“Imagine standing at the base of towering red rock formations in one national park, then hiking through lush forests teeming with wildlife in another. These two national parks, Arches and Great Smoky Mountains, offer vastly different landscapes and experiences, yet both are truly breathtaking in their own unique way. Arches National Park in Utah is home to over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, while Great Smoky Mountains National Park straddling the border of Tennessee and North Carolina is known for its diverse plant and animal life, including black bears and elk. Both parks offer endless opportunities for outdoor activities, from hiking and camping to scenic drives and wildlife viewing. So, pack your hiking boots and camera, and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime as we explore the wonders of Arches and Great Smoky Mountains National Parks.”
Hiking Trails in Arches National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Arches National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park are both popular national parks that offer a wide range of hiking trails for visitors to enjoy.
At Arches National Park, some of the easiest hikes include the Park Avenue Trail and the Windows Trail. The Park Avenue Trail is a relatively short hike that takes visitors through a beautiful canyon and past some of the park’s famous red rock formations. The Windows Trail is a short, easy hike that leads to the North and South Windows, two large natural arches. Both trails are relatively flat and offer great views of the park’s landscapes.
For those looking for more challenging hikes, Arches National Park offers several options such as, the Devil’s Garden Trail, which is a 7.2-mile round-trip hike that takes visitors past several of the park’s famous arches, including Landscape Arch and Double O Arch. Another option is the Delicate Arch Trail, which is a 3-mile round-trip hike that takes visitors to the park’s most famous arch. This hike is considered to be strenuous and involves steep inclines and rocky terrain.
At Great Smoky Mountains National Park, some of the easiest hikes include the Laurel Falls Trail and the Grotto Falls Trail. The Laurel Falls Trail is a 2.6-mile round-trip hike that takes visitors to a beautiful 80-foot waterfall. The Grotto Falls Trail is a 2.6-mile round-trip hike that takes visitors to a 25-foot waterfall that visitors can walk behind. Both trails are relatively flat and offer great views of the park’s landscapes.
For those looking for more challenging hikes, Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers several options such as the Alum Cave Trail, which is a 5-mile round-trip hike that takes visitors to a large cave and offers beautiful views of the park’s landscapes. Another option is the Andrew’s Bald Trail, which is a 3-mile round-trip hike that takes visitors to the top of a mountain and offers panoramic views of the park.
Both Arches National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park offer a wide range of hiking trails for visitors to enjoy, with options for hikers of all skill levels. Arches National Park is known for its unique natural arches, rock formations, and desert landscapes, while Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known for its waterfalls, lush forests, and mountain views. Both parks offer a unique experience, and whichever you choose, you will not be disappointed.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Arches National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delicate Arch Trail | 4988.954 | 186.8424 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Devils Garden Loop Trail with 7 Arches | 12070.05 | 325.8312 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| Double Arch Trail | 804.67 | 9.7536 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Fiery Furnace and Surprise Arch | 2735.878 | 132.8928 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
| Landscape Arch Trail | 3057.746 | 78.9432 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Windows Loop and Turret Arch Trail | 1931.208 | 51.816 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Balanced Rock Loop Trail | 482.802 | 13.716 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Park Avenue Trail | 2896.812 | 90.8304 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Sand Dune Arch Trail | 482.802 | 32.9184 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Wolfe Ranch and Petroglyph Trail | 804.67 | 4.8768 | 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 Arches National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Arches National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park are both located in the United States and are known for their diverse wildlife. However, the types of animals, birds, and plants that are commonly seen in each park are quite different.
Arches National Park is located in the desert region of Utah, and as such, the park is home to a wide variety of desert animals such as lizards, snakes, and rodents. Commonly seen mammals include desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, and coyotes. Birds such as golden eagles, red-tailed hawks, and turkey vultures can also be seen in the park. The park is also home to a wide variety of cacti and other desert plants, including Joshua trees, yucca plants, and sagebrush.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, on the other hand, is located in the Appalachian Mountains of Tennessee and North Carolina, and is known for its diverse array of wildlife. The park is home to a wide variety of mammals, including black bears, white-tailed deer, and elk. Birds such as the pileated woodpecker, ravens, and wild turkey can also be seen in the park. The park is also home to a wide variety of plants, including rhododendrons, mountain laurel, and wildflowers.
In summary, Arches National Park is known for its desert wildlife including reptiles, mammals and cacti, while Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known for its diverse wildlife including black bears, white-tailed deer, elk and a wide variety of birds and plants.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Arches National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Arches 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
| Arches 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 |
| House Mouse | House Mouse |
| Mountain Lion | Panther (Mountain Lion) |
| American Mink | Mink |
| Mule Deer | Gray Fox |
| Common Gray Fox | Gray Wolf |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Snowshoe Hare |
| Long-Eared Myotis | River Otter |
| American Badger | Masked Shrew |
| California Myotis | Water Shrew |
| Northern River Otter | Red Squirrel |
Reptiles
| Arches National Park | Great Smoky Mountains National Park |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | |
| Eastern Racer | |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | |
| Nightsnake | |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| Milksnake | |
| Striped Whipsnake | |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | |
| Tree Lizard | |
| Western Whiptail | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard |
Amphibians
| Arches National Park | Great Smoky Mountains National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | American Bullfrog |
| American Bullfrog | Wood Frog |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Fish
| Arches National Park | Great Smoky Mountains National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Rainbow Trout |
| Green Sunfish | Brook Trout |
| Bluegill | Brown Trout |
| Fathead Minnow | Largemouth Bass |
| Common Carp | Green Sunfish |
| Speckled Dace | Bluegill |
| Yellow Bullhead | Common Carp |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Yellow Bullhead | |
| Channel Catfish | |
| Black Crappie | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Mosquitofish | |
| Creek Chub | |
| Goldfish | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Insects
| Arches 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 Arches National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Arches National Park is known for its over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, including the famous Delicate Arch and Landscape Arch. The park also features other unique geologic formations such as balanced rocks and fins. Visitors can also hike to scenic overlooks, such as Park Avenue and the Windows, for panoramic views of the park.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known for its beautiful mountain vistas and lush forests. The park’s most famous feature is Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the park, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The park also features many waterfalls, including the 80-foot high Grotto Falls and the 100-foot high Laurel Falls. Other natural wonders in the park include the Cades Cove, a valley with historic buildings, and the Newfound Gap which is the lowest drivable pass through the Great Smokies.
Things To-Do and Activities in Arches National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Arches National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park are both popular tourist destinations in the United States, and each park offers a wide variety of activities for visitors to enjoy.
Arches National Park is known for its spectacular natural arches and rock formations, and as such, many visitors enjoy hiking and backpacking through the park to explore these features. The park offers a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy nature walks to more strenuous backcountry treks. Visitors can also enjoy scenic drives through the park, including the popular 18-mile Scenic Drive, which takes visitors past many of the park’s most famous natural arches. Rock climbing and photography are also popular activities in the park, as visitors can capture the stunning natural beauty of the park’s rock formations.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, on the other hand, is known for its beautiful mountain scenery, and as such, many visitors enjoy hiking and backpacking through the park to explore the park’s many trails. The park offers over 800 miles of hiking trails, including the popular 5.5-mile hike to the summit of Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the park. Visitors can also enjoy scenic drives through the park, including the 11-mile Newfound Gap Road, which takes visitors through the heart of the park. Fishing and wildlife viewing are also popular activities in the park, as visitors can fish for trout in the park’s streams and rivers, and see a wide variety of wildlife including black bears, white-tailed deer, and elk.
In summary, Arches National Park is known for its natural arches and rock formation, and visitors often enjoy hiking, backpacking, scenic drives, rock climbing and photography. While Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known for its beautiful mountain scenery, visitors often enjoy hiking, backpacking, scenic drives, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
Best Time to Visit Arches National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Arches National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park have distinct seasonal weather patterns that can greatly affect the best time of year to visit.
Arches National Park, located in Utah, has hot summers and mild winters. The park experiences the most visitors during the summer months, with temperatures averaging in the high 90s during the day and low 70s at night. Spring and fall offer milder temperatures, with highs in the 70s and 80s, making these seasons a great time to visit for those looking to avoid the heat. Winter can be chilly, with occasional snowfall, but the park remains open year-round and the cooler temperatures can make for a unique and less crowded experience.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located in Tennessee and North Carolina, has a humid subtropical climate. The park experiences the most visitors during the summer and fall, with temperatures averaging in the 80s during the day and 60s at night. Spring and fall offer milder temperatures and the opportunity to see wildflowers and fall foliage. Winter can be cold, with occasional snowfall, and many of the park’s higher elevations and roads may close due to snow and ice.
In summary, the best time to visit Arches National Park is spring or fall for milder temperatures, while the best time to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park is also spring or fall to see wildflowers and fall foliage, but summer and fall are also popular times to visit. Winter can be a good time to visit both parks if you’re looking for a quieter, less crowded experience, but you’ll need to be prepared for colder temperatures and possible snow in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Family Friendliness of Arches National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Both Arches National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park are family-friendly, but they offer different types of experiences and activities.
Arches National Park is known for its unique geologic formations and scenic hiking trails. There are several easy and short hikes in the park that are suitable for families with children, such as the Park Avenue Trail and the Windows Trail. The park also offers ranger-led programs for families, such as guided hikes and Junior Ranger activities. However, the park is relatively remote and may not have as many amenities and facilities as some other national parks.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, on the other hand, is known for its lush forests, beautiful mountain vistas, and wide range of recreational activities. The park offers a variety of hiking trails, including some that are easy and short and suitable for families with children. The park also offers a wide range of ranger-led programs, including guided hikes, campfire talks, and Junior Ranger activities. The park also has a number of facilities and amenities, including campgrounds, picnic areas, and visitor centers. The park also has a rich history and culture, with many historic buildings and sites to explore.
Overall, Great Smoky Mountains National Park may be a better option for families with children as it offers more activities, amenities and facilities as well as rich history and culture. While Arches National Park is a great destination for those looking for unique geologic formations and scenic hiking trails, it may not have as many activities for children.