Indiana Dunes National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two very different and unique national parks located in the United States. Both parks offer visitors breathtaking natural beauty, but in very different ways. Indiana Dunes National Park is a sandy escape along the shores of Lake Michigan, while New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is a rugged, mountainous landscape along the New River in West Virginia.
Imagine yourself walking along the sandy beaches of Indiana Dunes, feeling the cool breeze from Lake Michigan, and watching the sun set over the water. Now, imagine yourself hiking along the rocky cliffs of New River Gorge, taking in panoramic views of the New River and the surrounding forest. Both parks are truly a feast for the eyes and a treat for the senses.
In this article, we will compare and contrast these two amazing national parks, highlighting the unique features and experiences that each one has to offer. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply someone looking for a new adventure, this article will leave you eager to pack your bags and head out to explore one (or both!) of these incredible parks.
Hiking Trails in Indiana Dunes National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Indiana Dunes National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. Both parks offer a variety of hiking trails, but each park has its own unique features and challenges.
At Indiana Dunes, the trails range from easy boardwalks to strenuous beach hikes. One of the easiest hikes is the Pinhook Bog Trail, which is a 0.7-mile boardwalk that takes you through a unique wetland ecosystem. For a more challenging hike, try the Cowles Bog Trail, a 2.6-mile hike that takes you through sand dunes and wetlands.
At New River Gorge, the trails range from easy river walks to strenuous backcountry hikes. One of the easiest hikes is the Endless Wall Trail, a 2-mile hike along the rim of the New River Gorge that offers stunning views of the river and surrounding landscape. For a more challenging hike, try the Grand View Overlook, a strenuous 8-mile hike that takes you to the highest point in the park and offers panoramic views of the New River Gorge and surrounding mountains.
Both parks offer a range of hiking experiences and are sure to provide outdoor enthusiasts with plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities. Whether you’re looking for an easy hike to enjoy nature or a strenuous hike to challenge yourself, Indiana Dunes and New River Gorge have something for everyone.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Indiana Dunes National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cowles Bog Trail | 6920.162 | 64.9224 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Little Calumet River Trail Loop | 6276.426 | 50.9016 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| West Beach Loop with Scallop Dunes and Long Lake Trail | 5471.756 | 78.9432 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Dune Succession and West Beach Walk | 4345.218 | 43.8912 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| West Beach Loop | 1770.274 | 28.956 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Miller Woods Trail | 6115.492 | 40.8432 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Dune Ridge Trail | 1448.406 | 26.8224 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Tolleston Dunes | 5149.888 | 52.7304 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Beach Trail to Waverly Beach | 1609.34 | 5.7912 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Indiana’s Lake Michigan Shoreline Scenic Drive | 35083.612 | 84.7344 | Moderate | point to point | 3.5 |
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 Indiana Dunes National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
The Indiana Dunes National Park, located on the southern shores of Lake Michigan, is a haven for wildlife, particularly migratory birds, with over 350 species having been recorded there. Some of the most commonly seen birds include the American Goldfinch, the Eastern Bluebird, and the Baltimore Oriole. In addition to birds, the park is also home to a variety of mammals, including white-tailed deer, red foxes, and raccoons. The park’s diverse habitats, including sand dunes, wetlands, and woodlands, provide a rich environment for a variety of plant life, including wildflowers like the purple coneflower and the black-eyed Susan.
The New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, located in West Virginia, is known for its stunning scenery and abundant wildlife. The park is home to a large population of white-tailed deer, as well as black bears, river otters, and a variety of songbirds. In addition to these mammals, the park is also home to a variety of reptiles, including the Eastern box turtle and the timber rattlesnake. The park’s diverse habitats, including forests, streams, and cliffs, provide a rich environment for a variety of plant life, including wildflowers like the trillium and the columbine. The park is also a popular destination for birdwatchers, with species like the Peregrine Falcon and the Bald Eagle often seen in the area.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Indiana Dunes 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
| Indiana Dunes 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
| Indiana Dunes 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
| Indiana Dunes National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Bullfrog | Tiger Salamander |
Fish
| Indiana Dunes 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
| Indiana Dunes National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Rubber Boa |
Insects
| Indiana Dunes National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Mourning Cloak | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Indiana Dunes National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Indiana Dunes National Park is located along the southern shore of Lake Michigan and is known for its 15,000-acre expanse of sand dunes, wetlands, and forests. The park is home to the tallest sand dunes in the Great Lakes region, which rise up to 200 feet above the water. The park also features several miles of sandy beaches that offer breathtaking views of the lake. Additionally, visitors can explore the park’s wetlands and forests, which are home to a variety of wildlife, including beaver, fox, and bald eagles.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is located in the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia and is famous for its stunning sandstone cliffs and deep river gorge. The park is home to the New River, one of the oldest rivers in the world and one of the few rivers in North America that flows north. Visitors can hike or bike along the park’s trails, which offer breathtaking views of the river and surrounding landscape. The park is also home to several iconic overlooks, including the Endless Wall Overlook, which offers panoramic views of the gorge and surrounding countryside. Additionally, the park is home to a number of waterfalls, including Upper Falls, which is one of the tallest waterfalls in the state.
Things To-Do and Activities in Indiana Dunes National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Indiana Dunes National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two very different parks with different areas of focus. At Indiana Dunes, visitors love spending time on the beach and exploring the park’s dunes, wetlands, prairies, and forests. Swimming, fishing, and boating are popular activities on Lake Michigan. Meanwhile, New River Gorge is a rock climber’s paradise with over 1,400 established routes, making it one of the largest climbing destinations in the world. It also offers great opportunities for whitewater rafting, kayaking, and fishing in the New River.
For those who are looking for a more relaxed experience, both parks offer picnic areas, scenic drives and scenic overlooks, and ranger-led programs. At Indiana Dunes, visitors can enjoy a scenic drive along the 15-mile Dunes State Park Road and visit the Bailly Homestead, a historic farmstead that has been restored to its original condition. At New River Gorge, visitors can take a drive along the scenic rim drive, which offers breathtaking views of the park’s rugged terrain.
Both parks offer camping opportunities, as well. At Indiana Dunes, visitors can camp at one of the park’s several campgrounds, including Dunewood Campground, which is located directly on the beach. At New River Gorge, visitors can camp at the Grandview Sandbar Campground, which is located on the banks of the New River. Regardless of which park you choose, you’re sure to have a great time exploring the natural beauty of these two unique parks.
Best Time to Visit Indiana Dunes National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Indiana Dunes National Park experiences a moderate climate with four distinct seasons. Summer temperatures average in the mid 80s while winter temperatures average in the 30s. The park is known for its hot and humid summers, making it a popular destination for swimming and sunbathing. However, the hot temperatures can also lead to thunderstorms and high winds.
On the other hand, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve has a temperate climate with long, hot summers and cold, snowy winters. Summer temperatures average in the mid 80s while winter temperatures average in the mid 20s. The park is a popular destination for winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding. The cool temperatures and snowfall also make it a great destination for autumn leaf-peeping and fall foliage.
Visitors who prefer warm weather and outdoor recreation should visit Indiana Dunes National Park in late spring or early fall, when temperatures are more moderate. Winter sports enthusiasts will find the best conditions at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve from December through March. Regardless of the time of year, both parks offer unique and breathtaking experiences, making them popular destinations for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Family Friendliness of Indiana Dunes National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Indiana Dunes National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two of the most popular nature destinations in the United States. While both parks offer opportunities for outdoor recreation and adventure, they cater to different types of visitors.
When it comes to family-friendliness, Indiana Dunes National Park is the better option. With a wide range of activities for children, including beach activities, hiking, and nature programs, this park is an ideal destination for families. The park is also home to several picnic areas and playgrounds, making it perfect for family picnics and outdoor games.
In contrast, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is a more challenging destination for families. The park offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, and rock climbing, but it is not as well-equipped for families with young children. The park also features steep cliffs and deep gorges, making it less suitable for families with young children.
However, both parks offer unique experiences and breathtaking natural beauty. Whether you are looking to relax with your family on the beach, or embark on an outdoor adventure, Indiana Dunes National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve both have something to offer.