New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Shenandoah National Park are two of the most magnificent natural wonders in the United States. These parks are not only breathtakingly beautiful, but they also offer a range of exciting outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. So, if you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse yourself in the great outdoors, these two parks are the perfect destinations.
But which park is right for you? New River Gorge boasts stunning views of the New River as it winds its way through the Appalachian Mountains, while Shenandoah is known for its rolling hills, lush forests, and pristine streams. Both parks offer hiking, camping, fishing, and other outdoor activities, but each has its own unique features that make it stand out.
So, are you ready to discover the best that these two parks have to offer? Join us as we compare and contrast New River Gorge and Shenandoah, and find out which one is the ultimate destination for your next outdoor adventure!
Hiking Trails in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Shenandoah National Park
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Shenandoah National Park are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. Both parks offer scenic hiking trails that range in difficulty.
At New River Gorge, some of the easiest hikes include the Endless Wall Trail and the Fern Creek Trail. Both trails offer breathtaking views of the gorge and are relatively flat. For those seeking a challenge, the Nuttall Trail offers a strenuous hike with steep inclines and rocky terrain.
Shenandoah National Park is known for its rolling hills and scenic vistas. Some of the easiest hikes include the Rose River Loop and the Whiteoak Canyon Trail. For those seeking a more challenging hike, the Old Rag Mountain hike is a popular option. This hike involves steep inclines and rocky terrain, making it a challenging but rewarding experience.
Both parks offer an abundance of hiking trails for visitors to explore, ranging from easy to strenuous. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, New River Gorge and Shenandoah National Park have something to offer.
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 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Shenandoah National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old Rag Mountain Loop | 13840.324 | 736.7016 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| White Oak Canyon and Cedar Run Trails Loop | 14484.06 | 722.9856 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
| Dark Hollow Falls Trail | 2253.076 | 171.9072 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Bearfence Mountain Trail | 1609.34 | 73.7616 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Hawksbill Gap Loop via Appalachian Trail | 4184.284 | 228.9048 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Rose River Trail | 5632.69 | 256.9464 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| White Oak Canyon Trail | 15288.73 | 733.9584 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Stony Man via Appalachian Trail | 2414.01 | 97.8408 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| South River Falls Trail | 7402.964 | 387.7056 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Little Stony Man Loop via Appalachian Trail | 5471.756 | 263.9568 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Shenandoah National Park
The New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in West Virginia and Shenandoah National Park in Virginia offer unique wildlife experiences for visitors.
At New River Gorge, visitors can expect to see a variety of wildlife including black bears, white-tailed deer, and coyotes. Birdwatchers may spot species like the red-tailed hawk, raven, and turkey vulture. The park also boasts a diverse range of plant life, including hemlocks, pines, and hardwoods.
Shenandoah National Park, on the other hand, is known for its abundant population of black bears and deer. Additionally, birdwatchers can look for the park’s famous bird species, the scarlet tanager, and other songbirds like the wood thrush and ovenbird. The park is also home to a variety of tree species, including tulip poplars, oak trees, and maples.
Both parks offer unique experiences for wildlife enthusiasts. Whether you’re interested in mammals, birds, or plants, you’re sure to see a variety of species at either park. However, New River Gorge offers a wider range of wildlife experiences, with a greater variety of mammals and bird species. On the other hand, Shenandoah National Park is known for its large population of black bears and opportunities for birdwatching.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Shenandoah National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| New River Gorge National Park and Preserve | Shenandoah National Park |
|---|---|
| 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 | Ruby-Crowned Kinglet |
| Red-Tailed Hawk | American Robin |
| Barn Swallow | Great Horned Owl |
| Savannah Sparrow | Red-Tailed Hawk |
| Great Blue Heron | Northern Flicker |
| Hermit Thrush | Merlin |
| European Starling | Barn Swallow |
| Northern Pintail | Savannah Sparrow |
| American Wigeon | Great Blue Heron |
| Green-Winged Teal | Hermit Thrush |
| American Pipit | American Kestrel |
| Killdeer | Bald Eagle |
| Brown-Headed Cowbird | Song Sparrow |
| Hairy Woodpecker | European Starling |
| Red-Breasted Nuthatch | Northern Pintail |
| White-Crowned Sparrow | American Wigeon |
| Northern Shoveler | Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| New River Gorge National Park and Preserve | Shenandoah National Park |
|---|---|
| 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 | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Hoary Bat |
| Hoary Bat | Red Fox |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| House Mouse | House Mouse |
| Mountain Lion | Mountain Lion |
| Black-Tailed Deer | Gray Fox |
| Wolf | River Otter |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Masked Shrew |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Water Shrew |
| Ermine | Red Squirrel |
| California Myotis | White-Tailed Deer |
| Snowshoe Hare | Virginia Opossum |
| North American River Otter | Marten |
| Masked Shrew | Northern Flying Squirrel |
Fish
| New River Gorge National Park and Preserve | Shenandoah National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Eastern Brook Trout | Brook Trout |
| Brown Trout | Brown Trout |
| Coho Salmon | Largemouth Bass |
| Chinook Salmon | Green Sunfish |
| Mottled Sculpin | Bluegill |
| Slimy Sculpin | Common Carp |
| Threespine Stickleback | Mottled Sculpin |
| Kokanee | Longnose Dace |
| Pink Salmon | Yellow Bullhead |
| Dolly Varden | Creek Chub |
| Cutthroat Trout | Brown Bullhead |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Reptiles
| New River Gorge National Park and Preserve | Shenandoah National Park |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | Black Racer |
| Common Garter Snake | Ringneck Snake |
| Rubber Boa | Common Garter Snake |
| Common Kingsnake | |
| Milksnake | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard |
Amphibians
| New River Gorge National Park and Preserve | Shenandoah National Park |
|---|---|
| Tiger Salamander | Northern Leopard Frog |
Insects
| New River Gorge National Park and Preserve | Shenandoah National Park |
|---|---|
| Mourning Cloak | Orange Sulphur |
| Cabbage White | Painted Lady |
| Silvery Blue | Monarch |
| Purplish Copper | American Lady |
| Anise Swallowtail | Red Admiral |
| Mourning Cloak | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Common Checkered Skipper | |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Buckeye | |
| Commom Wood Nymph | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Beautiful Landscapes in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Shenandoah National Park
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is located in West Virginia and is famous for its stunning landscapes and outdoor recreation opportunities. The park features a scenic drive through the New River Gorge Bridge, which offers breathtaking views of the river below. The park also features a number of hiking trails, including the Endless Wall Trail, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Shenandoah National Park is located in Virginia and is famous for its scenic Skyline Drive, which winds through the Blue Ridge Mountains. The park offers scenic overlooks and hiking trails, including the popular Old Rag Mountain. The park also features waterfalls and streams, including the Dark Hollow Falls, which can be reached by a short hike.
Both parks offer a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. Whether you are looking for scenic drives, breathtaking views, or challenging hikes, both New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Shenandoah National Park have something to offer visitors. Whether you prefer the rugged beauty of the New River Gorge or the rolling hills of Shenandoah, both parks are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Things To-Do and Activities in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Shenandoah National Park
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in West Virginia and Shenandoah National Park in Virginia both offer a range of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. At New River Gorge, visitors can go rock climbing, white-water rafting, and take scenic drives along the park’s roads. The New River Gorge Bridge, which spans the park, is also a popular spot for BASE jumping and is the site of the annual Bridge Day festival.
Shenandoah National Park, on the other hand, is known for its scenic drives, particularly Skyline Drive, which offers stunning views of the park’s rolling hills and valleys. Visitors can also go horseback riding, fishing, and camping in the park. The park also has several picnic areas where visitors can enjoy a meal and take in the views.
One key difference between the two parks is the scenery. New River Gorge is known for its steep cliffs and rugged terrain, while Shenandoah is known for its rolling hills and dense forests. This difference in terrain affects the types of activities that are popular in each park. For example, the cliffs of New River Gorge make it an ideal spot for rock climbing, while the rolling hills of Shenandoah are perfect for horseback riding.
Both parks offer a variety of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy, but the specific activities that are popular in each park will depend on the park’s terrain and scenery. Whether you’re looking for a challenging outdoor adventure or a relaxing day in nature, New River Gorge and Shenandoah National Parks have something to offer.
Best Time to Visit New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Shenandoah National Park
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Shenandoah National Park are two popular national parks in the United States that offer a variety of outdoor activities for visitors. The seasonal weather at these parks affects when is the best time to visit them.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is located in the Appalachian Mountains in West Virginia and experiences a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Spring and fall are the best times to visit, with temperatures ranging from 40 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Summer temperatures can reach up to 90 degrees, making it ideal for water activities like rafting and kayaking. Winter temperatures can drop as low as 20 degrees, but the park remains open and offers opportunities for winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding.
Shenandoah National Park, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, also experiences a temperate climate with four seasons. Spring and fall are the best times to visit, with temperatures ranging from 40 to 70 degrees. Summer temperatures can reach up to 90 degrees, making it ideal for hiking and camping. Winter temperatures can drop as low as 20 degrees, with snow and ice covering the park. Winter is a popular time for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
In conclusion, both New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Shenandoah National Park offer stunning landscapes and outdoor activities throughout the year. The temperate climate at both parks makes spring and fall the best times to visit, with comfortable temperatures and a variety of recreational opportunities.
Family Friendliness of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Shenandoah National Park
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Shenandoah National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer a range of activities for families, but each has its own unique features that make it better suited for families traveling with children.
In terms of accessibility, Shenandoah National Park is a more family-friendly option. The park has a scenic drive that provides easy access to many of the park’s attractions, including picnic areas, hiking trails, and scenic overlooks. Additionally, the park has several campgrounds that are well-equipped for families, including picnic tables, fire rings, and bathrooms with running water.
On the other hand, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is a more rugged and remote option that may be less suitable for families with young children. The park is known for its challenging hiking trails and scenic views, but it lacks the same level of accessibility and amenities as Shenandoah National Park. While the park does have campgrounds, they are often located far from the park’s attractions and may not be as well-suited for families.
In conclusion, if you’re traveling with children and looking for a more family-friendly national park experience, Shenandoah National Park is likely the better option. However, if you’re looking for a more rugged and remote experience, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve may be the way to go.