New River Gorge National Park and Preserve vs Virgin Islands National Park

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New River Gorge National Park and Preserve vs Virgin Islands National Park

New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Virgin Islands National Park are two of the most popular and stunning national parks in the United States. These two parks offer vastly different experiences, from the rugged and wild terrain of the New River Gorge to the tropical paradise of the Virgin Islands. Whether you’re an adventure-seeker, nature lover, or just looking for a relaxing escape, both of these parks have something to offer.

In this article, we will compare New River Gorge and Virgin Islands National Park, highlighting the unique features and attractions that each park has to offer. With breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and endless opportunities for recreation, these two parks are the perfect destinations for anyone looking to explore the great outdoors. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through two of America’s most incredible national parks!

Hiking Trails in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Virgin Islands National Park

New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in West Virginia and Virgin Islands National Park in the U.S. Virgin Islands offer unique hiking experiences. Both parks offer a range of trails from easy to challenging, with breathtaking views and diverse landscapes.

New River Gorge National Park is known for its strenuous hikes, including the Endless Wall Trail which offers a strenuous but rewarding hike along the cliffs of the New River Gorge. For those looking for an easier trail, the Fern Creek Trail is a 2.6-mile hike that meanders through a lush forest with a waterfall at the end.

In contrast, Virgin Islands National Park is known for its easier hikes, such as the Reef Bay Trail, a 2.8-mile trail that leads through lush tropical forests to a serene bay. However, the park also offers its share of challenging hikes, including the Ram Head Trail, which is a strenuous 3.7-mile hike to the top of a cliff with panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea.

Both parks offer diverse and exhilarating hiking experiences, and whether you are looking for an easy nature walk or a strenuous hike to the top of a cliff, both New River Gorge and Virgin Islands National Parks 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 Virgin Islands 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 4.6

Wildlife in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Virgin Islands National Park

New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, located in West Virginia, is home to a diverse array of animals, including white-tailed deer, black bear, and eastern coyote. Birdwatchers can spot numerous bird species, including the raven, pileated woodpecker, and the wild turkey. The park also boasts a variety of plants, including the paw paw tree and the hemlock tree.

Virgin Islands National Park, located on the island of St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands, is a prime location for wildlife viewing. Visitors can spot a variety of reptiles, including the green sea turtle, the hawksbill turtle, and the iguana. Birdwatching is also popular, with species including the bananaquit and the eastern kingbird. The park is home to a diverse array of plants, including the manchineel tree, the seagrape tree, and the red mangrove.

Both parks provide unique opportunities for wildlife viewing, but New River Gorge National Park and Preserve offers a wider variety of terrestrial wildlife, while Virgin Islands National Park offers a greater diversity of marine wildlife and bird species. Regardless of which park you choose, be sure to bring binoculars and a camera to capture the beauty of the wildlife in these amazing national parks.

Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Virgin Islands National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.

Birds

New River Gorge National Park and Preserve Virgin Islands 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 Virgin Islands 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 Virgin Islands 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 Virgin Islands 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 Virgin Islands National Park
Tiger Salamander Northern Leopard Frog
Tiger Salamander
Woodhouse’s Toad
Plains Spadefoot

Insects

New River Gorge National Park and Preserve Virgin Islands National Park
Mourning Cloak
Cabbage White
Silvery Blue
Purplish Copper
Anise Swallowtail

Beautiful Landscapes in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Virgin Islands National Park

New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Virgin Islands National Park offer unique and diverse landscapes for visitors to enjoy.

New River Gorge National Park is located in West Virginia and is known for its stunning cliffs and canyons. The New River Gorge Bridge, one of the highest steel arch bridges in the world, offers a breathtaking overlook of the river below. The park’s rugged terrain also provides ample opportunities for adventure, including rock climbing, whitewater rafting, and hiking.

Virgin Islands National Park, on the other hand, is located in the U.S. Virgin Islands and is known for its pristine beaches and turquoise waters. Visitors can snorkel, kayak, or sail the crystal clear waters to see the diverse marine life and coral reefs. The park also features lush tropical forests that are home to a variety of exotic wildlife. Hiking trails through the park offer stunning views of the Caribbean Sea and nearby islands.

Both parks offer visitors a chance to experience the beauty of nature, whether it be the rugged cliffs and canyons of New River Gorge or the turquoise waters and tropical forests of Virgin Islands.

Things To-Do and Activities in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Virgin Islands National Park

New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Virgin Islands National Park are two unique outdoor destinations offering diverse experiences to visitors.

New River Gorge National Park, located in West Virginia, is famous for its stunning sandstone cliffs and opportunities for rock climbing, white-water rafting, and mountain biking. Visitors can also explore the park’s numerous trails for hiking and scenic drives for breathtaking views of the New River Gorge Bridge.

Virgin Islands National Park, located in the U.S. Virgin Islands, boasts miles of pristine beaches and turquoise waters ideal for snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and sailing. It also features lush tropical forests and hiking trails, offering opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife encounters.

Both parks offer unique experiences and a chance to escape into nature. New River Gorge National Park appeals to adventure-seekers with its challenging rock climbing and white-water rafting, while Virgin Islands National Park attracts beach-goers and water sports enthusiasts. Both parks provide opportunities for hiking, exploring scenic views, and wildlife encounters, making them ideal destinations for nature lovers.

Best Time to Visit New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Virgin Islands National Park

New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Virgin Islands National Park are two popular National Parks in the United States, but they have vastly different climates. The New River Gorge National Park is located in West Virginia and has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. During the summer months, temperatures can reach up to 90°F, making it perfect for outdoor activities like hiking and rock climbing. Winter temperatures average around 40°F, with occasional snow and ice, making it a great destination for winter sports.

On the other hand, Virgin Islands National Park is located in the tropical Caribbean and experiences warm and humid weather year-round. Temperatures range from the mid-70s to the low 80s, with occasional rain showers. The park is best visited from December to May, when rainfall is at its lowest and the weather is most pleasant for outdoor activities like snorkeling and hiking.

In conclusion, both New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Virgin Islands National Park offer unique weather experiences. Whether you prefer a temperate climate with four distinct seasons or warm and tropical weather, there is a National Park for everyone to explore and enjoy.

Family Friendliness of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Virgin Islands National Park

New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in West Virginia and Virgin Islands National Park in the U.S. Virgin Islands both offer unique experiences for families, but which one is better for travelers with children may depend on personal preferences and activities.

New River Gorge offers a range of outdoor activities such as hiking, rock climbing, and white-water rafting. It also has several campgrounds and picnic areas for families to enjoy, making it a great option for those who enjoy adventure and the great outdoors. Additionally, the park has a visitors center and several ranger-led programs aimed at educating children about the natural world.

On the other hand, Virgin Islands National Park is a tropical paradise with beautiful beaches, hiking trails, and snorkeling spots. Its calm waters and easy-to-navigate trails make it ideal for families with smaller children. The park also has a visitors center and ranger-led programs, but with a focus on the island’s unique cultural and historical heritage.

In conclusion, both parks offer fantastic opportunities for families, but the better choice may depend on individual preferences and the type of experience desired. For families looking for an outdoor adventure, New River Gorge is an excellent option, while for those seeking a more relaxed, tropical getaway, Virgin Islands National Park is the way to go.

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