Great Smoky Mountains National Park vs Kenai Fjords National Park

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park vs Kenai Fjords National Park

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.

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