Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Isle Royale National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. While both offer breathtaking landscapes and endless opportunities for outdoor recreation, they each have their own unique characteristics. In this article, we’ll compare and contrast these two parks, highlighting their similarities and differences.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a nature lover, or just looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, these parks have something to offer. From the rolling hills of the Great Smoky Mountains to the rugged wilderness of Isle Royale, you’ll find yourself surrounded by stunning scenery and diverse wildlife.
So, which park should you choose for your next adventure? Read on to find out!
Hiking Trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Isle Royale National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located in Tennessee and North Carolina, is famous for its scenic beauty and diverse hiking trails. The park has over 800 miles of trails, ranging from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry hikes. One of the most popular and easiest hikes is the 2.6-mile round trip to Clingmans Dome, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Another great option is the 5.5-mile round trip to Charlies Bunion, which provides breathtaking views of the Smokies and the surrounding valleys.
On the other hand, Isle Royale National Park, located in Lake Superior, is known for its rugged wilderness and remote backcountry trails. The park has over 165 miles of trails, but only a few are considered easy. One of the hardest hikes is the 40-mile Greenstone Ridge Trail, which leads to the highest point on Isle Royale and offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding islands. Another challenging hike is the Rock Harbor Lighthouse Trail, a 9-mile round trip that takes you to one of the oldest lighthouses on the Great Lakes.
Both parks offer unique and breathtaking hiking experiences, but Great Smoky Mountains National Park is better suited for those looking for easier and more accessible trails, while Isle Royale National Park is better for experienced hikers seeking a wilderness adventure.
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 Isle Royale National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greenstone Ridge Trail: Windigo to Tobin Harbor | 63568.93 | 1216.7616 | Hard | point to point | 4 |
| Rainbow Cove Trail | 2253.076 | 21.9456 | Easy | out and back | 5 |
| Malone Bay to Hatchett Lake | 37658.556 | 664.7688 | Moderate | out and back | 0 |
| Ishpeming Trail to Ishpeming Point | 23496.364 | 339.852 | Moderate | out and back | 0 |
Wildlife in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Isle Royale National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Isle Royale National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both are known for their stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife. Here’s a closer look at the wildlife you’ll see at each park:
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to over 65 species of mammals, including black bears, white-tailed deer, and elk. Bird lovers will be delighted to see over 200 species of birds, including the colorful Eastern Bluebird and the majestic Bald Eagle. The park is also home to over 1,500 species of flowering plants, including the rare Catawba Rhododendron and the fragrant Mountain Laurel.
Isle Royale National Park, on the other hand, is located on a remote island in Lake Superior and is known for its diverse and unique wildlife. Visitors to the park will have the opportunity to see wolves, moose, and foxes, as well as a variety of birds, including the Common Loon, the Bald Eagle, and the Peregrine Falcon. The island is also home to a variety of plant species, including the Northern Wild Rice, the Pitcher Plant, and the Dwarf Lake Iris.
Whether you’re interested in mammals, birds, or plants, both Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Isle Royale National Park offer a wealth of wildlife to explore and admire. Each park has its own unique character, so be sure to visit both for a truly unforgettable wildlife experience.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Isle Royale National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Isle Royale 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 | Isle Royale National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Big Brown Bat | Big Brown Bat |
| Bobcat | Striped Skunk |
| Striped Skunk | Little Brown Bat |
| Little Brown Bat | Deer Mouse |
| Deer Mouse | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Raccoon | Hoary Bat |
| Black Bear | Red Fox |
| Porcupine | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Mink |
| Hoary Bat | Gray Wolf |
| Red Fox | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Snowshoe Hare |
| House Mouse | North American River Otter |
| Panther (Mountain Lion) | Canada Lynx |
| Mink | Marten |
| Gray Fox | Moose |
| Gray Wolf | Red Bat |
| Snowshoe Hare | Norway Rat |
| River Otter | Southern Red-Backed Vole |
| Masked Shrew | Northern Long-Eared Bat |
| Water Shrew | |
| Red Squirrel |
Fish
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Isle Royale National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Redband Trout |
| Brook Trout | Coaster Brook Trout |
| Brown Trout | Brown Trout |
| Largemouth Bass | Longnose Sucker |
| Green Sunfish | Harvey Lake Fathead Minnow |
| Bluegill | Golden Shiner |
| Common Carp | Lake Trout |
| Longnose Dace | Northern Pike |
| Yellow Bullhead | Ellpout |
| Channel Catfish | Coho Salmon |
| Black Crappie | Chinook Salmon |
| Black Bullhead | Mottled Sculpin |
| Mosquitofish | Slimy Sculpin |
| Creek Chub | Longnose Dace |
| Goldfish | Black Crappie |
| Smallmouth Bass | Pink Salmon |
| Creek Chub |
Amphibians
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Isle Royale National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| American Bullfrog | Wood Frog |
| Wood Frog |
Insects
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Isle Royale 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 Isle Royale National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Isle Royale National Park are two of the most famous national parks in the United States. Both parks offer breathtaking landscapes and natural wonders that visitors can enjoy.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located in the states of Tennessee and North Carolina, and is known for its lush forests, beautiful overlooks, and towering mountain ranges. Some of the most famous landscapes in the park include the Great Smoky Mountains, which offer panoramic views of the surrounding area, and the numerous waterfalls that can be found throughout the park.
Isle Royale National Park, on the other hand, is located in the northern reaches of Lake Superior and is known for its rugged wilderness, pristine lakes, and stunning vistas. Some of the most famous landscapes in the park include the rugged and remote Isle Royale, which offers an escape from civilization, and the crystal-clear waters of Lake Superior, which provide an ideal location for fishing, swimming, and boating.
Both Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Isle Royale National Park offer visitors the opportunity to experience nature at its finest, and are must-visit destinations for anyone seeking to explore the beauty and wonder of the great outdoors.
Things To-Do and Activities in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Isle Royale National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Isle Royale National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the US. They are both unique in their own way, offering a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located in Tennessee and North Carolina, is known for its stunning scenic drives, including the Newfound Gap Road and the Cades Cove Loop. In addition to scenic drives, visitors also enjoy picnicking, fishing, and wildlife watching. The park also offers a variety of ranger-led programs, including guided walks, campfire programs, and junior ranger programs.
Isle Royale National Park, located in Lake Superior, is an isolated wilderness area that can only be reached by boat or seaplane. The park is known for its backcountry camping, hiking, and fishing. Visitors can also enjoy boat tours of the park, kayaking, and diving. Isle Royale is also a popular destination for visitors looking to experience solitude and escape the crowds.
Both parks offer a variety of recreational activities for visitors to enjoy, from scenic drives and picnicking to backcountry camping and fishing. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful escape or an action-packed adventure, Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Isle Royale National Park have something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Isle Royale National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Isle Royale National Park both offer breathtaking landscapes and unique experiences, but the weather in each park is quite different. The Great Smoky Mountains experience a temperate climate with hot summers and cool winters. Summer temperatures average in the mid-70s to low-80s, while winter temperatures average in the low-30s to mid-40s. This makes the park a popular destination for tourists during the summer months, when visitors can enjoy the warm weather, scenic drives, and outdoor activities like hiking and camping.
Isle Royale National Park, on the other hand, experiences much colder temperatures, with average summer temperatures in the mid-50s to low-60s and winter temperatures in the low-20s to low-30s. Despite the colder weather, Isle Royale is a popular destination for visitors looking to escape the crowds and enjoy a more remote wilderness experience. Winter is a particularly popular time to visit, when visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and other winter sports.
In conclusion, both Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Isle Royale National Park offer unique experiences and breathtaking landscapes, but the weather in each park affects when is the best time of year to visit. The Great Smoky Mountains are best visited during the summer months, when visitors can enjoy warm weather and outdoor activities, while Isle Royale is best visited during the winter, when visitors can enjoy a more remote wilderness experience and winter sports.
Family Friendliness of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Isle Royale National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is considered one of the most family-friendly parks in the U.S. The park is easily accessible and offers a variety of activities for families with children, including scenic drives, hiking trails, camping, and picnicking. The park is also home to a number of educational programs and activities, including ranger-led hikes and wildlife watching tours, which are great for families with children who are interested in learning about the natural world.
In contrast, Isle Royale National Park is a remote wilderness area located on an island in Lake Superior. While the park is a fantastic destination for those seeking a more isolated and wild experience, it may not be the best choice for families with young children. The park is only accessible by boat or seaplane, and there are few facilities or amenities available for families. Additionally, the park’s rugged terrain and remote location can be challenging for young children.
If you’re looking for a park that offers a balance of natural beauty and family-friendly activities, then Great Smoky Mountains National Park is definitely the better choice. However, if you’re looking for a more remote and rugged wilderness experience, then Isle Royale National Park may be a good choice for your family. Ultimately, both parks offer unique experiences, and the best choice for your family will depend on your specific needs and interests.