Great Smoky Mountains National Park vs Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park vs Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

The United States is home to some of the most breathtaking national parks in the world, but two parks stand out in particular: Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Both parks offer unique and unforgettable experiences, but which one is right for you? In this article, we’ll compare the two parks and discover what makes each one special.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a natural wonder located in the Appalachian Mountains. The park is famous for its scenic drives, stunning vistas, and diverse wildlife. With over 800 miles of hiking trails and several historic sites, there’s something for everyone at Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, on the other hand, is a geological wonder located on the Big Island of Hawaii. The park is home to the world’s most active volcano, Kīlauea, which has been continuously erupting since 1983. The park also offers visitors the chance to witness the creation of new land as lava flows into the ocean. Whether you’re a nature lover, a geology buff, or just looking for a unique experience, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is a must-visit.

Hiking Trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park both offer scenic and challenging hiking trails for nature enthusiasts. However, the two parks have unique landscapes and trails that set them apart.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located in Tennessee and North Carolina and boasts over 800 miles of trails, ranging from easy to strenuous. Some popular easy hikes include the Laurel Falls Trail, which is a 2.6-mile round trip hike to a beautiful 80-foot waterfall, and the Grotto Falls Trail, which is a 2.6-mile round trip hike through a forest to a serene waterfall. For more experienced hikers, the Alum Cave Trail is a challenging 11-mile round trip hike that takes you to the summit of Mount LeConte, offering panoramic views of the park.

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, located on the Big Island of Hawaii, offers a unique hiking experience with its active volcanoes and volcanic landscapes. Some easier hikes include the Kīlauea Iki Trail, a 4-mile round trip hike through a volcanic crater and the Devastation Trail, a 1-mile round trip hike through a recent lava flow. The strenuous 11-mile round trip hike to the summit of Mauna Loa offers a challenging and rewarding experience, with stunning views of the surrounding volcanic landscapes.

In conclusion, both Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park offer a diverse range of hiking trails for visitors, from easy hikes to challenging summits. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a scenic walk, these parks have something for everyone.

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 Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

Name Length Elevation Type Difficulty Visitor Ratings
Kilauea Iki Trail and Crater Rim Trail 4828.02 209.7024 Moderate loop 4.5
Kalapana Lava Viewing 15288.73 196.9008 Easy out and back 4.5
Pu’u Huluhulu via Napau Crater Trail 4023.35 94.7928 Moderate out and back 4.5
Halema���uma���u Steam Bluff and Sulfur Banks 2092.142 24.9936 Easy loop 4
Puu Loa Petroglyphs Trail 1931.208 25.908 Moderate out and back 4
Mauna Loa via Observatory Trail and Summit Trail 20760.486 905.8656 Very Hard out and back 4.5
Devastation Trail to Puu Puai Overlook 1609.34 37.7952 Easy out and back 3.5
End of Chain of Craters Road Trail to Lava Viewing 16576.202 130.7592 Moderate out and back 4
Sandalwood (Iliahi) Trail 1931.208 13.716 Moderate loop 4
Halema’uma’u Trail 2735.878 130.7592 Moderate out and back 4.5

Wildlife in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park are both spectacular destinations for nature lovers. Both parks offer a unique and diverse range of wildlife, but in different ways.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a popular destination for birdwatchers, with over 200 species of birds found in the park. Some of the most commonly seen birds include the American Goldfinch, the Eastern Bluebird, and the Tufted Titmouse. The park is also home to a variety of mammals, such as black bears, white-tailed deer, and raccoons. In addition, the park is home to a rich and diverse plant life, including over 1,500 species of flowering plants, 100 species of native trees, and numerous ferns, mosses, and lichens.

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, on the other hand, is a unique destination for those interested in the interaction between wildlife and volcanic activity. The park is home to a number of endemic species, including the nene (Hawaiian Goose) and the Hawaiian hawk. Visitors to the park may also see a variety of other birds, such as the Hawaiian honeycreeper and the Hawaiian owl. The park is also home to a diverse range of plant life, including native Hawaiian ferns, hibiscus, and ohia lehua. The park is also home to several active volcanoes, which offer a unique opportunity to observe the interaction between volcanic activity and the surrounding ecosystem.

Overall, both Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park offer a unique and diverse range of wildlife, making them both must-see destinations for nature lovers.

Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.

Birds

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Peregrine Falcon Peregrine Falcon
Northern Harrier Canada Goose
Sharp-Shinned Hawk Great Blue Heron
Osprey Rock Pigeon
Tree Swallow House Sparrow
Mallard Northern Mockingbird
Canada Goose Black-Crowned Night-Heron
Lincoln’s Sparrow Wild Turkey
Ruby-Crowned Kinglet Barn Owl
American Robin Cattle Egret
Great Horned Owl Sanderling
Red-Tailed Hawk Ring-Necked Pheasant
Northern Flicker Chukar
Merlin Ruddy Turnstone
Barn Swallow Northern Cardinal
Savannah Sparrow California Quail
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 Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Coyote House Mouse
American Beaver Norway Rat
Muskrat ‘Iole
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 Hawai’i Volcanoes 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 Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Northern Leopard Frog Bullfrog
American Bullfrog
Wood Frog

Insects

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Orange Sulphur Painted Lady
Painted Lady Monarch Butterfly
Monarch American Painted Lady
American Painted Lady Red Admiral
Red Admiral Cabbage White
Mourning Cloak Honey Bee
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 Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park are two of the most famous national parks in the United States, attracting millions of visitors each year. Each park offers a unique and breathtaking landscape that is sure to impress.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located in Tennessee and North Carolina, is known for its beautiful mountain ranges and scenic overlooks. The park is home to over 850 miles of hiking trails, including the famous Appalachian Trail, which offers some of the best views of the Smoky Mountains. In addition, the park is home to a variety of waterfalls, including the 80-foot Laurel Falls and the 120-foot Ramsey Cascades.

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, located on the Big Island of Hawaii, is a unique landscape that features the Kilauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes. Visitors to the park can witness the ongoing volcanic activity and explore the fascinating landscape, including the Thurston Lava Tube and the Halema’uma’u Crater. The park also offers visitors the opportunity to hike through the lush rain forest and witness the beauty of the Hawaiian flora and fauna.

Whether you are a nature lover, hiker, or simply looking for a new adventure, both Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park offer something for everyone.

Things To-Do and Activities in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a popular destination for visitors who are interested in exploring the scenic beauty of the Appalachian Mountains. Among the most popular activities at this park are scenic drives, wildlife viewing, and camping. Visitors can take a leisurely drive along the Newfound Gap Road to enjoy the stunning vistas or visit the Cades Cove area for a chance to see black bears, deer, and other wildlife in their natural habitat. In addition, the park offers camping opportunities for those who want to spend more time in the great outdoors.

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is a unique destination for those who are interested in geology, volcanic activity, and Hawaiian culture. Among the most popular activities at this park are hiking, visiting the Kīlauea Visitor Center, and witnessing volcanic eruptions. Visitors can explore the park’s many hiking trails to see steam vents, sulfur banks, and other volcanic features up close. The Kīlauea Visitor Center provides information about the park’s geological history and ongoing volcanic activity, making it a must-visit destination for those who are interested in these subjects. And there is no greater thrill than seeing molten lava flowing down the slopes of an active volcano, which is an opportunity that visitors to Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park may have.

Best Time to Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park share one rare characteristic, their location on two different sides of the country. Weather patterns are vastly different in these two protected areas and can greatly influence the ideal time to visit.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located in Tennessee and North Carolina and has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Summer temperatures can reach into the 80s, while winter temperatures average in the mid-30s. Winter months bring occasional snow and ice, making hiking and other outdoor activities more challenging. However, the park is most popular during the fall months when the leaves change color, offering a breathtaking display of natural beauty.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is located on the Big Island of Hawaii and has a tropical climate with average temperatures ranging from the low 80s to the low 90s year-round. The park is known for its active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa, and offers visitors the chance to witness volcanic activity. The park can experience heavy rain and strong winds during the winter months, making it a less desirable time to visit. The best time to visit is during the drier summer months, when hiking and exploring the park’s unique landscapes is more enjoyable.

Visitors to both parks should consider the weather when planning their trips, as it can greatly impact their experience. Whether it’s the colorful fall foliage of Great Smoky Mountains National Park or the dry and sunny conditions of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the right timing can enhance a visitor’s enjoyment and create lasting memories.

Family Friendliness of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park are two of the most well-known national parks in the United States. Both parks offer unique natural features and opportunities for outdoor recreation. However, when it comes to family-friendliness, there are some differences to consider.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is arguably the more family-friendly of the two parks. It offers a variety of easy and accessible nature trails, campgrounds, and picnic areas. There are also many educational and interactive programs for visitors of all ages, including ranger-led hikes and campfire talks. In addition, the park is located near several charming towns that offer additional family-friendly activities and amenities.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, on the other hand, offers a more rugged and remote wilderness experience. While it is still a great destination for families, it can be more challenging for young children and those with mobility issues. The park is home to the active Kilauea volcano, which can be awe-inspiring for visitors but also presents some safety concerns. There are also fewer facilities and amenities within the park, so it is more important to come prepared with supplies and provisions.

Overall, if you’re traveling with children, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is likely the better choice. It offers a more accessible and well-rounded family-friendly experience, while Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is best suited for families who are comfortable with a more rugged wilderness experience.

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