Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Mount Rainier National Park are two of the most popular National Parks in the United States, attracting millions of visitors each year. Both parks boast stunning landscapes, unique wildlife, and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. But when it comes to choosing between the two, it can be tough to decide which one is right for you. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive comparison of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Mount Rainier National Park.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a massive park that spans over 500,000 acres and covers parts of Tennessee and North Carolina. With over 800 miles of trails, visitors can hike through dense forests, climb to panoramic vistas, and discover hidden waterfalls. The park is also home to an incredible array of wildlife, including black bears, deer, and elk.
Mount Rainier National Park, on the other hand, is centered around the towering 14,411-foot peak of Mount Rainier. The park is a hiker’s paradise, offering over 260 miles of trails and breathtaking views of glaciers, alpine meadows, and valleys. From June to September, visitors can also explore the park’s wildflower-filled meadows, making it a popular destination for nature lovers.
So, which park should you choose? To help you decide, we’ve put together a comprehensive comparison of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Mount Rainier National Park, taking a closer look at their landscapes, wildlife, and outdoor activities.
Hiking Trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Mount Rainier National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Mount Rainier National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer excellent hiking opportunities, but each has its own unique features and challenges.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known for its scenic beauty, with rolling hills, lush forests, and abundant wildlife. There are over 800 miles of hiking trails in the park, including some of the easiest and hardest hikes in the country. Some of the most popular easy hikes include the Laurel Falls Trail and the Chimneys Picnic Area Trail, both of which offer stunning views of the park’s natural beauty. On the other hand, some of the most challenging hikes in the park include the Alum Cave Trail and the Bullhead Trail, which are both steep and strenuous.
Mount Rainier National Park, on the other hand, is known for its towering peaks and glaciers. The park has over 260 miles of hiking trails, including some of the most challenging hikes in the country. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Paradise Loop Trail and the Skyline Trail, both of which offer stunning views of the mountain and the surrounding landscape. The hardest hikes in the park include the Carbon River Trail and the Wonderland Trail, which are both long and strenuous and offer some of the most challenging backpacking experiences in the country.
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 Mount Rainier National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tolmie Peak Trail | 8851.37 | 463.9056 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Skyline Trail | 8529.502 | 535.8384 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
| Comet and Christine Falls | 6920.162 | 610.8192 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Camp Muir Route Via Skyline Trail | 13518.456 | 1403.9088 | Very Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Burroughs Mountain Loop Trail | 15127.796 | 780.8976 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
| Naches Peak Loop Trail | 5310.822 | 193.8528 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Spray Park Trail to Mount Pleasant | 11104.446 | 635.8128 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Mount Fremont Lookout Trail | 9012.304 | 348.996 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Pinnacle Peak Saddle Trail | 3862.416 | 321.8688 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Summerland Trail | 13196.588 | 655.9296 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Mount Rainier National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located in the Appalachian Mountains and is known for its diverse wildlife, including black bears, white-tailed deer, and wild turkeys. Bird enthusiasts can also spot over 200 species of birds, including the scarlet tanager and the Baltimore oriole. The Smokies also boast a wide range of plants, including over 1,500 species of flowering plants and 100 species of native trees.
Mount Rainier National Park, located in Washington state, is home to a variety of wildlife, including the Olympic marmot, the mountain goat, and the black-tailed deer. Over 140 species of birds, such as the American dipper and the pileated woodpecker, can also be found in the park. With its subalpine and alpine ecosystems, Mount Rainier is a haven for plant lovers, with over 1,100 species of plants, including wildflowers and alpine shrubs.
Both parks offer a unique opportunity to see a wide range of wildlife and plants in their natural habitats, but Great Smoky Mountain is known for its diverse range of species, while Mount Rainier is known for its stunning alpine ecosystems and wildlife. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or a nature lover, both parks are worth visiting for their unique and diverse attractions.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Mount Rainier National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Mount Rainier 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 | Great Horned Owl |
| American Robin | Red-Tailed Hawk |
| Great Horned Owl | Barn Swallow |
| Red-Tailed Hawk | Savannah Sparrow |
| Northern Flicker | Great Blue Heron |
| Merlin | Hermit Thrush |
| Barn Swallow | European Starling |
| Savannah Sparrow | Northern Pintail |
| Great Blue Heron | American Wigeon |
| Hermit Thrush | Green-Winged Teal |
| American Kestrel | American Pipit |
| Bald Eagle | Killdeer |
| Song Sparrow | Brown-Headed Cowbird |
| European Starling | Hairy Woodpecker |
| Northern Pintail | Red-Breasted Nuthatch |
| American Wigeon | White-Crowned Sparrow |
| Green-Winged Teal | Northern Shoveler |
Mammals
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Mount Rainier 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 | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | House Mouse |
| House Mouse | Mountain Lion |
| Panther (Mountain Lion) | Black-Tailed Deer |
| Mink | Wolf |
| Gray Fox | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Gray Wolf | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Snowshoe Hare | Ermine |
| River Otter | California Myotis |
| Masked Shrew | Snowshoe Hare |
| Water Shrew | North American River Otter |
| Red Squirrel | Masked Shrew |
Fish
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Mount Rainier National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Brook Trout | Eastern Brook Trout |
| Brown Trout | Brown Trout |
| Largemouth Bass | Coho Salmon |
| Green Sunfish | Chinook Salmon |
| Bluegill | Mottled Sculpin |
| Common Carp | Slimy Sculpin |
| Longnose Dace | Threespine Stickleback |
| Yellow Bullhead | Kokanee |
| Channel Catfish | Pink Salmon |
| Black Crappie | Dolly Varden |
| Black Bullhead | Cutthroat Trout |
| Mosquitofish | |
| Creek Chub | |
| Goldfish | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Amphibians
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Mount Rainier National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Tiger Salamander |
| American Bullfrog | |
| Wood Frog |
Insects
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Mount Rainier National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | Mourning Cloak |
| Painted Lady | Cabbage White |
| Monarch | Silvery Blue |
| American Painted Lady | Purplish Copper |
| Red Admiral | Anise Swallowtail |
| 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 | Mount Rainier National Park |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Rubber Boa |
Beautiful Landscapes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Mount Rainier National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Mount Rainier National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both are known for their stunning landscapes and natural wonders.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located in the Appalachian Mountains and is famous for its rolling hills, lush forests, and picturesque waterfalls. One of the most popular attractions in the park is the Clingmans Dome, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Another popular spot is the Cades Cove, a lush valley surrounded by rolling hills and forests.
Mount Rainier National Park, on the other hand, is located in Washington state and is known for the stunning views of Mount Rainier, an active stratovolcano that stands over 14,000 feet tall. The park offers a variety of scenic drives, including the Paradise loop, which offers breathtaking views of the mountain and surrounding landscape. Another popular spot is the Sunrise Visitor Center, which offers panoramic views of the mountain and surrounding valleys.
Both Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Mount Rainier National Park are truly beautiful and offer visitors a chance to explore the natural wonders of the United States. Whether you’re looking for stunning landscapes, breathtaking overlooks, or breathtaking waterfalls, these parks have something for everyone.
Things To-Do and Activities in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Mount Rainier National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Mount Rainier National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both offer breathtaking natural beauty and a wide range of outdoor activities, but they also have their differences.
At Great Smoky Mountains National Park, visitors can explore over 800 miles of hiking trails, fish in streams and rivers, and enjoy scenic drives through the rolling hills and lush forests. The park also offers campgrounds, picnic areas, and historic buildings, such as the historic homesteads and cabins of Cades Cove.
On the other hand, Mount Rainier National Park is best known for its towering peak and stunning views, but it also offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as backpacking, rock climbing, and wildlife viewing. In addition, the park is home to several glaciers, which visitors can hike on, and there are also several lakes, rivers, and streams for fishing.
Ultimately, both Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Mount Rainier National Park offer something for everyone, whether visitors are looking for a challenging hike or a scenic drive. Both parks are also great places to connect with nature and escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Whether you prefer the rolling hills of the Smokies or the towering peaks of Mount Rainier, both parks are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Best Time to Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Mount Rainier National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Mount Rainier National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. While both parks offer stunning views and opportunities for outdoor recreation, the weather in each park can vary greatly depending on the time of year.
In the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the summer months are warm and humid, with average temperatures ranging from the high 60s to the low 80s. Winter temperatures are typically in the 30s and 40s, with occasional snow and ice. This makes spring and fall the most popular times to visit, as the weather is mild and the views are spectacular.
Mount Rainier National Park, on the other hand, experiences much more severe weather patterns. The summer months are cool and wet, with average temperatures in the 50s and 60s. Winter temperatures can drop well below freezing, with heavy snowfall and strong winds. This makes the park a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts, but can make it difficult for visitors to explore the park during other times of the year.
Both Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Mount Rainier National Park offer unique experiences depending on the time of year. Visitors to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park can enjoy mild weather, while those visiting Mount Rainier National Park can experience the thrill of winter sports. When planning a trip, it is important to consider the seasonal weather and choose the time of year that best fits your interests and goals for your visit.
Family Friendliness of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Mount Rainier National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Mount Rainier National Park are both popular destinations for families looking to explore the outdoors. Both parks offer a variety of recreational activities and breathtaking scenery, but they differ in terms of accessibility and kid-friendly attractions.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a top choice for families traveling with young children. With its easy-to-navigate roads and picnic areas, it’s a great place to spend a day or even a weekend. Along with picnic areas, visitors can also enjoy scenic drives, hiking trails, and ranger-led programs for kids. The park’s proximity to popular tourist cities such as Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge also offers families the option of combining outdoor recreation with indoor attractions.
Mount Rainier National Park offers a different experience for families. It’s known for its towering peaks and glaciers, but it’s a more challenging park to visit with young children. The park’s remote location, steep terrain, and limited road access make it a better choice for families with older children or teenagers who are able to tackle more strenuous hikes. Despite these challenges, Mount Rainier still provides plenty of opportunities for families to explore, including scenic drives and ranger-led programs.
In conclusion, while both Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Mount Rainier National Park are great family-friendly destinations, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the better choice for families traveling with young children due to its accessibility and kid-friendly attractions.