New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and White Sands National Park are two of the most unique and captivating protected areas in the United States. These two parks are a study in contrasts, offering visitors a chance to explore vastly different landscapes, each with its own distinct beauty. Whether you prefer to hike through rugged canyons or stroll through pristine sand dunes, these parks have something for everyone. In this article, we’ll explore the similarities and differences between New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and White Sands National Park, and offer suggestions on what to see, do, and experience at each.
From the thundering rapids of the New River to the mysterious waves of the White Sands dunes, these two parks are sure to capture your imagination. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a nature lover, or just looking for a bit of escape from the everyday, both New River Gorge and White Sands have something to offer. So grab your backpack, lace up your hiking boots, and get ready for an adventure like no other.
Hiking Trails in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and White Sands National Park
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and White Sands National Park are two popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. Both parks offer a variety of hiking trails that cater to different skill levels and experiences.
New River Gorge is known for its rugged terrain and challenging hikes. The Endless Wall Trail is one of the most popular and strenuous hikes in the park, offering stunning views of the New River Gorge Bridge. The trail is approximately 9 miles long and takes about 5-7 hours to complete. On the other hand, the Kaymoor Trail is a relatively easy hike that takes you through an old coal-mining town and offers views of the New River Gorge.
White Sands is famous for its unique landscape of white sand dunes. The Dunes Drive is a popular hike that takes you through the heart of the dunes, with towering sand dunes on either side. The hike is approximately 8 miles long and can take anywhere from 2-4 hours to complete. For a more challenging hike, try the Alkali Flat Trail, which is a 5-mile hike that takes you to the highest dunes in the park.
Both parks offer hiking trails for all skill levels, from easy, leisurely walks to challenging, full-day hikes. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful stroll or an adrenaline-fueled adventure, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and White Sands National Park 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 White Sands 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 | 6 |
Wildlife in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and White Sands National Park
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and White Sands National Park are two distinct national parks with unique wildlife. New River Gorge is located in West Virginia and is known for its diverse ecosystem that includes over 50 species of mammals, 150 species of birds, and a wide variety of plants. Visitors to this park may see black bears, white-tailed deer, river otters, and many species of birds such as the Blackburnian warbler and the painted bunting. The lush forests and valleys also provide ample habitats for a variety of reptiles and amphibians, including the Eastern box turtle and the Northern green frog.
White Sands National Park, located in New Mexico, is known for its unique landscape of white gypsum sand dunes. Despite its barren appearance, the park is home to a number of remarkable species of wildlife. Visitors may see pronghorns, kit foxes, and rattlesnakes, as well as a variety of birds, including the Ladder-backed woodpecker, the Greater roadrunner, and the Northern harrier. The park’s unique ecosystem also supports a variety of plants, including the soap plant, the sand verbena, and the creosote bush, which are adapted to the harsh desert environment.
In conclusion, both New River Gorge and White Sands National Park offer visitors a chance to experience unique and diverse ecosystems, each with its own unique set of wildlife. Whether you’re interested in watching birds, observing mammals, or exploring the local flora, these parks offer something for everyone.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and White Sands National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| New River Gorge National Park and Preserve | White Sands 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 | White Sands 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 | White Sands 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 | White Sands National Park |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Rubber Boa |
Amphibians
| New River Gorge National Park and Preserve | White Sands National Park |
|---|---|
| Tiger Salamander | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Wood Frog |
Insects
| New River Gorge National Park and Preserve | White Sands National Park |
|---|---|
| Mourning Cloak | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and White Sands National Park
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, located in West Virginia, is known for its stunning scenic overlooks, including the famous New River Gorge Bridge, which offers breathtaking views of the river below. The park is also home to a diverse range of landscapes, including rolling hills, dense forests, and rugged cliffs, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
White Sands National Park, located in New Mexico, is famous for its unique landscapes that include the world’s largest gypsum dune field. The park’s landscapes are constantly changing as the wind moves the dunes, creating a constantly evolving landscape that is unlike anything else in the world. Visitors can explore the park on foot or by taking a scenic drive through the dune field.
Both parks offer a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is popular among rock climbers and whitewater rafters, while White Sands National Park is ideal for stargazing, sledding on the dunes, and picnicking. Whether you’re looking for breathtaking views, unique landscapes, or outdoor adventures, both New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and White Sands National Park have something for everyone.
Things To-Do and Activities in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and White Sands National Park
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and White Sands National Park are two popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Both parks offer unique experiences and a variety of activities for visitors.
At New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, visitors can enjoy a range of outdoor activities such as rock climbing, whitewater rafting, fishing, and camping. The park is also home to over 1,400 species of plants and animals, making it a great place for wildlife viewing and bird watching. In addition, the park features scenic overlooks, picnic areas, and hiking trails for visitors to explore.
White Sands National Park is known for its unique landscape of white sand dunes, which visitors can explore on foot, by sled, or on horseback. The park also offers opportunities for stargazing, with the clear, dark skies providing an ideal backdrop for viewing the stars at night. Visitors can also participate in ranger-led programs, including guided hikes and educational talks. In addition, the park has picnic areas, campgrounds, and a scenic drive through the dunes.
Both parks offer a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, making them great destinations for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy the beauty of nature. Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike, a peaceful picnic, or a thrilling adventure, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and White Sands National Park are both great options to consider.
Best Time to Visit New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and White Sands National Park
“New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, located in West Virginia, boasts a temperate climate with warm summers and cold winters. The summer months of June to August are warm and humid, with temperatures ranging from the high 60s to low 80s. Winter temperatures are colder, with temperatures ranging from the low 20s to high 30s. The park is especially popular in the fall, when the leaves change colors, and in the spring, when the wildflowers bloom.
White Sands National Park, located in New Mexico, is known for its hot summer temperatures and mild winters. The summer months of June to August are extremely hot, with temperatures ranging from the high 80s to low 90s. Winter temperatures are mild, with temperatures ranging from the low 40s to high 50s. The park is best visited in the spring and fall, when temperatures are mild and the sun is shining, making it the perfect time to explore the park’s unique white sand dunes.
In conclusion, both New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and White Sands National Park offer unique experiences, and the best time to visit each park depends on the weather and the activities you want to participate in. If you prefer warm weather and outdoor activities, then White Sands National Park is the perfect destination for you in the summer months. If you prefer cooler temperatures and scenic drives, then New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is the best choice for you in the fall and spring.”
Family Friendliness of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and White Sands National Park
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and White Sands National Park are both family-friendly destinations, but with different offerings. New River Gorge is an outdoor lover’s paradise with its stunning natural beauty, scenic hiking trails, and challenging rock climbing routes. The park has a range of activities for families, from picnicking and fishing to camping and kayaking. Kids enjoy playing on the suspension bridge and exploring the park’s many waterfalls and gorges. There’s also the Grandview Visitor Center that offers interactive exhibits and educational programs.
White Sands National Park, on the other hand, is a unique landscape with its vast expanse of white gypsum sand dunes. This park is perfect for families looking for a fun day trip with plenty of opportunities for playing in the sand, building sandcastles, and going on a scenic drive. The park also has a visitor center with educational exhibits and ranger-led programs. While the park may not have as many activities as New River Gorge, it offers a unique and unforgettable experience for families.
Between the two, New River Gorge is a better choice for families who are looking for a more well-rounded outdoor experience. White Sands is a great day trip, but doesn’t offer the same level of diversity in activities as New River Gorge.