Great Smoky Mountains National Park vs Haleakalā National Park

Feel Free To Share:

Great Smoky Mountains National Park vs Haleakalā National Park

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.

Leave a Comment