Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park are two of the most breathtaking and diverse national parks in the United States. These two parks offer visitors a chance to explore the wonders of nature, from the dark and mysterious caves of Carlsbad Caverns to the lush and rolling hills of Great Smoky Mountains. Whether you’re a fan of outdoor adventure or simply looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, these two parks are sure to leave you in awe.
At Carlsbad Caverns National Park, visitors can explore one of the largest and most diverse cave systems in the world, complete with stunning formations, intricate passageways, and breathtaking views. Meanwhile, at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, visitors can hike through dense forests, cross rushing streams, and take in the stunning views of the rolling hills and mountains that make up this lush and vibrant park.
With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder that Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the country. So why not pack your bags and set off on an adventure to explore these two amazing parks for yourself? The memories and experiences you’ll take away will last a lifetime.
Hiking Trails in Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park both offer a variety of hiking trails for visitors to explore.
At Carlsbad Caverns National Park, the easiest hike is the Natural Entrance Trail, which is a 1.25-mile trail that leads visitors from the park’s entrance to the Big Room. This trail is considered easy and is suitable for most visitors, including families with children. The park also offers a more challenging hike, the Hall of the White Giant, which is a strenuous 4.2-mile round-trip hike that takes visitors to the remote reaches of the park’s underground caves.
At Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the easiest hike is the Gatlinburg Trail, which is a 2.9-mile round-trip hike that takes visitors through a scenic forest and along a river. This trail is considered easy and is suitable for most visitors, including families with children. The park also offers a more challenging hike, the Alum Cave Trail, which is a strenuous 5.5-mile round-trip hike that takes visitors to the top of Mount LeConte. This hike is considered one of the park’s most challenging and is recommended for experienced hikers.
In conclusion, both Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park offer a variety of hiking trails for visitors to explore, including both easy and challenging hikes. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely walk or a strenuous hike, these two parks offer a range of options for visitors to enjoy.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Carlsbad Caverns National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carlsbad Caverns National Park Trail | 1287.472 | 13.716 | Easy | loop | 5 |
| North Slaughter Canyon Trail | 17863.674 | 469.6968 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Carlsbad Caverns Highway to Carlsbad Caverns National Park | 23657.298 | 309.9816 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Juniper Ridge Trail | 3057.746 | 140.8176 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Yucca Canyon Trail | 6115.492 | 443.7888 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Slaughter Canyon Cave Trail | 1609.34 | 140.8176 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Rattlesnake Canyon | 8690.436 | 207.8736 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Walnut Canyon Trail | 482.802 | 7.9248 | Easy | out and back | 2.5 |
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 Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Carlsbad Caverns National Park:
– Bats: the park is home to 17 species of bats, including the Mexican Free-tailed Bat, which can be seen in large numbers during the summer months as they emerge from the cave at sunset.
– Desert Animals: the park’s desert landscape is home to a variety of wildlife, including rattlesnakes, roadrunners, and jackrabbits.
– Cave Animals: the caverns themselves are home to a unique ecosystem of animals, including cave crickets, cave beetles, and cave spiders.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park:
– Black Bears: the park is home to a large population of black bears, which are commonly seen by visitors.
– Elk: the park’s elk population has been reintroduced and is growing, and visitors may have the chance to see these majestic animals in the park.
– Birds: the park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 200 species of birds, including the American Bald Eagle, the Peregrine Falcon, and the Red-tailed Hawk.
In conclusion, both Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park offer a diverse array of wildlife. Carlsbad Caverns National Park is known for its bats and desert animals, while Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known for its black bears, elk, and birds. Both parks offer a unique opportunity to see and learn about the wildlife that call these parks home.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Carlsbad Caverns 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
| Carlsbad Caverns 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 |
| Deer Mouse | Little Brown Bat |
| Raccoon | Deer Mouse |
| Black Bear | Raccoon |
| Porcupine | Black Bear |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Porcupine |
| Hoary Bat | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Hoary Bat |
| House Mouse | Red Fox |
| Mountain Lion | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Mule Deer | House Mouse |
| Common Gray Fox | Panther (Mountain Lion) |
| Gray Wolf | Mink |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Gray Fox |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Gray Wolf |
| American Badger | Snowshoe Hare |
| California Myotis | River Otter |
| Fringed Myotis | Masked Shrew |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | Water Shrew |
| Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat | Red Squirrel |
Reptiles
| Carlsbad Caverns National Park | Great Smoky Mountains National Park |
|---|---|
| Sonoran Gophersnake | |
| Eastern Racer | |
| Green Prairie Rattlesnake | |
| Ring-Necked Snake | |
| Common Gartersnake | |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Common Side-Blotched Lizard | |
| Desert Kingsnake | |
| Texas Nightsnake | |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| New Mexico Milksnake | |
| Striped Whipsnake | |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | |
| Big Bend Tree Lizard | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Glossy Snake | |
| Long-Nosed Snake | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Amphibians
| Carlsbad Caverns National Park | Great Smoky Mountains National Park |
|---|---|
| Barred Tiger Salamander | Northern Leopard Frog |
| American Bullfrog | American Bullfrog |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | Wood Frog |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Fish
| Carlsbad Caverns National Park | Great Smoky Mountains National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Rainbow Trout |
| Green Sunfish | Brook Trout |
| Mosquitofish | Brown Trout |
| Largemouth Bass | |
| Green Sunfish | |
| Bluegill | |
| Common Carp | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Yellow Bullhead | |
| Channel Catfish | |
| Black Crappie | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Mosquitofish | |
| Creek Chub | |
| Goldfish | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Insects
| Carlsbad Caverns 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 Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park are both home to a wide range of stunning landscapes and natural wonders that visitors can enjoy.
At Carlsbad Caverns National Park, visitors can explore the famous caves and underground formations that make up the park. The Big Room, one of the largest underground chambers in North America, is a must-see for visitors, and features towering stalagmites and other unique formations that are sure to leave you in awe. Other popular caves and formations include the King’s Palace, the Queen’s Chamber, and the Green Lake Room.
At Great Smoky Mountains National Park, visitors can take in the stunning views of the rolling hills and mountains that make up this lush and vibrant park. Some of the most famous landscapes in the park include Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the park, and Newfound Gap, a stunning overlook that offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The park is also home to a wide range of waterfalls, including Grotto Falls, Laurel Falls, and Rainbow Falls, each of which offer breathtaking views and a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Whether you’re a fan of breathtaking caves and underground formations or rolling hills and stunning waterfalls, Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park both offer a wide range of natural wonders that are sure to leave you in awe. So why not pack your bags and set off on an adventure to explore these two amazing parks for yourself? The memories and experiences you’ll take away will last a lifetime.
Things To-Do and Activities in Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Carlsbad Caverns National Park:
– Cave Tours: the park offers ranger-led tours and self-guided tours of the caverns, allowing visitors to explore the underground world.
– Hiking: the park has several hiking trails, including the Natural Entrance Trail, which takes visitors down into the caverns.
– Wildlife Watching: the park’s desert landscape is home to a variety of wildlife, including bats, rattlesnakes, roadrunners, and jackrabbits.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park:
– Hiking: the park has over 800 miles of hiking trails, including the popular Appalachian Trail, offering visitors the chance to explore the park’s stunning landscapes.
– Wildlife Watching: the park is home to a large population of black bears, elk, and a variety of birds, making it a great place for wildlife watching.
– Scenic Drives: the park has several scenic drives, including the Newfound Gap Road, which offers stunning views of the park’s mountains and valleys.
In conclusion, both Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park offer a variety of popular activities. Carlsbad Caverns National Park is known for its cave tours, hiking, and wildlife watching, while Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known for its hiking, wildlife watching, and scenic drives. Both parks offer visitors a chance to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of these stunning landscapes.
Best Time to Visit Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park both offer unique seasonal weather patterns that can affect the best time of year to visit the parks.
At Carlsbad Caverns National Park, the weather is arid and desert-like, with hot summers and mild winters. The park’s location in southeastern New Mexico results in hot temperatures during the summer months, with average temperatures in the 90s. Winter temperatures are mild, with average temperatures in the 50s and 60s. The park is open year-round, but the best time to visit for comfortable weather is from spring to fall.
At Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the weather is more temperate, with warm summers and cool winters. The park’s location in the Appalachian Mountains results in cooler temperatures during the summer months, with average temperatures in the 70s and 80s. Winter temperatures can be quite cold, with average temperatures in the 30s and 40s. The park is also open year-round, but the best time to visit for comfortable weather is from spring to fall.
In conclusion, both Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park offer unique seasonal weather patterns that can affect the best time of year to visit the parks. Whether you’re looking for hot desert weather or cool mountain weather, these two parks offer a range of options for visitors to enjoy.
Family Friendliness of Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park are both family-friendly parks that offer a range of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages.
At Carlsbad Caverns National Park, families can enjoy a variety of activities, including ranger-led tours of the park’s underground caves, self-guided hikes along the park’s trails, and educational programs at the park’s visitor center. The park also offers a Junior Ranger program for children, which is a fun and educational way for kids to learn about the park’s unique features and history.
At Great Smoky Mountains National Park, families can enjoy a variety of activities, including hiking along the park’s trails, fishing in its streams and rivers, and exploring its scenic overlooks. The park also offers a Junior Ranger program for children, as well as ranger-led programs and educational talks at the park’s visitor centers.
In conclusion, both Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park are family-friendly parks that offer a range of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re looking for underground caves or scenic mountain trails, these two parks offer a range of options for families to enjoy.