New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Theodore Roosevelt National Park are the perfect destinations for nature lovers and adventure seekers who are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Both parks offer breathtaking views, diverse wildlife, and a host of activities that will keep visitors entertained for days. But which park is the better choice? In this article, we compare and contrast New River Gorge and Theodore Roosevelt, highlighting the unique features of each park and helping you decide which one is right for you.
New River Gorge is a park unlike any other. It is home to the world’s third-largest single-arch bridge, which spans over the New River and provides breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The park also offers world-class rock climbing and whitewater rafting, making it a haven for adrenaline junkies. In addition to these adventure sports, New River Gorge also offers miles of hiking trails and scenic drives that provide opportunities for wildlife viewing and birdwatching.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park, on the other hand, is a park that celebrates the legacy of the 26th President of the United States. It is a place where visitors can experience the rugged beauty of the Badlands and the rolling prairies that were once home to bison, pronghorns, and prairie dogs. The park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, horseback riding, and scenic drives, but it is also a great place for wildlife watching and birding. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or a history buff, Theodore Roosevelt National Park is sure to provide a memorable experience.
Hiking Trails in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Theodore Roosevelt National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve offer a diverse range of hiking experiences. Theodore Roosevelt is known for its scenic badlands, where visitors can take easy walks through the colorful rock formations and prairies. On the other hand, New River Gorge is home to some of the most challenging hikes in the region, with steep climbs and rugged terrain.
For those seeking a leisurely hike, the Buck Hill Loop Trail at Theodore Roosevelt National Park is an ideal choice. This easy 1.5-mile trail takes you through prairies and along the Little Missouri River, offering stunning views of the park’s iconic badlands. On the other hand, the Nuttall Trail at New River Gorge is a strenuous 8.5-mile hike that takes you to the top of the New River Gorge Bridge, offering breathtaking views of the park and the surrounding landscape.
For those seeking a more challenging hike, the Painted Canyon Trail at Theodore Roosevelt National Park is a must. This 8-mile trail takes you through the park’s rugged badlands, with steep ascents and descents along the way. If you’re up for a real endurance challenge, the Endless Wall Trail at New River Gorge is a demanding 12-mile hike that takes you along the rim of the gorge, with steep drop-offs and challenging terrain.
In conclusion, both Theodore Roosevelt National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve offer unique hiking experiences, with easy walks and challenging hikes for all skill levels. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a strenuous workout, these parks have something for everyone.
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 Theodore Roosevelt National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wind Canyon Trail | 804.67 | 16.764 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Caprock Coulee Loop | 6115.492 | 159.7152 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Painted Canyon Nature Trail | 1770.274 | 78.9432 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Petrified Forest Trail | 16415.268 | 253.8984 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Maah Daah Hey Trail | 229009.082 | 4614.9768 | Hard | point to point | 4.5 |
| Lower Paddock Creek Trail | 11587.248 | 127.7112 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Buck Hill Trail | 643.736 | 16.764 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Ridgeline Nature Trail | 1126.538 | 33.8328 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Coal Vein Trail | 965.604 | 4.8768 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Buckhorn Trail | 19633.948 | 324.9168 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Theodore Roosevelt National Park
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Theodore Roosevelt National Park are two of the most beautiful national parks in the United States. Both parks are known for their unique wildlife and diverse ecosystems. In New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, you can expect to see a range of animals, including black bears, white-tailed deer, and river otters. Additionally, the park is home to over 200 species of birds, including hawks, vultures, and warblers. The park is also known for its diverse plant life, including Appalachian hardwoods, pine forests, and hemlock groves.
On the other hand, Theodore Roosevelt National Park is known for its prairies, badlands, and wildlife. Visitors can expect to see bison, pronghorns, and elk roaming the park’s grasslands. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including meadowlarks, prairie chickens, and ferruginous hawks. Additionally, the park is known for its diverse plant life, including prairie grasses, wildflowers, and cacti.
Overall, both New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Theodore Roosevelt National Park offer unique wildlife experiences. Whether you are interested in seeing large mammals, birds, or plants, both parks offer something for everyone. However, if you are specifically interested in seeing prairies and badlands, Theodore Roosevelt National Park is the best option. If you are looking for a more diverse wildlife experience, including forests and rivers, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is the best choice.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Theodore Roosevelt National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| New River Gorge National Park and Preserve | Theodore Roosevelt 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 | 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 | Swainson’s Thrush |
Mammals
| New River Gorge National Park and Preserve | Theodore Roosevelt 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 | Porcupine |
| 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 | Mink |
| Wolf | Mule Deer |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Gray Wolf |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Ermine | Long-Eared Myotis |
| California Myotis | Badger |
| Snowshoe Hare | Snowshoe Hare |
| North American River Otter | North American River Otter |
| Masked Shrew | Masked Shrew |
Fish
| New River Gorge National Park and Preserve | Theodore Roosevelt National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Longnose Sucker |
| Eastern Brook Trout | Green Sunfish |
| Brown Trout | Bluegill |
| Coho Salmon | Flathead Minnow |
| Chinook Salmon | Golden Shiner |
| Mottled Sculpin | Carp/European Carp |
| Slimy Sculpin | Northern Pike |
| Threespine Stickleback | Burbot |
| Kokanee | Longnose Dace |
| Pink Salmon | Channel Catfish |
| Dolly Varden | Black Bullhead |
| Cutthroat Trout | Creek Chub |
Reptiles
| New River Gorge National Park and Preserve | Theodore Roosevelt National Park |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | Bullsnake |
| Common Garter Snake | Racer |
| Rubber Boa | Rattlesnake |
| Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard |
Amphibians
| New River Gorge National Park and Preserve | Theodore Roosevelt National Park |
|---|---|
| Tiger Salamander | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Insects
| New River Gorge National Park and Preserve | Theodore Roosevelt National Park |
|---|---|
| Mourning Cloak | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Theodore Roosevelt National Park
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is located in West Virginia and is known for its scenic beauty and recreational opportunities. The park is renowned for its white water rafting and rock climbing opportunities, but it also offers beautiful landscapes and overlooks that showcase the beauty of the New River. Visitors can look out over the New River Gorge Bridge, which is the longest steel arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park is located in North Dakota and is named after the 26th President of the United States. This park is famous for its rugged badlands and prairies, which are home to a variety of wildlife including bison, pronghorns, and bighorn sheep. Visitors can take scenic drives to see the beautiful landscapes, go on a hike, or go horseback riding. The park is also known for its unique rock formations like the Painted Canyon and the Petrified Forest Trail.
Both New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Theodore Roosevelt National Park offer visitors the opportunity to experience the beauty of the great outdoors. Whether you’re interested in rafting, rock climbing, hiking, or just taking in the scenic views, these parks are sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
Things To-Do and Activities in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Theodore Roosevelt National Park
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Theodore Roosevelt National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both offer a range of outdoor activities for visitors, including hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.
At New River Gorge, visitors can enjoy scenic drives along the park’s winding roads, and go rock climbing on the towering cliffs that line the New River. The park also offers opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and white-water rafting. In addition, visitors can take scenic drives through the park, stopping at scenic overlooks to admire the views.
At Theodore Roosevelt National Park, visitors can explore the park’s scenic drives and hiking trails, as well as go horseback riding, wildlife watching, and scenic drives. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bison, pronghorns, and elk, which visitors can observe in their natural habitats. The park also offers opportunities for bird watching, as well as ranger-led tours and educational programs.
In conclusion, both New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Theodore Roosevelt National Park offer a range of outdoor activities for visitors. Whether you’re interested in scenic drives, wildlife watching, or outdoor recreation, these parks have something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Theodore Roosevelt National Park
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Theodore Roosevelt National Park have different seasonal weather patterns that can greatly impact the best time of year to visit. New River Gorge is located in West Virginia and experiences hot summers with temperatures reaching into the high 80s and 90s, as well as cold winters with average temperatures around 30°F. Theodore Roosevelt National Park, on the other hand, is located in North Dakota and experiences milder summers with average temperatures in the high 60s and 70s, as well as cold and snowy winters with average temperatures below freezing.
Both parks offer unique experiences depending on the season. New River Gorge is best visited in the spring and fall, when temperatures are mild and the park’s lush vegetation is in full bloom. This is also a great time for rock climbing and scenic drives, as the weather is mild and views are unobstructed. On the other hand, Theodore Roosevelt National Park is best visited in the summer, when the park’s prairies come to life with wildflowers and wildlife is more active. Winter is also a great time to visit the park, as the snow and cold temperatures create a unique and breathtaking landscape.
In conclusion, the weather at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Theodore Roosevelt National Park greatly affects the best time of year to visit. Visitors should consider their preferred activities and weather conditions when planning a trip to either park.
Family Friendliness of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Theodore Roosevelt National Park
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Theodore Roosevelt National Park are two popular destinations for families who enjoy outdoor recreation and scenic beauty. However, these two parks offer different experiences for families and one may be more suitable for your family’s needs than the other.
When it comes to family-friendliness, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve has a variety of recreational activities for families, including hiking, fishing, and camping. With over 70 miles of trails, ranging from easy to strenuous, families can find a hike that meets their needs. Additionally, the park’s scenic overlooks, such as Endless Wall and Long Point, offer breathtaking views of the New River Gorge and the surrounding landscape.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park, on the other hand, is a great destination for families who love wildlife viewing. With its diverse habitats, this park is home to a variety of wildlife species, including bison, elk, and pronghorns. Visitors can take a scenic drive through the park, stopping at several viewpoints to catch a glimpse of the wildlife. Additionally, the park offers several ranger-led programs, including guided walks and campfire talks, which are great opportunities for families to learn about the park’s wildlife and history.
In conclusion, both New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Theodore Roosevelt National Park offer unique experiences for families, and the best park for your family will depend on your specific interests and needs. If you’re looking for a variety of recreational activities and scenic beauty, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve may be the better choice. If you’re looking for a park that offers incredible wildlife viewing opportunities, Theodore Roosevelt National Park is a great option.