The Grand Canyon and the Great Smoky Mountains are two of the most iconic and beloved national parks in the United States. Both are renowned for their breathtaking natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural history.
But which one is better? This question has been the subject of debate among nature lovers for decades. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at both parks and compare them in terms of their scenic beauty, recreational activities, and cultural significance.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a casual observer, the Grand Canyon and the Great Smoky Mountains are sure to leave you in awe. With towering cliffs, rolling hills, and pristine forests, both parks offer unforgettable experiences for visitors of all ages.
So, who will come out on top in this showdown between Grand Canyon National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park? Read on to find out!
Hiking Trails in Grand Canyon National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Grand Canyon National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry treks.
The Grand Canyon is known for its challenging hikes, including the Bright Angel Trail, which descends nearly 5,000 feet to the Colorado River. On the other hand, the Rim Trail is a more leisurely hike that offers stunning views of the canyon without the strenuous descent.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to a variety of trails, including the popular Alum Cave Trail and the strenuous Mount LeConte hike. The park also offers easier hikes, such as the Laurel Falls Trail, a 2.6-mile round-trip hike to a beautiful waterfall.
Overall, both parks offer a wide range of hiking options for visitors of all skill levels. Whether you’re seeking a challenging backcountry adventure or a leisurely nature walk, these parks have something for everyone. So, if you’re planning a hiking trip, consider visiting either the Grand Canyon or Great Smoky Mountains National Park for a truly unforgettable experience.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Grand Canyon National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bright Angel Trail to Bright Angel Campground and River Trail | 28485.318 | 1525.8288 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| South Kaibab Trail to Cedar Ridge | 4988.954 | 358.7496 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Three-Mile Resthouse via Bright Angel Trail | 8690.436 | 635.8128 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| South Kaibab, Phantom Ranch, and Bright Angel Trail Loop | 26875.978 | 1400.8608 | Hard | point to point | 5 |
| South Kaibab Trail to Ooh Aah Point | 2896.812 | 210.9216 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Grand Canyon Rim Trail | 8690.436 | 106.9848 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Rim-to-Rim: North Kaibab to Grand Canyon Village | 34761.744 | 1614.8304 | Hard | point to point | 5 |
| Shoshone Point Trail | 3379.614 | 45.72 | Easy | out and back | 5 |
| Plateau Point Trail via Bright Angel Trail | 19633.948 | 961.9488 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| South Kaibab Trail to Skeleton Point | 8690.436 | 602.8944 | Hard | out and back | 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 Grand Canyon National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Grand Canyon National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both are home to a diverse array of wildlife, and visitors have the opportunity to see many different animals, birds, and plants.
At the Grand Canyon, visitors can expect to see a variety of wildlife, including mule deer, bighorn sheep, pronghorns, coyotes, and elk. The park is also home to a wide variety of bird species, including eagles, hawks, and falcons. In addition, visitors can also see a variety of reptiles, such as rattlesnakes and lizards, as well as a number of different fish species in the Colorado River.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is equally as diverse, with a variety of wildlife including black bear, white-tailed deer, raccoons, and skunks. Bird species commonly seen in the park include the Eastern Bluebird, Wood Thrush, and the Peregrine Falcon. The park is also home to a diverse array of plants, including a variety of wildflowers, ferns, and mosses, as well as hardwood forests and spruce-fir forests.
Both parks offer visitors the opportunity to see a wide range of wildlife and enjoy the natural beauty of the United States. Whether you prefer to hike in the mountains or explore the canyons, these two parks are sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Grand Canyon National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Grand Canyon 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 |
| 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
| Grand Canyon National Park | Great Smoky Mountains National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Big Brown Bat | Big Brown Bat |
| Bobcat | Bobcat |
| Striped Skunk | Striped Skunk |
| Little Brown Bat | Little Brown Bat |
| Deer Mouse | Deer Mouse |
| Raccoon | Raccoon |
| Black Bear | Black Bear |
| Porcupine | Porcupine |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Hoary Bat | Hoary Bat |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Red Fox |
| House Mouse | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Mountain Lion | House Mouse |
| Mule Deer | Panther (Mountain Lion) |
| Gray Fox | Mink |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Gray Fox |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Gray Wolf |
| Badger | Snowshoe Hare |
| California Myotis | River Otter |
| North American River Otter | Masked Shrew |
| Fringed Myotis | Water Shrew |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | Red Squirrel |
Fish
| Grand Canyon National Park | Great Smoky Mountains National Park |
|---|---|
| Redband Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Brook Trout | Brook Trout |
| Brown Trout | Brown Trout |
| Largemouth Bass | Largemouth Bass |
| Green Sunfish | Green Sunfish |
| Bluegill | Bluegill |
| Fathead Minnow | Common Carp |
| Golden Shiner | Longnose Dace |
| European Carp | Yellow Bullhead |
| Speckled Dace | Channel Catfish |
| Yellow Bullhead | Black Crappie |
| Graceful Catfish | Black Bullhead |
| Black Crappie | Mosquitofish |
| Black Bullhead | Creek Chub |
| Mosquitofish | Goldfish |
| Smallmouth Bass | Smallmouth Bass |
Reptiles
| Grand Canyon National Park | Great Smoky Mountains National Park |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | |
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Western Rattlesnake | |
| Ring-Necked Snake | |
| Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | |
| Common Kingsnake | |
| Nightsnake | |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| Milksnake | |
| Striped Whipsnake | |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | |
| Tree Lizard | |
| Western Whiptail | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard | |
| Glossy Snake | |
| Western Skink | |
| Long-Nosed Snake | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Amphibians
| Grand Canyon National Park | Great Smoky Mountains National Park |
|---|---|
| Tiger Salamander | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Canyon Treefrog | American Bullfrog |
| Plains Spadefoot | Wood Frog |
Insects
| Grand Canyon National Park | Great Smoky Mountains National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | Orange Sulphur |
| Monarch Butterfly | Painted Lady |
| Common Sulphur | Monarch |
| Variegated Fritillary | American Painted Lady |
| Commom Wood Nymph | 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 Grand Canyon National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Grand Canyon National Park is located in Arizona and is known for its stunning views of the Grand Canyon, a deep and wide chasm that was carved over millions of years by the Colorado River. The Grand Canyon offers breathtaking views from many overlooks, including Mather Point, Yavapai Point, and Lipan Point. Visitors can hike down into the Canyon to experience its beauty up close, or even raft down the Colorado River.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located in Tennessee and North Carolina, is famous for its rolling hills, lush forests, and scenic vistas. The park is also home to several waterfalls, including Grotto Falls and Laurel Falls. The Great Smoky Mountains also features several scenic drives, including the Newfound Gap Road, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Additionally, the park is home to many species of wildlife, including black bears, elk, and wild turkeys.
Both parks offer unique landscapes and natural wonders that are sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors. Whether you prefer the rugged beauty of the Grand Canyon or the rolling hills of the Great Smoky Mountains, both parks are sure to provide a memorable experience.
Things To-Do and Activities in Grand Canyon National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Grand Canyon National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States, attracting millions of visitors each year. Both offer a range of outdoor recreational activities and breathtaking natural beauty, but they also have their own unique qualities and experiences.
At Grand Canyon National Park, visitors can take a scenic drive along Desert View Drive, which offers panoramic views of the canyon and its many rock formations. Another popular activity is taking a scenic helicopter or airplane tour, which provides an incredible bird’s eye view of the canyon and its surroundings. Visitors can also explore the park by foot on well-maintained trails or by river on a rafting trip down the Colorado River.
At Great Smoky Mountains National Park, visitors can enjoy scenic drives along the Blue Ridge Parkway and Newfound Gap Road. They can also hike through the park’s dense forests, which are home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including black bears and elk. Another popular activity is fishing in the park’s streams and rivers, which are stocked with rainbow and brook trout. In addition, visitors can take guided horseback rides, go camping, and participate in ranger-led programs.
In conclusion, both Grand Canyon National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park offer a range of outdoor recreational activities and breathtaking natural beauty, but they each have their own unique qualities and experiences. Whether you prefer scenic drives, hiking, fishing, or simply admiring the stunning scenery, these parks are sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
Best Time to Visit Grand Canyon National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Grand Canyon National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park are two iconic national parks located in the United States. The seasonal weather at these parks is quite different, making them ideal destinations for different times of year.
The Grand Canyon National Park has a desert climate, with hot summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures can reach up to 100°F, making it a great place to visit in spring and fall when temperatures are more moderate. Winter temperatures can drop to below freezing, and snow is common at higher elevations, making it a great place to visit for winter sports.
On the other hand, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and cool winters. Summer temperatures can reach up to 90°F, making it a great place to visit in spring and fall when temperatures are cooler and the iconic fall foliage is in full display. Winter temperatures can drop to below freezing, and snow is common, making it a great place to visit for winter sports.
Both parks offer unique and stunning natural beauty, and the weather affects when is the best time to visit. The Grand Canyon is ideal for spring and fall, while the Great Smoky Mountains are best visited in the spring and fall for cooler temperatures and stunning fall foliage.
Family Friendliness of Grand Canyon National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Grand Canyon National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park are two of the most popular family-friendly national parks in the United States. Both parks offer a variety of outdoor activities and breathtaking scenic views, but they differ in terms of accessibility and amenities.
The Grand Canyon is a natural wonder that attracts millions of visitors each year. While the park is known for its stunning landscapes and scenic overlooks, it also has limited accessibility for families with young children. The rim of the Grand Canyon is more than a mile high, making it difficult for small children to hike to the bottom. Additionally, the park does not have many amenities for families with young children, such as picnic areas and playgrounds.
On the other hand, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is much more family-friendly. The park offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and camping. Additionally, the park has several picnic areas and playgrounds for families to enjoy. The park is also more accessible for families with young children, as it has several easy trails and scenic drives that are perfect for families.
In conclusion, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the better option for families with young children. The park offers more amenities and is more accessible, making it a great destination for families looking to enjoy the great outdoors.