The Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Hot Springs National Park are two of the most beautiful natural wonders in the United States. Both parks offer stunning scenic views, breathtaking wildlife, and a variety of outdoor activities. But which one is the best? This article will compare the two parks, highlighting their unique features and what makes each one special.
With over 800 square miles of rolling hills, lush forests, and sparkling streams, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a nature lover’s paradise. Hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching are just a few of the many outdoor activities you can enjoy here. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a leisurely stroll, the park has something for everyone.
The Hot Springs National Park, on the other hand, is an oasis in the heart of Arkansas. Famous for its hot springs and mineral-rich waters, the park has been a popular destination for health and wellness seekers for over 200 years. Soak in the hot springs, hike the trails, or simply relax and rejuvenate in the peaceful surroundings.
So, which park is the best? This article will dive into the details and help you decide which one to visit for your next outdoor adventure.
Hiking Trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Hot Springs National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Hot Springs National Park are two of America’s most popular national parks, attracting millions of visitors each year. Both parks offer majestic landscapes and a wide variety of outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking. However, the hiking trails at these two parks differ greatly in terms of difficulty and scenery.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known for its challenging hikes, including the strenuous Alum Cave Trail and the steep, rocky climb to the summit of Mt. LeConte. The park is also home to several easy hikes, such as the gentle walk along the Laurel Falls Trail. The park’s diverse terrain provides breathtaking views of rolling hills, lush forests, and crystal-clear streams.
Hot Springs National Park, on the other hand, is known for its easy, leisurely hikes. The park’s trails are relatively flat and follow the natural contours of the landscape, offering scenic views of hot springs and lush forests. The park’s most popular hike is the Hot Springs National Park Mountain Trail, which offers a moderate hike with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
In conclusion, both Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Hot Springs National Park offer a wide range of hiking opportunities, from easy walks to strenuous climbs. Whether you’re looking for a challenging workout or a leisurely stroll, these two parks have something to offer for all levels of hikers.
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 Hot Springs National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunset Trail | 20921.42 | 722.9856 | Hard | loop | 4 |
| West Mountain Trail | 3057.746 | 107.8992 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Goat Rock Trail | 3862.416 | 115.824 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Gulpha Gorge Trail | 1931.208 | 116.7384 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| The Grand Promenade and Side Trails | 1931.208 | 33.8328 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Dead Chief Trail | 4345.218 | 121.92 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Hot Springs Mountain Trail | 5310.822 | 204.8256 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Peak Trail | 2092.142 | 108.8136 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Sugarloaf Mountain Via Sunset Trail | 11426.314 | 592.836 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Goat Rock via Dead Chief Trail | 2092.142 | 87.7824 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Hot Springs National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Hot Springs National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. These parks offer visitors a chance to witness and enjoy breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife.
At Great Smoky Mountains National Park, visitors can see a variety of animals such as black bears, white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and elk. The park is also home to more than 200 species of birds, including the beautiful and colorful scarlet tanager and the woodpecker. The park’s diverse forests also provide a habitat for many species of plants and flowers, including the famous wildflowers that bloom in the spring and summer months.
Hot Springs National Park, on the other hand, is known for its thermal springs, which provide a unique habitat for a variety of wildlife. Visitors can see animals such as the beaver, muskrat, and river otter along the park’s many streams and rivers. The park is also home to many species of birds, including the osprey, heron, and kingfisher. The park’s lush vegetation provides a habitat for many species of plants, including the beautiful magnolia tree.
Both Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Hot Springs National Park offer visitors a chance to witness and enjoy the beauty of nature. Whether you are interested in observing wildlife or simply enjoying the peace and quiet of the great outdoors, these parks are sure to provide a memorable experience.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Hot Springs National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Hot Springs 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 Smoky Mountains National Park | Hot Springs 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 | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Hoary Bat |
| Hoary Bat | Red Fox |
| Red Fox | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | House Mouse |
| House Mouse | Mink |
| Panther (Mountain Lion) | Gray Fox |
| Mink | North American River Otter |
| Gray Fox | Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat |
| Gray Wolf | White-Tailed Deer |
| Snowshoe Hare | Virginia Opossum |
| River Otter | Eastern Red Bat |
| Masked Shrew | White-Footed Mouse |
| Water Shrew | Norway Rat |
| Red Squirrel | Eastern Cottontail |
Fish
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Hot Springs National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Largemouth Bass |
| Brook Trout | Green Sunfish |
| Brown Trout | Bluegill |
| Largemouth Bass | Fathead Minnow |
| Green Sunfish | Golden Shiner |
| Bluegill | European Carp |
| Common Carp | Yellow Bullhead |
| Longnose Dace | Graceful Catfish |
| Yellow Bullhead | Black Crappie |
| Channel Catfish | Black Bullhead |
| Black Crappie | Mosquitofish |
| Black Bullhead | Creek Chub |
| Mosquitofish | Brown Bullhead |
| Creek Chub | Goldfish |
| Goldfish | Smallmouth Bass |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Amphibians
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Hot Springs National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Bullfrog |
| American Bullfrog | |
| Wood Frog |
Insects
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Hot Springs National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| 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 Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Hot Springs National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Hot Springs National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer unique landscapes and natural features that attract visitors from all over the world.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known for its stunning mountain ranges, including the Great Smoky Mountains, which are the highest in the Appalachian Mountains. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views from various overlooks, such as Clingmans Dome, which is the highest point in the park. The park is also home to hundreds of waterfalls, including the famous Laurel Falls and Grotto Falls.
Hot Springs National Park, on the other hand, is known for its hot springs and thermal waters. The park is located in the Ouachita Mountains and is home to several historic bathhouses and spas, including the Fordyce Bathhouse, which is the park’s visitor center. Visitors can also hike to various scenic overlooks and hot springs, such as the Hot Springs Mountain Tower, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Both parks offer a variety of outdoor recreational activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Whether you are looking for breathtaking mountain views or relaxing hot springs, both Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Hot Springs National Park have something to offer.
Things To-Do and Activities in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Hot Springs National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Hot Springs National Park are two popular US National Parks that offer a range of outdoor activities for visitors. In Great Smoky Mountains, the most popular activities include hiking, camping, scenic drives, wildlife viewing and fishing. The park boasts over 800 miles of trails, making it a hiker’s paradise. The scenic drives through the park offer stunning views of the rolling hills, streams, and forests, providing a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Wildlife viewing is another popular activity at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where visitors can spot black bears, elk, and other wildlife.
Hot Springs National Park, on the other hand, is known for its hot springs and thermal pools. Visitors come to this park to soak in the natural hot springs, which are believed to have therapeutic properties. The park also offers hiking trails, picnicking and scenic drives. The Grand Promenade, a historic walkway lined with historic bathhouses, is a must-see for visitors. In addition, the park is home to several historic sites, including the Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center and Museum, which provides a fascinating look into the history of the park and its hot springs.
In conclusion, both Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Hot Springs National Park offer a range of activities for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re a hiker, nature lover, or history buff, these parks have something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Hot Springs National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Hot Springs National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States, attracting millions of visitors each year. While both parks offer a unique natural beauty and breathtaking landscapes, their seasonal weather patterns can greatly affect the best time of year to visit.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located in the southern Appalachian Mountains and experiences a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. In the winter, temperatures can drop below freezing and snow is common, making it a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts. In the spring, the park is filled with colorful wildflowers and mild temperatures, making it ideal for hiking and camping. Summer temperatures in the park can reach into the 80s and 90s, making it the perfect time for swimming and fishing. Fall is the most popular time to visit, with cool temperatures and breathtaking views of the changing leaves.
Hot Springs National Park, on the other hand, is located in the Ouachita Mountains of central Arkansas and experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters. The park is known for its natural hot springs, which are most popular in the winter months when temperatures are cooler. Summer temperatures can reach into the 90s, making it ideal for hiking and camping in the cooler, early morning and late evening hours.
Both parks offer a unique and breathtaking natural beauty, but the best time to visit each park will largely depend on the type of outdoor activities you are interested in and your tolerance for seasonal weather conditions.
Family Friendliness of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Hot Springs National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Hot Springs National Park are both incredible destinations for families who love the great outdoors. However, they offer different experiences that may appeal to different families.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located in Tennessee and North Carolina, is one of the most popular national parks in the US, and for good reason. The park is perfect for families who love hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching. For families with children, there are a number of easy hikes that offer stunning views, like the Roaring Fork Nature Trail. Plus, the park is home to over 1,500 species of plants and animals, including black bears, elk, and wild turkeys.
Hot Springs National Park, located in Arkansas, is a great option for families who want to relax and soak in the hot springs. The park has several bathhouses where visitors can take a soak in the hot mineral waters and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. For families with children, the park also has a number of easy trails where they can explore the natural beauty of the area.
In terms of which park is better for families with children, it depends on what type of experience the family is looking for. If they are looking for a park with more opportunities for outdoor adventure and wildlife watching, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the way to go. However, if they are looking for a more relaxing experience and a chance to soak in the hot springs, Hot Springs National Park is the better choice.