Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Great Smoky Mountains National Park are two of the most stunning and diverse national parks in the United States. Both parks offer visitors a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse themselves in breathtaking natural beauty, but each park has its own unique features that set it apart. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a nature photographer, or simply looking for a peaceful escape, these two parks are sure to leave you in awe.
Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, is the perfect destination for those seeking adventure and solitude. This park is home to rugged wilderness and pristine landscapes, and is the perfect place for backpacking and camping. On the other hand, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located in Tennessee and North Carolina, is a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. With its rolling hills, mist-covered mountains, and lush forests, this park is a nature lover’s paradise.
So, are you ready to explore the wild and rugged beauty of Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve or the misty, rolling hills of Great Smoky Mountains National Park? Join us as we compare these two stunning parks and discover the unique features that make them both truly special.
Hiking Trails in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve and Great Smoky Mountains National Park offer diverse hiking experiences. The Gates of the Arctic is located in Alaska, and is the second largest national park in the US. It is unique for its wilderness and remote location, but also for its lack of established trails. Hiking here requires good navigation skills and backcountry experience. On the other hand, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located in Tennessee and North Carolina, and is the most visited national park in the US. It has over 800 miles of trails, ranging from easy to strenuous.
Some of the easier hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains include the Gatlinburg Trail and the Oconaluftee River Trail. Both trails offer scenic views of the park and are suitable for families. For a more challenging hike, consider the Alum Cave Trail, which takes hikers to the top of Mount LeConte and provides stunning views of the surrounding area.
In the Gates of the Arctic, there are no designated trails, so hikers must rely on their navigational skills and experience to find their way. The park is known for its rugged terrain, and even the “easiest” hikes can be challenging. For a truly unique experience, consider taking a backpacking trip through the park. This will allow you to experience the wilderness in its rawest form, and you’ll have the opportunity to see wildlife and scenic vistas that can’t be seen from established trails.
Overall, both parks offer a diverse range of hiking experiences, from easy, family-friendly hikes to challenging backcountry adventures. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful stroll or a strenuous backpacking trip, both Gates of the Arctic and Great Smoky Mountains National Park have something to offer.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shark Valley Trail | 25427.572 | 6.7056 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Anhinga Trail | 2414.01 | 0 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Pa-Hay-Okee Overlook Trail | 321.868 | 0 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Gumbo Limbo Trail | 643.736 | 0 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
| Long Pine Key Trail | 24944.77 | 0 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Mahogany Hammock Trail | 643.736 | 0 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
| Everglades Coastal Prairie Trail | 27358.78 | 4.8768 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Pinelands Trail | 643.736 | 0 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
| Everglades National Park East Entrance to Flamingo Scenic Route | 58258.108 | 7.9248 | Easy | point to point | 4.5 |
| Nine Mile Pond | 8851.37 | 0 | Easy | loop | 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 Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve and Great Smoky Mountains National Park are two parks with vastly different landscapes and wildlife. Gates of the Arctic is located in Alaska and is characterized by its rugged wilderness and Arctic tundra. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located in the Appalachian Mountains of Tennessee and North Carolina.
In Gates of the Arctic, visitors may see a variety of wildlife including caribou, moose, grizzly bears, wolves, wolverines, and arctic foxes. The park also provides habitat for a variety of bird species, including the bald eagle, gyrfalcon, and peregrine falcon. The vegetation in the park is limited due to the harsh Arctic climate, but visitors may see species such as Arctic willow, dwarf birch, and tundra poppies.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known for its rich diversity of wildlife, including black bears, white-tailed deer, elk, and over 200 species of birds, including the scarlet tanager, wood thrush, and the eastern bluebird. The park is also home to a wide variety of plant species, including over 130 species of native trees and over 1,600 species of flowering plants.
Overall, both Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve and Great Smoky Mountains National Park offer unique experiences for visitors looking to observe and enjoy wildlife. Whether looking to see rugged Arctic wilderness or the lush forests of the Appalachian Mountains, these parks offer a chance to connect with nature and witness the beauty of the natural world.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Gates Of The Arctic 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 |
| Savannah Sparrow | Barn Swallow |
| Hermit Thrush | Savannah Sparrow |
| American Kestrel | Great Blue Heron |
| Bald Eagle | Hermit Thrush |
| Northern Pintail | American Kestrel |
| American Wigeon | Bald Eagle |
| Green-Winged Teal | Song Sparrow |
| American Pipit | European Starling |
| Swainson’s Thrush | Northern Pintail |
| Hairy Woodpecker | American Wigeon |
| Red-Breasted Nuthatch | Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Great Smoky Mountains National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Black Bear | Big Brown Bat |
| Porcupine | Bobcat |
| Red Fox | Striped Skunk |
| Mink | Little Brown Bat |
| Wolf | Deer Mouse |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | Raccoon |
| Varying Hare | Black Bear |
| River Otter | Porcupine |
| Common Shrew | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Red Squirrel | Hoary Bat |
| Montane Shrew | Red Fox |
| Lynx | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Wolverine | House Mouse |
| American Marten | Panther (Mountain Lion) |
| Grizzly Bear | Mink |
| Meadow Vole | Gray Fox |
| Moose | Gray Wolf |
| Least Weasel | Snowshoe Hare |
| Pygmy Shrew | River Otter |
| Northern Bog Lemming | Masked Shrew |
| Water Shrew | |
| Red Squirrel |
Fish
| Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Great Smoky Mountains National Park |
|---|---|
| Longnose Sucker | Rainbow Trout |
| Lake Trout | Brook Trout |
| Northern Pike | Brown Trout |
| Eelpout | Largemouth Bass |
| King Salmon | Green Sunfish |
| Slimy Sculpin | Bluegill |
| Chum Salmon | Common Carp |
| Dolly Varden | Longnose Dace |
| Arctic Grayling | Yellow Bullhead |
| Channel Catfish | |
| Black Crappie | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Mosquitofish | |
| Creek Chub | |
| Goldfish | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Amphibians
| Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Great Smoky Mountains National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| American Bullfrog | |
| Wood Frog |
Insects
| Gates Of The Arctic 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 Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve is a remote and pristine wilderness in Alaska, known for its stunning natural beauty, including rolling tundra and rugged peaks. The Brooks Range, a majestic mountain range, runs through the park providing breathtaking views and opportunities for backcountry adventures. Visitors can also spot wildlife such as grizzly bears, caribou, and wolves while exploring the park’s remote trails and waterways.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located in Tennessee and North Carolina, is famous for its lush forests and rolling hills, as well as its stunning mountain vistas and streams. The park is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, including over 1,500 species of flowering plants and a thriving population of black bears. Visitors can hike to scenic overlooks, admire the park’s historic structures, or take a leisurely drive along the park’s scenic roads, including the Newfound Gap Road, which offers panoramic views of the park’s rolling hills and peaks.
Things To-Do and Activities in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Great Smoky Mountains National Park are two of the most visited parks in the United States, attracting millions of visitors each year. Both parks offer breathtaking natural beauty and a variety of recreational activities, but there are differences in the most popular activities at each park.
In Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve, visitors come to experience the rugged Alaskan wilderness and backcountry adventure. The park is a popular destination for backpacking, fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing, with opportunities to see grizzly bears, caribou, and wolves. The park also offers scenic flights and river rafting trips, giving visitors the chance to see the remote and stunning landscape from a different perspective.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, on the other hand, is known for its scenic drives, hiking trails and picnicking opportunities. The park features over 800 miles of hiking trails, with options ranging from easy nature walks to strenuous overnight backpacking trips. In addition, the park is a popular destination for bird watching, fishing, and horseback riding. Visitors can also enjoy scenic drives through the park, which offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and forests.
Both parks offer unique and memorable experiences for visitors, but it ultimately comes down to personal preference. Whether you’re looking for a backcountry adventure in the Alaskan wilderness or a scenic drive through the Smoky Mountains, both Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Great Smoky Mountains National Park offer something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Great Smoky Mountains National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Although they are both located in different regions of the country, they share a number of similarities and differences in terms of their seasonal weather patterns.
The Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska and is known for its subarctic climate. Summer temperatures in the park range from 50°F to 60°F, while winter temperatures can dip below -40°F. Snow is common throughout the entire year in this park, with the heaviest snowfall occurring in the winter months.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, on the other hand, is located in Tennessee and North Carolina and has a humid subtropical climate. The park experiences warm summers with temperatures ranging from 80°F to 90°F, and mild winters with temperatures ranging from 30°F to 40°F. Snow is rare in this park, with the heaviest snowfall typically occurring in January and February.
The seasonal weather patterns at both parks play a significant role in determining the best time of year to visit. The Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve is best visited in the summer months, when the weather is mild and the snow has melted, making it easier to explore the park’s stunning landscapes. On the other hand, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is best visited in the spring and fall, when the temperatures are mild and the park’s stunning foliage is at its peak.
Family Friendliness of Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Great Smoky Mountains National Park are both family-friendly parks that offer unique experiences for families. However, the type of family-friendly experience will depend on the interests of the family.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park has a variety of family-friendly activities like hiking, camping, fishing, and horseback riding. It also has several visitor centers and museums that provide educational opportunities. The park also has several campgrounds and picnic areas that are perfect for families.
On the other hand, Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve offers a more rugged and remote outdoor experience. This park is a great choice for families who love backpacking and are looking for a more challenging adventure. The park has several backpacking trails, and families can also participate in ranger-led programs to learn about the park’s wildlife and wilderness.
Both parks offer unique family-friendly experiences, but Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the better choice for families who are seeking a more traditional park experience with plenty of visitor centers, picnic areas, and campgrounds. However, if your family is looking for a more challenging and rugged outdoor experience, Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve may be the better choice.