Denali National Park & Preserve and Great Smoky Mountains National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both are known for their stunning natural beauty and are must-visit destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. But which one is the better choice for your next adventure? This article will take you on a journey through these two parks, highlighting the unique experiences each has to offer. From rugged wilderness to rolling hills, there’s something for everyone in these two magnificent national parks.
Denali is often referred to as “The Great One”, and it’s easy to see why. With its towering peaks, sparkling glaciers and abundant wildlife, this park is the perfect destination for those seeking a true wilderness experience. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a first-time camper, you’ll be awe-struck by the beauty and majesty of Denali.
On the other hand, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a place of rolling hills, lush forests and quiet streams. It is a true oasis in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, and is home to some of the most diverse plant and animal life in the country. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful hike or a thrilling mountain-bike ride, you’ll find it all in this enchanting park.
Hiking Trails in Denali National Park & Preserve and Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Denali National Park & Preserve and Great Smoky Mountains National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States, attracting millions of visitors each year. Hiking is a popular activity in both parks, offering visitors the chance to explore their natural beauty and wildlife. However, there are some differences between the hiking trails in these two parks.
Denali is well known for its challenging hikes, with trails that range from easy to strenuous. The park’s most famous trail, the Mount McKinley Trail, is a strenuous hike that covers over 20 miles and takes several days to complete. For an easier hike, visitors can try the Savage River Loop, a 2.5-mile trail that offers stunning views of the park’s landscapes.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, on the other hand, is known for its more accessible trails. The park has over 800 miles of trails, ranging from easy hikes to strenuous backcountry treks. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Rainbow Falls Trail and the Grotto Falls Trail. For a more strenuous hike, visitors can try the Clingmans Dome trail, which is a 7-mile round trip hike that leads to the highest point in the park.
In conclusion, both Denali National Park & Preserve and Great Smoky Mountains National Park offer visitors a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy to strenuous. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just starting out, these two parks have something to offer for everyone.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Denali National Park & Preserve
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Healy Overlook Trail | 6920.162 | 507.7968 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Horseshoe Lake Trail | 3379.614 | 119.7864 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Triple Lakes Trail | 29772.79 | 1124.712 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Bison Gulch | 11265.38 | 1178.9664 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Rock Creek Trail | 7081.096 | 287.7312 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Taiga Trail | 2574.944 | 62.7888 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| McKinley Station Trail | 4667.086 | 113.9952 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Mount Thorofare Ridge Loop | 6598.294 | 507.7968 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
| McKinley Bar Trail | 7402.964 | 295.9608 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Tiaga Loop and Horseshoe Lake Trail to Beaver Dam | 4828.02 | 158.8008 | Moderate | 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 Denali National Park & Preserve and Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Denali National Park & Preserve and Great Smoky Mountains National Park are two of the most visited national parks in the United States. Both parks are known for their breathtaking scenery and diverse wildlife. While both parks offer unique experiences, the wildlife you’ll see in each park is quite different.
Denali National Park & Preserve is home to a variety of large mammals, including grizzly bears, black bears, moose, caribou, wolves, and Dall sheep. Visitors to the park may also see smaller animals such as foxes and squirrels. Birdwatchers will be delighted by the abundance of bird species in Denali, including eagles, ravens, and ptarmigans. The park is also home to a variety of plants, including wildflowers, shrubs, and trees.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, on the other hand, is home to a different set of wildlife. Visitors to the park may see black bears, white-tailed deer, raccoons, and opossums. Birdwatchers will be pleased to see the many species of birds that call the park home, including the scarlet tanager, the black-capped chickadee, and the wood thrush. The park is also home to a variety of plants, including wildflowers, ferns, and shrubs.
In conclusion, both Denali National Park & Preserve and Great Smoky Mountains National Park offer visitors a chance to see a diverse range of wildlife. While the types of animals and plants you’ll see in each park are different, both parks offer a unique and unforgettable experience.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Denali National Park & Preserve and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Denali National Park & Preserve | 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 |
| Hermit Thrush | Great Blue Heron |
| American Kestrel | Hermit Thrush |
| Bald Eagle | American Kestrel |
| Song Sparrow | Bald Eagle |
| European Starling | Song Sparrow |
| Northern Pintail | European Starling |
| American Wigeon | Northern Pintail |
| Green-Winged Teal | American Wigeon |
| Swainson’s Thrush | Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Denali National Park & Preserve | Great Smoky Mountains National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Little Brown Bat | Big Brown Bat |
| Black Bear | Bobcat |
| Porcupine | Striped Skunk |
| Red Fox | Little Brown Bat |
| Mink | Deer Mouse |
| Wolf | Raccoon |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | Black Bear |
| Snowshoe Hare | Porcupine |
| River Otter | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Common Shrew | Hoary Bat |
| Water Shrew | Red Fox |
| Red Squirrel | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Montane Shrew | House Mouse |
| Lynx | Panther (Mountain Lion) |
| Wolverine | Mink |
| American Marten | Gray Fox |
| Northern Flying Squirrel | Gray Wolf |
| Grizzly Bear | Snowshoe Hare |
| Meadow Vole | River Otter |
| Moose | Masked Shrew |
| Least Weasel | Water Shrew |
| Pygmy Shrew | Red Squirrel |
Fish
| Denali National Park & Preserve | Great Smoky Mountains National Park |
|---|---|
| Longnose Sucker | Rainbow Trout |
| Lake Trout | Brook Trout |
| Northern Pike | Brown Trout |
| Burbot | Largemouth Bass |
| Coho Salmon | Green Sunfish |
| Chinook Salmon | Bluegill |
| Slimy Sculpin | Common Carp |
| Chum Salmon | Longnose Dace |
| Dolly Varden | Yellow Bullhead |
| Arctic Grayling | Channel Catfish |
| Black Crappie | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Mosquitofish | |
| Creek Chub | |
| Goldfish | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Amphibians
| Denali National Park & Preserve | Great Smoky Mountains National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| American Bullfrog | |
| Wood Frog |
Insects
| Denali National Park & Preserve | 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 Denali National Park & Preserve and Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Denali National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska and is famous for its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. The park is home to North America’s tallest peak, Mount McKinley (20,310 ft), which draws thousands of visitors each year for its breathtaking views. The park also boasts a wide range of other natural wonders, including glaciers, tundra, rivers, and forests. Visitors can take a scenic drive on the park road, go on a guided hike, or take a flightseeing tour to get an up-close view of the mountain and its surroundings.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located in Tennessee and North Carolina, is well-known for its misty, blue-hued ridges, which are the result of the park’s high rainfall and abundant vegetation. This park also features over 800 miles of hiking trails, including popular trails to scenic overlooks and waterfalls. Additionally, the park is home to diverse wildlife, including black bears, elk, and over 1,500 species of native plants. A visit to the park is a must for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, as it offers a chance to experience the beauty of the southern Appalachian Mountains and its rich cultural history.
Things To-Do and Activities in Denali National Park & Preserve and Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Denali National Park & Preserve 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 for visitors to enjoy.
In Denali, visitors can take part in wildlife viewing, which is the park’s main attraction. Denali is home to a variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears, caribou, moose, and wolves. Visitors can also enjoy scenic drives, backcountry camping, and ranger-led activities.
At Great Smoky Mountains National Park, visitors can take part in scenic drives, fishing, and picnicking. The park is also famous for its rich cultural history and offers visitors the opportunity to explore historic buildings and settlements. In addition, the park is a popular destination for birdwatching and wildflower viewing, as well as ranger-led programs and guided hikes.
Both parks offer visitors a unique experience and the opportunity to connect with nature. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful escape from the city or an adventure-filled trip, these parks have something for everyone. So, before planning your next trip, consider these two magnificent national parks and all that they have to offer.
Best Time to Visit Denali National Park & Preserve and Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Denali National Park & Preserve and Great Smoky Mountains National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the U.S. Both offer stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife, but their seasonal weather patterns can greatly affect the best time to visit.
Denali is located in Alaska and experiences long, harsh winters with temperatures that can dip below -40°F. Summer months are milder, with temperatures ranging from 40°F to 60°F, but the park is also known for its frequent rain and fog. The best time to visit Denali is during the summer months of June, July, and August, when the weather is milder and the park’s wildlife is most active.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located in Tennessee and North Carolina, experiences a more temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Winters are mild with occasional snow and ice, while summers are warm and humid. Spring and fall offer cooler temperatures and vibrant foliage. The best time to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park is during the spring and fall, when the weather is mild and the park’s foliage is at its most vibrant.
In conclusion, both Denali National Park & Preserve and Great Smoky Mountains National Park offer unique and breathtaking experiences, but the best time to visit depends on the weather patterns and seasonal activities. Visitors to Denali should plan their trip for the summer months, while those visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park should aim for the spring or fall.
Family Friendliness of Denali National Park & Preserve and Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Denali National Park & Preserve and Great Smoky Mountains National Park are both popular destinations for families with children. They offer a variety of activities for children of all ages, from hiking and wildlife viewing to educational programs and ranger-led activities.
Denali National Park & Preserve is known for its rugged wilderness, with miles of trails for hiking and backpacking. The park offers several ranger-led programs for families, including guided hikes and wildlife viewing activities. Children can also participate in the Junior Ranger program, where they can learn about the park’s wildlife and natural resources.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most popular family-friendly parks in the country. The park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and camping. There is also a strong emphasis on education, with ranger-led programs, exhibits, and interactive displays. Kids will love the Junior Ranger program, where they can learn about the park’s history, geology, and animals.
In terms of which park is better for families with children, it really depends on the interests of the children. If your kids love outdoor adventures and wildlife, Denali National Park & Preserve is the better choice. However, if you’re looking for a park with a strong focus on education and history, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the better option.