The Gateway Arch National Park and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are two of America’s most iconic national parks. Both parks have their own unique charm and offer visitors a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse themselves in nature. But which one is right for you?
Imagine standing 630 feet tall in the Gateway Arch, while gazing out at the vast expanse of the Mississippi River, or hiking through the rolling hills of the Great Smoky Mountains, surrounded by lush vegetation and the sound of a waterfall in the distance. Both parks offer unforgettable experiences that will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
In this article, we will compare and contrast the Gateway Arch National Park and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, highlighting their respective strengths and weaknesses. Whether you’re a seasoned national park visitor or a newcomer, this article will help you make an informed decision on your next outdoor adventure. So come along with us, as we embark on a journey to explore two of America’s most treasured national parks!
Hiking Trails in Gateway Arch National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer hiking trails that range from easy to challenging, making them perfect destinations for outdoor enthusiasts of all skill levels.
Hiking trails in Gateway Arch National Park are relatively easy, with the majority of the trails being flat and wide. The park’s main trail is the Riverfront Trail, which follows the Mississippi River and offers great views of the city and the Arch. The park also has several historic trails that are ideal for families, including the Interpretive Trail, which takes visitors through the park’s history and cultural heritage.
In contrast, the hiking trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park are much more challenging. With over 800 miles of trails, the park offers a wide range of options for all skill levels. Some of the most popular trails include the Rainbow Falls Trail and the Chimney Tops Trail, both of which offer stunning views of the park’s natural beauty. For those seeking a more strenuous hike, the park also has several backcountry trails that are more remote and challenging. These trails, such as the Alum Cave Trail, are ideal for more experienced hikers who are looking for a more intense outdoor experience.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Gateway Arch National Park
Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
St. Louis Riverfront Trail | 34439.876 | 109.728 | Easy | loop | 4 |
Jefferson National Expansion Memorial | 2574.944 | 20.7264 | Easy | loop | 4 |
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 Gateway Arch National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Gateway Arch National Park is located in Missouri and is home to a variety of wildlife species. Visitors can expect to see deer, squirrels, raccoons, and other small mammals. The park also has a variety of birds, including songbirds, waterfowl, and raptors. In addition, the park is home to several species of reptiles, including snakes and turtles. Visitors can take a riverboat tour to see the wildlife in their natural habitats.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located in North Carolina and Tennessee, is known for its diverse wildlife. The park is home to over 200 species of birds, including the endangered Peregrine Falcon and the iconic Bald Eagle. Visitors can also spot black bears, white-tailed deer, and a variety of other mammals. The park is also home to over 1,500 species of flowering plants and over 100 species of trees, making it a great place for nature lovers to explore. Hiking trails and scenic drives offer ample opportunities to see the wildlife and plants in the park.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Gateway Arch National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
Gateway Arch 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 |
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
Gateway Arch National Park | 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
Gateway Arch National Park | 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
Gateway Arch National Park | Great Smoky Mountains National Park |
---|---|
Wood Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
American Bullfrog | |
Wood Frog |
Insects
Gateway Arch 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 Gateway Arch National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, is home to the 630-foot Gateway Arch, the tallest monument in the United States. The Arch is a symbol of the city’s role in the westward expansion of the country and provides visitors with stunning views of the Mississippi River and the city skyline. The park also offers riverboat cruises and a museum that showcases the history of the Arch and the city.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, on the other hand, is located in the Appalachian Mountains and spans over 500,000 acres in Tennessee and North Carolina. The park is known for its diverse landscapes, including rolling hills, ridges, valleys, and waterfalls. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, elk, and over 1,500 species of flowering plants. Visitors can hike to scenic overlooks for panoramic views of the park or take a drive along the scenic Newfound Gap Road. The park is also home to the popular Cades Cove, a lush valley filled with historic cabins, churches, and other structures from the 19th century.
Things To-Do and Activities in Gateway Arch National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Although they are different in terms of location, size, and history, both parks offer a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. Here is a comparison of the most popular activities at these parks.
One of the most popular activities at Gateway Arch National Park is taking a ride to the top of the 630-foot Gateway Arch, which offers panoramic views of the city of St. Louis and the Mississippi River. Visitors can also tour the Museum of Westward Expansion, learn about the history of the park, and see interactive exhibits about the western frontier. In addition, visitors can take a scenic walk along the riverfront, and rent a paddleboat or kayak to explore the river.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, on the other hand, is a hiker’s paradise, with over 800 miles of trails. Popular activities include scenic drives, wildlife viewing, and visiting historic structures such as the Cades Cove and Oconaluftee Visitor Centers. The park is also home to several waterfalls, including Laurel Falls and Grotto Falls, which are popular destinations for visitors. In addition, visitors can go fishing, horseback riding, and camping in the park.
In conclusion, both Gateway Arch National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park offer a range of activities for visitors to enjoy, from scenic views and history, to outdoor recreation and wildlife viewing. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day trip or an adventurous vacation, these parks have something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Gateway Arch National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Gateway Arch National Park are two of the most popular attractions in the United States, with millions of visitors every year. However, both parks have different weather patterns that can greatly affect when is the best time to visit.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located in the Appalachian Mountains and is known for its mild temperatures and high amounts of rainfall. The park is known for its misty mornings, which give it its name. In the summer, temperatures average in the mid-70s, which makes it a popular time to visit. Autumn is also a popular time to visit, with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to the low-70s. Winter is cold and damp, with temperatures averaging in the mid-30s, but the park is still open to visitors who want to experience the snow and winter landscapes.
The Gateway Arch National Park, on the other hand, is located in St. Louis, Missouri and has a much different climate. Summer temperatures can reach into the 90s, making it a hot and humid time to visit. Winter temperatures average in the 30s, but the park is open all year round. The best time to visit the Gateway Arch is in the spring and fall, when temperatures are mild and there is less humidity.
Overall, the best time to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park is in the summer and autumn, while the best time to visit Gateway Arch National Park is in the spring and fall. The weather can greatly affect the visiting experience, so it’s important to consider the seasonal weather before planning a trip to either of these parks.
Family Friendliness of Gateway Arch National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park are two of the most popular parks in the United States. Both are excellent choices for families looking for an immersive outdoor experience, but each park has its own unique features that make it better suited for families with children of different ages.
The Gateway Arch is ideal for families with younger children, as it offers a variety of educational and interactive exhibits in the museum that are designed to engage kids. The park also has a tram that takes visitors to the top of the Arch for a breathtaking view of the city, making it a fun and exciting experience for the whole family.
On the other hand, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a great choice for families with older children and teenagers, as it offers a wide range of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and fishing. The park is also home to a diverse array of wildlife, including black bears, elk, and deer, making it a great place for families to explore and learn about the natural world.
In conclusion, both Gateway Arch National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park are excellent choices for families, but each park is better suited to families with different age ranges. Families with younger children will have a great time at the Gateway Arch, while families with older children and teenagers will love the Great Smoky Mountains.