The United States is home to some of the most stunning natural wonders on the planet. From the towering peaks of the Rockies to the rolling prairies of the Midwest, there’s a national park for every type of traveler. But if you’re looking for a truly epic adventure, you’ll want to check out New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in West Virginia and Yosemite National Park in California.
These two parks are often compared, but they couldn’t be more different. New River Gorge is a wild, untamed wilderness with jagged cliffs and rushing rapids. Yosemite, on the other hand, is a place of serene beauty with granite cliffs and glistening waterfalls. Both parks offer incredible opportunities for hiking, camping, and exploring, but which one is right for you?
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a weekend getaway, this article will help you compare and contrast these two amazing parks. We’ll weigh the pros and cons of each and help you decide which park is the perfect fit for your next adventure. So grab a map, pack your bags, and let’s hit the trail!
Hiking Trails in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Yosemite National Park
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Yosemite National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the US. Both have incredible hiking trails, each offering their own unique experiences.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve offers a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy to strenuous. One of the easiest hikes is the Endless Wall Trail, a 2-mile hike that takes you along the rim of the New River Gorge and offers breathtaking views of the river below. On the other hand, the Knife’s Edge Trail is one of the most challenging hikes, a 5-mile hike that takes you to the top of a narrow ridge with steep drop-offs on either side.
Yosemite National Park is known for its challenging hikes, but it also has some relatively easier trails. The Mirror Lake Trail is a 2-mile hike that takes you to the picturesque Mirror Lake, surrounded by towering cliffs. The Half Dome Trail is one of the park’s most challenging hikes, a 14-mile hike that takes you to the top of Half Dome, one of the most iconic landmarks in Yosemite. This hike requires a permit and is not recommended for inexperienced hikers.
Both New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Yosemite National Park offer a variety of hiking trails for all levels of experience, so whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner, you’ll find a trail that suits your abilities.
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 Yosemite National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vernal and Nevada Falls via the Mist Trail | 10299.776 | 667.8168 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
| Upper Yosemite Falls Trail | 11587.248 | 967.74 | Very Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Half Dome Trail | 23818.232 | 1573.9872 | Very Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Lower Yosemite Falls Trail | 1609.34 | 15.8496 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Clouds Rest Trail via Tenaya Lake | 19794.882 | 948.8424 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Four Mile Trail | 12070.05 | 998.8296 | Very Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Sentinel Dome Trail | 3379.614 | 138.9888 | Easy | out and back | 5 |
| Glacier Point Trail | 965.604 | 71.9328 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Vernal Falls | 5954.558 | 406.908 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Mirror Lake via Valley Loop Trail | 9012.304 | 101.8032 | Easy | loop | 4 |
Wildlife in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Yosemite National Park
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Yosemite National Park are two of the most beautiful and diverse national parks in the United States. Both parks are home to a variety of wildlife, including unique bird species, mammals, and plant life.
At New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, visitors can expect to see black bears, white-tailed deer, bobcats, and river otters, among others. The park is also a bird-watcher’s paradise, with species like the bald eagle, the peregrine falcon, and the broad-winged hawk commonly seen. Additionally, the park boasts a rich variety of plant life, including species like the American beech, the sugar maple, and the yellow poplar.
Yosemite National Park offers visitors a chance to see a diverse array of wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, and mule deer. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, such as the Steller’s jay, the mountain chickadee, and the white-crowned sparrow. Additionally, Yosemite is known for its stunning botanical diversity, with species like the giant sequoia, the western dogwood, and the California poppy commonly seen.
In conclusion, both New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Yosemite National Park offer visitors the opportunity to see a wide variety of wildlife, including unique bird species, mammals, and plant life. Whether you’re a bird-watcher, a nature lover, or just someone who appreciates the beauty of the great outdoors, these two national parks are not to be missed.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Yosemite National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| New River Gorge National Park and Preserve | Yosemite 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 | Yosemite National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| 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 |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | House Mouse |
| House Mouse | Mountain Lion |
| Mountain Lion | Mule Deer |
| Black-Tailed Deer | Gray Fox |
| Wolf | Wolf |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Ermine | Badger |
| California Myotis | Ermine |
| Snowshoe Hare | California Myotis |
| North American River Otter | River Otter |
| Masked Shrew | Fringed Myotis |
Fish
| New River Gorge National Park and Preserve | Yosemite National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Eastern Brook Trout | Brook Trout |
| Brown Trout | Brown Trout |
| Coho Salmon | Smallmouth Bass |
| Chinook Salmon | |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Threespine Stickleback | |
| Kokanee | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Reptiles
| New River Gorge National Park and Preserve | Yosemite National Park |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | Ring-Necked Snake |
| Common Garter Snake | Sagebrush Lizard |
| Rubber Boa | Northern Rubber Boa |
| Western Skink | |
| Western Fence Lizard |
Amphibians
| New River Gorge National Park and Preserve | Yosemite National Park |
|---|---|
| Tiger Salamander |
Insects
| New River Gorge National Park and Preserve | Yosemite National Park |
|---|---|
| Mourning Cloak | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Yosemite National Park
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, located in West Virginia, boasts 53,000 acres of breathtaking landscapes and diverse ecosystems. The park’s most famous landmark is the New River Gorge Bridge, which is over 800 feet tall, and is the centerpiece of the park’s 26,000-acre preserve. Visitors can hike, rock climb, or rappel down the cliffs for a unique view of the bridge and the New River below.
On the other hand, Yosemite National Park in California is home to some of the most iconic natural wonders in the country. Yosemite Valley is famous for its towering granite cliffs and waterfalls, including the famous Yosemite Falls, which is over 2,400 feet tall. Hiking trails throughout the park offer breathtaking views of the cliffs and valleys, and visitors can also go rock climbing, or camping in the backcountry.
Both parks offer visitors a chance to experience the beauty of nature and engage in outdoor activities. Whether you’re looking for a scenic drive, a challenging hike, or a peaceful camping experience, New River Gorge and Yosemite have something for everyone.
Things To-Do and Activities in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Yosemite National Park
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Yosemite National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both are renowned for their stunning natural beauty and numerous outdoor recreational activities. However, there are some key differences between the two parks that set them apart.
At New River Gorge, visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including rock climbing, white-water rafting, and hiking. The park is home to over 1,400 climbing routes, making it a popular destination for rock climbers from around the world. Visitors can also take a scenic drive along the New River Gorge Bridge and stop at one of the overlooks for breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
At Yosemite National Park, visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, rock climbing, and camping. The park is home to some of the most iconic and challenging climbing routes in the world, including El Capitan and Half Dome. Visitors can also take a scenic drive along the Tioga Road and stop at one of the many scenic overlooks for breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Additionally, Yosemite is known for its abundant wildlife, including black bears, mule deer, and marmots.
Overall, both New River Gorge and Yosemite are popular parks for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for breathtaking views, challenging climbs, or unique wildlife, these parks have something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Yosemite National Park
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Yosemite National Park are two of America’s most beloved National Parks. While both offer stunning natural beauty, their seasonal weather patterns are quite different.
New River Gorge is located in West Virginia and is known for its milder weather conditions. The park is open year-round and experiences four distinct seasons. Summer temperatures average in the mid-70s, while winters are relatively mild with temperatures reaching the low 40s. Fall is the wettest season, with the majority of rainfall occurring in November and December.
Yosemite, on the other hand, is located in California and experiences a Mediterranean climate. The park is open year-round, but certain areas may close during the winter months due to snow and ice. Winters in Yosemite can be harsh, with temperatures dipping below freezing and heavy snowfall. The best time to visit Yosemite is during the summer months, when temperatures average in the mid-60s and 70s.
When deciding when to visit New River Gorge and Preserve or Yosemite National Park, consider the type of weather and outdoor activities you enjoy. If you’re looking for a milder, less crowded experience, the best time to visit New River Gorge is probably during the spring or fall. If you’re looking for warm weather and clear skies, the best time to visit Yosemite is during the summer months. Regardless of when you visit, both parks offer breathtaking landscapes and unique experiences that you won’t forget.
Family Friendliness of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Yosemite National Park
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in West Virginia and Yosemite National Park in California are two of the most popular national parks in the US. Both are perfect for families looking for outdoor adventures. However, when it comes to family-friendliness, there are some key differences between the two parks.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is a great option for families who love outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and rock climbing. The park offers several trails that are suitable for families with children, including the Endless Wall Trail and the Grandview Rim Trail. Additionally, the park has several campgrounds that are perfect for families who want to spend the night in the park.
Yosemite National Park, on the other hand, is ideal for families who love scenic beauty and natural wonders. The park is famous for its waterfalls, rock formations, and wildlife. The park has several family-friendly hikes, including the Lower Yosemite Falls trail, which is a short and easy hike that offers stunning views of the falls. Yosemite also has several picnic areas and campgrounds that are perfect for families.
In conclusion, both New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Yosemite National Park are great options for families, but Yosemite may be the better choice for families who want scenic beauty and easy hikes, while New River Gorge is better for families who love outdoor activities and adventure.