The Great Smoky Mountains and New River Gorge are two of the most breathtaking national parks in the United States. With their unique landscapes and abundant wildlife, they offer visitors a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and immerse themselves in nature. But which one is right for you?
If you’re looking for towering mountains, cascading waterfalls, and lush forests, then the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the place for you. This park spans over 500,000 acres and is home to some of the most diverse plant and animal life in the country. From hiking to camping, there is no shortage of outdoor activities to enjoy.
On the other hand, the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is a hidden gem that offers a more rugged and adventurous experience. With its deep canyons, wild rapids, and stunning rock formations, it’s a perfect place for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike. Whether you’re a rock climber, kayaker, or just looking for a scenic drive, the New River Gorge has something for everyone.
Hiking Trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer a variety of hiking trails for visitors to enjoy, but each park has its own unique features that set it apart from the other.
In Great Smoky Mountains National Park, visitors will find over 800 miles of hiking trails. Some of the easier hikes include the Laurel Falls Trail and the Clingmans Dome Trail, while more challenging hikes include the Alum Cave Trail and the Ramsey Cascades Trail. The park is known for its scenic beauty and its abundant wildlife, making it a popular destination for nature lovers.
In contrast, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is known for its challenging hiking trails. The park offers a variety of trails ranging from easy walks along the river to strenuous hikes up the cliffs. Some of the easier hikes include the Long Point Trail and the Endless Wall Trail, while more challenging hikes include the Kaymoor Trail and the Arrowhead Trail. The park is also known for its stunning views of the New River and its abundant rock formations.
Both parks offer a unique and exciting hiking experience for visitors, but Great Smoky Mountains National Park is better suited for those looking for a more relaxed and scenic hike, while New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is better for those looking for a challenge and a chance to see some of the most stunning landscapes 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 New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
| 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 | 4.6 |
Wildlife in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located in Tennessee and North Carolina, is known for its diverse wildlife, including black bears, elk, white-tailed deer, and wild turkeys. In addition, the park is also home to over 200 species of birds, including warblers, vireos, and thrushes. The lush forest and diverse undergrowth provide a habitat for a variety of plants, including rhododendron, mountain laurel, and hemlock.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, located in West Virginia, is also home to a diverse array of wildlife, including black bears, white-tailed deer, and wild turkeys. The park is also a haven for bird enthusiasts, with species including the bald eagle, peregrine falcon, and the endangered Indiana bat. In addition to its wildlife, the park is known for its unique geologic formations and abundant plant life, including the rare Cheat Mountain salamander and the Appalachian oak-hickory forest ecosystem.
Both national parks offer visitors the opportunity to observe wildlife in their natural habitats and to learn about the unique ecosystems that support these species. Whether you are a nature lover, bird watcher, or simply enjoy exploring the great outdoors, both Great Smoky Mountains National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are well worth a visit.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Great Smoky Mountains National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | New River Gorge National Park and 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 | 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 | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| 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 | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| 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 | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Tiger Salamander |
| American Bullfrog | |
| Wood Frog |
Insects
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| 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 | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Rubber Boa |
Beautiful Landscapes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a natural wonderland, located in the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee. It is famous for its rolling hills and scenic mountain ranges, which are dotted with breathtaking overlooks, waterfalls, and other natural wonders. Some of the most famous landscapes found in the park include the Clingmans Dome, Mount LeConte, and Newfound Gap. These iconic peaks offer stunning views of the surrounding valleys, and provide a perfect opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts to take in the beauty of the Smoky Mountains.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, on the other hand, is located in West Virginia and is famous for its stunning natural landscape and vibrant wildlife. The park is home to the New River Gorge Bridge, which is one of the tallest steel arch bridges in the world. The bridge provides a breathtaking view of the New River Gorge, which is surrounded by dense forests, rolling hills, and towering cliffs. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, and fishing. There are also several scenic overlooks and picnic areas, which offer stunning views of the park and the surrounding landscape.
Things To-Do and Activities in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. While they both offer a diverse range of outdoor activities, they each have their own unique attractions and experiences.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known for its stunning mountain views, abundant wildlife, and rich cultural history. Visitors love to go camping, fishing, horseback riding, and take scenic drives. The park also has a number of historic buildings and museums that offer a glimpse into the cultural heritage of the region.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, on the other hand, is a mecca for rock climbers, whitewater rafters, and hikers. The park’s main attraction is the New River Gorge Bridge, which offers breathtaking views of the river and the surrounding mountains. In addition to its outdoor recreation opportunities, the park also offers a variety of educational programs, ranger-led activities, and picnic areas.
Both parks offer a diverse range of activities for visitors to enjoy, but they each have their own unique attractions. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful hike or an adrenaline-fueled adventure, these parks have something for everyone. So, whether you’re a seasoned outdoorsman or a first-time visitor, these parks are sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
Best Time to Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve (NRGNP) are two popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, offering scenic views and diverse wildlife. However, the weather patterns in each park can vary drastically, affecting the best time of year to visit.
GSMNP is located in the southern Appalachian Mountains and is known for its temperate climate. Summer temperatures average in the mid-70s to low 80s, with occasional high humidity and thunderstorms. Winter temperatures can drop into the 20s and 30s, with occasional snow and ice. Spring and fall bring mild weather with colorful foliage, making them popular times to visit.
NRGNP, located in West Virginia, is known for its more extreme temperatures. Summer temperatures can reach into the 90s, with high humidity and occasional thunderstorms. Winter temperatures can drop well below freezing, with snow and ice common. The park also experiences high winds, making conditions challenging for visitors. Despite these challenges, the fall is a popular time to visit NRGNP, as the changing leaves create beautiful scenery.
Visitors to both parks should be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions, regardless of the time of year. In GSMNP, it is recommended to bring layers and be prepared for rain, while in NRGNP, visitors should be prepared for high winds and extreme temperatures. Regardless of the weather, both parks offer unique experiences and are worth a visit for those who enjoy outdoor recreation.
Family Friendliness of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two of the most popular national parks in the US, but they offer vastly different experiences. While both parks are great for families, they are better suited to different types of travelers.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located in Tennessee and North Carolina, is a family-friendly destination that offers a wide range of activities for visitors of all ages. The park has scenic drives, picnic areas, and hiking trails that are perfect for families with children. In addition, there is a visitor center that offers educational programs, museum exhibits, and a gift shop.
On the other hand, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, located in West Virginia, is a more adventurous destination that is better suited for families with older children. The park features rock climbing, white-water rafting, and camping opportunities, as well as hiking trails and scenic drives. However, the park is more rugged and less developed than Great Smoky Mountains National Park, so it may not be the best choice for families with young children.
In conclusion, both parks are great for families, but Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the better choice for families with young children, while New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is better suited for families with older children who are looking for a more adventurous experience.