Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Mesa Verde National Park are two of the most breathtaking natural wonders in America. These parks offer visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature, while also providing opportunities to learn about American history and culture. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a history buff, or just looking for a peaceful escape, these two parks have something for everyone.
But which park is better? Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known for its lush, rolling hills and breathtaking vistas, while Mesa Verde National Park is a unique archaeological treasure trove, full of ancient Native American cliff dwellings. Both parks have their own unique charm, but which one is the right choice for your next adventure?
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at these two parks, comparing their features, activities, and attractions. By the end, you’ll have a better idea of which park is the ideal destination for your next trip. So buckle up, grab a notepad, and get ready to explore two of the most magnificent national parks in America!
Hiking Trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Mesa Verde National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Mesa Verde National Park are two popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. Both parks offer unique hiking experiences, but each has its own set of challenges and highlights.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known for its lush forests and stunning vistas. The park has over 800 miles of trails, offering something for every level of hiker. One of the easiest hikes in the park is the Laurel Falls Trail, a 2.6-mile round trip hike that leads to a beautiful 80-foot waterfall. For more experienced hikers, the Alum Cave Trail is a strenuous hike that takes you to the top of Mount LeConte, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
Mesa Verde National Park, on the other hand, is known for its ancient Native American cliff dwellings. The park has over 20 miles of trails, ranging from easy walks to strenuous hikes. One of the easiest hikes is the Petroglyph Point Trail, which offers a 1.2-mile round trip hike to a rock art site. For those looking for a more challenging hike, the Knapp’s Trail is a strenuous 7.8-mile hike that takes you to the top of a mesa, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
In conclusion, both Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Mesa Verde National Park offer unique and exciting hiking experiences. Whether you’re looking for an easy walk or a challenging hike, each park has something to offer for every level of hiker.
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 Mesa Verde National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petroglyph Point Trail | 4184.284 | 131.9784 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Cliff Palace Loop Trail | 643.736 | 25.908 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Balcony House Loop Trail | 643.736 | 27.7368 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Mesa Verde Point Lookout Trail | 3379.614 | 161.8488 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Soda Canyon Overlook Trail | 1931.208 | 17.9832 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Mesa Verde National Park Scenic Drive | 24140.1 | 797.9664 | Easy | point to point | 4.5 |
| Long House Trail | 3379.614 | 86.868 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Step House Trail | 1287.472 | 46.9392 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Knife Edge Trail | 3218.68 | 46.9392 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Prater Ridge Trail | 11748.182 | 311.8104 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
Wildlife in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Mesa Verde National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Mesa Verde National Park are two unique National Parks with distinct wildlife. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located in Tennessee and North Carolina and is known for its diverse wildlife, including black bears, white-tailed deer, and wild turkeys. The park is also home to over 200 species of birds, including the colorful scarlet tanager and the elusive raven.
Mesa Verde National Park, located in Colorado, is home to a variety of wildlife, including mule deer, coyotes, and the rare black-tailed prairie dog. The park is also a popular destination for bird watching, with over 200 species of birds, including the peregrine falcon and the golden eagle. Another highlight of Mesa Verde is its diverse plant life, including the pinyon pine and the Utah serviceberry.
In conclusion, both Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Mesa Verde National Park offer visitors opportunities to see a variety of wildlife and plants. While Great Smoky Mountains is known for its black bears and diverse bird species, Mesa Verde is recognized for its mule deer, coyotes, and diverse plant life. Regardless of which park you choose to visit, you’re sure to have a memorable experience observing the unique wildlife and plants that call these parks home.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Mesa Verde National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Mesa Verde 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 | Mesa Verde 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 | Black Bear |
| Porcupine | Porcupine |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Hoary Bat | Hoary Bat |
| Red Fox | Red Fox |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| House Mouse | House Mouse |
| Panther (Mountain Lion) | Mountain Lion |
| Mink | Mink |
| Gray Fox | Mule Deer |
| Gray Wolf | Gray Fox |
| Snowshoe Hare | Wolf |
| River Otter | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Masked Shrew | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Water Shrew | Badger |
| Red Squirrel | Ermine |
Fish
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Mesa Verde National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | |
| Brook Trout | |
| Brown Trout | |
| Largemouth Bass | |
| Green Sunfish | |
| Bluegill | |
| Common Carp | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Yellow Bullhead | |
| Channel Catfish | |
| Black Crappie | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Mosquitofish | |
| Creek Chub | |
| Goldfish | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Amphibians
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Mesa Verde National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| American Bullfrog | Tiger Salamander |
| Wood Frog | Woodhouse’s Toad |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Insects
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Mesa Verde 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 |
Reptiles
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Mesa Verde National Park |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | |
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Racer | |
| Western Rattlesnake | |
| Ring-Necked Snake | |
| Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | |
| Nightsnake | |
| Milksnake | |
| Striped Whipsnake | |
| Tree Lizard | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard | |
| Glossy Snake |
Beautiful Landscapes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Mesa Verde National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known for its stunning mountain ranges and incredible natural beauty. Some of the most famous landscapes in the park include Clingmans Dome, which is the highest point in the park, and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Another popular feature is Cades Cove, a lush valley surrounded by mountains, where you can see a variety of wildlife and scenic views. The park is also home to many beautiful waterfalls, including Grotto Falls, which is one of the few waterfalls in the park that you can walk behind.
Mesa Verde National Park, on the other hand, is known for its ancient cliff dwellings, which were built by the Pueblo people over 700 years ago. The most famous of these dwellings is the Cliff Palace, a massive structure that was built into the side of a cliff and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can also explore the park’s many hiking trails, which offer stunning views of the surrounding canyons and mesas. Another popular attraction is the Chapin Mesa Archaeological Museum, which provides information about the park’s history and the people who lived there.
In conclusion, both Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Mesa Verde National Park offer unique and breathtaking landscapes, making them must-visit destinations for anyone interested in nature and history. Whether you prefer stunning mountain ranges or ancient cliff dwellings, these parks have something for everyone.
Things To-Do and Activities in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Mesa Verde National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Mesa Verde National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States, both offering unique experiences to visitors. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known for its scenic drives, including the Newfound Gap Road, which offers breathtaking views of the Smoky Mountains. Visitors to the park can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, including fishing, camping, and picnicking. In addition, the park offers numerous historical sites and cultural attractions, such as the Oconaluftee Visitor Center and the Mingus Mill.
Mesa Verde National Park, on the other hand, is famous for its ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings, including the famous Cliff Palace and Spruce Tree House. Visitors to the park can take guided tours of these ancient ruins, as well as explore the park’s other archaeological sites, such as the Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum. In addition to exploring ancient ruins, visitors to Mesa Verde National Park can also enjoy hiking, camping, and scenic drives, such as the Mesa Top Loop Road.
In conclusion, both Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Mesa Verde National Park offer a range of outdoor activities, from scenic drives and hiking to camping and fishing. Whether you’re interested in exploring ancient ruins or enjoying the beauty of nature, these two parks have something to offer for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Mesa Verde National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Mesa Verde National Park are two of America’s most popular national parks, each offering unique experiences and breathtaking landscapes. Both parks have distinct seasonal weather patterns that greatly impact when is the best time to visit.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park experiences a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures average around 80°F, with occasional thunderstorms. Winters are mild, with occasional snow and temperatures averaging around 40°F. Spring and fall are the optimal seasons to visit, with pleasant temperatures and stunning displays of wildflowers and autumn foliage.
Mesa Verde National Park, located in southwestern Colorado, has a more arid climate with hot summers and cool winters. Summer temperatures average around 80°F, and the monsoon season brings occasional afternoon thunderstorms. Winters are cool, with occasional snow and temperatures averaging around 30°F. The best time to visit Mesa Verde is in the spring, before the scorching summer heat, or in the fall, when temperatures cool down and the foliage transforms into a brilliant display of golden aspens.
Each park offers unique experiences and breathtaking landscapes, but the seasonal weather greatly impacts when is the best time to visit. Whether you prefer warm summer weather or cool autumn temperatures, both Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Mesa Verde National Park are must-visit destinations with year-round appeal.
Family Friendliness of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Mesa Verde National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Mesa Verde National Park are two of America’s most popular national parks, both offering unique experiences for visitors. When it comes to traveling with children, both parks have a lot to offer, but there are some key differences to consider.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known for its stunning scenery and abundance of wildlife, making it a great destination for families. There are also several easy hiking trails that are perfect for children, as well as picnic areas and scenic drives that make it easy to enjoy the park’s beauty with kids in tow. Additionally, the park offers a number of educational programs and ranger-led activities that are designed to engage and educate children.
Mesa Verde National Park, on the other hand, is a bit more challenging for families with young children. The park is home to hundreds of ancient cliff dwellings, but many of these sites can only be accessed by hiking steep trails or by climbing ladders. Although these hikes can be thrilling for older children and adults, they may not be suitable for young children or those with mobility limitations. However, the park also has several accessible trails and ranger-led programs that are designed to help visitors of all ages learn about the park’s rich cultural history.
In conclusion, both Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Mesa Verde National Park are great destinations for families, but each park has its own unique challenges and opportunities. If you’re traveling with young children, it may be best to opt for Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where there are plenty of easy trails and ranger-led activities to keep kids engaged and entertained. If you’re traveling with older children or adults, Mesa Verde National Park offers a unique opportunity to explore ancient cliff dwellings and learn about the park’s rich cultural history.