“Are you torn between visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park or Petrified Forest National Park for your next adventure? Both parks offer unique experiences and breathtaking views, but which one is right for you? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at these two iconic parks, comparing their highlights, activities, and accommodations. From scenic hikes to fascinating fossils, we’ll help you decide which park to add to your bucket list. So grab your hiking boots, pack a picnic, and let’s hit the road!”
“The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a nature lover’s paradise, featuring over 800 miles of trails, breathtaking waterfalls, and an abundance of wildlife. This park is a hiker’s dream, with trails ranging from easy strolls to challenging treks. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a first-timer, you’re sure to find a trail that fits your skill level. And if you’re lucky, you might even spot a black bear or two!”
“On the other hand, the Petrified Forest National Park is a geological wonder, showcasing some of the world’s largest and most colorful petrified wood deposits. This park offers a unique blend of beauty and history, with ancient Native American artifacts and petroglyphs to explore. Take a scenic drive through the park, stop at one of the many overlooks, or hike the trails to get up close and personal with these ancient wonders. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience that you won’t find anywhere else.”
Hiking Trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Petrified Forest National Park are two popular national parks in the United States. Both of these parks offer a range of hiking trails.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known for its diverse range of trails, from moderate to strenuous, making it a great destination for hikers of all skill levels. The park has over 800 miles of trails, including the popular Alum Cave Trail and Chimney Tops Trail. The Alum Cave Trail is a moderate hike and offers scenic views of the park, while the Chimney Tops Trail is a strenuous hike that leads to a panoramic view of the park.
Petrified Forest National Park, on the other hand, is known for its unique landscapes, including petrified wood and painted deserts. The park has several short hikes, including the Giant Logs Trail and the Long Logs Trail, which offer visitors the chance to see petrified wood up close. The park also has a challenging hike, the Blue Mesa Trail, which is a 3-mile loop and offers panoramic views of the park’s unique landscapes.
In conclusion, both Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Petrified Forest National Park offer a range of hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for a scenic hike or a challenging adventure, these parks have something for everyone.
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 Petrified Forest National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Mesa Trail | 1448.406 | 32.9184 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Crystal Forest Trail | 1448.406 | 10.9728 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Painted Desert Rim Trail | 1770.274 | 11.8872 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Petrified Forest Scenic Drive | 46027.124 | 297.7896 | Moderate | point to point | 4.5 |
| Giant Logs Trail | 965.604 | 10.9728 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Onyx Bridge Trail | 7402.964 | 134.7216 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Long Logs and Agate House Loop Trail | 3379.614 | 24.9936 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Puerco Pueblo Trail | 482.802 | 2.7432 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Devil’s Playground Loop | 12070.05 | 144.78 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Old Jasper Forest Road | 4184.284 | 53.9496 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Petrified Forest National Park are two of the most popular parks in the United States, and they each offer unique experiences for visitors. When it comes to wildlife, both parks are home to a diverse range of species, but there are some key differences between the two.
At Great Smoky Mountains National Park, visitors can expect to see black bears, white-tailed deer, turkey, and elk, as well as a variety of bird species, including the beautiful Baltimore oriole. Additionally, the park is known for its diverse plant life, including wildflowers, ferns, and mosses.
In contrast, Petrified Forest National Park is known for its large deposits of petrified wood, but it is also home to a variety of unique wildlife, including pronghorns, rattlesnakes, and Gila monsters. Visitors can also see a variety of bird species, including the roadrunner and the peregrine falcon, as well as cacti and succulent plants.
Both parks offer a unique opportunity to see and experience the beauty and diversity of nature, but for those interested in a more traditional wildlife viewing experience, Great Smoky Mountains National Park may be the better choice. On the other hand, Petrified Forest National Park offers a chance to see more unique and unusual species, making it a great choice for those looking for something a little different.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Petrified Forest National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Petrified Forest 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 | Petrified Forest National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | Big Brown Bat |
| Muskrat | Bobcat |
| Big Brown Bat | Striped Skunk |
| Bobcat | Little Brown Bat |
| Striped Skunk | Deer Mouse |
| Little Brown Bat | Raccoon |
| Deer Mouse | Black Bear |
| Raccoon | Porcupine |
| Black Bear | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Porcupine | Hoary Bat |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Red Fox |
| Hoary Bat | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Red Fox | Mountain Lion |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Mule Deer |
| House Mouse | Gray Fox |
| Panther (Mountain Lion) | Wolf |
| Mink | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Gray Fox | Badger |
| Gray Wolf | California Myotis |
| Snowshoe Hare | Fringed Myotis |
| River Otter | Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat |
| Masked Shrew | Pacific Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat |
| Water Shrew | Bushy-Tailed Woodrat |
| Red Squirrel | Western Harvest Mouse |
Fish
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Petrified Forest 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 | Petrified Forest 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 | Petrified Forest 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 | Petrified Forest National Park |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | |
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Western Rattlesnake | |
| Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | |
| Common Kingsnake | |
| Nightsnake | |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| Milksnake | |
| Striped Whipsnake | |
| Southwestern Black-Headed Snake | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard | |
| Glossy Snake |
Beautiful Landscapes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Petrified Forest National Park are two of the most popular parks in the United States. Both offer stunning landscapes that are breathtaking and awe-inspiring. In the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, visitors can see the rolling peaks of the Appalachian Mountains, surrounded by dense forests and misty valleys. The park is famous for its scenic drives, such as the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, the Newfound Gap Road, and the Cades Cove Loop Road. Visitors can also see breathtaking vistas from overlooks like Clingmans Dome and Mount LeConte.
Petrified Forest National Park is known for its unique and otherworldly landscapes. The park is home to one of the largest and most colorful concentrations of petrified wood in the world. Visitors can see these ancient trees, which have turned to stone over millions of years, scattered across the park’s deserts and badlands. The park also features the Painted Desert, a colorful plateau that stretches for miles and is surrounded by towering mesas, buttes, and spires. The park’s scenic drives, such as the Blue Mesa Loop and the Painted Desert Rim Drive, offer breathtaking views of the park’s landscapes.
Things To-Do and Activities in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Petrified Forest National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both offer unique landscapes and opportunities for adventure and exploration. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known for its rolling hills, scenic drives, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, and horseback riding. The park is also a popular destination for wildlife viewing, with black bears, elk, and a variety of songbirds.
Petrified Forest National Park is a unique landscape of petrified wood, badlands, and colorful rock formations. Visitors to the park can take scenic drives to view the petrified wood and other geological formations, as well as participate in ranger-led programs and hikes. The park is also a popular destination for stargazing and wildlife viewing, with pronghorn antelopes, desert bighorn sheep, and rattlesnakes among the wildlife that can be seen.
Both parks offer opportunities for outdoor recreation and adventure, with Petrified Forest National Park offering a unique and otherworldly landscape, while Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers a more traditional forested landscape with stunning mountain views. Regardless of your preferred type of outdoor adventure, both parks are well worth a visit.
Best Time to Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Petrified Forest National Park are two unique and beautiful national parks. While they are both located in the United States, they are on opposite sides of the country and offer very different weather experiences.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located in the southern Appalachian Mountains and is known for its high humidity and rainfall, especially in the summer months. Summer temperatures can reach into the 80s and 90s, making it a popular time for visitors to enjoy the park’s scenic waterfalls, hiking trails, and wildlife. In the winter, temperatures can drop into the 30s, with occasional snow and ice storms, making it a great time for winter sports enthusiasts.
Petrified Forest National Park, on the other hand, is located in the high desert of northeastern Arizona. The park experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures often reaching into the 90s and low 100s. Winter temperatures are mild, with the occasional freeze, making it a popular time for hiking and exploring the park’s petrified wood and Native American ruins.
In conclusion, the weather in each park affects the best time of year to visit. While Great Smoky Mountains National Park is best enjoyed in the summer and fall, Petrified Forest National Park is best visited in the spring and winter. Both parks offer unique and beautiful experiences, and choosing the right time to visit will ensure that visitors have the best possible experience.
Family Friendliness of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Petrified Forest National Park are both popular tourist destinations, known for their unique landscapes and breathtaking scenery. However, each park offers a different experience and atmosphere, making them ideal for different types of travelers.
For families traveling with children, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the better option. This park features a wide range of activities and sights that will keep the entire family entertained. There are several trails that are easy to navigate, making it simple to explore the park with young children. Additionally, the park is home to several campgrounds, picnic areas, and a variety of other family-friendly attractions.
Petrified Forest National Park, on the other hand, is a more challenging destination for families. The park is located in a remote area, making it more difficult to access. Furthermore, the park’s trails are often steep and rocky, which can be challenging for young children to traverse. Additionally, there are limited facilities for families, such as picnic areas and playgrounds.
In conclusion, when considering a visit to either Great Smoky Mountains National Park or Petrified Forest National Park, families traveling with children will find that Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the more family-friendly option. With its accessible trails, campgrounds, picnic areas and other attractions, families are sure to have a fun and memorable experience in this beautiful park.