Badlands National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park are two of the most diverse and captivating national parks located in the United States. While Badlands is known for its otherworldly terrain filled with towering spires and deep canyons, Great Smoky Mountains offers a completely different experience with its lush and verdant forests, cascading waterfalls and breath-taking vistas. Imagine standing at the edge of a desert oasis and looking out at the seemingly endless sea of sand in Badlands, then contrast that with exploring the lush green forests, and the misty blue mountains of Great Smoky. Each park offers its own unique adventure, and together they showcase the incredible diversity of the American landscape. Whether you’re a nature lover, a hiker, or just someone looking for a new and exciting vacation destination, these two national parks are sure to impress.
Hiking Trails in Badlands National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Badlands National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park are both popular destinations for hiking, each offering a unique set of trails for visitors to explore.
Badlands National Park features over 244,000 acres of rugged terrain, with a variety of hiking trails that range in difficulty. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Door Trail, which is a 0.25-mile boardwalk trail that winds through a narrow canyon and offers visitors the chance to see ancient fossils, and the Fossil Exhibit Trail, which is a 0.25-mile paved trail that leads to an exhibit of fossils from the area. For more experienced hikers, the park also offers more challenging trails such as the Badlands Loop Road, a scenic drive that offers visitors the chance to see the park’s most dramatic landscapes. The Castle Trail, a 2.5 miles hike, is considered as one of the most strenuous hike in the park, as it takes you to the top of the Badlands formations, with steep inclines and rocky terrain.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park features over 800 miles of hiking trails, with options for hikers of all skill levels. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Little River Trail, which is a 2-mile round-trip hike that follows the Little River and offers visitors the chance to see a variety of wildflowers and wildlife. Another easy hike is the Grotto Falls Trail, a 2.6 miles round-trip hike that leads to a waterfall, which is a popular destination for visitors. For more experienced hikers, the park offers more challenging trails such as the Alum Cave Trail, a 5.5-mile round-trip hike that takes you to the top of Mount LeConte, with steep inclines and rocky terrain. The Bull Head Trail, a 15.4 miles hike, considered as one of the most strenuous hike in the park, it passes through remote wilderness and steep climbs.
In summary, both Badlands National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park offer visitors a variety of hiking options, from easy, accessible trails to more challenging and strenuous hikes. Both parks offer great opportunities for visitors to explore the natural beauty of the area and experience a range of landscapes.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Badlands National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Notch Trail | 2092.142 | 39.9288 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Castle Trail | 16898.07 | 95.7072 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| The Door Trail | 1287.472 | 10.9728 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Saddle Pass Trail | 1126.538 | 65.8368 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Medicine Root Loop Trail | 7242.03 | 102.7176 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| The Window Trail | 321.868 | 1.8288 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Cliff Shelf Nature Trail | 804.67 | 19.812 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Fossil Exhibit Trail | 643.736 | 3.9624 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Sage Creek Loop | 36692.952 | 245.9736 | Hard | loop | 4 |
| Sheep Mountain Table Road | 23496.364 | 180.7464 | Moderate | out and back | 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 Badlands National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Badlands National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park are both home to a wide variety of wildlife, although the types of animals, birds, and plants that are commonly seen at each park are quite different.
Badlands National Park, located in South Dakota, is home to a variety of mammals, including bison, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, coyotes, and prairie dogs. Visitors may also see black-footed ferrets, swift foxes, and badgers. Birds that can be commonly seen in the park include hawks, eagles, and prairie chickens. The park is also home to a wide variety of reptiles and amphibians, including snakes, lizards, and frogs. In terms of plant life, Badlands National Park is known for its unique and diverse ecosystems, including mixed-grass prairie, riparian areas, and badlands formations.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located in the southern Appalachian Mountains, is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including black bears, white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and elk. Visitors may also see raccoons, opossums, skunks, and groundhogs. Birds that are commonly seen in the park include hawks, eagles, and wild turkeys. The park is also home to a wide variety of reptiles and amphibians, including snakes, lizards, and salamanders. In terms of plant life, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known for its diverse forest ecosystems, including cove hardwood, oak-hickory, and hemlock-northern hardwood forests.
In summary, Badlands National Park is known for its unique geological formations and diverse ecosystems, as well as for its prairie and badlands wildlife such as bison, bighorn sheep, and pronghorn. While Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known for its diverse forest ecosystems, as well as wildlife such as black bears, elk, and wild turkeys.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Badlands National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Badlands 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
| Badlands 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 |
| Porcupine | Black Bear |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Porcupine |
| Hoary Bat | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Red Fox | Hoary Bat |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Red Fox |
| House | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Mountain Lion | House Mouse |
| Mule Deer | Panther (Mountain Lion) |
| Gray Fox | Mink |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Gray Fox |
| Northern Myotis | Gray Wolf |
| Badger | Snowshoe Hare |
| Weasel | River Otter |
| North American River Otter | Masked Shrew |
| Common Shrew | Water Shrew |
| Pacific Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat | Red Squirrel |
Reptiles
| Badlands National Park | Great Smoky Mountains National Park |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | |
| Racer | |
| Western Rattlesnake | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Milksnake | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard |
Amphibians
| Badlands National Park | Great Smoky Mountains National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | American Bullfrog |
| Bullfrog | Wood Frog |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Insects
| Badlands National Park | Great Smoky Mountains National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | Orange Sulphur |
| Painted Lady | Painted Lady |
| Monarch | Monarch |
| American Painted Lady | American Painted Lady |
| Red Admiral | Red Admiral |
| Morning Cloak | Mourning Cloak |
| Cabbage White | Cabbage White |
| Silvery Blue | Silvery Blue |
| Common Check-Skipper | Common Checkered Skipper |
| Clouded Sulphur | Common Sulphur |
| Honey Bee | Honey Bee |
| Variegated Fritillary | Variegated Fritillary |
| Commom Wood Nymph | Buckeye |
| Purplish Copper | Commom Wood Nymph |
| Anise Swallowtail | Gray Hairstreak |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Fish
| Badlands National Park | Great Smoky Mountains National Park |
|---|---|
| Fathead Minnow | Rainbow Trout |
| Golden Shiner | Brook Trout |
| European Carp | Brown Trout |
| Longnose Dace | Largemouth Bass |
| Yellow Bullhead | Green Sunfish |
| Channel Catfish | Bluegill |
| Black Bullhead | Common Carp |
| Creek Chub | Longnose Dace |
| Yellow Bullhead | |
| Channel Catfish | |
| Black Crappie | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Mosquitofish | |
| Creek Chub | |
| Goldfish | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Beautiful Landscapes in Badlands National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Badlands National Park is known for its otherworldly terrain filled with towering spires, layered rock formations and deep canyons. The park’s most famous landscape is the Badlands Loop Road, a scenic drive that takes visitors through the heart of the park and offers breathtaking views of the Badlands formations. Other popular natural features in the park include the Pinnacles Overlook, which offers panoramic views of the Badlands formations, and the Badlands Wilderness Area, a rugged and remote wilderness area that is perfect for hiking and backpacking. The Badlands formations also offers a great opportunity for stargazing, with minimal light pollution, the park is home to one of the darkest skies in the lower 48 states.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, on the other hand, is known for its lush and verdant forests, cascading waterfalls, and breath-taking vistas. The park’s most famous landscape is the Great Smoky Mountains themselves, a mountain range that stretches across the border of North Carolina and Tennessee and is the most visited national park in the United States. Other popular natural features in the park include Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the park, and offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, Cades Cove, a scenic valley that offers a glimpse into the history of the region and the park’s rich biodiversity. The park also offers a great opportunity for hiking, with over 800 miles of trails that range from easy to strenuous, visitors can explore the park’s diverse ecosystems, including spruce-fir forests, hardwood forests, and high-elevation grasslands.
In summary, Badlands National Park is known for its otherworldly terrain filled with towering spires and deep canyons, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known for its lush and verdant forests, cascading waterfalls, and breath-taking vistas. Both parks offer a great opportunity to explore and appreciate the natural beauty of the American landscape.
Things To-Do and Activities in Badlands National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Badlands National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park are both popular tourist destinations and offer a wide variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. However, the types of activities that are popular at each park are quite different.
Badlands National Park, located in South Dakota, is known for its unique geological formations, including layered rock formations and deep canyons. As such, many visitors enjoy hiking and exploring the park’s many trails. Some of the most popular trails include the short, easy Boardwalk Trail and the longer, more challenging Castle Trail. Other popular activities include scenic drives, wildlife watching, and photography. The park also offers ranger-led programs and educational activities, as well as camping and picnicking.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located in the southern Appalachian Mountains, is known for its stunning natural beauty and diverse ecosystems. Many visitors enjoy hiking and exploring the park’s many trails, including some of the most popular trails such as the Chimneys, Clingmans Dome and Alum Cave trails. Other popular activities include wildlife watching, camping, picnicking and fishing. The park also offers ranger-led programs, educational activities, and guided horseback riding and fishing tours.
In summary, both Badlands National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park are popular tourist destinations that offer a wide variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. However, Badlands National Park is known for its unique geological formations, scenic drives, and hiking trails, while Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known for its diverse ecosystems, hiking trails, and outdoor activities such as wildlife watching, camping, and picnicking.
Best Time to Visit Badlands National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Badlands National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park are both popular tourist destinations, each with its own unique weather patterns that can affect the best time of year to visit the park.
Badlands National Park is located in the Great Plains region of South Dakota, which has a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cold winters. The park is open year-round, but the best time to visit for mild weather is in the spring and fall. Summer temperatures can be quite hot, with highs often reaching into the 90s, making it less ideal for outdoor activities. Winter temperatures can drop well below freezing, with snow and icy conditions making some areas of the park inaccessible. The park is also known for its strong winds, which can be especially biting in the winter.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located in the southern Appalachian Mountains, which has a humid subtropical climate with warm summers and mild winters. The park is open year-round, but the best time to visit for mild weather is in the spring and fall. Summer temperatures can be quite warm, with highs often reaching into the 80s and 90s, making it less ideal for outdoor activities, but can be perfect for swimming, fishing, and boating. Fall is a great time to visit the park to see the changing of the leaves. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, with occasional snowfall, which can make some areas of the park inaccessible.
In summary, the best time to visit Badlands National Park is in the spring and fall for mild weather, while the best time to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park is in the spring and fall for mild weather, also summer is a good time for swimming, fishing, and boating. Both parks offer different weather patterns, and visitors should plan their trip accordingly, keeping in mind that the weather can change rapidly and be unpredictable.
Family Friendliness of Badlands National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Badlands National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park are both popular destinations for families, but each park offers a different experience for visitors traveling with children.
Badlands National Park offers a variety of outdoor activities and educational opportunities for families to enjoy together. The park has several easy hiking trails, including the Door Trail and Fossil Exhibit Trail, that are suitable for children of all ages, and the Ben Reifel Visitor Center offers educational exhibits and ranger-led programs that can help children learn about the park’s geology and wildlife. However, some parts of the park can be quite rugged and may not be suitable for very young children or those with mobility issues.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, on the other hand, is considered to be more family-friendly than Badlands National Park. The park offers a wide range of activities and educational opportunities for families to enjoy together. The park has several easy hiking trails that are suitable for children of all ages, such as the Little River Trail and Grotto Falls Trail. The park also has a number of picnic areas, playgrounds, and campgrounds that are perfect for families, and the Sugarlands Visitor Center offers educational exhibits and ranger-led programs that can help children learn about the park’s history and wildlife. Additionally, the park offers a variety of other activities like fishing, swimming, and horseback riding, which can provide entertainment for families with children of all ages.
In summary, both Badlands National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park are great destinations for families to visit, but Great Smoky Mountains National Park is considered more family-friendly, offering a wider range of activities, educational opportunities, and facilities that are suitable for children of all ages, making it the better option for families traveling with children.