Glacier National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both of these parks offer breathtaking views, unique wildlife, and a variety of outdoor activities for visitors. However, despite their similarities, there are stark differences that make each park stand out.
In this article, we will compare Glacier National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park, highlighting their unique features and what makes each park special. We will delve into the history, geography, and wildlife of each park, and provide tips for visitors who are planning a trip. Whether you are a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, this article will give you a comprehensive look at these two national parks and help you decide which one is the best fit for your next adventure.
Hiking Trails in Glacier National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Glacier National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both offer visitors a chance to experience nature and breathtaking landscapes, but there are some key differences when it comes to hiking trails.
At Glacier National Park, visitors can take on challenging hikes, such as the Highline Trail, which is a strenuous 11-mile trek with breathtaking views of the park. Another popular hike is the Grinnell Glacier Trail, which is a moderate 7.6-mile round trip hike to one of the park’s glaciers.
On the other hand, Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers a mix of easy and moderate hikes, such as the Grotto Falls Trail, which is a 2.6-mile round trip hike to a waterfall, and the Alum Cave Trail, a 5-mile round trip hike to a scenic bluff.
For more experienced hikers, the park offers the strenuous Charlies Bunion hike, which is an 8-mile round trip hike to a scenic overlook with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Additionally, the Rainbow Falls Trail, which is a 5.4-mile round trip hike to a waterfall, is also a popular hike in the park.
So, whether you’re seeking a strenuous challenge or a leisurely stroll, both Glacier National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park have something to offer for every level of hiker.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Glacier National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grinnell Glacier Trail | 18185.542 | 658.9776 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Avalanche Lake via the Trail of the Cedars | 9173.238 | 227.9904 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Iceberg Lake Trail | 14966.862 | 441.96 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Hidden Lake Trail | 8529.502 | 418.7952 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Highline Trail – Logan Pass to Granite Park Chalet | 23979.166 | 785.7744 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| St. Mary and Virginia Falls Trail | 4667.086 | 137.7696 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Hidden Lake Overlook | 4506.152 | 176.784 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Cracker Lake Trail | 19312.08 | 502.92 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Trail of the Cedars | 1287.472 | 10.9728 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| The Garden Wall | 23657.298 | 1068.9336 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte | 17219.938 | 916.8384 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Chimney Tops Trail | 5793.624 | 392.8872 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Rainbow Falls Trail | 8851.37 | 503.8344 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Grotto Falls Trail | 4184.284 | 162.7632 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Laurel Falls Trail | 3862.416 | 120.7008 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Abrams Falls Trail | 7885.766 | 191.7192 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Clingmans Dome Observation Tower Trail | 1931.208 | 100.8888 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Charlies Bunion via Appalachian Trail | 13840.324 | 603.8088 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Ramsey Cascades Trail | 13035.654 | 677.8752 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Peregrine Peak via Alum Cave Bluffs Trail | 6759.228 | 322.7832 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
Wildlife in Glacier National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Glacier National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States, each offering unique experiences for visitors. In terms of wildlife, both parks boast diverse and abundant populations, but there are some key differences.
At Glacier National Park, visitors can expect to see a variety of large mammals such as grizzly bears, mountain goats, and elk. The park is also home to a range of bird species including bald eagles, ospreys, and peregrine falcons. Additionally, the park’s diverse ecosystems support a rich variety of plant life, including conifers, wildflowers, and alpine meadows.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, on the other hand, is known for its diverse range of species and is often referred to as a “biodiversity hotspot.” Visitors can expect to see black bears, white-tailed deer, and wild turkeys, as well as a range of bird species including the pileated woodpecker, the eastern bluebird, and the scarlet tanager. The park is also home to an extensive range of plant life, including deciduous forests, wildflowers, and ferns.
Both parks offer unique opportunities for wildlife viewing and are essential destinations for anyone interested in nature and conservation. Whether you’re a seasoned wildlife enthusiast or simply looking for a peaceful escape from the city, a visit to either Glacier National Park or Great Smoky Mountains National Park is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Glacier National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Glacier National Park | Great Smoky Mountains 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 |
| Ruby-Crowned Kinglet | Ruby-Crowned Kinglet |
| American Robin | American Robin |
| Great Horned Owl | Great Horned Owl |
| Red-Tailed Hawk | Red-Tailed Hawk |
| Northern Flicker | Northern Flicker |
| Merlin | Merlin |
| Barn Swallow | Barn Swallow |
| Savannah Sparrow | Savannah Sparrow |
| Great Blue Heron | Great Blue Heron |
| Hermit Thrush | Hermit Thrush |
| American Kestrel | American Kestrel |
| Bald Eagle | Bald Eagle |
| Song Sparrow | Song Sparrow |
| European Starling | European Starling |
| Northern Pintail | Northern Pintail |
| American Wigeon | American Wigeon |
| Green-Winged Teal | Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Glacier National Park | Great Smoky Mountains 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 |
| Red Fox | Red Fox |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Mountain Lion | House Mouse |
| Mink | Panther (Mountain Lion) |
| Mule Deer | Mink |
| Gray Wolf | Gray Fox |
| Long-Legged Bat | Gray Wolf |
| Long-Eared Bat | Snowshoe Hare |
| Badger | River Otter |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | Masked Shrew |
| California Myotis | Water Shrew |
| Snowshoe Hare | Red Squirrel |
Fish
| Glacier National Park | Great Smoky Mountains National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Brook Trout | Brook Trout |
| Longnose Sucker | Brown Trout |
| Fathead Minnow | Largemouth Bass |
| Lake Trout | Green Sunfish |
| Northern Pike | Bluegill |
| Burbot | Common Carp |
| Mottled Sculpin | Longnose Dace |
| Slimy Sculpin | Yellow Bullhead |
| Longnose Dace | Channel Catfish |
| Sockeye Salmon | Black Crappie |
| Arctic Grayling | Black Bullhead |
| Mosquitofish | |
| Creek Chub | |
| Goldfish | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Reptiles
| Glacier National Park | Great Smoky Mountains National Park |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Rubber Boa |
Amphibians
| Glacier National Park | Great Smoky Mountains National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | |
| American Bullfrog | |
| Wood Frog |
Insects
| Glacier National Park | Great Smoky Mountains National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Mourning Cloak | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Common Checkered Skipper | |
| Common Sulphur | |
| Honey Bee | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Buckeye | |
| Commom Wood Nymph | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Beautiful Landscapes in Glacier National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Glacier National Park is located in Montana and is known for its stunning mountain ranges, including the Rocky Mountains. The park has over 700 miles of hiking trails and features popular landmarks such as the Going-to-the-Sun Road, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. The park is also home to numerous glistening glaciers, crystal-clear lakes, and rushing waterfalls. Visitors can also see wildlife, including grizzly bears, moose, and mountain goats, in their natural habitats.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located in Tennessee and North Carolina and is one of the most visited national parks in the United States. The park is renowned for its beautiful landscape, including its rolling hills, lush forests, and scenic vistas. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, elk, and deer. The park features over 800 miles of hiking trails, including the famous Appalachian Trail, which stretches over 2,000 miles through 14 states. Visitors can also see historic structures, including cabins and barns, that are preserved and maintained in the park.
Things To-Do and Activities in Glacier National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Glacier National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park are two of the most visited national parks in the United States. Both parks offer a wide range of outdoor recreational activities to visitors, but there are some differences in what people love to do the most.
In Glacier National Park, visitors often enjoy scenic drives, boating and fishing. The Going-to-the-Sun Road is one of the most popular scenic drives in the country, offering stunning views of the park’s glaciers, alpine meadows, and wildlife. Boating and fishing are also popular activities, with many visitors taking a boat tour of Lake McDonald or fishing in one of the park’s many streams and rivers.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, on the other hand, is known for its camping and picnicking opportunities. Visitors can choose from over 100 campgrounds and picnic areas, including a number of backcountry campsites. The park is also a popular destination for wildlife viewing, with black bears, white-tailed deer, and wild turkeys being some of the most frequently spotted animals.
In both parks, visitors can also enjoy ranger-led programs and attend educational talks. These programs provide an opportunity to learn more about the park’s history, geology, and wildlife and offer a deeper appreciation of the park’s natural beauty.
Overall, Glacier National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park both offer a wealth of outdoor recreational opportunities to visitors, with the most popular activities ranging from scenic drives and boating to camping, picnicking, and wildlife viewing.
Best Time to Visit Glacier National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Glacier National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park are both popular tourist destinations in the United States, each offering unique natural beauty and outdoor activities. However, the seasonal weather patterns at each park are very different and can greatly impact the best time of year to visit.
Glacier National Park is located in Montana and is known for its glaciers, alpine meadows, and rugged peaks. Summer is the best time to visit Glacier National Park, with average temperatures ranging from 50 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it is also the busiest season and visitors should be prepared for crowded trails and busy campgrounds. Winter can be harsh, with average temperatures ranging from 20 to 30 degrees and heavy snowfall.
On the other hand, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located in Tennessee and North Carolina and is known for its lush forests, streams, and waterfalls. Spring and fall are the best times to visit the Great Smoky Mountains, with temperate weather and moderate crowds. Summer temperatures can be hot and humid, with average temperatures ranging from 70 to 90 degrees. Winter can bring snow and cold temperatures, but also offers the opportunity to see snow-covered landscapes and wildlife.
In conclusion, the seasonal weather patterns at Glacier National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park greatly affect the best time of year to visit. Summer is the ideal time for Glacier National Park, while spring and fall are the best for Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Family Friendliness of Glacier National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Glacier National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer a wide range of outdoor activities and scenic beauty, but they differ when it comes to being family-friendly.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the better option for families traveling with children. With a wide range of easy hikes and interactive educational programs, the park caters to families with kids of all ages. The park also offers a variety of campgrounds, picnic areas, and playgrounds, making it a great place for families to spend a day or a week.
On the other hand, Glacier National Park is a bit more rugged, with steep trails and challenging hikes. While it does offer some family-friendly activities, such as boat tours and scenic drives, the park may not be the best choice for families with young children or those looking for a more relaxed experience.
Both parks are great for families, but Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers more opportunities for families to enjoy the outdoors together. With its easy trails, educational programs, and family-friendly amenities, it’s the perfect destination for families looking for a fun and educational outdoor experience.