The Great Smoky Mountains National Park and North Cascades National Park are two of the most breathtaking national parks in the United States. Both offer stunning natural beauty, diverse wildlife and endless outdoor recreation opportunities. Both parks are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. But which one is better for your next adventure? In this article, we’ll compare these two amazing parks and help you decide which one is right for your next trip.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located in Tennessee and North Carolina and boasts over half a million acres of natural beauty. From its rolling hills and rolling streams, to its towering peaks and breathtaking waterfalls, the Smokies offer a wealth of outdoor adventures. Meanwhile, the North Cascades National Park is located in Washington State and is known for its rugged, snow-capped peaks, deep valleys and pristine alpine lakes. The park is a popular destination for mountaineers, backpackers and anyone looking for a truly wild and remote experience.
So, which park should you choose for your next adventure? Join us as we delve into the pros and cons of both the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and North Cascades National Park and help you decide which one is the perfect place for your next outdoor adventure.
Hiking Trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and North Cascades National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and North Cascades National Park are two of the most beautiful parks in the United States. Both are known for their stunning hiking trails, but each park offers a different experience for hikers.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located in Tennessee and North Carolina and is known for its rolling hills, lush forests, and diverse wildlife. One of the easiest hikes in the park is the Gatlinburg Trail, which is a 2.9-mile hike that takes you through a beautiful forest and along the Little Pigeon River. For a more challenging hike, try the Alum Cave Trail, which is a 5.5-mile hike that takes you up Mount LeConte, one of the tallest peaks in the park.
North Cascades National Park is located in Washington State and is known for its rugged mountain peaks and glaciers. One of the easiest hikes in the park is the Diablo Lake Trail, which is a 2.2-mile hike that takes you through a forest and along the shores of Diablo Lake. For a more challenging hike, try the Sahale Arm Trail, which is a 9-mile hike that takes you up to the top of Sahale Mountain, where you can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding peaks.
In conclusion, both Great Smoky Mountains National Park and North Cascades National Park offer a fantastic hiking experience for visitors, but each park offers a different type of landscape and trail. Whether you’re looking for an easy hike or a challenging one, both parks have something to offer.
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 North Cascades National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Lake Trail | 8529.502 | 291.9984 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm Trail | 17541.806 | 1175.9184 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Sourdough Mountain Trail | 14644.994 | 1555.6992 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Cascade Pass Trail to Cottonwood Camp | 25588.506 | 1422.8064 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Cascade Pass Trail | 10460.71 | 542.8488 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Sahale Arm Trail to Quien Sabe Glacier | 19955.816 | 1651.7112 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Trail of the Cedars Nature Walk | 3057.746 | 21.9456 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Fourth of July Pass via Panther Creek Trail | 14966.862 | 759.8664 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Ruby Mountain Summit via Fourth of July and Thunder Creek Trail | 23335.43 | 1949.8056 | Hard | out and back | 4 |
| Gorge Creek Falls Trail | 804.67 | 11.8872 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
Wildlife in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and North Cascades National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and North Cascades National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks have a diverse range of wildlife, but there are some differences in the types of animals and plants you’ll see at each park.
In Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you’ll see a wide variety of animals, including black bears, white-tailed deer, and wild turkeys. The park is also home to a number of bird species, including the pileated woodpecker, eastern bluebird, and northern cardinal. If you’re interested in plants, you’ll be able to see a variety of wildflowers, such as trillium and lady’s slipper, as well as trees like the eastern hemlock and American beech.
North Cascades National Park is known for its abundant wildlife, including black bears, mountain goats, and marmots. Birdwatchers will enjoy seeing species such as the bald eagle, osprey, and peregrine falcon. The park is also home to a variety of plants, including huckleberries, Douglas firs, and Western red cedars.
Both parks offer the opportunity to see a wide variety of wildlife, making them great destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you prefer to focus on animals, birds, or plants, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience at either Great Smoky Mountains National Park or North Cascades National Park.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Great Smoky Mountains National Park and North Cascades National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | North Cascades 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 | 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 | American Pipit |
Mammals
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | North Cascades 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) | Puma |
| Mink | Mink |
| Gray Fox | Black-Tailed Deer |
| Gray Wolf | Wolf |
| Snowshoe Hare | Long-Legged Myotis |
| River Otter | Western Long-Eared Bat |
| Masked Shrew | Ermine |
| Water Shrew | California Myotis |
| Red Squirrel | Snowshoe Hare |
Fish
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | North Cascades National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Redband Trout |
| Brook Trout | Brook Trout |
| Brown Trout | Largemouth Bass |
| Largemouth Bass | Longnose Sucker |
| Green Sunfish | Lake Trout |
| Bluegill | Burbot |
| Common Carp | Silver Salmon |
| Longnose Dace | King Salmon |
| Yellow Bullhead | Slimy Sculpin |
| Channel Catfish | Longnose Dace |
| Black Crappie | Threespine Stickleback |
| Black Bullhead | Kokanee |
| Mosquitofish | Pink Salmon |
| Creek Chub | Chum Salmon |
| Goldfish | Dolly Varden |
| Smallmouth Bass | Cutthroat Trout |
Amphibians
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | North Cascades National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | |
| American Bullfrog | |
| Wood Frog |
Insects
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | North Cascades National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | Orange Sulphur |
| Painted Lady | Painted Lady |
| Monarch | Red Admiral |
| American Painted Lady | Mourning Cloak |
| Red Admiral | Silvery Blue |
| Mourning Cloak | Clouded Sulphur |
| Cabbage White | Honey Bee |
| Silvery Blue | Purplish Copper |
| Common Checkered Skipper | Anise Swallowtail |
| Common Sulphur | |
| Honey Bee | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Buckeye | |
| Commom Wood Nymph | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Reptiles
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | North Cascades National Park |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Western Yellowbelly Racer | |
| Prairie Rattlesnake | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Rubber Boa | |
| Western Fence Lizard |
Beautiful Landscapes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and North Cascades National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known for its rolling hills, lush forests, and stunning vistas of the Smoky Mountains. It is the most visited national park in the United States and is home to some of the most iconic landscapes in the country, including Clingmans Dome, Newfound Gap, and Cades Cove. Cades Cove is a valley surrounded by mountains that is popular for its scenic drives, wildlife viewing opportunities, and historic buildings. Visitors can also hike to scenic overlooks like Charlie’s Bunion, which offer breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
North Cascades National Park, on the other hand, is known for its rugged and wild landscapes. This park is located in northern Washington and is home to some of the most dramatic mountain ranges in North America, including the North Cascades and the Cascade Range. Visitors can see glaciers, high alpine lakes, and jagged peaks that soar into the sky. Popular hiking trails include the Sahale Arm Trail and the Cascade Pass Trail, both of which offer spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. The park also has several waterfalls, including the stunning Diablo Lake, which is surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
Things To-Do and Activities in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and North Cascades National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and North Cascades National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer a variety of outdoor activities that visitors can enjoy. However, there are some key differences between the two parks.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known for its scenic drives, such as the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail and the Cades Cove Loop. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, kayaking, and horseback riding. In addition, the park has several historical sites, including cabins, churches, and grist mills that visitors can tour.
North Cascades National Park, on the other hand, is a popular destination for those who love to hike, rock climb, and camp. The park is home to over 300 glaciers and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. In addition, visitors can enjoy kayaking and fishing on several of the park’s lakes and rivers.
In conclusion, both Great Smoky Mountains National Park and North Cascades National Park offer a variety of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re interested in scenic drives, fishing, hiking, or rock climbing, these parks have something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park and North Cascades National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) and North Cascades National Park (NCNP) are both popular destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, but the two parks have different weather patterns and climates that can affect when is the best time to visit.
GSMNP, located in the Appalachian Mountains, has a temperate climate with hot summers and cold winters. The park experiences heavy rainfall during spring and fall, making it a great time to view waterfalls and wildflowers. The summer months are warm and humid, and can be a good time to hike, camp, and fish. Winter months can bring snow and ice, making it ideal for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing.
NCNP, located in the North Cascades of Washington state, has a more severe climate with cool summers and cold, snowy winters. The park experiences heavy rainfall and snowfall throughout the year, with the heaviest snowfall in the winter months. The summer months are cooler and drier, making it a great time to hike and camp. The park is also home to many glaciers, which are best viewed during the summer months when the snow has melted.
In conclusion, the seasonal weather at GSMNP and NCNP greatly affects the best time to visit each park. If you’re looking for warm weather and outdoor activities, GSMNP is best visited in the summer. For winter sports and views of glaciers, NCNP is best visited in the winter months.
Family Friendliness of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and North Cascades National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and North Cascades National Park are two popular destinations for families looking to enjoy the great outdoors. Both parks offer breathtaking views, abundant wildlife, and opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is considered more family-friendly due to its accessibility and variety of recreational activities. The park has a well-developed network of roads, hiking trails, and campgrounds, making it easy for families to get around and explore. In addition, the park offers plenty of educational opportunities, such as ranger-led hikes and nature programs, as well as fun activities like fishing and horseback riding.
North Cascades National Park, on the other hand, is a bit more rugged and remote. While it offers stunning scenery and opportunities for backcountry adventure, it may not be as suitable for families with young children or those looking for more accessible recreational activities. The park’s remote location and limited facilities can make it difficult for families to get around and find amenities like restrooms and picnic areas.
In conclusion, if you’re traveling with children, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the better option due to its accessibility and variety of family-friendly activities. However, if you’re looking for a more rugged and remote outdoor experience, North Cascades National Park is worth considering.