The Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer unique experiences to visitors, but which one is right for you?
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known for its stunning natural beauty, with rolling hills, dense forests, and crystal clear streams. Visitors can hike, camp, and explore the park’s many trails, and enjoy breathtaking views from the top of the mountains. On the other hand, Mammoth Cave National Park is home to the world’s longest known cave system, with hundreds of miles of underground passages to explore. Visitors can take guided tours and learn about the history of the caves, from the ancient inhabitants to the modern-day spelunkers.
So, are you looking for a rugged outdoor adventure or a subterranean journey? Do you want to bask in the beauty of nature or delve into the depths of the earth? Whichever you choose, you’ll find that both parks offer unforgettable experiences that are sure to leave you in awe.
Hiking Trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer a unique hiking experience, with a range of trails suitable for all skill levels.
At Great Smoky Mountains National Park, hikers can choose from over 800 miles of trails, ranging from easy walks to strenuous hikes. Some of the park’s most popular trails include the Alum Cave Trail, which offers stunning views of the Smoky Mountains, and the Chimney Tops Trail, which is known for its challenging terrain. The park also has several easy trails, such as the Gatlinburg Trail, which is a short, flat walk through the park’s lush forest.
At Mammoth Cave National Park, hikers can explore the park’s extensive cave system, including the world’s longest known cave system. The park has a variety of trails, including the Frozen Niagara Trail, which is a popular hike that offers views of the park’s unique cave formations. The park also has several challenging trails, such as the Houchins Valley Trail, which is a steep hike that offers panoramic views of the park.
Whether you are an experienced hiker or just looking for a leisurely stroll, both Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park have something to offer. With their diverse range of trails, stunning scenery, and unique natural features, both parks are must-visit destinations for any nature lover.
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 Mammoth Cave National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Green River Bluffs Trail | 7242.03 | 169.7736 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Cedar Sink Trail | 2896.812 | 70.7136 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Mammoth Cave National Park Scenic Drive | 17541.806 | 173.736 | Easy | point to point | 4.5 |
| Sinkhole Trail | 3862.416 | 108.8136 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Echo River Spring and Sinkhole Loop | 4988.954 | 122.8344 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Echo River and River Styx Springs Trail | 5471.756 | 129.8448 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Sal Hollow and Buffalo Creek Loop Trail | 8690.436 | 100.8888 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
| Dixon Cave Trail Loop | 2414.01 | 83.82 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| First Creek Lake Trail | 5793.624 | 158.8008 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| McCoy Hollow Trail | 19794.882 | 434.9496 | Hard | out and back | 4 |
Wildlife in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park are two popular National Parks in the United States, each offering unique experiences for visitors. When it comes to wildlife, both parks have a diverse selection of animals, birds, and plants, but there are some differences.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to over 65 species of mammals, including black bears, white-tailed deer, and elk. Additionally, the park is known for its diverse bird population, with over 200 species of birds, including the colorful Baltimore Oriole and the endangered Peregrine Falcon. Visitors can also expect to see a variety of plants, from the towering hemlocks to the delicate wildflowers that carpet the forest floor.
Mammoth Cave National Park, on the other hand, is primarily known for its cave system, which is home to a unique ecosystem with limited wildlife. Visitors can expect to see bats, cave crickets, and blind cave fish, but the park is not known for its diverse mammal or bird populations. However, above ground, the park features lush forests with species such as white-tailed deer, raccoons, and opossums.
In conclusion, while both Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park offer unique experiences, Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers a larger and more diverse selection of wildlife, including mammals, birds, and plants. Visitors hoping to see a variety of wildlife should consider visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park, while those interested in exploring underground ecosystems should visit Mammoth Cave National Park.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Mammoth Cave 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 | Mammoth Cave National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Big Brown Bat | Big Brown Bat |
| Bobcat | Bobcat |
| Striped Skunk | Striped Skunk |
| Little Brown Bat | Little Brown Bat |
| Deer Mouse | Deer Mouse |
| Raccoon | Raccoon |
| Black Bear | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Porcupine | Hoary Bat |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Red Fox |
| Hoary Bat | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Red Fox | House Mouse |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Mink |
| House Mouse | Gray Fox |
| Panther (Mountain Lion) | Western Long-Eared Bat |
| Mink | River Otter |
| Gray Fox | Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat |
| Gray Wolf | White-Tailed Deer |
| Snowshoe Hare | Virginia Opossum |
| River Otter | Meadow Vole |
| Masked Shrew | Eastern Red Bat |
| Water Shrew | White-Footed Mouse |
| Red Squirrel | Norway Rat |
Fish
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Mammoth Cave National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Brook Trout | Largemouth Bass |
| Brown Trout | Green Sunfish |
| Largemouth Bass | Bluegill |
| Green Sunfish | Golden Shiner |
| Bluegill | Common Carp |
| Common Carp | Yellow Bullhead |
| Longnose Dace | Channel Catfish |
| Yellow Bullhead | Black Crappie |
| Channel Catfish | Black Bullhead |
| Black Crappie | Mosquitofish |
| Black Bullhead | Creek Chub |
| Mosquitofish | Goldfish |
| Creek Chub | Smallmouth Bass |
| Goldfish | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Amphibians
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Mammoth Cave National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Eastern Tiger Salamander |
| American Bullfrog | Bullfrog |
| Wood Frog | Wood Frog |
Insects
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Mammoth Cave National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | Orange Sulphur |
| Painted Lady | Commom Wood Nymph |
| 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 |
Reptiles
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Mammoth Cave National Park |
|---|---|
| Black Racer | |
| Ringneck Snake | |
| Eastern Garter Snake | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard |
Beautiful Landscapes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located in the southern Appalachian Mountains and spans over 522,427 acres in Tennessee and North Carolina. The park is known for its stunning mountain landscapes, including rolling hills, steep ridges and valleys. Some of the most famous landscapes in the park include Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the park, and the Great Smoky Mountains themselves, which offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Mammoth Cave National Park, located in central Kentucky, is home to the world’s longest known cave system. The park is known for its unique underground landscapes, including towering stalactites, massive chambers, and intricate passageways. Visitors to the park can explore the caves on guided tours that range from easy walks to challenging crawls. The park also offers outdoor activities such as hiking, camping and fishing, but the caves are the main attraction.
Both Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park offer unique and beautiful landscapes that are sure to captivate visitors. Whether you’re interested in exploring the scenic beauty of the southern Appalachian Mountains or the underground wonders of Kentucky’s cave system, these parks are must-visits for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Things To-Do and Activities in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park are two popular national parks in the United States. While they have similarities, each offers unique activities for visitors to enjoy.
At Great Smoky Mountains National Park, visitors can enjoy scenic drives, wildlife viewing, fishing, and camping. The park is also home to a number of historic buildings, including log cabins, grist mills and churches, which visitors can explore. For those who love to hike, the park offers over 800 miles of trails, including the popular Appalachian Trail.
Mammoth Cave National Park, on the other hand, is known for its caves. Visitors can take guided tours through the caves, which range from easy walks to strenuous hikes. The park also offers camping, fishing, and hiking, with trails that lead through forests and along rivers. In addition, visitors can enjoy ranger-led programs and attend cave-related workshops and demonstrations.
Both parks offer unique and diverse experiences for visitors. Whether you’re interested in outdoor recreation, history, or just soaking in the natural beauty of the parks, there is something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing camping trip or an adventure-filled hiking experience, these parks are perfect destinations for your next outdoor adventure.
Best Time to Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park are two popular destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. While they are both located in the eastern United States, they offer vastly different experiences. One major difference between the two parks is the weather.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers and cold winters. Summer temperatures average in the low 80s, while winter temperatures can drop into the teens or lower. This park is known for its high humidity, which can make the heat feel oppressive during the summer months. However, the park is also famous for its gorgeous fall foliage, which draws visitors from all over the world.
Mammoth Cave National Park, on the other hand, has a more moderate climate. The park is located in Kentucky and has hot summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures average in the low 90s, while winter temperatures hover around freezing. The park is known for its consistent humidity levels, which provide a comfortable environment for visitors throughout the year.
When it comes to choosing the best time of year to visit these parks, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences. If you prefer warm weather, summer is the best time to visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. If you prefer cooler weather, fall or spring are great options. However, if you want to experience the park’s stunning fall foliage, you’ll want to visit in October or November. For Mammoth Cave National Park, summer is the most popular time to visit due to the warm weather and comfortable humidity levels. However, if you prefer cooler temperatures, spring or fall are great options as well.
Family Friendliness of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park are both popular destinations for families traveling with children. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known for its stunning scenery, abundant wildlife and numerous hiking trails, while Mammoth Cave National Park is famous for its underground cave system, which is the longest known cave system in the world.
When it comes to family-friendliness, both parks offer a range of activities to keep children entertained, but the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is generally considered the better option for families traveling with children. With its diverse range of outdoor activities, from hiking and fishing to horseback riding and wildlife watching, children of all ages will find something to enjoy here. There are also several campgrounds and picnic areas within the park, making it easy for families to enjoy a day out in nature.
Mammoth Cave National Park, on the other hand, is a more specialized experience, with its main attraction being the cave system. This can be a fascinating experience for children, but it may not be as appealing to younger children who may find it difficult to understand the significance of the caves. Additionally, tours of the caves can be strenuous and may not be suitable for children with mobility issues.
Both Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park are great destinations for families, but the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the better choice for families traveling with children due to its diverse range of outdoor activities and accessibility.