If you’re looking for a change of pace from the same old national park destinations, it’s time to explore the unique and diverse offerings of Mammoth Cave National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. These two parks, located in different parts of the country and with vastly different landscapes, are two hidden gems that deserve a visit.
Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky is home to the world’s longest cave system and offers a unique underground experience with its various tours and hikes. Meanwhile, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in West Virginia boasts stunning views of the New River and offers a range of outdoor recreation opportunities, from rock climbing to white water rafting.
Whether you’re seeking adventure or just a peaceful escape, these parks have something for everyone. So, pack your bags, grab your hiking boots, and join us as we explore the wonders of Mammoth Cave and New River Gorge.
Hiking Trails in Mammoth Cave National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky is home to the world’s longest cave system, offering visitors a unique underground hiking experience. The park’s trails range from easy, paved walks to strenuous adventures deep within the caves. The “Historic Tour” is a popular option for those seeking a gentle hike, while the “Wild Cave Tour” is a physically demanding crawl through tight passages and mud.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in West Virginia, on the other hand, offers a range of outdoor hiking experiences above ground. The park boasts over 70 miles of trails, ranging from easy riverside walks to challenging peak ascents. The “Fayetteville Greenbelt Trail” is a popular and easy hike, while the “Endless Wall Trail” is a difficult, strenuous hike along the park’s rim offering breathtaking views of the New River Gorge.
In conclusion, both Mammoth Cave National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve offer a range of hiking experiences for visitors of all skill levels. Whether you’re seeking an easy nature walk or a challenging backcountry adventure, these parks have something for everyone.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Mammoth Cave National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Green River Bluffs Trail | 7242.03 | 169.7736 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Cedar Sink Trail | 2896.812 | 70.7136 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Mammoth Cave National Park Scenic Drive | 17541.806 | 173.736 | Easy | point to point | 4.5 |
| Sinkhole Trail | 3862.416 | 108.8136 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Echo River Spring and Sinkhole Loop | 4988.954 | 122.8344 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Echo River and River Styx Springs Trail | 5471.756 | 129.8448 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Sal Hollow and Buffalo Creek Loop Trail | 8690.436 | 100.8888 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
| Dixon Cave Trail Loop | 2414.01 | 83.82 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| First Creek Lake Trail | 5793.624 | 158.8008 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| McCoy Hollow Trail | 19794.882 | 434.9496 | Hard | out and back | 4 |
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 Mammoth Cave National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky is known for its vast network of underground caves, but it also has a diverse array of wildlife above ground. Visitors may see white-tailed deer, foxes, skunks, and bats in the park. The park is also home to several species of songbirds, such as the wood thrush and the blue-gray gnatcatcher.
On the other hand, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in West Virginia is known for its scenic river gorge, but it also has a rich and diverse wildlife population. Some of the common animals found in the park include black bears, turkeys, and river otters. Bird enthusiasts will be delighted by the numerous species of birds such as the bald eagle, the peregrine falcon, and the cerulean warbler. The park also has a large population of native wildflowers and ferns, as well as several species of hardwood trees.
Both parks offer a unique and diverse wildlife experience, but visitors to New River Gorge National Park and Preserve will have the opportunity to see a wider range of wildlife, including birds of prey and river-dwelling animals. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or just looking for a scenic hike, both Mammoth Cave National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are worth a visit.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Mammoth Cave 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
| Mammoth Cave 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
| Mammoth Cave 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 |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Black Bear |
| Hoary Bat | Porcupine |
| Red Fox | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Hoary Bat |
| House Mouse | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Mink | House Mouse |
| Gray Fox | Mountain Lion |
| Western Long-Eared Bat | Black-Tailed Deer |
| River Otter | Wolf |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | Long-Legged Myotis |
| White-Tailed Deer | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Virginia Opossum | Ermine |
| Meadow Vole | California Myotis |
| Eastern Red Bat | Snowshoe Hare |
| White-Footed Mouse | North American River Otter |
| Norway Rat | Masked Shrew |
Fish
| Mammoth Cave National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Largemouth Bass | Eastern Brook Trout |
| Green Sunfish | Brown Trout |
| Bluegill | Coho Salmon |
| Golden Shiner | Chinook Salmon |
| Common Carp | Mottled Sculpin |
| Yellow Bullhead | Slimy Sculpin |
| Channel Catfish | Threespine Stickleback |
| Black Crappie | Kokanee |
| Black Bullhead | Pink Salmon |
| Mosquitofish | Dolly Varden |
| Creek Chub | Cutthroat Trout |
| Goldfish | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Amphibians
| Mammoth Cave National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Eastern Tiger Salamander | Tiger Salamander |
| Bullfrog | |
| Wood Frog |
Reptiles
| Mammoth Cave National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Black Racer | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Ringneck Snake | Common Garter Snake |
| Eastern Garter Snake | Rubber Boa |
| Eastern Fence Lizard |
Insects
| Mammoth Cave National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | Mourning Cloak |
| Commom Wood Nymph | Cabbage White |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Mammoth Cave National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Mammoth Cave National Park is famous for its underground labyrinth of caves, including the longest cave system in the world with over 400 miles of explored passageways. The park also offers stunning landscapes above ground, including rolling hills, forests, and sinkholes.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, on the other hand, is known for its dramatic landscapes, including the stunning New River Gorge Bridge, which offers breathtaking views of the river and surrounding cliffs. The park also boasts over 70,000 acres of forested land, and is home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, deer, and many species of birds.
Both parks offer visitors a chance to experience the beauty of nature, whether it’s underground, on top of a mountain, or by a waterfall. In Mammoth Cave, you can take a guided tour of the caves, or hike above ground and explore the rolling hills and sinkholes. In New River Gorge, you can hike, climb, or go whitewater rafting on the river, or simply relax and take in the views from an overlook.
Whether you’re looking for adventure or just a peaceful place to escape, these two parks offer something for everyone. So, pack your bags and head out to experience the natural wonders of Mammoth Cave and New River Gorge.
Things To-Do and Activities in Mammoth Cave National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in West Virginia are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. While both parks offer unique experiences, each one is known for its own set of popular activities.
Mammoth Cave National Park is renowned for its cave system, which is one of the largest in the world. Visitors can take guided tours of the caves and explore the underground labyrinth of tunnels and chambers. In addition to caving, Mammoth Cave also offers opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, and boating.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, on the other hand, is a haven for rock climbers, hikers, and whitewater rafters. The New River provides an exciting challenge for kayakers and rafters, while the towering cliffs and scenic vistas of the gorge attract rock climbers from all over the world. The park also offers opportunities for camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
Whether you’re looking for an underground adventure or an outdoor challenge, both Mammoth Cave National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve offer a wealth of activities for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or just starting out, these parks are sure to provide a memorable experience.
Best Time to Visit Mammoth Cave National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Mammoth Cave National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. While both parks offer unique experiences, the seasonal weather at each park is vastly different.
Mammoth Cave National Park is located in Kentucky and is known for its underground cave system. The park experiences warm summers and mild winters, with temperatures ranging from the high 60s to low 80s in the summer and low to mid-30s in the winter. This makes the summer months the best time to visit the park, as temperatures are comfortable for outdoor activities such as hiking and cave exploring.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, located in West Virginia, experiences a much different climate. The park is located in a high elevation and experiences a colder winter and milder summer. The temperatures in the winter can drop to the low 20s, while the summer months can reach the high 80s. The cold winter temperatures make outdoor activities, such as hiking and rock climbing, more challenging. However, the milder summer temperatures make it the best time to visit the park. Additionally, the park is known for its stunning fall foliage, making autumn a popular time to visit.
In conclusion, both parks offer unique experiences and their seasonal weather greatly affects the best time of year to visit. If you’re looking for a warm weather experience with outdoor activities, Mammoth Cave National Park is the best choice. However, if you’re looking for a cooler weather experience with stunning fall foliage, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is a great option.
Family Friendliness of Mammoth Cave National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in West Virginia offer unique outdoor experiences for families. Both parks have family-friendly activities, however, the type of activities varies.
Mammoth Cave National Park is a great option for families interested in underground exploration. The park offers several ranger-led cave tours, including the “Discovery Tour” which is a great option for families with younger children. The park also has hiking trails, camping, and a visitor center with educational exhibits.
On the other hand, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is ideal for families who enjoy outdoor activities such as rafting, rock climbing, and hiking. The park has over 70 miles of trails and the New River offers plenty of opportunities for rafting and kayaking. The park also has a visitors center with exhibits and a junior ranger program.
In conclusion, both parks offer a range of family-friendly activities, however, the type of activities varies. If your family is interested in underground exploration, Mammoth Cave National Park is the better option. If your family enjoys outdoor adventure, then New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is the better choice.