The United States is home to some of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the world, and two of its most prized possessions are New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Voyageurs National Park. These two parks are a nature lover’s paradise, each offering a unique blend of stunning landscapes and endless opportunities for adventure.
New River Gorge, known for its rugged beauty, is a mecca for rock climbers and whitewater rafters. With its towering cliffs and rushing rapids, it’s the perfect place for thrill-seekers to test their limits. But it’s not just about the adrenaline rush here; the park also boasts miles of hiking trails, stunning vistas, and a rich cultural history, making it a must-visit destination for anyone who loves the great outdoors.
On the other hand, Voyageurs National Park is a water-lover’s dream. This stunning park is located in northern Minnesota, and is home to over 400 lakes, making it an ideal destination for boating, fishing, and canoeing. It’s also a great place for stargazing, with its clear night skies and lack of light pollution. Whether you’re looking for a quiet escape or an action-packed adventure, Voyageurs National Park has something for everyone.
So, which one is for you – the rugged beauty of New River Gorge or the serene waters of Voyageurs National Park? Read on to find out!
Hiking Trails in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Voyageurs National Park
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Voyageurs National Park are two distinct national parks in the United States with very different hiking trails. Both parks offer a range of hiking experiences, from easy walks to strenuous backcountry treks.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is known for its challenging hikes, including the Endless Wall Trail, which follows the rim of the New River Gorge and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The Grandview Rim Trail is another popular hike, offering panoramic views of the New River Gorge and the surrounding mountains.
Voyageurs National Park, on the other hand, is centered around a system of interconnected waterways and is ideal for water-based hiking. The Kettle Falls Trail is a popular hike that takes you along the shores of Kabetogama Lake and offers great views of the surrounding area. The Rainy Lake Trail is an easy hike that takes you through the heart of the park, offering scenic views of Rainy Lake and the surrounding forest.
Both parks offer a range of hiking experiences, with the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve being known for its challenging hikes and Voyageurs National Park being ideal for water-based hiking. No matter what type of hiking experience you are looking for, both parks offer 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 Voyageurs National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blind Ash Bay Trail | 5793.624 | 117.9576 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Kabetogama Lake Overlook Trail | 643.736 | 17.9832 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Cruiser Lake to Brown Lake and Anderson Bay | 14001.258 | 224.9424 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Beaver Pond Overlook Trail | 482.802 | 1.8288 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Kab-Ash Trail | 24461.968 | 406.908 | Easy | out and back | 3 |
| Sullivan Bay Trail | 2092.142 | 27.7368 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Black Bay Beaver Pond Trail | 1931.208 | 22.86 | Easy | out and back | 5 |
Wildlife in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Voyageurs National Park
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Voyageurs National Park are two unique and remarkable parks that offer visitors the opportunity to explore and discover the beauty of nature. Wildlife is one of the main attractions in these parks, and visitors can expect to see different species of animals, birds, and plants in each park.
At New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, visitors can spot black bears, white-tailed deer, and river otters. The park is also home to several species of birds, including bald eagles, ravens, and warblers. The park’s diverse landscape, ranging from dense forests to rocky cliffs, provides habitats for a variety of plant species, including wildflowers, shrubs, and trees.
Voyageurs National Park, on the other hand, is located near the Canadian border and is known for its abundant water-based wildlife. Visitors can see beavers, muskrats, and moose, as well as several species of birds, including loons, ospreys, and pelicans. The park’s waterways and forests are also home to a variety of plant species, including cattails, lily pads, and various types of trees.
In conclusion, while both New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Voyageurs National Park offer visitors the opportunity to explore and discover the beauty of nature, each park has its own unique wildlife and habitats. Whether you’re interested in spotting black bears or beavers, or observing the beauty of wildflowers and trees, these parks have something to offer for everyone.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Voyageurs National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| New River Gorge National Park and Preserve | Voyageurs 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 | Voyageurs 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 | Porcupine |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Hoary Bat | Hoary Bat |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Red Fox |
| House Mouse | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Mountain Lion | House Mouse |
| Black-Tailed Deer | Mountain Lion |
| Wolf | Mink |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Common Gray Fox |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Plains Wolf |
| Ermine | American Badger |
| California Myotis | Ermine |
| Snowshoe Hare | Snowshoe Hare |
| North American River Otter | River Otter |
| Masked Shrew | Masked Shrew |
Fish
| New River Gorge National Park and Preserve | Voyageurs National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Largemouth Bass |
| Eastern Brook Trout | Longnose Sucker |
| Brown Trout | Green Sunfish |
| Coho Salmon | Bluegill |
| Chinook Salmon | Fathead Minnow |
| Mottled Sculpin | Golden Shiner |
| Slimy Sculpin | Lake Trout |
| Threespine Stickleback | Northern Pike |
| Kokanee | Ellpout |
| Pink Salmon | Mottled Sculpin |
| Dolly Varden | Slimy Sculpin |
| Cutthroat Trout | Longnose Dace |
| Black Crappie | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Creek Chub | |
| Brown Bullhead | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Reptiles
| New River Gorge National Park and Preserve | Voyageurs National Park |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Rubber Boa |
Amphibians
| New River Gorge National Park and Preserve | Voyageurs National Park |
|---|---|
| Tiger Salamander | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Wood Frog |
Insects
| New River Gorge National Park and Preserve | Voyageurs National Park |
|---|---|
| Mourning Cloak | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Voyageurs National Park
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Voyageurs National Park are two national parks that offer much to admire. New River Gorge is located in West Virginia and is known for its beautiful landscapes and overlooks of the New River Gorge Bridge. This park is also home to the Endless Wall Trail, which is a popular hiking trail that provides stunning views of the New River Gorge.
Voyageurs National Park, located in Minnesota, is famous for its interconnected water system of lakes, bays, and channels. It is a popular destination for boating and fishing, with opportunities to see wildlife like bald eagles, loons, and moose. The park is also home to the Kabetogama Peninsula, which is a large, pristine lake surrounded by dense forests. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the lake from one of the many scenic overlooks in the park.
Both parks offer unique experiences for visitors and are perfect destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and anyone looking to explore the beauty of the natural world. Whether you’re looking to hike, camp, fish, or simply relax, these parks offer something for everyone!
Things To-Do and Activities in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Voyageurs National Park
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, located in West Virginia, is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The park is known for its stunning rock formations, including the New River Gorge Bridge, which is the third longest steel arch bridge in the world and is over 1,000 feet long. In addition to rock climbing, visitors to the park can also enjoy whitewater rafting, kayaking, and fishing in the New River.
Voyageurs National Park, located in Minnesota, is also a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The park is known for its stunning waterways, including Rainy Lake, Kabetogama Lake, and Namakan Lake. Visitors to the park can enjoy boating, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. In addition, the park is also home to several hiking trails that offer stunning views of the waterways and surrounding wilderness.
Both parks offer a range of outdoor activities that are perfect for visitors looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy some fresh air and nature. Whether you are interested in rock climbing, boating, fishing, or simply taking a leisurely hike, these parks have something for everyone. So, if you’re looking for a place to escape and connect with nature, both New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Voyageurs National Park are excellent options.
Best Time to Visit New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Voyageurs National Park
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Voyageurs National Park are two unique and beautiful parks located in the United States. Both parks offer diverse landscapes and a range of outdoor activities, but their seasonal weather patterns are quite different.
At New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, temperatures are milder in the spring and fall, with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to mid-70s. Summer temperatures can be hot, with highs in the mid-80s to mid-90s. Winter temperatures can be cold, with lows in the 20s and 30s. Snow and ice can make the park’s trails and roads difficult to navigate, but the winter landscape can be stunningly beautiful.
In contrast, Voyageurs National Park has a more moderate climate, with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to mid-70s in the summer and from the mid-20s to mid-30s in the winter. The park receives more snowfall than New River Gorge, but the snow is usually not as deep and does not last as long. The park also has many lakes and waterways, which can make for great winter recreation opportunities such as ice fishing.
The best time to visit New River Gorge National Park and Preserve depends on the type of activities you want to do and your tolerance for extreme weather. For outdoor activities such as hiking and rock climbing, spring and fall are the best times to visit. In the winter, the park can be a winter wonderland for those looking to enjoy winter sports. Summer is the busiest time of year, but if you prefer hot weather, it can be a great time to visit.
Voyageurs National Park is a great destination year-round, with each season offering its own unique experiences. Summer is the best time for boating and fishing, while winter is a great time for snowshoeing and ice fishing. Spring and fall are more moderate, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds.
Family Friendliness of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Voyageurs National Park
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is a great park for families as it offers a wide range of outdoor activities suitable for all ages. The park features miles of hiking trails, scenic drives, and opportunities for rock climbing and whitewater rafting. Visitors can also explore the park’s history and culture by visiting the New River Gorge Visitor Center and historic town of Thurmond.
Voyageurs National Park is also a family-friendly destination, offering a variety of recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and camping. The park’s pristine lakes and waterways are perfect for paddling, and visitors can take guided canoe trips to explore the park’s unique landscape. The park also offers ranger-led programs, including hikes and educational activities, which are great for families with children.
Overall, both New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Voyageurs National Park offer a wealth of opportunities for family-friendly adventure and exploration. Both parks are ideal for families looking for an outdoor recreation experience, but if you’re traveling with children, Voyageurs National Park may be the better choice, with its variety of ranger-led programs and opportunities for water-based activities.