Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Haleakalā National Park are two of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders in the United States. Both parks are unique in their own way and offer a range of activities for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for breathtaking views, thrilling hikes, or a chance to connect with nature, these two parks have something for everyone. In this article, we’ll compare and contrast these two parks, and give you a glimpse into what makes them so special.
With over 11 million visitors each year, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the country. This park is known for its stunning views, diverse wildlife, and historic sites. From the lush green forests to the misty peaks, there’s no shortage of beauty in this park. And with over 800 miles of trails, there’s plenty of room to explore and discover the secrets of this natural gem.
Haleakalā National Park, on the other hand, is a little bit different. This park is located on the island of Maui in Hawaii and is home to one of the world’s largest dormant volcanoes. The park is a unique blend of breathtaking landscapes and stunning natural wonders, with towering cliffs, deep valleys, and a huge crater that’s sure to take your breath away. With its unique ecosystem and rich cultural history, Haleakalā National Park is a must-visit for anyone who loves nature and adventure.
Hiking Trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Haleakalā National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Haleakalā National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States, known for their stunning natural beauty and diverse hiking trails.
At the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, there’s a range of hikes from easy to strenuous, with trails that wind through dense forests, along rushing streams, and up to panoramic mountain vistas. One of the easiest hikes is the Gatlinburg Trail, a 2.9-mile out-and-back trail that follows an old railroad bed and offers views of the Little Pigeon River. On the other end of the spectrum, the Alum Cave Trail is a challenging 5.5-mile round-trip hike that takes visitors up steep switchbacks to the base of Alum Cave Bluffs.
Haleakalā National Park, located on the island of Maui, offers hikes that range from short, easy walks to strenuous backcountry treks. Some of the easiest hikes include the Sliding Sands Trail, a 3-mile round trip hike that takes visitors through a unique landscape of cinder cones and volcanic rock formations. For a more challenging hike, the Halemau’u Trail is a 6.4-mile round trip hike that takes visitors up to the summit of Haleakalā, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Both parks offer breathtaking hiking experiences, but the trails at Great Smoky Mountains National Park tend to be more densely forested and offer a mix of easy and strenuous hikes, while the trails at Haleakalā National Park are more focused on unique volcanic landscapes and tend to be more strenuous.
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 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Haleakalā National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pipiwai Trail and Waimoku Falls | 5471.756 | 249.936 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Sliding Sands Trail | 17702.74 | 851.916 | Very Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Seven Sacred Pools Trail (‘Ohe’o Gulch) | 965.604 | 32.9184 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Halalai’i and Pu’unaue Trail | 20116.75 | 978.7128 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| Halemau’u Haleakala Overlook Trail | 12230.984 | 723.9 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Haleakala Crater Trail | 18024.608 | 930.8592 | Hard | point to point | 5 |
| Pa Ka’oao Trail | 965.604 | 40.8432 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Leleiwi Overlook Trail | 482.802 | 30.7848 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Pa ka’oao Trail (White Hill Trail) | 804.67 | 32.9184 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Silversword Loop Via Halemau’u Trail | 20116.75 | 1105.8144 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Haleakalā National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Haleakalā National Park are two unique parks that offer visitors a chance to explore diverse wildlife and nature.
Great Smoky Mountains is a temperate rainforest and is home to over 1,600 species of plants and wildlife, including black bear, white-tailed deer, and wild turkey. Visitors can also spot a diverse range of birds, including the colorful scarlet tanager and the majestic bald eagle. The park is also home to a variety of salamanders and other amphibians, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts.
Haleakalā National Park, located on the Hawaiian island of Maui, is known for its unique landscapes and a variety of endemic species. This park is home to rare bird species such as the Nene Goose and the Hawaiian Petrel, as well as the Hawaiian Hoary Bat, the only native land mammal in Hawaii. The park also boasts a diverse range of vegetation, including the towering Silversword plant and the delicate native orchids.
Both parks offer visitors the opportunity to experience nature and wildlife in their own unique way. Whether you’re interested in birds, mammals, or plants, these parks have something to offer for everyone.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Haleakalā National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Haleakalā National Park |
|---|---|
| Peregrine Falcon | Peregrine Falcon |
| Northern Harrier | Northern Harrier |
| Sharp-Shinned Hawk | Rock Pigeon |
| Osprey | House Sparrow |
| Tree Swallow | Northern Mockingbird |
| Mallard | Black-Crowned Night-Heron |
| Canada Goose | Barn Owl |
| Lincoln’s Sparrow | Cattle Egret |
| Ruby-Crowned Kinglet | Ring-Necked Pheasant |
| American Robin | Chukar |
| Great Horned Owl | Ruddy Turnstone |
| Red-Tailed Hawk | Northern Cardinal |
| Northern Flicker | California Quail |
| Merlin | |
| Barn Swallow | |
| Savannah Sparrow | |
| Great Blue Heron | |
| Hermit Thrush | |
| American Kestrel | |
| Bald Eagle | |
| Song Sparrow | |
| European Starling | |
| Northern Pintail | |
| American Wigeon | |
| Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Haleakalā National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | House Mouse |
| American Beaver | Norway Rat |
| Muskrat | Black Rat |
| Big Brown Bat | Domestic Cattle |
| Bobcat | Feral Hog |
| Striped Skunk | |
| Little Brown Bat | |
| Deer Mouse | |
| Raccoon | |
| Black Bear | |
| Porcupine | |
| Silver-Haired Bat | |
| Hoary Bat | |
| Red Fox | |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | |
| House Mouse | |
| Panther (Mountain Lion) | |
| Mink | |
| Gray Fox | |
| Gray Wolf | |
| Snowshoe Hare | |
| River Otter | |
| Masked Shrew | |
| Water Shrew | |
| Red Squirrel |
Fish
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Haleakalā National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | |
| Brook Trout | |
| Brown Trout | |
| Largemouth Bass | |
| Green Sunfish | |
| Bluegill | |
| Common Carp | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Yellow Bullhead | |
| Channel Catfish | |
| Black Crappie | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Mosquitofish | |
| Creek Chub | |
| Goldfish | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Amphibians
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Haleakalā National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Bullfrog |
| American Bullfrog | |
| Wood Frog |
Insects
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Haleakalā National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | Painted Lady |
| Painted Lady | Monarch Butterfly |
| Monarch | American Painted Lady |
| American Painted Lady | Cabbage White |
| Red Admiral | Honey Bee |
| Mourning Cloak | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Common Checkered Skipper | |
| Common Sulphur | |
| Honey Bee | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Buckeye | |
| Commom Wood Nymph | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Beautiful Landscapes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Haleakalā National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Haleakalā National Park are two of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring national parks in the United States. The Great Smoky Mountains are famous for their rolling hills, lush forests, and breathtaking mountain vistas. Visitors can enjoy scenic drives, panoramic overlooks, and numerous hiking trails that lead to breathtaking views. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, elk, and white-tailed deer, and is a great destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Haleakalā National Park is located on the island of Maui in Hawaii and is famous for its stunning sunrises and sunsets over the crater. The park offers a unique landscape that includes a vast, moon-like crater and a diverse range of plant life. Visitors can hike the trails that lead to the summit of the crater or take a scenic drive along the road that winds through the park. The park is also home to many rare and endangered species of plants and animals, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and conservationists.
Both parks offer a unique and unforgettable experience, but each is distinct in its own way. Whether you’re looking for breathtaking mountain vistas, peaceful forests, or a chance to explore the unique landscapes of Hawaii, Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Haleakalā National Park are both must-visit destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Things To-Do and Activities in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Haleakalā National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Haleakalā National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both have unique landscapes and offer a variety of recreational activities to visitors.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located in Tennessee and North Carolina and is known for its lush forests and stunning scenic drives. Visitors come to hike, picnic, horseback ride, and take scenic drives through the park to see its natural beauty. The park is also a popular destination for wildlife viewing, with sightings of black bears, deer, and other animals.
Haleakalā National Park, located in Maui, Hawaii, is known for its volcanic landscapes and diverse ecosystem. The park offers opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing, as well as scenic drives to the top of the volcano for panoramic views. Visitors also come to see the sunrise from the summit, a popular activity which requires a permit.
While both parks offer unique experiences, Great Smoky Mountains is a better choice for those who enjoy lush forests and scenic drives, while Haleakalā is ideal for those who want to experience a volcanic landscape and diverse ecosystem. Whether you prefer scenic drives or hiking, both parks offer opportunities to connect with nature and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Best Time to Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Haleakalā National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee and North Carolina and Haleakalā National Park in Hawaii offer visitors unique experiences in different parts of the United States. When it comes to seasonal weather, there are distinct differences between the two parks that affect when is the best time to visit.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park has four distinct seasons, with warm summers and cold winters. The weather is most pleasant in the spring and fall, with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to the mid-70s. Winter temperatures can drop to the low 20s and snow is common, making it difficult to access some roads and trails. Summer temperatures can reach the mid-80s and the park experiences high humidity, making it ideal for hiking and fishing.
In contrast, Haleakalā National Park is located on the Hawaiian island of Maui and has a tropical climate. The park is known for its hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. The best time to visit is from December to April, when temperatures are mild and rainfall is minimal. During the summer months, temperatures can reach the mid-90s and the park experiences high humidity, making it uncomfortable for outdoor activities. The winter months bring more rain, making it ideal for scenic drives and bird watching.
In conclusion, the seasonal weather at Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Haleakalā National Park affects when is the best time to visit. Spring and fall are the best times to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park, while the winter months are ideal for Haleakalā National Park. Visitors should plan their trips accordingly to ensure the best possible experience.
Family Friendliness of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Haleakalā National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Haleakalā National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both are known for their stunning natural beauty and rich history. However, when it comes to family-friendliness, the two parks offer different experiences.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a top choice for families because of its numerous kid-friendly activities. From scenic drives and easy hikes to campfires and ranger-led programs, there is something for everyone. The park also offers accommodation options that are perfect for families, such as campgrounds and cabin rentals. Kids will love exploring the diverse wildlife, including black bears and elk, and the park’s many waterfalls.
On the other hand, Haleakalā National Park can be a bit more challenging for families. The park is known for its rugged terrain and steep trails, making it less accessible for young children. However, the park’s unique landscape and stunning views of the sunrise make it a must-visit for those who are up for an adventure. Visitors can also learn about Hawaiian culture by taking a guided hike or visiting the park’s cultural center.
In conclusion, both Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Haleakalā National Park are great options for families. However, if you’re traveling with children, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the better choice with its many kid-friendly activities and accommodation options.