Mount Rainier National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. They are both known for their stunning landscapes and outdoor recreational opportunities. But which one is better for your next adventure?
If you are an adrenaline junkie, then New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is the place for you. With its world-renowned whitewater rafting and rock climbing, this park is a mecca for thrill-seekers. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more relaxed, nature-filled experience, then Mount Rainier National Park is the place for you. With its towering mountain, pristine forests, and serene lakes, this park offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
So, which park should you choose for your next adventure? That’s where this article comes in! We’ll take an in-depth look at both parks, comparing their landscapes, recreational opportunities, and more. You’ll learn about the best time of year to visit, what to pack, and what to see and do while you’re there. So, whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a first-time national park visitor, this article is for you!
Hiking Trails in Mount Rainier National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Mount Rainier National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging backcountry routes.
At Mount Rainier, the most popular hike is the Paradise Loop Trail, a 5.5-mile trail that takes you through meadows and forests to stunning views of the mountain. For a more challenging hike, the Wonderland Trail is a 93-mile loop that circumnavigates the mountain and takes several days to complete.
New River Gorge is well-known for its rock climbing and scenic vistas, but it also has excellent hiking trails. One of the most popular hikes is the Endless Wall Trail, a 3-mile hike that takes you along the rim of the gorge and offers stunning views of the New River. For a more strenuous hike, the Long Point Trail is a 7-mile round trip that takes you to a scenic overlook of the gorge.
Both parks offer a range of hiking experiences, from easy walks to multi-day backcountry adventures. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging trek, both Mount Rainier and New River Gorge have something to offer.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Mount Rainier National Park
| 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 | 4.5 |
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 Mount Rainier National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Mount Rainier National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two of the most diverse national parks in the United States. Both parks are home to a wide variety of wildlife, including animals, birds, and plants.
At Mount Rainier, visitors can expect to see a range of mammals, from black bears and cougars to marmots and elk. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including the American Dipper, the Northern Pygmy Owl, and the Olive-sided Flycatcher. In addition, visitors can see a diverse array of plants, including wildflowers, ferns, and mosses.
In contrast, New River Gorge offers a different kind of wildlife experience. The park is home to a range of mammals, including white-tailed deer, black bears, and raccoons. Birdwatchers can see a variety of species, including the American Bald Eagle, the Peregrine Falcon, and the Red-tailed Hawk. The park is also home to a unique plant community, including hardwoods, pines, and hemlocks.
Both parks offer an incredible opportunity to experience and appreciate the diverse wildlife of the United States. Whether you’re a birdwatcher, a botanist, or simply a nature lover, Mount Rainier and New River Gorge are two parks that you won’t want to miss.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Mount Rainier 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
| Mount Rainier 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 |
| Great Horned Owl | Great Horned Owl |
| Red-Tailed Hawk | Red-Tailed Hawk |
| Barn Swallow | Barn Swallow |
| Savannah Sparrow | Savannah Sparrow |
| Great Blue Heron | Great Blue Heron |
| Hermit Thrush | Hermit Thrush |
| European Starling | European Starling |
| Northern Pintail | Northern Pintail |
| American Wigeon | American Wigeon |
| Green-Winged Teal | Green-Winged Teal |
| American Pipit | American Pipit |
| Killdeer | Killdeer |
| Brown-Headed Cowbird | Brown-Headed Cowbird |
| Hairy Woodpecker | Hairy Woodpecker |
| Red-Breasted Nuthatch | Red-Breasted Nuthatch |
| White-Crowned Sparrow | White-Crowned Sparrow |
| Northern Shoveler | Northern Shoveler |
Mammals
| Mount Rainier 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 |
| Porcupine | Porcupine |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Hoary Bat | Hoary Bat |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| House Mouse | House Mouse |
| Mountain Lion | Mountain Lion |
| Black-Tailed Deer | Black-Tailed Deer |
| Wolf | Wolf |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Ermine | Ermine |
| California Myotis | California Myotis |
| Snowshoe Hare | Snowshoe Hare |
| North American River Otter | North American River Otter |
| Masked Shrew | Masked Shrew |
Fish
| Mount Rainier National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Eastern Brook Trout | Eastern Brook Trout |
| Brown Trout | Brown Trout |
| Coho Salmon | Coho Salmon |
| Chinook Salmon | Chinook Salmon |
| Mottled Sculpin | Mottled Sculpin |
| Slimy Sculpin | Slimy Sculpin |
| Threespine Stickleback | Threespine Stickleback |
| Kokanee | Kokanee |
| Pink Salmon | Pink Salmon |
| Dolly Varden | Dolly Varden |
| Cutthroat Trout | Cutthroat Trout |
Reptiles
| Mount Rainier National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Common Garter Snake | Common Garter Snake |
| Rubber Boa | Rubber Boa |
Amphibians
| Mount Rainier National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Tiger Salamander | Tiger Salamander |
Insects
| Mount Rainier National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Mourning Cloak | Mourning Cloak |
| Cabbage White | Cabbage White |
| Silvery Blue | Silvery Blue |
| Purplish Copper | Purplish Copper |
| Anise Swallowtail | Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Mount Rainier National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Mount Rainier National Park is located in Washington State, and is home to the majestic Mount Rainier, an active volcano that rises to an elevation of 14,410 feet. The park is known for its stunning beauty and diverse landscapes, including glaciers, subalpine wildflower meadows, and old-growth forests. Visitors can hike to the summit, explore the many trails, or simply enjoy the views from a scenic overlook.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, located in West Virginia, is famous for its breathtaking views of the New River Gorge Bridge and the New River, which is one of the oldest rivers in the world. The park offers a range of outdoor activities, including rock climbing, whitewater rafting, and hiking, as well as several scenic drives and overlooks. The park also features the Grandview Sandstone Overlook, which offers panoramic views of the New River Gorge and the surrounding landscape.
Both parks offer unique and diverse landscapes that draw visitors from around the world. Whether you’re looking for breathtaking views, outdoor adventure, or simply a chance to escape into nature, both Mount Rainier National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are must-see destinations.
Things To-Do and Activities in Mount Rainier National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Mount Rainier National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. While the two parks offer many similarities, they also have unique differences when it comes to popular activities.
At Mount Rainier, visitors can enjoy scenic drives and picnicking along the park’s many trails. The park is also a popular destination for rock climbing and mountaineering, with several challenging routes and peaks to explore. In the summer, visitors can also enjoy wildflower meadows and scenic vistas from the park’s many high points.
At New River Gorge, visitors can explore the park’s rugged terrain through activities such as white-water rafting and kayaking. The park is also a destination for rock climbing, with over 1,400 established climbing routes. Hiking and mountain biking are also popular, with trails ranging from easy walks to challenging backcountry routes.
Both parks offer opportunities for wildlife viewing and bird watching, with Mount Rainier being known for its diverse bird species and New River Gorge for its black bears, white-tailed deer, and other wildlife. Both parks also offer ranger-led programs and educational opportunities, including guided walks and talks on the parks’ history and ecology.
Whether you’re an experienced outdoorsperson or just looking for a scenic place to relax, both Mount Rainier National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve have plenty to offer.
Best Time to Visit Mount Rainier National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Mount Rainier National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two popular outdoor destinations in the United States. When it comes to seasonal weather, these two parks offer vastly different experiences.
At Mount Rainier, visitors can expect cool, damp weather year-round, with heavy snowfall in the winter months. Summer is the driest season, but temperatures usually only reach the low 60s. This makes it an ideal destination for those who enjoy cooler weather and snow sports. The best time to visit Mount Rainier for hiking and other outdoor activities is from June to September.
In contrast, New River Gorge experiences much warmer weather, with temperatures ranging from the high 80s in the summer to the low 40s in the winter. Summer is the wettest season, with frequent thunderstorms. Fall is the driest season, and temperatures are mild, making it the best time to visit for outdoor activities such as hiking, rock climbing, and white-water rafting.
In conclusion, both Mount Rainier National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve offer unique seasonal weather experiences. Visitors should plan their trips accordingly, taking into consideration the type of activities they would like to do and the weather conditions they are willing to face.
Family Friendliness of Mount Rainier National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Mount Rainier National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two popular outdoor destinations in the United States. When it comes to family-friendliness, each park has its own strengths and weaknesses.
Mount Rainier is known for its stunning views and diverse range of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, and sightseeing. The park also offers a number of educational programs and ranger-led activities that are designed specifically for families, making it a great choice for families who want to learn about the park’s unique ecology and history. However, the park’s remote location and challenging terrain may make it difficult for young children to fully enjoy the experience.
On the other hand, New River Gorge is a great choice for families who are looking for a more laid-back outdoor experience. The park is home to a number of scenic hiking trails and picnic areas, as well as a range of water-based activities such as rafting and fishing. The park also offers a number of educational programs for families, including ranger-led walks and talks, as well as a visitors center that features interactive exhibits and hands-on activities. With its close proximity to a number of major cities and its relatively easy terrain, New River Gorge is a great choice for families who want to spend a relaxing day outdoors.
In conclusion, while both parks are great family-friendly destinations, New River Gorge is a better choice for families traveling with young children due to its proximity to major cities and its relatively easier terrain.