Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve vs Great Smoky Mountains National Park

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Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve vs Great Smoky Mountains National Park

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.

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