New River Gorge National Park and Preserve vs White Sands National Park

Feel Free To Share:

Jake Cain is an entrepreneur and writer from Cincinnati, Ohio. He spends his free time driving around the country in his late 90’s conversion van, affectionately known as the “Monster Van” with his wife and 3 boys.

New River Gorge National Park and Preserve vs White Sands National Park

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.

Leave a Comment