Acadia National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park are two of the most beautiful and diverse national parks in the United States. Both parks offer visitors a wide range of outdoor activities and breathtaking natural landscapes. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a nature lover, or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, these parks have something to offer everyone.
Acadia National Park, located in the state of Maine, is known for its rugged coastline, towering mountains, and crystal-clear lakes. Visitors can hike to the top of Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the east coast, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The park also offers a wide range of water activities, such as kayaking and swimming, as well as the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife, including black bears, moose, and whales.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located in the states of Tennessee and North Carolina, is known for its incredible biodiversity and rich cultural heritage. The park’s thick forests and misty peaks are home to an incredible array of plants and animals, including the famous black bears and elk. Visitors can hike to the top of Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the park, and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The park also offers a wide range of outdoor activities, such as fishing, camping, and horseback riding, as well as the opportunity to explore historic sites and traditional mountain communities.
In conclusion, both Acadia National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park offer visitors a truly unique and unforgettable experience. Whether you’re looking to hike to the top of a mountain, swim in a crystal-clear lake, or explore a rich cultural heritage, these parks have something to offer everyone. So, if you’re planning a trip to the East coast or the South, don’t miss the opportunity to visit these two incredible national parks.
Hiking Trails in Acadia National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Acadia National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park both offer a wide variety of hiking trails for visitors to enjoy. In Acadia National Park, some of the most popular hikes include the Precipice Trail, which is a challenging hike with steep, rocky terrain and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, and the Jordan Pond Path, which is a moderate hike that takes you past Jordan Pond and Bubbles Pond. Other popular hikes in Acadia include the Cadillac Mountain and the Precipice Trail.
In contrast, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known for its abundance of easy to moderate hikes that offer stunning views and a chance to see a variety of wildlife. Some of the most popular hikes in the park include the Alum Cave Trail, which is a moderate hike that takes you past Alum Cave Bluffs and offers stunning views of the park, and the Grotto Falls trail, which is an easy hike that takes you to a waterfall. Other popular hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park include the Chimneys Trail, the Rainbow falls and Andrews Bald.
While both parks offer a wide variety of hikes, the trails at Great Smoky Mountains National Park tend to be more family-friendly and less strenuous than the trails at Acadia National Park. However, those looking for more challenging hikes will find that the Precipice Trail and Cadillac Mountain trail in Acadia National Park offer a more strenuous experience.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Acadia National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Beehive Loop Trail | 2253.076 | 148.7424 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| Cadillac North Ridge Trail | 6437.36 | 340.7664 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Jordan Pond Full Loop Trail | 5471.756 | 28.956 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Ocean Path and Gorham Mountain Loop Trail | 4988.954 | 181.9656 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Cadillac Mountain South Ridge Trail Loop | 12070.05 | 684.8856 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
| Precipice, Orange and Black and Champlain North Ridge Trail Loop | 3379.614 | 319.7352 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| Ocean Path Trail: Thunder Hole and Monument Cove | 7242.03 | 113.9952 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Great Head Trail (Short Option) | 2574.944 | 91.7448 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| South Bubble Mountain and Jordan Pond Loop | 2253.076 | 149.9616 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Cadillac Summit Loop Trail | 482.802 | 13.716 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
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 Acadia National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Acadia National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park both offer a diverse array of wildlife for visitors to see. In Acadia, you may see animals such as white-tailed deer, moose, black bears, and foxes. The park also has a wide variety of bird species, including the peregrine falcon, osprey, and the common loon. Additionally, Acadia is home to a variety of plants, including wildflowers like the pink lady’s slipper and the Canada mayflower.
In contrast, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known for its rich biodiversity and is home to a wide variety of animals and plants. Visitors may see animals such as black bears, white-tailed deer, elk, and wild turkeys. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including the pileated woodpecker and the scarlet tanager. Additionally, the park is home to over 1,500 species of flowering plants, making it one of the most diverse national parks in terms of flora.
Both parks offer great opportunities to see a diverse array of wildlife, but the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known for its exceptional biodiversity, which can be seen in the variety of species of animals, birds and plants.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Acadia National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Acadia 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
| Acadia 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 |
| Cross Fox | Red Fox |
| New York Weasel | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| House Mouse | House Mouse |
| Mink | Panther (Mountain Lion) |
| Gray Wolf | Mink |
| Bonaparte’s Weasel | Gray Fox |
| Varying Hare | Gray Wolf |
| Masked Shrew | Snowshoe Hare |
| Water Shrew | River Otter |
| Red Squirrel | Masked Shrew |
| Virginia Deer | Water Shrew |
| Canada Lynx | Red Squirrel |
Fish
| Acadia National Park | Great Smoky Mountains National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Native Brook Trout | Brook Trout |
| Loch Leven Brown Trout | Brown Trout |
| Largemouth Bass | Largemouth Bass |
| Fathead Minnow | Green Sunfish |
| Golden Shiner | Bluegill |
| Togue | Common Carp |
| Threespine Stickleback | Longnose Dace |
| Creek Chub | Yellow Bullhead |
| Brown Bullhead | Channel Catfish |
| Smallmouth Bass | Black Crappie |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Mosquitofish | |
| Creek Chub | |
| Goldfish | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Amphibians
| Acadia National Park | Great Smoky Mountains National Park |
|---|---|
| Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Bullfrog | American Bullfrog |
| Wood Frog | Wood Frog |
Reptiles
| Acadia National Park | Great Smoky Mountains National Park |
|---|---|
| Ringneck Snake | |
| Eastern Garter Snake | |
| Milk Snake |
Insects
| Acadia 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 Acadia National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Acadia National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park are both known for their breathtaking landscapes and natural wonders.
Acadia National Park is home to some of the most iconic landscapes on the East Coast, including the rugged coastline of the Atlantic Ocean, the towering peaks of Cadillac Mountain, and the crystal-clear waters of Jordan Pond. Visitors can also explore the park’s many lakes, including Echo Lake and Jordan Pond, which offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains. One of the most famous trails in the park is the Precipice Trail, which offers a challenging hike to the top of Champlain Mountain with stunning views of the coast. Another famous trail is the Jordan Pond Path, which is an easy hike around the Jordan Pond with beautiful views of the Bubbles Mountains and Jordan Pond.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known for its misty peaks, lush forests, and cascading waterfalls. Visitors can hike to the top of Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the park, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The park is also home to over 1600 miles of hiking trails, including the popular Alum Cave Trail and the challenging hike to the summit of Mount Le Conte. The park is also home to over 800 miles of streams and rivers, which are home to a wide variety of fish and other aquatic life. The park also offers a wide variety of waterfalls, including the famous Grotto, Laurel, and Abrams Falls.
In conclusion, both Acadia National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park offer visitors a wide range of beautiful landscapes and natural wonders to explore. From rugged coastlines and towering peaks to lush forests and cascading waterfalls, these parks have something to offer everyone.
Things To-Do and Activities in Acadia National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Acadia National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park both offer a wide variety of activities for visitors to enjoy.
At Acadia, popular activities include hiking on the park’s many trails, including the Precipice Trail and Jordan Pond Path. Visitors can also take a drive on the Park Loop Road, which offers scenic views of the park’s landscapes. Other popular activities include camping, rock climbing, and wildlife watching.
At Great Smoky Mountains National Park, hiking is also a popular activity, with over 800 miles of trails to explore. Visitors can also take a drive along the park’s scenic roads, such as the Newfound Gap Road, which offers beautiful views of the park’s landscapes. Other popular activities include camping, fishing, and horseback riding. Additionally, visitors can also enjoy ranger-led programs, and visit the park’s historic buildings, such as the Oconaluftee Visitor Center and the Mingus Mill.
Both of these parks offer a unique experience for visitors, with different activities and landscapes to explore. Acadia National Park is known for its rugged coastal landscapes, while Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known for its lush, mountainous landscapes and diverse wildlife. Both parks are family-friendly and offer activities for visitors of all ages to enjoy.
Best Time to Visit Acadia National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Acadia National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park have different seasonal weather patterns. Acadia National Park, located in Maine, has a humid continental climate with cool summers and cold winters. The park is known for its fall foliage, which peaks in October. The spring and summer months are the best time to visit for hiking and camping, with mild temperatures and lush greenery. However, the park can experience heavy rainfall and fog during the spring and summer months.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located in Tennessee and North Carolina, has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. The park is known for its stunning spring wildflowers, which can be seen from late March to early June. The fall months are also a popular time to visit for the changing leaves, with peak color typically in October. The summer months can be hot and humid, but are also a popular time for hiking and camping. Winter is a great time to visit the park for mild temperatures and the chance to see snow on the higher elevation trails.
In summary, the best time to visit Acadia National Park is during the spring and summer months for hiking and camping. The fall months are the best time to visit for the fall foliage. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is best visited during the spring for wildflowers and fall for the changing leaves. Summer months are popular for hiking and camping while winter is great for mild temperatures and the chance to see snow on the higher elevation trails.
Family Friendliness of Acadia National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Acadia National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park are both great options for families looking to experience the beauty of nature. Both parks offer a wide range of activities that are suitable for visitors of all ages and abilities.
Acadia National Park is a great option for families with children, as it offers a wide range of easy hikes and educational programs. The park has a variety of nature trails, such as the Jordan Pond Path and the Sand Beach Nature Trail, that are perfect for families with young children. The park also offers ranger-led programs, such as guided hikes and campfire programs, that are designed to educate children about the natural world around them. Additionally, the park has a variety of campgrounds and picnic areas that are perfect for families looking to spend a night or a weekend in the great outdoors.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is also a great option for families, as it offers a wide range of activities and educational programs. The park has over 800 miles of hiking trails, some of which are suitable for families with young children. The park also offers a variety of ranger-led programs, such as guided hikes, campfire programs, and nature talks, that are designed to educate children about the natural world around them. Additionally, the park has a variety of campgrounds and picnic areas that are perfect for families looking to spend a night or a weekend in the great outdoors.
In conclusion, both Acadia National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park are great options for families looking to experience the beauty of nature. Both parks offer a wide range of activities and educational programs that are suitable for visitors of all ages and abilities. So, the choice between the two parks would depend on the family’s preferences, if they want to experience the ocean and coastal landscapes, Acadia National Park would be a good option, or if they want to experience the misty peaks, lush forests, and cascading waterfalls, Great Smoky Mountains National Park would be a good option.