Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park are two of the most beautiful and unique national parks in the United States. While both offer breathtaking views and exciting outdoor activities, they are vastly different from each other in terms of geography, climate, and the types of attractions they offer. Whether you’re an avid hiker, an adventurous camper, or simply a nature lover, these two parks have something for everyone.
So, which one is the better destination for your next outdoor adventure? It’s time to put them head-to-head in a battle of the parks. Join us as we explore the similarities and differences between Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park. From scenic drives to challenging treks, from stunning waterfalls to pristine beaches, we’ll cover it all in this comprehensive comparison. Get your hiking boots and sunscreen ready, as we embark on a journey to discover the best park for your next outdoor escape!
Hiking Trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located in Tennessee and North Carolina, boasts over 800 miles of hiking trails ranging from easy walks to strenuous backcountry treks. Some of the easiest hikes include the Laurel Falls Trail, a 2.6-mile round trip, and the Grotto Falls Trail, a 2.6-mile round trip that leads to a 25-foot waterfall. On the other hand, some of the most challenging hikes include the Alum Cave Trail, an 11-mile round trip that ascends over 2,000 feet, and the Ramsey Cascades Trail, an 8-mile round trip to a 100-foot waterfall.
Indiana Dunes National Park, located along the southern shore of Lake Michigan, offers over 50 miles of hiking trails, including beach walks and forest trails. Some of the easiest hikes include the nature trail at Cowles Bog, a 0.75-mile loop, and the Dunes Succession Trail, a 1-mile loop that showcases the park’s shifting sand dunes and diverse plant life. For those seeking a more strenuous hike, the 2.5-mile round trip to the summit of Mount Tom offers scenic views of Lake Michigan and the surrounding dunes. The park also includes several backpacking trails, including the 15-mile Miller Woods Trail.
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 Indiana Dunes National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cowles Bog Trail | 6920.162 | 64.9224 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Little Calumet River Trail Loop | 6276.426 | 50.9016 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| West Beach Loop with Scallop Dunes and Long Lake Trail | 5471.756 | 78.9432 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Dune Succession and West Beach Walk | 4345.218 | 43.8912 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| West Beach Loop | 1770.274 | 28.956 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Miller Woods Trail | 6115.492 | 40.8432 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Dune Ridge Trail | 1448.406 | 26.8224 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Tolleston Dunes | 5149.888 | 52.7304 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Beach Trail to Waverly Beach | 1609.34 | 5.7912 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Indiana’s Lake Michigan Shoreline Scenic Drive | 35083.612 | 84.7344 | Moderate | point to point | 3.5 |
Wildlife in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, straddling the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, is known for its diverse wildlife and is considered the most biodiverse park in the National Park System. Visitors can expect to see a variety of mammals, such as black bears, white-tailed deer, elk, and river otters. The park is also home to over 200 species of birds, including the colorful Baltimore Oriole and the American Goldfinch. With its lush forests, streams, and waterfalls, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a haven for plant life as well, with over 1,600 species of flowering plants, including the iconic flame azalea and the rare purple fringeless orchid.
Indiana Dunes National Park, located on the southern shore of Lake Michigan, offers a different type of wildlife experience. The park is home to a wide variety of mammals, including the red fox, beaver, and muskrat. Bird enthusiasts will be delighted to see the many species of birds that call the park home, including the bald eagle, the peregrine falcon, and the great blue heron. With its diverse habitats, including dunes, forests, wetlands, and prairies, Indiana Dunes National Park is also a great place to see a variety of plants, such as the showy goldenrod and the delicate wild indigo.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Indiana Dunes 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 | Indiana Dunes 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 | Indiana Dunes 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 | Indiana Dunes National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Bullfrog |
| American Bullfrog | |
| Wood Frog |
Insects
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Indiana Dunes 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 Indiana Dunes National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park are two of the most famous national parks in the United States, each offering its own unique landscape for visitors to enjoy.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located in Tennessee and North Carolina, is famous for its stunning mountain ranges, including Clingmans Dome, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The park is also home to a variety of waterfalls, including the 80-foot Laurel Falls, and scenic overlooks like Charlie’s Bunion. In addition, visitors can explore lush forests filled with a diverse array of plant and animal life.
Indiana Dunes National Park, located on the southern shore of Lake Michigan, is famous for its sandy beaches and rolling dunes. Visitors can hike along the park’s scenic trails, including the Calumet Trail, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The park is also home to a variety of wetlands, including the Cowles Bog, which is home to a diverse array of plant and animal life. In addition, visitors can enjoy a variety of water activities, including swimming and boating, on Lake Michigan.
Things To-Do and Activities in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States, and both offer a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known for its scenic drives, wildlife viewing, and waterfalls. Visitors can drive the scenic Newfound Gap Road, which offers breathtaking views of the park, or take a leisurely drive along the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail to see old-growth forests and cascading streams. Wildlife viewing is also a popular activity, with black bears, deer, and elk frequently spotted in the park. In addition, there are numerous waterfalls to explore, including Grotto Falls and Laurel Falls.
Indiana Dunes National Park, on the other hand, is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, with over 15,000 acres of sand dunes, forests, wetlands, and prairies. Visitors can hike, bike, or horseback ride through the park’s trails, or enjoy a day at the beach along Lake Michigan. The park also offers educational programs, including ranger-led hikes and beach walks, and opportunities for bird watching, with over 300 species of birds having been spotted in the park.
Both parks offer a range of activities for visitors to enjoy, from scenic drives and wildlife viewing in Great Smoky Mountains, to hiking, biking, and beach-going in Indiana Dunes. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful escape from the city or an outdoor adventure, these parks have something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee and North Carolina, and Indiana Dunes National Park in Indiana offer diverse and unique experiences for visitors. While both parks are popular destinations, the weather is different in each park and affects the best time of year to visit.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has a moderate climate with hot summers and cold winters. The park receives significant rainfall throughout the year, which makes the park’s lush vegetation possible. Visitors can expect temperatures in the summer to reach the low to mid 80s and in the winter to drop into the 30s. The park experiences occasional snow and ice during the winter months, making it a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts.
Indiana Dunes National Park, on the other hand, has a more temperate climate with warm summers and mild winters. The park is located near Lake Michigan, which creates a unique microclimate with higher humidity levels. Visitors can expect temperatures in the summer to reach the mid 80s and in the winter to remain in the 40s. The park experiences frequent precipitation throughout the year, but the lake effect snow is rare.
Both parks offer stunning natural beauty, but the best time of year to visit each park will depend on the weather conditions and what activities visitors are interested in. Hikers, campers, and nature enthusiasts may prefer visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the foliage is at its peak. On the other hand, beach-goers may prefer visiting Indiana Dunes National Park in the summer, when temperatures are warm and the lake is perfect for swimming.
Family Friendliness of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park are two excellent family-friendly parks. However, they offer different experiences, so the better park for you will depend on your family’s interests.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a vast wilderness with over 800 miles of hiking trails, scenic drives and picnic areas. The park’s natural beauty is sure to captivate children of all ages. The park also offers a variety of ranger-led programs and activities, including campfire programs and nature walks. In addition, the park is home to numerous species of wildlife, including black bears, deer and turkeys, which are sure to delight children who love animals.
On the other hand, Indiana Dunes National Park is a more beach-oriented park with 15,000 acres of sand dunes, wetlands, forests and prairies. The park’s 15 miles of pristine beaches are perfect for swimming, sunbathing and playing in the sand. In addition, the park offers a variety of ranger-led programs and activities, including beach walks and campfire programs. The park is also home to several nature centers that offer hands-on exhibits, interactive displays and educational programs.
In conclusion, both Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park are excellent parks for families, but their different landscapes and offerings mean that one may be more appealing to your family than the other. If you’re looking for a park with a vast wilderness and plenty of opportunities to see wildlife, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the better choice. But if you’re looking for a park with beaches and water activities, Indiana Dunes National Park is the way to go.