Kobuk Valley National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two of America’s most unique and awe-inspiring parks, each with its own unique features and experiences to offer. Both parks boast beautiful landscapes, breathtaking views, and endless opportunities for outdoor adventures. But which one is the best fit for you? In this article, we will compare these two parks side by side, highlighting their similarities and differences, so you can make an informed decision about which one to visit.
On one hand, there’s Kobuk Valley National Park, a remote wilderness area located in Alaska that is home to the largest sand dunes in the Arctic Circle. The park’s pristine wilderness, abundant wildlife, and otherworldly landscapes are unlike anything you’ve ever seen. On the other hand, there’s New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, a park located in West Virginia that offers visitors a chance to explore the ancient New River and its magnificent gorges, as well as opportunities for rock climbing, whitewater rafting, and more.
So, whether you’re a nature lover, an adventure seeker, or just looking for a unique getaway, this article will help you decide which park is right for you. So buckle up, grab a pen and paper, and get ready to learn all about Kobuk Valley National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve!
Hiking Trails in Kobuk Valley National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Kobuk Valley 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 hiking trails, ranging in difficulty from easy to strenuous.
At Kobuk Valley National Park, the most popular hike is the Sand Dunes Trail. This 3-mile loop takes hikers through the park’s iconic sand dunes and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The trail is considered to be easy, making it a great option for families with children or those looking for a more leisurely experience.
On the other hand, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is known for its more challenging hikes. The Fayetteville Trail is a popular option for experienced hikers, offering a strenuous 8-mile hike through the park’s rugged terrain. Hikers will need to scramble over rocks, cross streams, and negotiate steep inclines along the way, but the views of the New River are well worth the effort.
While both parks offer a wide range of hiking trails, Kobuk Valley National Park is a better choice for those looking for an easy, leisurely experience, while New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is perfect for more experienced hikers seeking a challenge. Regardless of your hiking experience, both parks are sure to offer an unforgettable outdoor adventure.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Kobuk Valley 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 | 4.6 |
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 Kobuk Valley National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Kobuk Valley National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two unique parks, each offering a unique wildlife experience. In Kobuk Valley National Park, visitors can expect to see caribou, grizzly bears, and wolves. The park’s diverse habitats, including tundra, forests, and wetlands, provide a home for many species of birds, including the bald eagle and the peregrine falcon. The park’s remote location and vast wilderness also make it an ideal habitat for grizzly bears and wolves.
On the other hand, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is a popular destination for birdwatching and offers a wide variety of bird species, including the red-tailed hawk, the golden eagle, and the peregrine falcon. The park’s diverse habitats, which include forests, meadows, and wetlands, also provide a home for many species of mammals, including deer, elk, and black bears. In addition, the park’s famous New River Gorge is home to a variety of fish species, including smallmouth bass and catfish.
Both parks offer unique opportunities to observe and appreciate the diverse wildlife in their respective habitats. Whether you’re interested in birdwatching, wildlife photography, or simply observing the natural beauty of these unique parks, Kobuk Valley National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are sure to impress.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Kobuk Valley 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
| Kobuk Valley 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 |
| Northern Flicker | Savannah Sparrow |
| Merlin | Great Blue Heron |
| Savannah Sparrow | Hermit Thrush |
| American Kestrel | European Starling |
| Bald Eagle | Northern Pintail |
| Northern Pintail | American Wigeon |
| American Wigeon | Green-Winged Teal |
| Green-Winged Teal | American Pipit |
| American Pipit | Killdeer |
| Swainson’s Thrush | Brown-Headed Cowbird |
| White-Crowned Sparrow | Hairy Woodpecker |
| Northern Shoveler | Red-Breasted Nuthatch |
| Golden Eagle | White-Crowned Sparrow |
| Rough-Legged Hawk | Northern Shoveler |
Mammals
| Kobuk Valley National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Black Bear | Big Brown Bat |
| Porcupine | Bobcat |
| Red Fox | Striped Skunk |
| Mink | Little Brown Bat |
| Wolf | Deer Mouse |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | Raccoon |
| Snowshoe Hare | Black Bear |
| River Otter | Porcupine |
| Common Shrew | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Red Squirrel | Hoary Bat |
| Montane Shrew | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Lynx | House Mouse |
| Wolverine | Mountain Lion |
| American Marten | Black-Tailed Deer |
| Grizzly Bear | Wolf |
| Moose | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Least Weasel | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Pygmy Shrew | Ermine |
| Northern Bog Lemming | California Myotis |
| Snowshoe Hare | |
| North American River Otter | |
| Masked Shrew |
Fish
| Kobuk Valley National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Longnose Sucker | Rainbow Trout |
| Lake Trout | Eastern Brook Trout |
| Northern Pike | Brown Trout |
| Burbot | Coho Salmon |
| Coho Salmon | Chinook Salmon |
| King Salmon | Mottled Sculpin |
| Slimy Sculpin | Slimy Sculpin |
| Alaskan Stickleback | Threespine Stickleback |
| Pink Salmon | Kokanee |
| Chum Salmon | Pink Salmon |
| Dolly Varden | Dolly Varden |
| Arctic Grayling | Cutthroat Trout |
Amphibians
| Kobuk Valley National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Tiger Salamander |
Reptiles
| Kobuk Valley National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Rubber Boa |
Insects
| Kobuk Valley National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Mourning Cloak | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Kobuk Valley National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Kobuk Valley National Park is located in Alaska and is famous for its sand dunes. The park is home to the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes, which are some of the largest sand dunes in the world and are considered a unique natural wonder. Visitors can hike the dunes, go camping, and even take a guided tour to learn about the area’s geology, wildlife, and history.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, on the other hand, is located in West Virginia and is famous for its stunning overlooks and rock formations. The park is home to the New River Gorge Bridge, which is one of the world’s longest single-span steel arch bridges and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can hike, camp, and go rock climbing, as well as take a scenic drive to see the park’s many waterfalls and other natural wonders.
Both parks offer unique and breathtaking landscapes, but they are both also very different. While Kobuk Valley is all about the sand dunes, New River Gorge is all about the overlooks and rock formations. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful, outdoor getaway or an exciting adventure, both parks have something to offer.
Things To-Do and Activities in Kobuk Valley National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Kobuk Valley National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are both beautiful parks in the U.S. and offer a range of activities for visitors.
At Kobuk Valley, one of the most popular activities is sand dune hiking. The park is home to the world’s largest sand dunes, which are over 1,000 feet tall and cover over 47 square miles. Visitors come from all over the world to hike and explore these dunes. Additionally, visitors can also enjoy fishing, camping, and scenic river paddling.
At New River Gorge, the most popular activity is rock climbing. The park is home to over 1,400 climbing routes ranging from beginner to expert levels. Visitors can also enjoy rafting and kayaking on the New River, hiking on the numerous trails, and exploring the historic sites in the park.
While both parks offer unique experiences, they both provide visitors with opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors and experience the beauty of the U.S. National Park System.
Best Time to Visit Kobuk Valley National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Kobuk Valley National Park is located in Alaska and is known for its large sand dunes which are unique to the area. The park is open year-round, but the weather can vary greatly from season to season. During the winter, temperatures can drop to below freezing and snowfall is common. Summer temperatures are much milder, with average temperatures in the mid-50s.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, located in West Virginia, has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. The park is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the fall when temperatures are mild and the foliage is beautiful. Winter temperatures can fall below freezing, and snow and ice can make hiking and other outdoor activities dangerous. Summer temperatures are warm, with average temperatures in the mid-80s.
The best time to visit Kobuk Valley National Park is during the summer months when temperatures are mild and the sand dunes are easily accessible. On the other hand, the best time to visit New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is during the fall when temperatures are mild and the foliage is beautiful. The weather at both parks can be unpredictable, so it is important to check the forecast before visiting and to be prepared for any weather conditions.
Family Friendliness of Kobuk Valley National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Kobuk Valley National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two beautiful parks that are great for families looking to experience the outdoors together. Both parks offer unique experiences and diverse landscapes that make them both great options for families.
If you’re traveling with children, Kobuk Valley National Park might be the better option. This park offers a wide range of family-friendly activities, including ranger-led hikes, camping, and wildlife watching. The park is also relatively remote and peaceful, making it the perfect place for families to relax and unwind. Additionally, the park’s sand dunes are a unique and exciting feature that kids will love exploring.
On the other hand, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is a great park for families who enjoy adventure and outdoor recreation. With its stunning cliffs, this park is perfect for rock climbing, rafting, and other high-adrenaline activities. The park also offers a variety of hiking trails, some of which are suitable for families with children. However, the cliffs and rapid waterways can be dangerous for young children, so families should take extra precautions when visiting this park.
In conclusion, both Kobuk Valley National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are great options for families. Kobuk Valley National Park is a peaceful and family-friendly park that’s perfect for families looking to relax and unwind, while New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is a great park for families who enjoy adventure and outdoor recreation.