The Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park are two of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the United States. Both parks offer unique and unforgettable experiences, but which one is right for you? This article will take you on a journey through the lush forests and towering peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains, and the icy fjords and glaciers of Kenai Fjords.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a wildlife enthusiast, or simply looking for a peaceful escape, this article will help you decide which park is the best fit for your next adventure. From the diverse wildlife, breathtaking scenery, and endless opportunities for outdoor recreation, both parks are sure to leave you in awe.
So, pack your bags, grab your hiking boots, and get ready for a journey unlike any other. In this article, we’ll compare the Great Smoky Mountains and Kenai Fjords, and help you choose the perfect destination for your next outdoor adventure.
Hiking Trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) and Kenai Fjords National Park (KFNP) both offer breathtaking landscapes for outdoor enthusiasts, but the hiking trails in each park are unique.
GSMNP is known for its lush forests, rolling hills, and diverse wildlife. The park features over 800 miles of trails, ranging from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry hikes. One of the most popular trails in the park is the Clingmans Dome trail, a 0.5-mile walk to an observation tower that offers 360-degree views of the park. Another easy hike is the Grotto Falls trail, a 2.6-mile round trip trail that leads to a 25-foot waterfall. On the other hand, the park’s most challenging hike is the Ramsey Cascades trail, an 8-mile round trip hike that leads to a 100-foot waterfall.
KFNP is located in Alaska and is best known for its glaciers and fjords. The park features over 40 miles of trails, from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry adventures. One of the most popular trails in the park is the Exit Glacier trail, a 4.1-mile round trip hike that leads to the face of the glacier. Another easy hike is the Harding Icefield trail, an 8.2-mile round trip hike that offers panoramic views of the icefield. For a more strenuous hike, the park’s challenging route is the Crown Point trail, a 7.4-mile round trip hike that offers views of the fjords and glaciers.
Both parks offer excellent hiking opportunities for all levels of hikers, but the type of landscape and trail difficulty varies greatly between the two parks. Whether you prefer a scenic nature walk or a challenging backcountry hike, both GSMNP and KFNP have something to offer.
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 Kenai Fjords National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harding Ice Field Trail | 15610.598 | 1161.8976 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Exit Glacier Trail | 2896.812 | 81.9912 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee and Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Despite being located in different regions of the country, they both offer amazing opportunities to observe wildlife in their natural habitats.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to over 65 species of mammals, including black bears, white-tailed deer, and elk. Birdwatchers will also be delighted, as the park is home to over 200 species of birds, including the colorful scarlet tanager and the majestic bald eagle. Plant life is abundant in the park, with over 1,500 species of flowering plants, including the famous wildflowers of the Smoky Mountains.
Kenai Fjords National Park, on the other hand, is a marine park that offers an entirely different type of wildlife viewing experience. Visitors can observe humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, and harbor seals in their natural habitats. The park is also home to over 200 species of birds, including puffins, cormorants, and bald eagles. In addition, there are many opportunities to observe wildflowers and other plants, including the beautiful wildfire lily.
Both Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park offer unique and unforgettable wildlife viewing experiences. Whether you’re interested in bears and deer or whales and sea lions, you’re sure to find something that will inspire you in these beautiful parks.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Kenai Fjords 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 | 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 | American Pipit |
Mammals
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Kenai Fjords National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Big Brown Bat | Little Brown Bat |
| Bobcat | Black Bear |
| Striped Skunk | Porcupine |
| Little Brown Bat | Red Fox |
| Deer Mouse | Mink |
| Raccoon | Black-Tailed Deer |
| Black Bear | Gray Wolf |
| Porcupine | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| Silver-Haired Bat | California Myotis |
| Hoary Bat | Snowshoe Hare |
| Red Fox | Northern River Otter |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Masked Shrew |
| House Mouse | Red Squirrel |
| Panther (Mountain Lion) | Montane Shrew |
| Mink | Lynx |
| Gray Fox | Wolverine |
| Gray Wolf | American Marten |
| Snowshoe Hare | Northern Flying Squirrel |
| River Otter | Brown Bear |
| Masked Shrew | Meadow Mouse |
| Water Shrew | Moose |
| Red Squirrel | Pygmy Shrew |
Fish
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Kenai Fjords National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Redband Trout |
| Brook Trout | Longnose Sucker |
| Brown Trout | Burbot |
| Largemouth Bass | Silver Salmon |
| Green Sunfish | Chinook Salmon |
| Bluegill | Slimy Sculpin |
| Common Carp | Threespine Stickleback |
| Longnose Dace | Red Salmon |
| Yellow Bullhead | Pink Salmon |
| Channel Catfish | Chum Salmon |
| Black Crappie | Dolly Varden |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Mosquitofish | |
| Creek Chub | |
| Goldfish | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Amphibians
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Kenai Fjords National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Wood Frog |
| American Bullfrog | |
| Wood Frog |
Insects
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Kenai Fjords 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 Kenai Fjords National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located in the southern Appalachians, straddling the border between Tennessee and North Carolina. This park is famous for its breathtaking mountain ranges, including the Great Smoky Mountains themselves. Hikers and visitors can enjoy scenic overlooks, including Clingmans Dome which offers panoramic views of the park and surrounding area. The park is also known for its numerous waterfalls, including Laurel Falls and Grotto Falls, which are popular destinations for visitors.
In contrast, Kenai Fjords National Park is located in Alaska and showcases the stunning beauty of the state’s rugged coastline and glaciers. The park is most famous for its glaciers, including Exit Glacier and the Harding Icefield. Visitors can witness the power of these glaciers up close, as well as the stunning fjords they have carved into the surrounding landscape. Wildlife is also a major draw, with opportunities to spot whales, sea lions, and other sea creatures. The park is also home to a variety of hiking trails, including the challenging Exit Glacier Nature Trail, which offers stunning views of the glacier and the surrounding landscape.
Things To-Do and Activities in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park are two very different parks that offer unique experiences for visitors.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is well-known for its scenic drives, such as Newfound Gap Road and Clingmans Dome Road, which provide breathtaking views of the park’s rolling hills and towering peaks. In addition to scenic drives, visitors to Great Smoky Mountains National Park also enjoy wildlife viewing, fishing, and picnicking. The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including deer, black bears, and elk, and offers numerous fishing opportunities in its streams and rivers.
Kenai Fjords National Park, on the other hand, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts who love to explore the park’s glistening glaciers and rugged coastline. Visitors to Kenai Fjords National Park often enjoy kayaking, whale watching, and fishing. The park’s glaciers are a major attraction and visitors can take boat tours to see them up close, or go kayaking for a more intimate experience. Additionally, the park is a popular destination for whale watching, with humpback, orca, and gray whales frequently seen in the park’s waters.
Whether you prefer scenic drives and wildlife viewing or glaciers and kayaking, both Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park offer unique and exciting experiences for visitors.
Best Time to Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park are two very different national parks. The seasonal weather at each park affects when is the best time of year to visit.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located in the southeastern United States and has a humid subtropical climate. The park experiences warm and humid summers, with temperatures ranging from the high 70s to low 80s, and mild winters with temperatures ranging from the low 30s to high 40s. The park is known for its spectacular display of fall foliage and spring wildflowers, making late September to early November and mid-April to mid-June the best times to visit.
On the other hand, Kenai Fjords National Park is located in Alaska and has a subarctic climate. The park experiences cool summers, with temperatures ranging from the mid 40s to low 60s, and cold winters with temperatures ranging from the mid 20s to low 30s. The park is famous for its glaciers and marine life, with whales, seals, and sea otters being a common sight. The best time to visit the park is between late June and early September when the weather is warm and the glaciers and wildlife are most active.
In conclusion, the weather at each park affects when is the best time to visit. Visitors to Great Smoky Mountains National Park should plan their trips during the spring or fall, while visitors to Kenai Fjords National Park should plan their trips during the summer months.
Family Friendliness of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a top choice for families traveling with children. With its diverse range of activities and stunning scenery, the park offers something for everyone in the family. There are plenty of easy hikes that are suitable for children, such as the Clingmans Dome trail, and picnic areas where families can relax and have a bite to eat. In addition, the park offers ranger-led programs, such as campfire talks, that are designed to educate and entertain children.
Kenai Fjords National Park, on the other hand, is a more challenging destination for families with children. While it offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in Alaska, the park is less accessible and less equipped for families with children. The park is best known for its glaciers and wildlife, but many of the best viewing spots require a strenuous hike or a boat tour. This can be difficult for children and families who are not used to the rugged terrain. However, for families who are up for an adventure and want to experience the beauty of Alaska, Kenai Fjords is still a great option.