7384 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| The Grand Promenade and Side Trails | 1931.208 | 33.8328 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Dead Chief Trail | 4345.218 | 121.92 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Hot Springs Mountain Trail | 5310.822 | 204.8256 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Peak Trail | 2092.142 | 108.8136 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Sugarloaf Mountain Via Sunset Trail | 11426.314 | 592.836 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Goat Rock via Dead Chief Trail | 2092.142 | 87.7824 | 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 Hot Springs National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Hot Springs National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two iconic parks with unique wildlife. Hot Springs National Park is known for its diverse range of species, including white-tailed deer, raccoons, squirrels, and a variety of bird species such as the pileated woodpecker and the eastern phoebe. The park is also home to a variety of reptiles, including the garter snake and the eastern box turtle.
On the other hand, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is famous for its rich bird life, with species like the barred owl and the red-tailed hawk commonly seen. The park is also home to a large population of black bears, as well as deer, bobcats, and coyotes. In addition, the park is home to a number of rare and endangered species, such as the Indiana bat and the timber rattlesnake. The park is also known for its diverse range of plant life, including the American chestnut, red oak, and the eastern hemlock.
Both parks offer unique opportunities to see a variety of wildlife in their natural habitats, making them popular destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re interested in bird watching, wildlife photography, or simply exploring the great outdoors, Hot Springs National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are both must-see destinations.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Hot Springs 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
| Hot Springs 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
| Hot Springs 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 |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Porcupine |
| Hoary Bat | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Red Fox | Hoary Bat |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| House Mouse | House Mouse |
| Mink | Mountain Lion |
| Gray Fox | Black-Tailed Deer |
| North American River Otter | Wolf |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | Long-Legged Myotis |
| White-Tailed Deer | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Virginia Opossum | Ermine |
| Eastern Red Bat | California Myotis |
| White-Footed Mouse | Snowshoe Hare |
| Norway Rat | North American River Otter |
| Eastern Cottontail | Masked Shrew |
Amphibians
| Hot Springs National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Bullfrog | Tiger Salamander |
Fish
| Hot Springs National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Rainbow Trout |
| Green Sunfish | Eastern Brook Trout |
| Bluegill | Brown Trout |
| Fathead Minnow | Coho Salmon |
| Golden Shiner | Chinook Salmon |
| European Carp | Mottled Sculpin |
| Yellow Bullhead | Slimy Sculpin |
| Graceful Catfish | Threespine Stickleback |
| Black Crappie | Kokanee |
| Black Bullhead | Pink Salmon |
| Mosquitofish | Dolly Varden |
| Creek Chub | Cutthroat Trout |
| Brown Bullhead | |
| Goldfish | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Reptiles
| Hot Springs National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Rubber Boa |
Insects
| Hot Springs National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Mourning Cloak | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Hot Springs National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Hot Springs National Park is a natural hot spring in Arkansas, it has a total of 47 hot springs that flow from the base of Hot Springs Mountain, the hot water is believed to have healing powers, the park provides a scenic drive and several hiking trails, the most famous of which is the Hot Springs Mountain Tower which provides panoramic views of the surrounding area.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is located in West Virginia. It is a popular destination for rock climbers, hikers, and white-water rafters. It’s known for its scenic overlooks and its stunning New River Gorge Bridge, which is the third longest single-arch steel bridge in the world. The park also has a number of trails that lead to waterfalls, caves, and other natural wonders. The New River Gorge is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, who enjoy exploring the rugged landscape and scenic beauty of the area.
Things To-Do and Activities in Hot Springs National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Hot Springs 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 variety of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy, but each park has its own unique features and attractions.
Hot Springs National Park is best known for its hot springs, and visitors can take a bath in the naturally heated water at the park’s bathhouses. The park is also popular for hiking, with trails that range from easy to challenging. There are also scenic drives, picnic areas, and campgrounds for visitors to enjoy.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, on the other hand, is a mecca for adventure sports enthusiasts. The park is home to some of the best rock climbing, white-water rafting, and kayaking opportunities in the United States. The park also offers beautiful scenic drives, picnic areas, and campgrounds for visitors to enjoy.
Overall, both Hot Springs National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve offer a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re a hiker, adventure sports enthusiast, or simply looking for a relaxing getaway, both parks are worth a visit. To get the most out of your trip, be sure to check out the park’s websites to learn about any seasonal activities or special events that may be happening during your visit.
Best Time to Visit Hot Springs National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Hot Springs National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve offer vastly different weather experiences. Hot Springs National Park located in Arkansas, has a humid subtropical climate characterized by hot summers and mild winters. The park experiences average temperatures in the summer months of 80°F to 90°F, with high humidity levels making it feel even hotter. On the other hand, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in West Virginia is known for its temperate deciduous forest environment, with average temperatures ranging from 40°F to 70°F. Winter temperatures can occasionally drop below freezing, with snow and ice possible.
The weather at both parks affects the best time to visit. For Hot Springs National Park, the best time to visit is in late spring or early fall when temperatures are more comfortable. Summer is the peak season, with high visitor traffic, while winter can be a quieter time to visit. In contrast, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve has a more even distribution of visitors throughout the year, with fall being the most popular season due to the changing foliage. Winter can also be a popular time for winter sports enthusiasts, including skiing and snowboarding.
Family Friendliness of Hot Springs National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Hot Springs 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 range of outdoor activities, scenic views, and opportunities for family-friendly adventures. However, when it comes to traveling with children, the two parks differ in terms of the types of activities available and the level of difficulty.
Hot Springs National Park is ideal for families, as it offers a variety of easy trails, scenic drives, and educational programs. The park’s accessible boardwalk trail is perfect for families with small children, as it offers stunning views of the hot springs and the surrounding mountains, without the difficulty of more strenuous trails. Additionally, the park’s historic bathhouses and educational programs provide a unique and interactive experience for families to learn about the history and geology of the area.
On the other hand, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is a great option for families who are looking for a more challenging outdoor experience. The park offers a range of trails for all skill levels, including a number of kid-friendly trails that lead to scenic overlooks and waterfalls. The park also provides opportunities for rock climbing, kayaking, and white-water rafting, which are popular activities for families who are looking for an adrenaline-fueled adventure. However, these activities may be too strenuous for younger children or families with small children.
In conclusion, both Hot Springs National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are family-friendly National Parks, but they offer different types of experiences. If you’re traveling with small children, Hot Springs National Park is a better option, as it provides easier trails and educational programs. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more challenging outdoor experience, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is the perfect choice.