Welcome to the ultimate showdown between two of the most awe-inspiring national parks in the United States: New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Yellowstone National Park!
From stunning waterfalls to breathtaking landscapes, these two parks have it all. But which one reigns supreme? Will it be the rugged beauty of the New River Gorge or the geothermal wonderland of Yellowstone?
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into these parks to discover what makes each one unique and spectacular in its own right. We’ll compare the must-see sights, the best hikes, and the top activities that each park has to offer.
So grab your hiking boots, pack your camera, and buckle up for a journey through two of the most incredible parks in the country. Whether you’re a seasoned national park visitor or a first-timer, this article is sure to spark your wanderlust and leave you itching to hit the road and explore these natural wonders for yourself!
Hiking Trails in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Yellowstone National Park
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Yellowstone National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Hiking trails in these parks offer stunning views, diverse landscapes, and a range of difficulty levels.
At New River Gorge, the Endless Wall Trail is one of the most popular hikes, offering a moderate difficulty level and breathtaking views of the gorge. The 1.5-mile trail is a great option for those looking for a moderate hike. On the other hand, the Nuttall Sandstone Trail is a strenuous hike that is not recommended for beginners. The trail offers a challenging hike through a dense forest and along the cliffs of the gorge.
In Yellowstone, the Grand Loop Road offers a range of easy to strenuous hikes, including the popular Fairy Falls Trail, which is a moderate hike that leads to a beautiful waterfall. The strenuous Bunsen Peak Trail is also a popular option, offering panoramic views of the park and surrounding areas. The trail is steep and challenging, but well worth the effort.
In conclusion, both New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Yellowstone National Park offer a range of hiking trails for all levels of difficulty. Whether you are looking for an easy stroll or a challenging hike, these parks 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 Yellowstone National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mystic Falls, Fairy Creek and Little Firehole Loop | 5632.69 | 184.7088 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Grand Prismatic Hot Spring | 2574.944 | 60.96 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Upper Geyser Basin and Old Faithful Observation Point Loop | 7242.03 | 73.7616 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Canyon Rim North Trail to Inspiration Point | 12713.786 | 349.9104 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| West Thumb Geyser Basin Trail | 1609.34 | 17.9832 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Mammoth Hot Springs Area Trail | 5632.69 | 170.9928 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Artists Paintpots Trail | 1609.34 | 30.7848 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Avalanche Peak Trail | 7402.964 | 614.7816 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Old Faithful Geyser Loop Trail | 1126.538 | 4.8768 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Upper Falls, Lower Falls and Crystal Falls Trail | 6115.492 | 140.8176 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Yellowstone National Park
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Yellowstone National Park are two of the most unique and diverse national parks in the United States. Both parks offer a completely different wildlife experience, making it difficult to choose between them.
In New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, visitors can expect to see a wide variety of animals, including black bears, white-tailed deer, raccoons, and river otters. There is also a large population of birds, including the golden eagle, broad-winged hawk, and the pileated woodpecker. The park is also home to several species of plants, including the American chestnut and the hemlock tree.
On the other hand, Yellowstone National Park is well-known for its diverse array of wildlife, including the gray wolf, elk, bison, and pronghorn. Additionally, the park is home to several species of birds, including the bald eagle and the osprey. Yellowstone is also home to a variety of plants, including the lodgepole pine, the Douglas fir, and the Engelmann spruce.
In conclusion, both New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Yellowstone National Park offer unique and diverse wildlife experiences that are sure to delight visitors of all ages. Whether you’re interested in seeing bears, birds, or plants, both parks are sure to deliver a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Yellowstone National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| New River Gorge National Park and Preserve | Yellowstone 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 | Yellowstone 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 | Mule Deer |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Wolf |
| Ermine | Long-Legged Myotis |
| California Myotis | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Snowshoe Hare | Badger |
| North American River Otter | Short Tailed Weasel |
| Masked Shrew | California Myotis |
Fish
| New River Gorge National Park and Preserve | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Eastern Brook Trout | Brook Trout |
| Brown Trout | Brown Trout |
| Coho Salmon | Longnose Sucker |
| Chinook Salmon | Lake Trout |
| Mottled Sculpin | Mottled Sculpin |
| Slimy Sculpin | Longnose Dace |
| Threespine Stickleback | Speckled Dace |
| Kokanee | Arctic Grayling |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Reptiles
| New River Gorge National Park and Preserve | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | Racer |
| Common Garter Snake | Greater Short-Horned Lizard |
| Rubber Boa | Rubber Boa |
Amphibians
| New River Gorge National Park and Preserve | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Tiger Salamander | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Bullfrog | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Insects
| New River Gorge National Park and Preserve | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Mourning Cloak | Orange Sulphur |
| Cabbage White | Painted Lady |
| Silvery Blue | Monarch |
| Purplish Copper | American Painted Lady |
| Anise Swallowtail | Red Admiral |
| Mourning Cloak | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Common Checkered Skipper | |
| Common Sulphur | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Commom Wood Nymph | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Yellowstone National Park
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Yellowstone National Park are two of America’s most iconic national parks. Both offer visitors a chance to experience breathtaking landscapes, but each has its own unique features.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is famous for its stunning overlooks, including the iconic Endless Wall Overlook. From this viewpoint, visitors can see the New River rushing below, surrounded by lush green forest and towering cliffs. The park is also home to beautiful waterfalls, including the spectacular 72-foot-tall Sandstone Falls.
Yellowstone National Park, on the other hand, is known for its geothermal features, including the famous Old Faithful geyser. The park is home to a variety of hot springs, geysers, and mud pots, all surrounded by stunning mountain ranges and forests. Visitors can also enjoy the beautiful Yellowstone River, which winds its way through the park, and the breathtaking Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
Whether you’re looking for breathtaking overlooks, stunning waterfalls, or unique geothermal features, both New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Yellowstone National Park offer something for everyone. So, pack your bags and head out to one (or both!) of these magnificent parks for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Things To-Do and Activities in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Yellowstone National Park
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Yellowstone National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the US. Both parks offer a wide range of outdoor activities, but each park has its unique set of popular attractions.
At New River Gorge, visitors love to go rock climbing, white water rafting and taking scenic drives. The park is known for its stunning rock formations, making it a popular destination for rock climbers. The New River is also a popular spot for white water rafting, with rapids ranging from beginner to expert levels. The scenic drive through the park provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
At Yellowstone, visitors flock to see the park’s geysers, hot springs, and other geological wonders. The famous Old Faithful geyser is a must-see for visitors, and there are many other geysers and hot springs to explore. Wildlife viewing is also a popular activity in Yellowstone, with opportunities to see bison, elk, bears, and other wildlife in their natural habitats.
Both parks offer a diverse range of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy, from scenic drives to wildlife viewing to outdoor recreation. Whether you’re a rock climber, a nature lover, or a wildlife enthusiast, both New River Gorge and Yellowstone have something to offer.
Best Time to Visit New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Yellowstone National Park
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Yellowstone National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States, each offering a unique and breathtaking outdoor experience. One of the most significant differences between these two parks is the weather.
At New River Gorge, the weather is temperate and mild, with average temperatures ranging from the low 40s in the winter to the high 80s in the summer. Winter is the driest season, with occasional snow and rain, while spring and fall bring moderate rainfall. Summer is the wettest season, with occasional thunderstorms.
On the other hand, Yellowstone experiences a more extreme climate, with average temperatures ranging from below zero in the winter to the high 80s in the summer. Winter is the coldest and snowiest season, making it difficult to access many of the park’s attractions. Spring is the wettest season, with snowmelt and occasional rain. Summer is the driest season, with mild temperatures and occasional thunderstorms.
The weather in these parks affects when is the best time to visit. New River Gorge is a great destination year-round, with mild temperatures and beautiful scenery, although summer and fall are the most popular seasons. On the other hand, Yellowstone is most accessible and popular during the summer months, when the weather is mild and the roads are clear. Winter is only recommended for experienced winter sports enthusiasts, as access to many areas is limited due to snow and ice.
Family Friendliness of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Yellowstone National Park
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Yellowstone National Park both offer a range of family-friendly activities, but each park has its own unique qualities that set it apart from the other. New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is a great option for those who are looking for a more adventurous experience. The park offers activities such as rock climbing, white water rafting, and hiking, which are perfect for families who are looking for an adrenaline rush. In addition, the park is also home to several campgrounds, making it a great option for families who want to spend a few days in the great outdoors.
On the other hand, Yellowstone National Park is a great option for families who are looking for a more traditional national park experience. The park is home to many geysers, hot springs, and other geological wonders, and visitors can witness these natural wonders up close. Additionally, Yellowstone National Park also offers a range of educational programs and guided tours, making it a great option for families who want to learn more about the park’s wildlife and geology.
In conclusion, both New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Yellowstone National Park are great options for families, but each park is better suited to different types of travelers. For families who are looking for an adrenaline-fueled adventure, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is the perfect choice. For families who are looking for a more traditional national park experience, Yellowstone National Park is the way to go.