Kenai Fjords National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two of the most magnificent and awe-inspiring natural wonders in the United States. Both parks boast breathtaking landscapes, unique wildlife, and a diverse range of outdoor activities. But with so many similarities, which one is the best?
Imagine soaring over glaciers, hunting for wildlife, and kayaking in the crystal-clear waters of Kenai Fjords National Park. This park, located in Alaska, is known for its stunning glaciers that have carved rugged fjords into the coastline, making it a prime location for adventure-seekers. But there’s more to this park than just ice and snow. Wildlife such as orcas, sea lions, and humpback whales call Kenai Fjords home, making it a popular destination for wildlife watching.
On the other hand, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, located in West Virginia, is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. With an abundance of opportunities for hiking, camping, rock climbing, and whitewater rafting, New River Gorge is the perfect place for thrill-seekers. The park is home to the New River, one of the oldest rivers in the world, which winds its way through the rugged Appalachian Mountains. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful hike or a heart-pumping adventure, this park has something for everyone.
Hiking Trails in Kenai Fjords National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Kenai Fjords National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve offer vastly different hiking experiences. In Kenai Fjords, visitors can hike through glaciers and take in stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. One of the easiest hikes is the Exit Glacier Trail, which takes visitors to the face of the Exit Glacier and offers views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. On the other hand, the Harding Icefield Trail is considered one of the toughest hikes in the park, with a strenuous 8.2-mile trek to the top of the icefield.
In New River Gorge, visitors can explore the rolling hills of West Virginia and hike along the rim of the New River Gorge. The Endless Wall Trail offers stunning views of the gorge and is considered one of the easiest hikes in the park, with a moderate 2.4-mile trek. For those seeking a more challenging hike, the Nuttall Sandstone Trail offers a strenuous 8.5-mile journey through the heart of the park.
Both parks offer a diverse range of hiking experiences, from easy, scenic walks to challenging, backcountry treks. No matter what level of hiker you are, Kenai Fjords National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve have something to offer.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Kenai Fjords National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harding Ice Field Trail | 15610.598 | 1161.8976 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Exit Glacier Trail | 2896.812 | 81.9912 | Easy | 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 Kenai Fjords National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Kenai Fjords National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two of the most beautiful parks in the US. They offer unique wildlife experiences that are distinct from one another.
At Kenai Fjords National Park, visitors can expect to see a variety of marine wildlife, including sea otters, harbor seals, sea lions, and whales. In the summer months, visitors may also see bald eagles, puffins, and a variety of other seabirds. Additionally, the park is home to a variety of plant life, including many species of wildflowers, mosses, and ferns.
On the other hand, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is known for its diverse array of land-dwelling wildlife. Visitors can expect to see a variety of mammals, including black bears, white-tailed deer, and foxes. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including vultures, hawks, and turkey vultures. Additionally, the park is home to many species of plants, including a variety of deciduous and evergreen trees, wildflowers, and ferns.
In conclusion, both Kenai Fjords National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve offer unique wildlife experiences. Whether you’re interested in marine or land-dwelling wildlife, both parks have something to offer.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Kenai Fjords 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
| Kenai Fjords 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 |
| Bald Eagle | American Pipit |
| Song Sparrow | Killdeer |
| European Starling | Brown-Headed Cowbird |
| Northern Pintail | Hairy Woodpecker |
| American Wigeon | Red-Breasted Nuthatch |
| Green-Winged Teal | White-Crowned Sparrow |
| American Pipit | Northern Shoveler |
Mammals
| Kenai Fjords National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Little Brown Bat | Big Brown Bat |
| Black Bear | Bobcat |
| Porcupine | Striped Skunk |
| Red Fox | Little Brown Bat |
| Mink | Deer Mouse |
| Black-Tailed Deer | Raccoon |
| Gray Wolf | Black Bear |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | Porcupine |
| California Myotis | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Snowshoe Hare | Hoary Bat |
| Northern River Otter | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Masked Shrew | House Mouse |
| Red Squirrel | Mountain Lion |
| Montane Shrew | Black-Tailed Deer |
| Lynx | Wolf |
| Wolverine | Long-Legged Myotis |
| American Marten | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Northern Flying Squirrel | Ermine |
| Brown Bear | California Myotis |
| Meadow Mouse | Snowshoe Hare |
| Moose | North American River Otter |
| Pygmy Shrew | Masked Shrew |
Fish
| Kenai Fjords National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Redband Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Longnose Sucker | Eastern Brook Trout |
| Burbot | Brown Trout |
| Silver Salmon | Coho Salmon |
| Chinook Salmon | Chinook Salmon |
| Slimy Sculpin | Mottled Sculpin |
| Threespine Stickleback | Slimy Sculpin |
| Red Salmon | Threespine Stickleback |
| Pink Salmon | Kokanee |
| Chum Salmon | Pink Salmon |
| Dolly Varden | Dolly Varden |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Amphibians
| Kenai Fjords National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Tiger Salamander |
Reptiles
| Kenai Fjords National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Rubber Boa |
Insects
| Kenai Fjords National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Mourning Cloak | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Kenai Fjords National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Kenai Fjords National Park is located in Alaska and is famous for its stunning fjords and glaciers. Visitors can observe the massive Harding Icefield, which covers over 300 square miles, and take a boat tour to see glaciers calving into the ocean. Another highlight of the park is the Exit Glacier, which is one of the few glaciers in the world that is easily accessible by road.
On the other hand, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in West Virginia is known for its breathtaking views of the New River Gorge Bridge. The park also offers excellent opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, and whitewater rafting. The New River Gorge is a prime destination for adventure sports enthusiasts and is considered one of the best places in the world for rock climbing.
Both parks offer unique and beautiful landscapes that are sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors. Whether you are looking to explore glaciers and fjords or go on a thrilling adventure in the great outdoors, both Kenai Fjords National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve have something to offer.
Things To-Do and Activities in Kenai Fjords National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Kenai Fjords National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve both offer a range of outdoor activities for visitors.
Visitors to Kenai Fjords National Park often enjoy whale watching, kayaking, and glacier viewing. The park is also popular for fishing and wildlife viewing. Visitors can take a boat tour to see the glaciers and wildlife, or venture out on their own in a kayak. The park’s remote location and stunning scenery make it a favourite destination for adventure seekers.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, on the other hand, is a paradise for rock climbers and white-water rafters. The park features over 1,400 climbing routes and several world-class rafting and kayaking locations. Hiking is also popular in the park, with scenic trails offering views of the gorge and its unique geological features. Mountain biking, camping and fishing are also popular activities in the park.
In conclusion, both parks offer a diverse range of outdoor activities, but they cater to different interests. Visitors to Kenai Fjords National Park often come for the glaciers, wildlife and kayaking opportunities, while those visiting New River Gorge National Park and Preserve come for the rock climbing, white-water rafting, and hiking.
Best Time to Visit Kenai Fjords National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in West Virginia are both magnificent destinations for nature enthusiasts. However, the seasonal weather in each park greatly affects the best time to visit.
In Kenai Fjords, summers are short and cool, with temperatures ranging from 40-60°F. Winters bring heavy snowfall and sub-zero temperatures. Visitors can take advantage of the warm summer months for hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing, but winter offers opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing.
In contrast, New River Gorge experiences four distinct seasons with warm summers and cold winters. Summer temperatures can reach up to 90°F, making it the ideal time for outdoor activities such as rafting, rock climbing, and hiking. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, but the park remains open for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Both parks offer unique and unforgettable experiences, but it’s important to consider the weather before planning a trip. Kenai Fjords is best visited in the summer, while New River Gorge offers a range of outdoor activities throughout the year. Regardless of the season, both parks provide a chance to escape into the great outdoors and connect with nature.
Family Friendliness of Kenai Fjords National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Kenai Fjords National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are both great options for families who love the outdoors. For those traveling with children, both parks offer unique experiences that are sure to delight and educate.
Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska is a breathtaking destination for families. The park is known for its stunning glaciers and abundant wildlife, including whales, sea lions, and seals. Visitors can take a scenic boat tour to see the glaciers up close, or hike on a glacier and see the ice formations. The park also has a range of ranger-led programs for children and families, including a Junior Ranger program.
On the other hand, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in West Virginia offers a different type of adventure. The park is known for its stunning cliffs and rock formations, as well as its world-class whitewater rafting. The park also has several hiking trails, including the family-friendly Endless Wall Trail, which offers stunning views of the New River Gorge. The park also offers a range of educational programs for families, including ranger-led hikes and evening campfire programs.
Both parks offer unique and memorable experiences for families, and the choice between them will depend on personal preferences. If your family loves wildlife and glaciers, then Kenai Fjords National Park is the way to go. If your family loves adventure and stunning vistas, then New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is the perfect choice.