Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve in Alaska and Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee are two of the most beautiful and unique national parks in the United States. Both parks offer breathtaking landscapes and an abundance of outdoor activities, but are vastly different in terms of climate, geography, and wildlife. Which one is right for you? If you’re torn between the glaciers of Alaska and the misty mountains of Tennessee, read on.
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is a true wilderness wonderland, with glaciers, fjords, and abundant marine life. The park is home to wildlife such as humpback whales, sea otters, and bald eagles. On the other hand, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known for its rolling blue-hazed peaks, wildflowers, and diverse wildlife. The park is a haven for black bears, white-tailed deer, and over 200 species of birds.
So, which one should you choose for your next adventure? Whether you prefer a rugged, remote wilderness or lush, rolling hills, both Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Great Smoky Mountains National Park have something to offer. In this article, we will compare and contrast these two stunning parks to help you make an informed decision.
Hiking Trails in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Great Smoky Mountains National Park are two beautiful national parks with a lot to offer. Both parks have a variety of hiking trails that cater to different skill levels.
In Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, there are several easy hikes that are perfect for families, such as the Trail of the Cedars and the Bartlett River trails. These trails offer stunning views of glaciers and wildlife. For more experienced hikers, the park offers challenging hikes, such as the John Hopkins Inlet trail which leads to a glaciers and the West Glacier trail which is a strenuous hike through rugged terrain.
In Great Smoky Mountains National Park, there are over 800 miles of trails that range from easy to difficult. Some of the easiest hikes include the Oconaluftee River Trail, which is a paved path that follows the river, and the Laurel Falls Trail, which is a 2.6-mile hike to a beautiful waterfall. For more experienced hikers, the park offers challenging hikes, such as the Mount LeConte trail, a strenuous hike that leads to the highest peak in the park and the Alum Cave Trail, a challenging hike to a unique rock formation.
Both parks offer stunning natural beauty and a variety of hiking trails to enjoy. Whether you are looking for an easy hike or a challenging adventure, both Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Great Smoky Mountains National Park have something to offer.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve
Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bartlett Cove Forest Loop Trail | 1770.274 | 33.8328 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
Bartlett River Trail | 11104.446 | 266.7 | Easy | out and back | 3 |
Bartlet Lake Trail | 9495.106 | 141.732 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
Tlingit Trail | 1770.274 | 19.812 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
Point Gustavus | 20116.75 | 117.9576 | Moderate | out and back | 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 Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Great Smoky Mountains National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer unique opportunities for wildlife viewing.
In Glacier Bay, visitors can expect to see a variety of marine mammals such as whales, seals, and sea lions. In addition, there are numerous bird species to observe including bald eagles, puffins, and cormorants. On land, visitors may encounter black and brown bears, wolves, and moose. The park is also home to a variety of plant life such as Sitka spruce, western hemlock, and Alaska cedar.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known for its diverse wildlife population. The park is home to over 200 species of birds including the pileated woodpecker, the raven, and the scarlet tanager. Visitors may also spot black bears, white-tailed deer, and elk. The park is also a haven for wildflowers and is particularly well-known for its spring ephemerals.
In conclusion, both parks offer unique opportunities for wildlife viewing and are a must-visit for nature enthusiasts. Whether you are interested in marine mammals, birds, or land-dwelling animals, these parks are sure to provide a memorable experience.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
Glacier Bay 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 |
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
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | Great Smoky Mountains National Park |
---|---|
Coyote | Coyote |
American Beaver | American Beaver |
Little Brown Bat | Muskrat |
Deer Mouse | Big Brown Bat |
Black Bear | Bobcat |
Porcupine | Striped Skunk |
Red Fox | Little Brown Bat |
House Mouse | Deer Mouse |
Mountain Lion | Raccoon |
Mink | Black Bear |
Mule Deer | Porcupine |
Gray Wolf | Silver-Haired Bat |
Short-Tailed Weasel | Hoary Bat |
Snowshoe Hare | Red Fox |
River Otter | Long-Tailed Weasel |
Masked Shrew | House Mouse |
Water Shrew | Panther (Mountain Lion) |
Red Squirrel | Mink |
Montane Shrew | Gray Fox |
Long-Tailed Vole | Gray Wolf |
Lynx | Snowshoe Hare |
Wolverine | River Otter |
Marten | Masked Shrew |
Northern Flying Squirrel | Water Shrew |
Grizzly Bear | Red Squirrel |
Fish
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | Great Smoky Mountains National Park |
---|---|
Rainbow Trout | Rainbow Trout |
Brook Trout | Brook Trout |
Longnose Sucker | Brown Trout |
Lake Trout | Largemouth Bass |
Northern Pike | Green Sunfish |
Burbot | Bluegill |
Silver Salmon | Common Carp |
Chinook Salmon | Longnose Dace |
Slimy Sculpin | Yellow Bullhead |
Threespine Stickleback | Channel Catfish |
Sockeye Salmon | Black Crappie |
Pink Salmon | Black Bullhead |
Chum Salmon | Mosquitofish |
Dolly Varden | Creek Chub |
Cutthroat Trout | Goldfish |
Arctic Grayling | Smallmouth Bass |
Amphibians
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | Great Smoky Mountains National Park |
---|---|
Wood Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
American Bullfrog | |
Wood Frog |
Insects
Glacier Bay 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 Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska and is famous for its glaciers and unique wildlife. The park features 16 actively calving glaciers, as well as a diverse range of fjords and wilderness areas. Visitors can take a scenic boat tour and witness the glaciers up close, as well as see whales, sea lions, and other wildlife in the area.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located in Tennessee and North Carolina and is known for its stunning mountain landscapes. The park features over 800 miles of hiking trails, including several to scenic overlooks and waterfalls. Visitors can also see a variety of wildlife, including black bears, elk, and a range of bird species. In addition to its beautiful landscapes, the park is also renowned for its cultural heritage and is home to several historic structures and settlements.
Both parks offer visitors a chance to experience some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country. Whether you’re interested in glaciers, mountains, wildlife, or cultural heritage, Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Great Smoky Mountains National Park have something for everyone.
Things To-Do and Activities in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve in Alaska is a rugged and remote wilderness, offering visitors opportunities for kayaking, whale watching, and backcountry camping. On the other hand, Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee and North Carolina is known for its scenic drives, historic sites, and abundant wildlife.
One of the most popular activities in Glacier Bay is kayaking, where visitors can paddle through the park’s breathtaking fjords and glaciers. The park is also a prime destination for whale watching, with humpback whales, orcas, and other marine mammals often visible from the shore. For those seeking a more adventurous experience, backcountry camping is also a popular option, allowing visitors to explore the park’s rugged and remote terrain.
In contrast, Great Smoky Mountains is a more accessible park, with opportunities for scenic drives, such as the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail and the Cades Cove Loop Road. The park is also home to numerous historic sites, including log cabins, grist mills, and churches. Wildlife viewing is also a popular activity, with black bears, deer, and other animals often visible from the road or on easy hiking trails.
Overall, both parks offer a unique and unforgettable experience, but the activities available will depend on the type of adventure you are seeking. Whether you want to kayak through glaciers, explore historic sites, or watch wildlife, both Glacier Bay and Great Smoky Mountains National Parks have something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve in Alaska and Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee are two popular national parks in the United States. However, the seasonal weather in these parks is vastly different and can greatly impact the best time of year to visit.
Glacier Bay is located in a subarctic climate, which means it experiences long, cold winters and short, mild summers. Winter temperatures average around 20 degrees Fahrenheit, while summer temperatures average around 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The park is covered in snow and ice from October to May, making it difficult to access and explore many of the park’s features. However, summer is the best time to visit Glacier Bay as the snow melts, revealing stunning glaciers and allowing for boat tours and hiking opportunities.
Great Smoky Mountains, on the other hand, experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures average around 80 degrees Fahrenheit, while winter temperatures average around 40 degrees Fahrenheit. The park is popular year-round, but the fall is especially beautiful as the leaves of the deciduous trees change color. Winter can also be a great time to visit as the park is less crowded and offers opportunities for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding.
In conclusion, both Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Great Smoky Mountains National Park are beautiful destinations, but their seasonal weather greatly affects the best time of year to visit. Visitors should consider the weather when planning their trip to ensure they have the best experience possible.
Family Friendliness of Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Great Smoky Mountains National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks are known for their natural beauty and rich wildlife, but they have some differences when it comes to family-friendly activities.
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska and is known for its glaciers, whale watching, and kayaking opportunities. This park is a great option for families who enjoy outdoor activities and adventure. The park has several ranger-led programs and guided boat tours, which are great for children of all ages.
On the other hand, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located in Tennessee and North Carolina and is known for its scenic hiking trails, waterfalls, and rich history. This park is a great option for families who prefer a more relaxed and leisurely experience. The park has several picnic areas, campgrounds, and a visitors center, which are great places to spend a day with children. Additionally, the park has several ranger-led programs, including bird watching and wildlife spotting, that are great for families.
Overall, both parks offer unique experiences for families. If you’re traveling with children and want a more adventurous experience, Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is a great choice. If you’re looking for a more relaxed and leisurely experience, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the way to go.