Looking for a breathtaking adventure in nature, but can’t decide between the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park? Both parks offer unique and stunning experiences, but which one is right for you? In this article, we will dive into the differences between these two national parks and help you make an informed decision.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park spans over 800 square miles of rolling hills and lush forests in Tennessee and North Carolina. It’s known for its diverse wildlife, stunning vistas, and the famous Appalachian Trail. On the other hand, Lassen Volcanic National Park, located in Northern California, features a landscape shaped by volcanic activity. From hydrothermal vents to towering peaks, Lassen offers a unique and otherworldly experience.
So, are you ready to embark on an adventure in the mountains or explore the volcanic wonders of Lassen? Read on to find out which park is the perfect destination for your next outdoor excursion!
Hiking Trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park are two popular hiking destinations in the United States. The Great Smoky Mountains has over 800 miles of trails, offering a range of difficulty levels. The most popular hike is the Appalachian Trail, which runs for 70 miles through the park and is considered one of the most challenging hikes in the U.S. For those looking for a easier hike, the Alum Cave Trail is a 5-mile round trip hike that offers stunning views.
Lassen Volcanic National Park, on the other hand, is home to 150 miles of trails and is known for its volcanic landscapes and hot springs. The park’s most challenging hike is the Lassen Peak Trail, a 5-mile round trip hike that takes you to the top of the park’s most active volcano. For those looking for a more relaxed hike, the Bumpass Hell Trail is a 3-mile round trip hike that takes you through a steamy volcanic area.
Both parks offer a range of hikes for all levels of hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for a challenging trek or a relaxing stroll, both parks have something to offer. So, whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just starting out, be sure to add Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park to your list of must-visit hiking destinations.
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 Lassen Volcanic National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lassen Peak | 8207.634 | 599.8464 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Kings Creek Falls Trail | 4345.218 | 143.8656 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Cinder Cone Nature Trail | 7724.832 | 317.9064 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| Brokeoff Mountain Trail | 12230.984 | 786.9936 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Mill Creek Falls Trail | 6115.492 | 237.744 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Manzanita Lake Loop | 3057.746 | 13.716 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Devil’s Kitchen Trail | 7402.964 | 187.7568 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Chaos Crags Trail | 6437.36 | 301.752 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Cluster Lakes Loop Trail | 16737.136 | 451.7136 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Boiling Springs Lake Loop Trail | 3701.482 | 75.8952 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer unique experiences for nature lovers, but their wildlife is what sets them apart.
In Great Smoky Mountains National Park, visitors can expect to see a variety of wildlife including black bears, white-tailed deer, elk, and turkey. Bird enthusiasts will also be thrilled to see species such as the American Raven, Great Horned Owl, and Pileated Woodpecker. The park is also known for its diverse plant life, with over 1,500 species of flowering plants, including the iconic pink and purple rhododendrons which bloom in late spring.
Lassen Volcanic National Park, on the other hand, is home to animals that are adapted to life in high-elevation environments, such as the Sierra Nevada Bighorn Sheep and the Pika. The park also boasts a diverse bird population, including the American Dipper, Mountain Bluebird, and the Clark’s Nutcracker. In the summer months, visitors can see wildflowers such as lupine, columbine, and Indian paintbrush bloom in the meadows.
Both parks offer unique wildlife experiences, but the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a better choice for those interested in seeing a wider variety of wildlife and plants. On the other hand, Lassen Volcanic National Park is ideal for those interested in the unique high-elevation wildlife and geothermal features.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Lassen Volcanic 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 | Lassen Volcanic National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | American Beaver |
| American Beaver | Muskrat |
| Muskrat | Bobcat |
| Big Brown Bat | Striped Skunk |
| Bobcat | Raccoon |
| Striped Skunk | Black Bear |
| Little Brown Bat | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Deer Mouse | Hoary Bat |
| Raccoon | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Black Bear | Mountain Lion |
| Porcupine | Mink |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Mule Deer |
| Hoary Bat | Gray Fox |
| Red Fox | Wolf |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Long-Eared Myotis |
| House Mouse | Snowshoe Hare |
| Panther (Mountain Lion) | Fringed Myotis |
| Mink | Western Harvest Mouse |
| Gray Fox | Yuma Myotis |
| Gray Wolf | Bighorn Sheep |
| Snowshoe Hare | Montane Shrew |
| River Otter | Long-Tailed Vole |
| Masked Shrew | Ringtail |
| Water Shrew | Virginia Opossum |
| Red Squirrel | Wolverine |
Fish
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Lassen Volcanic National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Redband Trout |
| Brook Trout | Brook Trout |
| Brown Trout | Brown Trout |
| Largemouth Bass | Fathead Minnow |
| Green Sunfish | Golden Shiner |
| Bluegill | Silver Salmon |
| Common Carp | King Salmon |
| Longnose Dace | Mottled Sculpin |
| Yellow Bullhead | Speckled Dace |
| Channel Catfish | Brown Bullhead |
| Black Crappie | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Mosquitofish | |
| Creek Chub | |
| Goldfish | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Amphibians
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Lassen Volcanic National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Bullfrog |
| American Bullfrog | |
| Wood Frog |
Insects
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Lassen Volcanic National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | Orange Sulphur |
| Painted Lady | Painted Lady |
| Monarch | Monarch Butterfly |
| American Painted Lady | American Painted Lady |
| Red Admiral | Common Checkered-Skipper |
| Mourning Cloak | Honey Bee |
| Cabbage White | Buckeye |
| Silvery Blue | Anise Swallowtail |
| Common Checkered Skipper | |
| Common Sulphur | |
| Honey Bee | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Buckeye | |
| Commom Wood Nymph | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Reptiles
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Lassen Volcanic National Park |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | |
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Racer | |
| Western Rattlesnake | |
| Ring-Necked Snake | |
| Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Common Kingsnake | |
| Rubber Boa | |
| Striped Whipsnake | |
| Western Whiptail | |
| Western Skink | |
| Western Fence Lizard |
Beautiful Landscapes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the largest protected areas in the eastern United States. It is known for its stunning mountain scenery, including the famous peaks of Clingmans Dome and Mount LeConte. The park is also home to an abundance of waterfalls, including the 80-foot-tall Laurel Falls and the popular Grotto Falls. Visitors to the park can also enjoy scenic drives, such as the Newfound Gap Road, and an extensive network of hiking trails.
Lassen Volcanic National Park is located in northern California and is known for its active volcanic landscape. The park is home to Lassen Peak, which last erupted in 1915 and is the largest plug dome volcano in the world. Visitors can also see hydrothermal wonders like Bumpass Hell, a geothermal area with boiling mud pots and steaming vents. The park also offers scenic drives, such as the Lassen Volcanic Scenic Byway, and opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.
Both parks offer unique landscapes and natural wonders, making them popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re interested in scenic mountain vistas, active volcanic landscapes, or a combination of both, these parks offer something for everyone.
Things To-Do and Activities in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park are two of the best-known parks in the US, and each offers a unique set of activities for visitors.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located in Tennessee and North Carolina, is known for its scenic drives, wildlife viewing opportunities, and historic sites. The park has over 10 million visitors per year and is the most visited national park in the US. Popular activities include scenic drives along the Newfound Gap and Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, wildlife viewing, and visiting historic structures like the Mingus Mill and the Oconaluftee Visitor Center.
Lassen Volcanic National Park, located in California, is known for its geothermal features, including geysers, mud pots, and fumaroles, as well as its scenic drives, hiking opportunities, and trout fishing. The park is home to Lassen Peak, the largest volcano in the park, and visitors can hike to the summit for panoramic views. Other popular activities include the Bumpass Hell trail, which showcases the park’s geothermal features, and fishing in the park’s numerous alpine lakes.
Both parks offer a range of outdoor activities, from scenic drives to hiking and fishing, and both are popular destinations for visitors looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you’re looking to explore the scenic beauty of the Smoky Mountains or the unique geothermal features of Lassen Volcanic, there’s something for everyone at these parks.
Best Time to Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park are two popular destinations for nature enthusiasts, each offering unique weather patterns and experiences. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located in the Appalachian Mountains and is known for its lush forests, rolling hills, and diverse wildlife. The park experiences moderate to heavy rainfall throughout the year, with the heaviest rainfall occurring from April to June. Winter months can be chilly with occasional snow, but the park remains open year-round.
Lassen Volcanic National Park, on the other hand, is located in California and is home to a variety of volcanic landscapes, including geysers, hot springs, and hydrothermal vents. The park experiences a Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and cool, wet winters. The best time to visit Lassen Volcanic National Park is from June to September, when the weather is mild and the park is accessible by car. Winter months can be harsh, with heavy snow and road closures, making it difficult to explore the park’s unique landscapes.
When deciding on the best time to visit either park, it is important to consider the weather, as it can greatly impact the overall experience. For those looking for mild weather, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is best visited from April to June or September to November, while Lassen Volcanic National Park is best visited from June to September. Winter visits to either park can be beautiful, but they also come with weather challenges that should be taken into consideration.
Family Friendliness of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park are both popular destinations for families, but they offer different experiences.
Great Smoky Mountains is the most visited national park in the country, and for good reason. It offers a variety of scenic drives and hikes, as well as plenty of opportunities for wildlife viewing, fishing, and picnicking. The park also has several campgrounds, picnic areas, and several historical sites, making it a great place for families to spend a few days.
Lassen Volcanic, on the other hand, is a great destination for families interested in geology and natural history. The park features several active volcanic features, including steam vents, mud pots, and boiling pools. Visitors can hike to the top of Lassen Peak for stunning views of the surrounding area, or take a scenic drive through the park to see the various volcanic features.
Both parks offer a family-friendly experience, but Great Smoky Mountains is the better option for families with young children. With its gentle trails and scenic drives, along with its range of family-friendly activities, it is the perfect place for families to experience the great outdoors. Lassen Volcanic, on the other hand, may be more suitable for families with older children who are interested in geology and natural history, as some of its trails can be strenuous and the volcanic features may not be as accessible to young children.