New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Wind Cave National Park are two of the most unique and breathtaking national parks in the United States. From wild and rugged landscapes to underground wonders, these parks offer a diverse range of outdoor experiences for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a passionate birdwatcher, or simply a lover of nature, you’re sure to find something to love in these two amazing parks.
So, which park is the better choice for your next adventure? That’s what we aim to find out in this article! Join us as we compare and contrast the scenery, wildlife, and recreational opportunities at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Wind Cave National Park. You’ll learn about the history and geology of each park, and discover which one is right for your next family vacation or solo trip. With so much to see and do, you won’t want to miss this exciting comparison of two of America’s most beautiful natural treasures!
Hiking Trails in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Wind Cave National Park
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Wind Cave National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking. When it comes to hiking, these parks have different trails to offer, and each park offers a unique hiking experience.
New River Gorge National Park offers a number of trails ranging in difficulty, from easy hikes to strenuous backcountry adventures. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Endless Wall Trail and the Long Point Trail, both of which offer breathtaking views of the New River Gorge. On the other hand, one of the toughest hikes in the park is the Grandview Rim Trail, which takes hikers on a strenuous, rocky hike to the top of the rim to take in the panoramic views of the gorge.
Wind Cave National Park is known for its unique cave system, which is one of the largest and most complex in the world. The park offers a number of trails, including the Rankin Ridge Trail, which takes hikers to the top of a hill for panoramic views of the surrounding prairie. The park also has the Elk Mountain Trail, which is considered one of the hardest hikes in the park, as it takes hikers on a strenuous journey through the rugged terrain of the southern Black Hills. Whether you’re looking for an easy or a challenging hike, Wind Cave National Park has 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 Wind Cave National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rankin Ridge Interpretive Trail | 1609.34 | 72.8472 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Wind Cave Canyon Trail | 6115.492 | 64.9224 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Lookout Point Trail and Centennial Trail Loop | 8368.568 | 156.972 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Cold Brook Canyon Trail | 4506.152 | 60.96 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| East Bison Flats Trail | 16254.334 | 445.9224 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Boland Ridge Trail | 7724.832 | 248.7168 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Centennial Trail: Highway 87 to Highlander Rd | 13035.654 | 286.8168 | Moderate | point to point | 4.5 |
| Elk Mountain Interpretive Trail | 4023.35 | 99.9744 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Prairie Vista Loop | 1609.34 | 31.6992 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Highland Creek Trail to Centennial Trail Loop | 21887.024 | 443.7888 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Wind Cave National Park
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Wind Cave National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer a chance to see a wide variety of wildlife, including animals, birds, and plants. In New River Gorge, visitors can expect to see animals such as white-tailed deer, black bears, and turkeys, as well as birds such as eagles, hawks, and ospreys. The park is also home to a variety of plant species, including rhododendrons, mountain laurels, and wildflowers.
Wind Cave National Park, on the other hand, is known for its diverse population of bats, including the rare and endangered Indiana bat. The park is also home to a variety of mammals, such as pronghorns, bison, and coyotes, as well as birds such as prairie falcons, golden eagles, and burrowing owls. Additionally, Wind Cave is home to a variety of prairie grasses and wildflowers.
Both parks offer opportunities for visitors to see wildlife in their natural habitats, but Wind Cave is particularly known for its diverse population of bats, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in these fascinating creatures. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or just looking for a chance to see some of the country’s most beautiful and unique species, both New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Wind Cave National Park are well worth a visit.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Wind Cave National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| New River Gorge National Park and Preserve | Wind Cave 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 | Wind Cave 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 | Weasels |
| Mountain Lion | House Mouse |
| Black-Tailed Deer | Mountain Lion |
| Wolf | Mink |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Mule Deer |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Wolf |
| Ermine | Long-Legged Myotis |
| California Myotis | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Snowshoe Hare | Badger |
| North American River Otter | Ermine |
| Masked Shrew | Fringed Myotis |
Fish
| New River Gorge National Park and Preserve | Wind Cave National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Brook Trout |
| Eastern Brook Trout | Fathead Minnow |
| Brown Trout | Long Nose Dace |
| Coho Salmon | Black Bullhead |
| Chinook Salmon | Creek Chub |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Threespine Stickleback | |
| Kokanee | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Reptiles
| New River Gorge National Park and Preserve | Wind Cave National Park |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | Bull Snake |
| Common Garter Snake | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Rubber Boa | Racer |
| Western Rattlesnake | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Milksnake |
Amphibians
| New River Gorge National Park and Preserve | Wind Cave National Park |
|---|---|
| Tiger Salamander | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Woodhouses Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Insects
| New River Gorge National Park and Preserve | Wind Cave National Park |
|---|---|
| Mourning Cloak | Orange Sulfer |
| Cabbage White | Painted Lady |
| Silvery Blue | Monarch Butterfly |
| Purplish Copper | American Painted Lady |
| Anise Swallowtail | Red Admiral |
| Mourningcloak | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Common Checkered-Skipper | |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Variegated Fritillary |
Beautiful Landscapes in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Wind Cave National Park
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Wind Cave National Park are both unique and beautiful parks located in the United States. New River Gorge is famous for its stunning sandstone cliffs, which offer breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. The park is also home to a number of waterfalls, including the Kaymoor Falls and the Canyon Rim Visitor Center Overlook. The New River, which runs through the park, is also a popular spot for kayaking and fishing.
Wind Cave National Park, located in South Dakota, is famous for its unique underworld. The park is home to the Wind Cave, a natural cave system known for its intricate and delicate formations. Visitors to the park can take a tour of the cave, which offers a chance to see the beautiful stalactites and stalagmites up close. Above ground, the park is also home to a diverse array of wildlife, including pronghorn, bison, and elk. The park also offers a number of hiking trails, including the Rankin Ridge Trail, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Things To-Do and Activities in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Wind Cave National Park
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Wind Cave National Park are two of the most popular parks in the United States. One of the most popular activities at New River Gorge is rock climbing. With over 1,400 climbing routes, it is considered one of the best climbing destinations in the world. The park also offers opportunities for white-water rafting, fishing, and hiking. Visitors can also take a scenic drive along the rim of the gorge for views of the New River.
Wind Cave National Park is known for its extensive cave system. The park offers ranger-led cave tours for visitors to experience the unique geology of the area. In addition to the cave tours, the park offers opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and horseback riding. The park is also home to several herds of bison, which can often be seen roaming the prairies. Another popular activity is visiting the park’s scenic drive, which offers stunning views of the Black Hills.
Both parks offer a unique outdoor experience, but New River Gorge is ideal for those seeking an adrenaline rush, while Wind Cave is perfect for those interested in geology and wildlife viewing. Regardless of the type of activity, both parks are must-visit destinations for any nature lover.
Best Time to Visit New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Wind Cave National Park
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Wind Cave National Park are two of the most popular National Parks in the US. They both offer unique landscapes, outdoor recreation opportunities and scenic beauty, but their weather patterns vary greatly. This affects the best time to visit each park.
New River Gorge is located in West Virginia and boasts mild summers and cold winters. The summer months of June, July and August are generally warm with average temperatures around 75°F. Winters are cold, with average temperatures around 35°F and snowfall is common. This makes spring and fall the best time to visit, with comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds.
On the other hand, Wind Cave National Park is located in South Dakota and experiences long, cold winters and short, hot summers. Winter temperatures can reach below 0°F, with the occasional blizzard, making it a less popular time to visit the park. The summer months are much warmer, with average temperatures around 85°F, making it the best time to visit for outdoor activities such as hiking and camping.
In conclusion, while both New River Gorge and Wind Cave National Park offer exceptional beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities, the best time to visit is largely dependent on the weather. If you prefer warmer temperatures and outdoor activities, Wind Cave is best visited in the summer. If you prefer milder weather and fewer crowds, New River Gorge is best visited in the spring or fall.
Family Friendliness of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Wind Cave National Park
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Wind Cave National Park are two of America’s most stunning national parks, both offering unique experiences and breathtaking landscapes. However, they differ in terms of family-friendliness.
Wind Cave National Park, located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, is a great destination for families with children. The park offers a range of activities and attractions that are perfect for kids, including ranger-led tours of the cave, guided hikes, and a Junior Ranger program. The park is also home to a large herd of bison, which visitors can observe in their natural habitat.
In contrast, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, located in West Virginia, may not be as family-friendly as Wind Cave. While the park offers many of the same activities as Wind Cave, such as hiking and camping, it also has a much more rugged and remote landscape. This can be challenging for families with young children who may not be able to manage the rugged terrain. Additionally, the park’s remote location may make it more difficult for families to access amenities such as restaurants and shopping.
In summary, Wind Cave National Park is the better choice for families traveling with children, as it offers a range of activities and attractions that are perfect for kids, along with a more accessible location. Meanwhile, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve may be more suitable for families with older children or those who are looking for a more challenging outdoor adventure.