The Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Kobuk Valley National Park are two of the most stunning national parks in the United States. Both parks are unique in their own ways and offer visitors a chance to experience the natural beauty of the country.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at both parks and compare them side-by-side. You’ll learn about the history, geography, and attractions of each park. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a nature photographer, or just someone looking for a peaceful escape, there’s something for everyone in these two parks.
So, pack your bags and get ready for a journey through two of the most breathtaking parks in the country. Are you ready to find out which park is the best for your next adventure? Is it the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with its rolling hills and lush forests or the Kobuk Valley National Park with its towering sand dunes and pristine rivers?
The answer may surprise you, so keep reading to find out!
Hiking Trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both offer a variety of hiking trails for visitors, but the trails in each park are very different.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known for its lush forests, rolling hills, and breathtaking views from mountaintops. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Laurel Falls Trail and the Grotto Falls Trail, both of which are 2-3 miles in length and offer stunning views of waterfalls. For more experienced hikers, the Alum Cave Trail, which is 10 miles round trip, offers a challenging hike with views of cliffs and valleys.
Kobuk Valley National Park, on the other hand, is a vast wilderness area in Alaska that is known for its sand dunes. The park offers a variety of hikes, but the most popular is the 6-mile round trip hike to the top of the dunes, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness. The park also offers backpacking opportunities, including multi-day hikes in the remote wilderness areas.
Both parks offer unique hiking experiences, but Great Smoky Mountains National Park is better for those looking for a variety of trails with different levels of difficulty, while Kobuk Valley National Park is better for those looking for a more remote wilderness experience.
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 Kobuk Valley 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 | 4.6 |
Wildlife in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park are two of the most beautiful national parks in the United States, and they are also two of the most different. While both parks offer visitors the chance to see a wide variety of wildlife, each park has its own unique set of animals and plants.
In Great Smoky Mountains National Park, visitors can expect to see a diverse range of wildlife, including black bear, white-tailed deer, and elk. The park is also home to a variety of birds, including the colorful scarlet tanager, the woodpecker, and the raven. In addition, the park is home to a variety of plants, including rhododendrons and wildflowers.
Kobuk Valley National Park, on the other hand, is home to a more limited range of wildlife. While visitors may see caribou, Arctic foxes, and grizzly bears, these animals are not as common as they are in other national parks. Despite this, the park is still home to a variety of birds, including the common raven and the gyrfalcon. The park is also home to a variety of plants, including willows and birches.
Overall, while both parks offer visitors the opportunity to see a wide variety of wildlife, each park has its own unique set of animals and plants that make it worth visiting. Whether you’re an avid birdwatcher, a wildlife enthusiast, or simply someone who enjoys the great outdoors, both parks are sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Kobuk Valley 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 | Northern Flicker |
| Northern Flicker | Merlin |
| Merlin | Savannah Sparrow |
| Barn Swallow | American Kestrel |
| Savannah Sparrow | Bald Eagle |
| Great Blue Heron | Northern Pintail |
| Hermit Thrush | American Wigeon |
| American Kestrel | Green-Winged Teal |
| Bald Eagle | American Pipit |
| Song Sparrow | Swainson’s Thrush |
| European Starling | White-Crowned Sparrow |
| Northern Pintail | Northern Shoveler |
| American Wigeon | Golden Eagle |
| Green-Winged Teal | Rough-Legged Hawk |
Mammals
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Kobuk Valley National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Big Brown Bat | Black Bear |
| Bobcat | Porcupine |
| Striped Skunk | Red Fox |
| Little Brown Bat | Mink |
| Deer Mouse | Wolf |
| Raccoon | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| Black Bear | Snowshoe Hare |
| Porcupine | River Otter |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Common Shrew |
| Hoary Bat | Red Squirrel |
| Red Fox | Montane Shrew |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Lynx |
| House Mouse | Wolverine |
| Panther (Mountain Lion) | American Marten |
| Mink | Grizzly Bear |
| Gray Fox | Moose |
| Gray Wolf | Least Weasel |
| Snowshoe Hare | Pygmy Shrew |
| River Otter | Northern Bog Lemming |
| Masked Shrew | |
| Water Shrew | |
| Red Squirrel |
Fish
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Kobuk Valley National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Longnose Sucker |
| Brook Trout | Lake Trout |
| Brown Trout | Northern Pike |
| Largemouth Bass | Burbot |
| Green Sunfish | Coho Salmon |
| Bluegill | King Salmon |
| Common Carp | Slimy Sculpin |
| Longnose Dace | Alaskan Stickleback |
| Yellow Bullhead | Pink Salmon |
| Channel Catfish | Chum Salmon |
| Black Crappie | Dolly Varden |
| Black Bullhead | Arctic Grayling |
| Mosquitofish | |
| Creek Chub | |
| Goldfish | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Amphibians
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Kobuk Valley National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Wood Frog |
| American Bullfrog | |
| Wood Frog |
Insects
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Kobuk Valley 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 Kobuk Valley National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located in Tennessee and North Carolina, is one of the largest protected areas in the eastern United States, spanning over 500,000 acres. It is famous for its lush forests and scenic mountain ranges, including the Great Smoky Mountains themselves. Visitors can enjoy stunning vistas at overlooks such as Clingmans Dome and Newfound Gap, and explore the park’s numerous waterfalls, including Grotto, Laurel, and Rainbow Falls.
Kobuk Valley National Park, located in Alaska, offers a completely different landscape, with its rolling sand dunes and towering glaciers. It is most famous for its vast sand dunes, which are among the largest in the world and reach heights of up to 500 feet. The park’s centerpiece is the Kobuk River, which carves through the sand dunes, creating a unique and otherworldly landscape. Visitors can also witness the stunning beauty of the glaciers, including the stunning Baird and Walker glaciers.
Both parks offer unique and breathtaking landscapes, making them must-visit destinations for nature lovers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re admiring the rolling sand dunes of Kobuk Valley, or exploring the lush forests and scenic mountain ranges of Great Smoky Mountains, you’re sure to be inspired and awed by the natural beauty of these incredible parks.
Things To-Do and Activities in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located in Tennessee and North Carolina, is a popular destination for those seeking outdoor recreation. The park features over 900 miles of hiking trails, scenic drives, and opportunities for wildlife viewing. In addition, visitors can enjoy historic sites and cultural experiences, such as exploring the historic cabins and churches in the Cades Cove area.
Kobuk Valley National Park, located in Alaska, offers a completely different experience. This remote wilderness park offers opportunities for backcountry hiking, river rafting, and sand dune exploring. The park is also home to the largest caribou herd in North America and provides excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, especially for those interested in seeing grizzly bears, moose, and wolves.
Both parks offer unique experiences and provide opportunities for adventure, but the type of activities available at each park is different. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a great destination for those seeking a mix of outdoor recreation and cultural experiences, while Kobuk Valley National Park is a prime destination for those looking for a more remote wilderness experience. Whether it be hiking, wildlife viewing, or cultural experiences, both parks offer visitors the chance to connect with nature and create lasting memories.
Best Time to Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park are two distinct national parks located in the United States. The seasonal weather at these parks is quite different, and it affects the best time of year to visit each park.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located in the eastern part of Tennessee and western North Carolina. The park experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers and cold winters. The average temperature during the summer is around 75°F, while in the winter, the temperature can drop to 20°F. The park is also known for its high humidity during the summer months, which can make it feel even warmer.
Kobuk Valley National Park, on the other hand, is located in Alaska, which is known for its harsh and unpredictable weather. The park experiences long and cold winters, with temperatures that can drop to -40°F. The summer temperatures are milder, with average temperatures of around 50°F. Despite being known for its vast sand dunes, the park is also known for its heavy rainfall, which can make hiking and exploring the park challenging.
When it comes to the best time of year to visit each park, it depends on what you are looking for. If you enjoy warm weather and lush vegetation, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is best visited during the summer months. If you prefer milder temperatures and want to avoid the crowds, spring and fall are the best times to visit. If you enjoy the winter season and want to experience the park in a different way, winter is also a great time to visit.
In contrast, Kobuk Valley National Park is best visited during the summer months when the weather is milder and the park is accessible. If you are looking for a true wilderness experience, winter may be the best time to visit, but be prepared for harsh weather conditions.
Family Friendliness of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park
Kobuk Valley National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park are two of the most visited national parks in the United States. They offer a wide range of outdoor activities and breathtaking views for all ages to enjoy. However, when it comes to visiting with children, there are some differences.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is more family-friendly due to its diverse range of activities and accessibility. There are numerous trails for families to hike and picnic areas for them to relax. Additionally, the park has campgrounds and lodges, making it a perfect destination for a family vacation. The park also offers ranger-led programs, such as campfire talks and nature walks, to help families learn about the park’s unique ecosystem.
On the other hand, while Kobuk Valley National Park is a beautiful destination, it may not be as family-friendly as Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The park is known for its sand dunes and the impressive Kobuk River, but it lacks the same level of accessibility and amenities as the Great Smoky Mountains. The park has limited trails, and camping is only allowed in designated areas.
In conclusion, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the better choice for families due to its accessibility and diverse range of activities and amenities. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing picnic, a fun hike, or a family-friendly camping trip, Great Smoky Mountains National Park has something for everyone. On the other hand, while Kobuk Valley National Park is a beautiful destination, it may not be the best choice for families with young children due to its limited accessibility and amenities.