Isle Royale National Park vs New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

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Isle Royale National Park vs New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

Isle Royale National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two of the most distinct and unique national parks in the United States. Both parks offer visitors an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, but in vastly different ways.

Isle Royale, located in the middle of Lake Superior, is a remote wilderness experience unlike any other. With its rugged shorelines, dense forests and pristine waters, it’s a true outdoor adventurer’s dream. On the other hand, New River Gorge is a mecca for adrenaline junkies, with its world-renowned white-water rafting and rock climbing opportunities.

Whether you’re seeking peace and solitude or an adrenaline rush, these two parks are sure to deliver. But which one is right for you? That’s where this article comes in. We’ll be comparing and contrasting these two fantastic national parks and helping you decide which one is the best fit for your next outdoor adventure.

So pack your bags, grab your hiking boots, and get ready for an unforgettable journey as we explore the differences and similarities between Isle Royale National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve.

Hiking Trails in Isle Royale National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

Isle Royale National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two vastly different national parks with unique landscapes and hiking trails.

Isle Royale National Park is an island in Lake Superior and offers a remote wilderness experience with over 165 miles of hiking trails. The park’s most popular trail, the Greenstone Ridge Trail, is a 40-mile trek that takes you through the heart of the island and offers challenging terrain and stunning views of the lake. On the other hand, the Minong Ridge Trail is a relatively easier hike that takes you along the island’s ridges and offers vistas over the forest and lakes.

On the other hand, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is located in West Virginia and offers a range of hiking trails for all skill levels. The park’s most challenging hike is the Endless Wall Trail, a strenuous 10-mile trek that provides stunning views of the New River Gorge. For those seeking an easier trail, the Grandview Rim Trail is a 2-mile hike that takes you to overlooks with panoramic views of the New River Gorge.

In conclusion, both parks offer unique hiking experiences for visitors of all skill levels. Whether you are looking for challenging hikes with breathtaking views or easier trails through stunning landscapes, Isle Royale National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve have something for everyone.

Most Popular Hiking Trails in Isle Royale National Park

Name Length Elevation Type Difficulty Visitor Ratings
Greenstone Ridge Trail: Windigo to Tobin Harbor 63568.93 1216.7616 Hard point to point 4
Rainbow Cove Trail 2253.076 21.9456 Easy out and back 5
Malone Bay to Hatchett Lake 37658.556 664.7688 Moderate out and back 0
Ishpeming Trail to Ishpeming Point 23496.364 339.852 Moderate out and back 0

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 Isle Royale National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

Isle Royale National Park is located in the middle of Lake Superior and is known for its large population of wolves and moose. The moose were introduced to the island in the early 1900s and have thrived due to the lack of predators. The wolves, on the other hand, are believed to have swam over from the mainland. These two species have a unique predator-prey relationship and can often be seen interacting in the wild. Other wildlife commonly seen on the island includes beavers, foxes, and black bears.

New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, located in West Virginia, is known for its diverse wildlife and bird populations. Visitors to the park can expect to see an array of wildlife, including black bears, white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and river otters. The park also has a large population of bats, including the Indiana Bat, which is protected under the Endangered Species Act. Plant life in the park includes a variety of hardwoods, such as oak and hickory, as well as hemlock and rhododendron. Overall, the New River Gorge provides a rich and diverse wildlife experience for visitors.

Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Isle Royale 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

Isle Royale 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

Isle Royale National Park New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Coyote Coyote
American Beaver American Beaver
Muskrat Muskrat
Big Brown Bat Big Brown Bat
Striped Skunk Bobcat
Little Brown Bat Striped Skunk
Deer Mouse Little Brown Bat
Silver-Haired Bat Deer Mouse
Hoary Bat Raccoon
Red Fox Black Bear
Long-Tailed Weasel Porcupine
Mink Silver-Haired Bat
Gray Wolf Hoary Bat
Short-Tailed Weasel Long-Tailed Weasel
Snowshoe Hare House Mouse
North American River Otter Mountain Lion
Canada Lynx Black-Tailed Deer
Marten Wolf
Moose Long-Legged Myotis
Red Bat Long-Eared Myotis
Norway Rat Ermine
Southern Red-Backed Vole California Myotis
Northern Long-Eared Bat Snowshoe Hare
North American River Otter
Masked Shrew

Fish

Isle Royale National Park New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Redband Trout Rainbow Trout
Coaster Brook Trout Eastern Brook Trout
Brown Trout Brown Trout
Longnose Sucker Coho Salmon
Harvey Lake Fathead Minnow Chinook Salmon
Golden Shiner Mottled Sculpin
Lake Trout Slimy Sculpin
Northern Pike Threespine Stickleback
Ellpout Kokanee
Coho Salmon Pink Salmon
Chinook Salmon Dolly Varden
Mottled Sculpin Cutthroat Trout
Slimy Sculpin
Longnose Dace
Black Crappie
Pink Salmon
Creek Chub

Amphibians

Isle Royale National Park New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Northern Leopard Frog Tiger Salamander
Wood Frog

Reptiles

Isle Royale National Park New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Western Terrestrial Garter Snake
Common Garter Snake
Rubber Boa

Insects

Isle Royale National Park New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Mourning Cloak
Cabbage White
Silvery Blue
Purplish Copper
Anise Swallowtail

Beautiful Landscapes in Isle Royale National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

Isle Royale National Park is a remote wilderness island located in Lake Superior. It is famous for its rugged, pristine beauty and its diverse array of wildlife, including moose and wolves. Visitors can enjoy exploring the island’s many hiking trails, fishing for lake trout, kayaking and canoeing, and taking part in ranger-led programs and guided tours.

New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, located in West Virginia, is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The park is known for its stunning rock formations, including the New River Gorge Bridge, which is the longest steel arch bridge in the world and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can also enjoy hiking, rock climbing, rafting, fishing, and camping. The park is also home to an incredible array of wildlife, including black bears, river otters, and more.

Both Isle Royale National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve offer visitors a chance to immerse themselves in nature and experience the beauty of America’s national parks. Whether you’re looking to hike, camp, fish, or simply enjoy breathtaking views, these parks are sure to provide a memorable experience.

Things To-Do and Activities in Isle Royale National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

Isle Royale and New River Gorge are two unique parks with different offerings for visitors. Isle Royale, located in Michigan, is a remote wilderness island known for its scenic hikes and rich wildlife. The popular activities include backpacking, kayaking, and fishing. Visitors can also take part in ranger-led programs and explore the historic shipwrecks in the surrounding waters.

On the other hand, New River Gorge in West Virginia is the center of outdoor recreation. The park is famous for its world-class rock climbing, river rafting and kayaking, and hiking opportunities. Visitors can also take part in the park’s interpretive programs and visit the New River Gorge Bridge, the third highest steel arch bridge in the world. In addition to these activities, the park offers scenic drives and opportunities to observe wildlife, including rare species such as black bears and river otters.

Whether you’re looking for a remote wilderness experience, or an adrenaline-fueled adventure, both Isle Royale and New River Gorge have something to offer. Each park is unique and provides visitors with the opportunity to escape into nature. So, it depends on what type of adventure you’re looking for, as both parks have their own special charm.

Best Time to Visit Isle Royale National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

Isle Royale National Park, located in Lake Superior, has long, harsh winters and short summers. Winter temperatures average around 20°F with heavy snowfall, making the park only accessible by snowshoe or cross-country ski. Summer temperatures range from 40°F to 70°F with occasional storms. Spring and fall are mild with temperatures ranging from 30°F to 60°F.

On the other hand, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in West Virginia experiences warm summers with temperatures ranging from 70°F to 90°F, and cool winters with temperatures averaging around 40°F. The park also receives a lot of rain throughout the year, especially in the spring and fall.

The weather at Isle Royale National Park makes it best to visit in the summer months, while New River Gorge National Park and Preserve can be visited year-round due to its milder weather. However, the best time to visit New River Gorge is during the fall when the leaves change color, creating stunning views.

Family Friendliness of Isle Royale National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

Isle Royale National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two of the most popular parks in the United States. Both are a great destination for families, but they differ in terms of what they offer for families traveling with children.

Isle Royale National Park is known for its rugged wilderness and remote location. It is a great destination for families who enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and camping. The park also offers guided ranger programs and educational opportunities for children. However, due to its remote location, it may not be the best choice for families with young children or those who need a lot of creature comforts.

On the other hand, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is a great option for families who enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. The park offers hiking, rock climbing, whitewater rafting, and scenic drives. It is also home to the New River Gorge Bridge, which is the third longest steel arch bridge in the world. The park has picnic areas, campgrounds, and even a lodge for families who want a more comfortable experience.

In conclusion, both Isle Royale National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are great destinations for families. However, for families traveling with young children, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve may be the better choice due to its variety of activities and more comfortable accommodations.

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