The Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Joshua Tree National Park are two of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders in the United States. Both of these parks offer unique landscapes and breathtaking scenery that are sure to captivate visitors of all ages. Whether you’re looking for majestic mountain vistas, towering rock formations, or surreal desert landscapes, both parks have it all!
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what makes these two parks so special, and help you decide which one is the perfect destination for your next adventure. From scenic drives and challenging hikes to breathtaking sunsets and stargazing opportunities, we’ll cover all the key features that make these parks truly one-of-a-kind.
So buckle up and get ready to explore! Whether you prefer the rolling hills of the Great Smoky Mountains or the towering rock formations of Joshua Tree, this article is guaranteed to satisfy your thirst for adventure and leave you eager to plan your next trip to one of these amazing parks.
Hiking Trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Joshua Tree National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Joshua Tree National Park both offer a variety of hiking trails for different skill levels.
In Great Smoky Mountains NP, some of the easiest hikes include the Laurel Falls Trail, an 2.3-mile round trip hike to a 80-foot waterfall, and the Grotto Falls Trail, a 2.6-mile round trip hike to a 25-foot waterfall. Meanwhile, the most challenging hike in the park is the Alum Cave Trail, a 5-mile one-way hike with an elevation gain of 1,400 feet.
In Joshua Tree NP, the easiest hike is the Skull Rock Nature Trail, a 0.7-mile loop hike featuring unique rock formations. For a more difficult hike, try the Ryan Mountain Trail, a 3-mile round trip hike with an elevation gain of 1,000 feet to the summit of Ryan Mountain for panoramic views.
Both parks offer spectacular views, but the landscapes are vastly different. Great Smoky Mountains NP features dense forests and rolling hills, while Joshua Tree NP is known for its unique rock formations and desert landscape. Regardless of skill level, both parks offer an abundance of opportunities for outdoor recreation and 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 Joshua Tree National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryan Mountain Trail | 4828.02 | 325.8312 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Barker Dam Nature Trail | 2896.812 | 19.812 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Hidden Valley Nature Trail | 1609.34 | 34.7472 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Lost Palms Oasis | 11587.248 | 312.7248 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Arch Rock Nature Trail | 1126.538 | 7.9248 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Fortynine Palms Oasis Trail | 4506.152 | 188.976 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Lost Horse Mine Loop Trail | 11104.446 | 277.9776 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Skull Rock Nature Trail | 2735.878 | 48.768 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Cholla Cactus Garden Nature Trail | 321.868 | 1.8288 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Willow Hole Trail | 10943.512 | 74.9808 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Joshua Tree National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Joshua Tree National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer unique landscapes and a rich diversity of wildlife, but there are some differences between the two.
In the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you can see a variety of mammals, including black bears, white-tailed deer, raccoons, and elk. There are also over 200 species of birds, including the colorful Baltimore oriole, the majestic bald eagle, and the playful pileated woodpecker. In addition, the park is home to a wide range of plants, including the iconic tulip poplar, the fragrant mountain laurel, and the delicate lady’s slipper orchid.
At Joshua Tree National Park, the wildlife is quite different. The park is home to a variety of reptiles, including desert tortoises, rattlesnakes, and Gila monsters. There are also a number of bird species, including roadrunners, Gambel’s quail, and the colorful phainopepla. In addition, Joshua Tree is known for its unique vegetation, including the iconic Joshua trees and a variety of cacti, such as the cholla, prickly pear, and beavertail.
In conclusion, both parks offer a rich diversity of wildlife and vegetation, but each has its own unique features. Whether you are interested in seeing black bears in the Great Smoky Mountains or reptiles in Joshua Tree, you are sure to be amazed by the beauty and diversity of the natural world in these parks.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Joshua Tree National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Joshua Tree 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 | Joshua Tree National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | Big Brown Bat |
| Muskrat | Bobcat |
| Big Brown Bat | Deer Mouse |
| Bobcat | Black Bear |
| Striped Skunk | Hoary Bat |
| Little Brown Bat | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Deer Mouse | House Mouse |
| Raccoon | Cougar |
| Black Bear | Mule Deer |
| Porcupine | Gray Fox |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Hoary Bat | American Badger |
| Red Fox | Californian Myotis |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Snowhsoe Hare |
| House Mouse | Fringed Myotis |
| Panther (Mountain Lion) | Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat |
| Mink | Western Harvest Mouse |
| Gray Fox | Pallid Bat |
| Gray Wolf | Ringtail |
| Snowshoe Hare | Desert Cottontail |
| River Otter | Virginia Opossum |
| Masked Shrew | Black-Tailed Jackrabbit |
| Water Shrew | Brush Deermouse |
| Red Squirrel | Western Spotted Skunk |
Fish
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Joshua Tree National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Goldfish |
| 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 | Joshua Tree National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Canyon Treefrog |
| American Bullfrog | |
| Wood Frog |
Insects
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Joshua Tree National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | Orange Sulphur |
| Painted Lady | Painted Lady |
| Monarch | Monarch Butterfly |
| American Painted Lady | Red Admiral |
| Red Admiral | Mourningcloak |
| Mourning Cloak | Silvery Blue |
| Cabbage White | Variegated Fritillary |
| Silvery Blue | Buckeye |
| Common Checkered Skipper | Gray Hairstreak |
| Common Sulphur | |
| Honey Bee | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Buckeye | |
| Commom Wood Nymph | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Reptiles
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Joshua Tree National Park |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Common Side-Blotched Lizard | |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | |
| Glossy Snake | |
| Long-Nosed Snake |
Beautiful Landscapes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Joshua Tree National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located in the Southern Appalachian Mountains of Tennessee and North Carolina, and is one of the most visited national parks in the country. The park is home to incredible landscapes, including the Great Smoky Mountains, which are known for their breathtaking views and sunsets. The park also features several popular waterfalls, including Grotto Falls and Laurel Falls, which are popular spots for hiking and picnicking.
Joshua Tree National Park, located in Southern California, is known for its unique and otherworldly landscapes. The park is home to the namesake Joshua trees, which are a type of yucca plant that grows in the high desert. The park is also home to a variety of rock formations, including towering monoliths and massive boulder piles, which provide an incredible backdrop for hiking and climbing. Visitors to the park can also enjoy scenic drives through the desert, as well as stargazing at night, which is made possible by the minimal light pollution in the area.
Things To-Do and Activities in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Joshua Tree National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Joshua Tree National Park are both unique and offer a range of activities for visitors to enjoy. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located in Tennessee and North Carolina and is loved for its scenic drives and scenic overlooks. Visitors can take a drive along the Newfound Gap Road, which offers stunning views of the rolling hills and the Smoky Mountains. Additionally, the park is home to a number of waterfalls and streams, which are perfect for picnicking and relaxing.
Joshua Tree National Park, located in California, is a popular destination for rock climbing and stargazing. The park is home to some of the best rock climbing routes in the country, including routes for both beginners and experienced climbers. The park is also known for its clear night skies and is a popular spot for stargazing. Visitors can participate in ranger-led stargazing programs or simply enjoy the stars on their own.
Both parks offer a range of outdoor activities, including camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known for its rich biodiversity and is home to a large number of species, including black bears and elk. Joshua Tree National Park, on the other hand, is known for its unique landscape and the iconic Joshua trees that give the park its name. Whether you’re looking for a scenic drive, a challenging hike, or simply a chance to relax and enjoy nature, both parks have something to offer.
Best Time to Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Joshua Tree National Park
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Joshua Tree National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Each park has its own unique features and attractions, as well as its own distinct seasonal weather patterns.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has a humid subtropical climate, which means that it experiences hot summers and mild winters. The park is known for its heavy rainfall, which can make the trails slippery and difficult to navigate. The best time to visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is during the spring and fall months, when temperatures are mild and the park is in full bloom.
On the other hand, Joshua Tree National Park has a desert climate, which means that it experiences hot, dry summers and cool winters. The park is known for its dramatic desert landscapes and unique rock formations, as well as its clear, starry nights. The best time to visit Joshua Tree National Park is during the spring or fall months, when temperatures are milder and the desert is in full bloom.
In conclusion, while both the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Joshua Tree National Park offer unique and beautiful landscapes, they have distinct seasonal weather patterns that affect when is the best time to visit each park. Whether you choose to visit the lush forests of the Great Smoky Mountains or the dramatic deserts of Joshua Tree, be sure to plan your trip with the seasonal weather in mind for the best possible experience.
Family Friendliness of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Joshua Tree National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Joshua Tree National Park are two of the most popular parks in the United States. Both offer unique experiences, but when it comes to family-friendly activities, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the better option.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located in Tennessee and North Carolina and is the most visited national park in the country. It is home to a diverse range of wildlife, scenic drives, and hiking trails, making it an ideal destination for families. There are also plenty of ranger-led programs, picnic areas, and campgrounds, providing opportunities for families to enjoy the park together.
Joshua Tree National Park is located in California and is well-known for its unique rock formations and desert landscapes. While it is a great destination for families who enjoy hiking and exploring, it can be a bit more challenging for young children. The park does not have many ranger-led programs, and the hiking trails can be intense, making it a better destination for families with older children or teenagers.
In conclusion, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the better choice for families traveling with young children. It offers a range of family-friendly activities, such as ranger-led programs, picnic areas, and campgrounds, and is a great place for families to enjoy the outdoors together.