Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve are two of the most stunning national parks in the United States. They both offer a unique experience for visitors, but which one is right for you? If you’re looking for adventure and breathtaking views, look no further than this comparison article.
On one hand, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known for its rolling hills, misty fog, and diverse wildlife. With over 800 miles of hiking trails, visitors can embark on anything from a leisurely stroll to a challenging trek. The park is also home to historic structures, cascading waterfalls, and scenic drives.
On the other hand, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is a remote wilderness area located in Alaska. This park is a true adventure lover’s paradise, offering opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and even bear watching. With its glaciers, hot springs, and stunning vistas, Lake Clark is a true gem of the Alaskan wilderness.
So, which one should you choose for your next adventure? Read on to find out!
Hiking Trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Both Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve offer unique hiking experiences in their own ways. Great Smoky Mountains is known for its diverse range of trails, from short and easy walks to strenuous backcountry hikes. Hiking trails in the Great Smoky Mountains offer breathtaking views of its rolling hills, lush forests, and cascading waterfalls. One of the easiest trails is the 0.5-mile round-trip Laurel Falls Trail, which passes by a beautiful 80-foot waterfall. On the other hand, the strenuous backcountry hike to Mount LeConte is a must-try for adventure seekers, offering panoramic views from its 6,593-foot summit.
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is a remote wilderness area that’s only accessible by boat or small plane. It’s renowned for its rugged beauty and abundant wildlife, but it’s also an excellent destination for hikers. Some of the most popular trails in the park are the boardwalk trails that wind through wetlands and bogs, such as the Telaquana Trail. For a more challenging hike, the Pioneer Ridge Trail is a strenuous 10.5-mile round-trip hike that offers panoramic views of the park’s glaciers and the surrounding peaks.
In conclusion, both Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve are great destinations for hikers, offering a range of trails to suit all levels of experience and fitness. Whether you’re seeking an easy nature walk or a challenging backcountry adventure, these parks 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 Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
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 | 4.7 |
Wildlife in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located in Tennessee and North Carolina, is known for its diverse wildlife and scenic beauty. Visitors to the park may spot black bears, white-tailed deer, coyotes, and elk. The park is also home to over 200 species of birds, including the colorful scarlet tanager and the elusive saw-whet owl. The park’s lush forests and rolling hills provide a habitat for a variety of plant species, including the iconic pink and purple wildflowers that bloom in the spring.
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, offers a completely different wildlife experience. Visitors to Lake Clark can expect to see a variety of marine mammals, including sea otters, harbor seals, and humpback whales. The park is also home to a number of bird species, including the majestic bald eagle and the colorful songbird, the American redstart. The park’s rugged coastline and tundra provide a habitat for a variety of arctic plant species, including the delicate Arctic cotton and the colorful Arctic poppy.
Both parks offer visitors the opportunity to view a diverse range of wildlife in unique and stunning natural environments. Whether you’re interested in observing black bears in the dense forests of Great Smoky Mountains or marine mammals in the icy waters of Lake Clark, each park offers a unique and unforgettable wildlife experience.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Lake Clark National Park & Preserve |
---|---|
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 | Northern Pintail |
Northern Pintail | American Wigeon |
American Wigeon | Green-Winged Teal |
Green-Winged Teal | American Pipit |
Mammals
Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Lake Clark National Park & Preserve |
---|---|
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 | Gray Wolf |
Black Bear | Short-Tailed Weasel |
Porcupine | Snowshoe Hare |
Silver-Haired Bat | Northern River Otter |
Hoary Bat | Masked Shrew |
Red Fox | Water Shrew |
Long-Tailed Weasel | Red Squirrel |
House Mouse | Montane Shrew |
Panther (Mountain Lion) | Lynx |
Mink | Wolverine |
Gray Fox | American Marten |
Gray Wolf | Brown Bear |
Snowshoe Hare | Meadow Vole |
River Otter | Moose |
Masked Shrew | Least Weasel |
Water Shrew | Pygmy Shrew |
Red Squirrel | Meadow Jumping Mouse |
Fish
Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Lake Clark National Park & Preserve |
---|---|
Rainbow Trout | Steelhead |
Brook Trout | Longnose Sucker |
Brown Trout | Lake Trout |
Largemouth Bass | Northern Pike |
Green Sunfish | Burbot |
Bluegill | Silver Salmon |
Common Carp | King Salmon |
Longnose Dace | Slimy Sculpin |
Yellow Bullhead | Threespine Stickleback |
Channel Catfish | Sockeye Salmon |
Black Crappie | Pink Salmon |
Black Bullhead | Chum Salmon |
Mosquitofish | Dolly Varden |
Creek Chub | Arctic Grayling |
Goldfish | |
Smallmouth Bass |
Amphibians
Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Lake Clark National Park & Preserve |
---|---|
Northern Leopard Frog | Wood Frog |
American Bullfrog | |
Wood Frog |
Insects
Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Lake Clark National Park & Preserve |
---|---|
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 Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located in the Southern Appalachian Mountains and spans over 522,000 acres. It is the most visited national park in the United States and is known for its breathtaking landscapes, including rolling hills, dense forests, and clear streams. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including black bear, elk, and the iconic Smoky Mountain salamander.
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is a lesser-known park located in Southcentral Alaska. It spans over 4 million acres and is known for its stunning landscapes, including glaciers, active volcanoes, and pristine lakes. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including brown bears, moose, and salmon.
In terms of famous landscapes, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is famous for its scenic drives, including the Newfound Gap Road and the Cades Cove Loop. The park also boasts a number of popular hiking trails, including the Appalachian Trail and the Alum Cave Trail, which offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
In contrast, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is known for its rugged wilderness and remote beauty. The park is home to the Redoubt Volcano, which last erupted in 2009, and the turquoise waters of Lake Clark, which provide stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The park also offers a variety of outdoor activities, including fishing, kayaking, and backpacking, that allow visitors to fully immerse themselves in the surrounding wilderness.
Things To-Do and Activities in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer a variety of outdoor recreational activities, but they differ in the types of activities they offer.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known for its scenic drives, picnic areas, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Visitors can drive along the Newfound Gap Road, which offers stunning views of the park’s rolling hills and valleys. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, deer, and turkeys, which can often be seen from the roads or on the many picnic areas scattered throughout the park.
In contrast, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is known for its backpacking, fishing, and boating opportunities. The park is home to over 100 glaciers and numerous lakes and rivers, making it a popular destination for fishing and boating. Backpacking is also popular in the park, with a number of trails leading to remote wilderness areas. Visitors can also take guided flightseeing tours over the park’s glaciers and mountains, which offer once-in-a-lifetime views of the Alaska wilderness.
Whether you’re looking for scenic drives, wildlife viewing, or outdoor adventures, both Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve have something to offer. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or simply looking to enjoy the great outdoors, these parks are sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
Best Time to Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve (LCNP) are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, but they have different weather patterns and conditions. GSMNP experiences a humid subtropical climate, with warm, humid summers and cool, wet winters. The park is also known for its high rainfall, which can make hiking and other outdoor activities challenging in the summer months. On the other hand, LCNP has a subarctic climate, with cold, long winters and mild summers. The park is also known for its unpredictable weather, with sudden rain showers and high winds.
The best time to visit GSMNP is in the spring, when the park is lush and green and the weather is mild. In the summer, the park can be crowded and hot, and the trails can be slippery due to the high rainfall. Winter is also a popular time to visit the park, when the weather is cool and dry, and visitors can enjoy the park’s beautiful snow-covered landscapes.
In contrast, the best time to visit LCNP is in the summer, when the weather is mild and the park is accessible for outdoor activities. The park is also known for its spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities, with many visitors coming to see the brown bears that roam the area. Winter is not recommended, as the park is often covered in snow and the weather can be harsh and unpredictable.
In conclusion, both parks have unique weather patterns, and the best time to visit depends on what type of activities you are interested in and what type of weather you prefer. Whether you prefer a warm, humid summer or a cold, snowy winter, both parks offer breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable experiences.
Family Friendliness of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve both offer unique opportunities to explore the great outdoors and connect with nature, but they differ greatly in terms of family-friendliness.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located in Tennessee and North Carolina, is widely considered as one of the most family-friendly national parks in the country. It boasts a diverse range of trails, from easy walks to challenging hikes, as well as a variety of educational programs and ranger-led activities that are specifically designed for families. The park also has a variety of picnic areas and campgrounds, making it easy for families to spend a day or a week exploring the park together.
On the other hand, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, is a more rugged and remote wilderness experience that can be challenging for families with young children. While the park offers a diverse range of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and boating, it also requires a greater level of preparedness and self-sufficiency. The park has limited facilities and services, meaning that families will need to bring their own food and camping gear, and be prepared to be self-sufficient in a remote wilderness setting.
In conclusion, if you’re traveling with children, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the clear choice for a family-friendly outdoor adventure. It offers a diverse range of activities and facilities that cater to families, while Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is better suited for more experienced and self-sufficient outdoor enthusiasts.