Great Basin National Park and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are two of the most beautiful and diverse parks in the United States. Both are home to an abundance of wildlife, scenic vistas, and recreational opportunities, but each offers a unique experience. In this article, we will be comparing these two parks and highlighting what makes them each special. Whether you are a nature lover, a hiker, a camper, or just someone looking for a getaway, this article will give you an idea of what to expect from these two parks. So, buckle up and get ready for an adventure as we explore the Great Basin and the Great Smoky Mountains!
The Great Basin National Park is located in Nevada and is known for its stunning landscapes and geological wonders. With towering peaks, rolling hills, and pristine lakes, the Great Basin is a nature lover’s paradise. But, it’s not just the scenery that makes this park special; it’s also home to some of the darkest skies in the country, making it a prime destination for stargazing. Whether you want to hike through the lush forests or gaze at the stars, the Great Basin has something for everyone.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, on the other hand, is located in Tennessee and North Carolina and boasts a rich cultural and natural history. From the rolling hills and lush forests to the rushing streams and cascading waterfalls, the Smoky Mountains are a breathtaking display of nature’s beauty. This park is also home to many historic sites, including log cabins, gristmills, and even a working moonshine still! Whether you want to explore the rich history of the region or simply take in the stunning scenery, the Great Smoky Mountains is the perfect destination.
Hiking Trails in Great Basin National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Basin National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park are two of the most visited National Parks in the United States, offering stunning landscapes and challenging hikes.
In Great Basin National Park, the easiest hike is the Bristlecone Pine Trail, a 1-mile loop that takes visitors through the ancient bristlecone pine forest. For a more challenging hike, the 13-mile Wheeler Peak Trail leads to the summit of Wheeler Peak, the highest point in Nevada.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park boasts a vast network of trails, with hikes ranging from easy to strenuous. One of the easiest hikes is the 1.5-mile round trip Laurel Falls Trail, which leads to a beautiful waterfall. For a more strenuous hike, the 5.5-mile Alum Cave Trail takes hikers to the top of Mount LeConte, one of the highest peaks in the park.
Both parks offer a variety of hikes for all levels of hikers, from the gentle Bristlecone Pine Trail and Laurel Falls Trail, to the challenging Wheeler Peak Trail and Alum Cave Trail. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a strenuous workout, these parks have something for everyone.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Great Basin National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wheeler Peak Trail via Stella Lake Trail | 13196.588 | 885.7488 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Bristlecone Pine Glacier Trail | 7242.03 | 322.7832 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Alpine Lakes Trail | 4345.218 | 142.9512 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Lehman Cave | 643.736 | 13.716 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Bristlecone and Alpine Lakes Loop | 8529.502 | 308.7624 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive | 37497.622 | 1175.9184 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Baker Lake Trail | 16737.136 | 813.816 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Teresa Lake | 2414.01 | 92.964 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Baker Lake-Johnson Lake Loop | 20760.486 | 1330.7568 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
| Lexington Arch Trail | 4667.086 | 340.7664 | 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 Great Basin National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Basin National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks are known for their unique ecosystems and diverse wildlife.
Great Basin National Park is located in Nevada and is known for its high altitude desert environment. Visitors to this park can expect to see a variety of wildlife, including black bears, pronghorns, coyotes, and bighorn sheep. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including the peregrine falcon, the sage thrasher, and the mountain bluebird. In terms of plant life, the park is home to a number of unique species, including the Great Basin bristlecone pine, the oldest living tree species in the world.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located in Tennessee and North Carolina and is known for its lush forest environment. Visitors to this park can expect to see a variety of wildlife, including black bears, deer, elk, and turkeys. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including the pileated woodpecker, the scarlet tanager, and the great horned owl. In terms of plant life, the park is home to a number of unique species, including the Fraser fir, the yellow birch, and the American beech.
Both parks offer unique opportunities to see a variety of wildlife in their natural habitats. Whether you’re interested in seeing black bears, pronghorns, or turkeys, both parks are sure to provide a memorable experience.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Great Basin National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Great Basin 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
| Great Basin 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 |
| Porcupine | Black Bear |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Porcupine |
| Hoary Bat | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Red Fox | Hoary Bat |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Red Fox |
| House Mouse | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Lion | House Mouse |
| Mink | Panther (Mountain Lion) |
| Mule Deer | Mink |
| Gray Fox | Gray Fox |
| Gray Wolf | Gray Wolf |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Snowshoe Hare |
| Long-Eared Myotis | River Otter |
| Badger | Masked Shrew |
| Ermine | Water Shrew |
| Californis Myotis | Red Squirrel |
Fish
| Great Basin National Park | Great Smoky Mountains National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Brook Trout | Brook Trout |
| Brown Trout | Brown Trout |
| Mottled Sculpin | Largemouth Bass |
| Speckled Dace | Green Sunfish |
| Cutthroat Trout | Bluegill |
| Common Carp | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Yellow Bullhead | |
| Channel Catfish | |
| Black Crappie | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Mosquitofish | |
| Creek Chub | |
| Goldfish | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Amphibians
| Great Basin National Park | Great Smoky Mountains National Park |
|---|---|
| Tiger Salamander | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | American Bullfrog |
| Red-Spotted Toad | Wood Frog |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Reptiles
| Great Basin National Park | Great Smoky Mountains National Park |
|---|---|
| Racer | |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Rubber Boa | |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard | |
| Long-Nosed Snake | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard | |
| Western Fence Lizard |
Insects
| Great Basin National Park | Great Smoky Mountains National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | Orange Sulphur |
| Painted Lady | Painted Lady |
| Monarch Butterfly | Monarch |
| American Painted Lady | American Painted Lady |
| Red Admiral | Red Admiral |
| Mourningcloak | Mourning Cloak |
| Cabbage White | Cabbage White |
| Silvery Blue | Silvery Blue |
| Common Checkered-Skipper | Common Checkered Skipper |
| Clouded Sulphur | Common Sulphur |
| Commom Wood Nymph | Honey Bee |
| Purplish Copper | Variegated Fritillary |
| Anise Swallowtail | Buckeye |
| Gray Hairstreak | Commom Wood Nymph |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Beautiful Landscapes in Great Basin National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Basin National Park, located in Nevada, boasts high peaks and deep valleys in the Snake Range. The most famous landmark of the park is Wheeler Peak, which reaches an elevation of 13,063 feet. Visitors can hike to the peak for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and can also see ancient bristlecone pine trees, some of the oldest living organisms on earth. The Lehman Caves offer a unique underground experience with stunning formations of stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstones.
On the other hand, Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee and North Carolina is known for its lush forests, rolling hills, and stunning mountain vistas. The park’s highest point is Clingmans Dome, which reaches an elevation of 6,643 feet. Visitors can hike to the top for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and can also see the wildflowers and wildlife of the park. The park is also home to numerous cascading waterfalls, including the 80-foot high Laurel Falls. The park’s Cades Cove offers a scenic drive and opportunities to see historic buildings, wildlife and panoramic views of the surrounding hills.
Things To-Do and Activities in Great Basin National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Basin National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park are two beloved parks that offer a diverse range of outdoor activities. Both parks are popular for their scenic natural beauty, but they each offer unique experiences.
At Great Basin National Park, visitors love to explore the ancient Bristlecone Pine forests, go on scenic drives through the park, and stargaze at the night sky from the Lehman Caves. The park also offers several opportunities for backpacking, camping, and fishing.
On the other hand, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known for its stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, a rich cultural heritage, and its diverse range of wildlife. Visitors to the park enjoy going on horseback rides, fishing, and exploring the park’s many historic sites, including the famous Cades Cove.
In conclusion, both Great Basin National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park offer a wide range of outdoor activities that are sure to delight visitors of all ages. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful hike through the mountains, a scenic drive through the park, or a chance to experience the rich cultural heritage of the region, you’re sure to find something to enjoy at one of these two breathtaking parks.
Best Time to Visit Great Basin National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Basin National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park are two of the most visited parks in the United States. Both parks offer scenic beauty and a chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, but they differ greatly in terms of climate and weather patterns.
The Great Smoky Mountains experience a humid subtropical climate, with warm summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures can reach into the 80s, while winter temperatures can drop into the 30s. The park also experiences a large amount of rainfall, which can make the trails and roads slippery and difficult to navigate. This weather pattern makes the spring and fall the best times to visit the Great Smoky Mountains, as the temperatures are mild and the foliage is at its peak.
In contrast, Great Basin National Park experiences a high desert climate, with hot summers and cold winters. Summer temperatures can reach into the 90s, while winter temperatures can drop into the 20s. The park receives very little rainfall, making it a great destination for those seeking dry, sunny weather. The best time to visit Great Basin National Park is during the summer months, when the temperatures are warm and the skies are clear.
In conclusion, both Great Basin National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park offer a unique climate and weather patterns, which affects the best time of year to visit. Hikers and outdoor enthusiasts should consider the climate when planning a trip to either park, as the weather can greatly influence the experience.
Family Friendliness of Great Basin National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Basin National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park are two of the most popular parks in the United States, and they each offer unique opportunities for families to explore and enjoy the great outdoors. Both parks are known for their stunning scenery and diverse range of recreational activities, but they differ in terms of their accessibility and family-friendly features.
Great Basin National Park, located in Nevada, is known for its rugged and remote wilderness, offering a unique and authentic outdoor experience for families. The park has several easy hikes that are suitable for families with young children, such as the trails to the Lehman Caves and Bristlecone Pine Grove, both of which offer stunning views of the park’s natural beauty. Additionally, the park is home to several ranger-led activities, including nature walks and campfire programs, that are designed to educate and entertain families.
On the other hand, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located in Tennessee and North Carolina, is a more accessible and developed park, offering a wide range of activities and amenities for families. The park has several well-maintained trails that are suitable for families with young children, such as the Clingmans Dome trail, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Additionally, the park is home to several campgrounds, picnic areas, and visitor centers that provide families with a comfortable and convenient place to relax and enjoy the park.
In conclusion, both Great Basin National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park offer unique and family-friendly experiences, but Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a better choice for families looking for a more accessible and developed park, while Great Basin National Park is a better choice for families seeking a more authentic outdoor experience.