Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are two of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders in the United States. These two iconic national parks are known for their stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking scenery. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a family seeking a fun outdoor adventure, these two parks have something to offer for everyone.
In this article, we’ll compare Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park and highlight the unique features that each park has to offer. From majestic mountain peaks to rolling hills and lush forests, these two parks are home to some of the most diverse landscapes in the country. Whether you’re looking for a scenic drive, a challenging hike, or a peaceful camping experience, these parks have it all.
So, grab your backpack, put on your hiking shoes, and get ready to explore two of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring parks in the United States. In this article, we’ll compare and contrast Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park to help you decide which one is the perfect destination for your next adventure.
Hiking Trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States, attracting millions of visitors each year. Both parks offer a diverse range of hiking trails, from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry adventures.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known for its lush forests, rolling hills, and stunning waterfalls, and is a great destination for hikers of all skill levels. Easy hikes include the Laurel Falls Trail, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, and the Ramsey Cascades Trail, which leads to a breathtaking 100-foot waterfall. For more experienced hikers, the park offers challenging trails like the Alum Cave Trail, which climbs to the top of Mount LeConte, and the Charlie’s Bunion Trail, which offers stunning views of the park from a rocky outcropping.
Rocky Mountain National Park, on the other hand, is known for its towering peaks, diverse wildlife, and alpine meadows. It is a great destination for experienced hikers, who can tackle trails like the Keyhole Route, which leads to the summit of Longs Peak, and the Sky Pond Trail, which takes hikers through a high-altitude tarn and up to a stunning alpine lake. For those looking for an easier hike, the park offers trails like the Trail Ridge Road, which takes visitors through scenic vistas and alpine tundra, and the Bear Lake Loop Trail, which offers stunning views of the park’s many peaks.
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 Rocky Mountain National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emerald Lake Trail | 4988.954 | 215.7984 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge Trail | 13035.654 | 537.972 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Gem Lake Trail | 4988.954 | 301.752 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| The Loch Lake Trail via Glacier Gorge Trail | 8690.436 | 326.7456 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Alberta Falls Trail | 2574.944 | 76.8096 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Chasm Lake | 15127.796 | 792.7848 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Dream Lake Trail | 3218.68 | 129.8448 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Bear Lake Nature Trail | 1126.538 | 12.8016 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Twin Sisters Peak Trail | 12070.05 | 766.8768 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Ouzel Falls via Wild Basin Trail from Sandbeach Lake | 11909.116 | 361.7976 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both offer breathtaking views and abundant wildlife. However, the types of wildlife you’ll see at each park are different.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including black bears, deer, raccoons, and many species of birds, such as the pileated woodpecker and the scarlet tanager. The park is also known for its beautiful wildflowers, such as the lady slipper, trillium and the flame azalea.
Rocky Mountain National Park, on the other hand, is home to larger mammals such as elk, moose, and bighorn sheep, as well as birds like the golden eagle and the peregrine falcon. The park is also known for its stunning mountain scenery and its alpine tundra, which is home to unique plant species like the alpine sunflower and the purple mountain saxifrage.
Both parks offer visitors the opportunity to see a wide range of wildlife and enjoy the beauty of the natural world. However, those interested in larger mammals and alpine landscapes may prefer Rocky Mountain National Park, while those interested in a wide variety of bird species and wildflowers may prefer Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Rocky Mountain 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 | Rocky Mountain 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 | Mountain Lion |
| Panther (Mountain Lion) | Mink |
| Mink | Mule Deer |
| Gray Fox | Gray Fox |
| Gray Wolf | Gray Wolf |
| Snowshoe Hare | Long-Legged Myotis |
| River Otter | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Masked Shrew | Badger |
| Water Shrew | Ermine |
| Red Squirrel | Snowshoe Hare |
Fish
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Rocky Mountain National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Brook Trout | Brook Trout |
| Brown Trout | Brown Trout |
| Largemouth Bass | Western Longnose Sucker |
| Green Sunfish | Mottled Sculpin |
| Bluegill | Speckled Dace |
| Common Carp | Cutthroat Trout |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Yellow Bullhead | |
| Channel Catfish | |
| Black Crappie | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Mosquitofish | |
| Creek Chub | |
| Goldfish | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Amphibians
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Rocky Mountain National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| American Bullfrog | Tiger Salamander |
| Wood Frog | Wood Frog |
Insects
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Rocky Mountain National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | Orange Sulphur |
| Painted Lady | Painted Lady |
| Monarch | Monarch |
| American Painted Lady | American Lady |
| Red Admiral | Red Admiral |
| Mourning Cloak | Mourning Cloak |
| Cabbage White | Cabbage White |
| Silvery Blue | Silvery Blue |
| Common Checkered Skipper | Common Checkered-Skipper |
| Common Sulphur | Clouded Sulphur |
| Honey Bee | Variegated Fritillary |
| Variegated Fritillary | Buckeye |
| Buckeye | Commom Wood Nymph |
| Commom Wood Nymph | Purplish Copper |
| Gray Hairstreak | Anise Swallowtail |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Reptiles
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Rocky Mountain National Park |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Western Rattlesnake | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard |
Beautiful Landscapes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are two of the most famous national parks in the United States. Both are known for their stunning natural features and breathtaking landscapes.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located in the southeastern part of the United States and covers over half a million acres. It features a wide variety of landscapes, including rolling hills, mountain ranges, and lush forests. One of the most famous landscapes in this park is the Smoky Mountain Range, which is the highest range in the park and is known for its stunning views from the overlooks. Another popular natural feature of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the numerous waterfalls that can be found throughout the park, including Laurel Falls and Ramsey Cascades.
Rocky Mountain National Park, on the other hand, is located in Colorado and covers over 400,000 acres. This park is known for its towering mountain peaks, including Longs Peak, which is one of the most famous and recognizable peaks in the park. Another popular feature of the Rocky Mountain National Park is the stunning overlooks that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. These include the Allenspark Overlook, which provides a stunning view of the Front Range, and the Bear Lake Overlook, which offers panoramic views of the park’s stunning mountain ranges.
Both parks provide visitors with the opportunity to experience some of the most beautiful natural wonders in the United States. Whether you are interested in mountain ranges, overlooks, waterfalls, or other natural wonders, these two parks are sure to provide you with an unforgettable experience.
Things To-Do and Activities in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are two of the most popular parks in the US, attracting millions of visitors every year. Both parks offer a variety of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy.
In the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, visitors can enjoy scenic drives, wildlife viewing, fishing, and camping. The park is also home to several historic sites, including cabins, churches, and grist mills, that offer a unique look into the region’s past. Visitors to the park can also attend ranger-led programs and guided hikes, as well as explore the park’s many trails on their own.
Rocky Mountain National Park, on the other hand, is known for its stunning mountain vistas, including Longs Peak, one of the tallest mountains in the park. Visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park can enjoy hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, and scenic drives. In the winter, the park is a popular destination for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and sledding.
Both parks offer a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you’re looking for a more laidback experience with scenic drives and historic sites, Great Smoky Mountains National Park may be the best choice. If you’re looking for a more adventurous experience with stunning mountain vistas and outdoor activities, then Rocky Mountain National Park is the place to be.
Best Time to Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. The weather at these parks is very different, which affects when is the best time to visit each park.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located in the southern Appalachian Mountains and is known for its high humidity and rainfall, especially during the summer months. The park is also prone to fog and mist. The best time to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park is in the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the scenery is at its best. During the summer, the park is crowded and the weather can be hot and humid.
Rocky Mountain National Park is located in the Rockies and is known for its high elevation, which results in cool temperatures and severe weather. The best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park is during the summer months when the weather is mild and the roadways are accessible. During the winter months, the park is covered in snow and the roadways are often closed, making it difficult to access the park.
In conclusion, when planning a trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park or Rocky Mountain National Park, it is important to consider the seasonal weather conditions. The weather at each park affects the best time of year to visit, as well as the type of activities that are available during the visit.
Family Friendliness of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer stunning natural beauty and plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure. However, when it comes to family-friendliness, there are some key differences to consider.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is often considered to be the more family-friendly of the two. With a lower elevation and a milder climate, it’s a great destination for families with young children or those who prefer a more leisurely pace. The park also offers a wide range of kid-friendly activities, including hiking trails, scenic drives, and educational programs.
On the other hand, Rocky Mountain National Park can be a bit more challenging for families, due to its higher elevation and more rugged terrain. However, this doesn’t mean it’s not a great destination for families – it just requires a little more preparation and planning. The park offers a variety of family-friendly activities, including hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.
In conclusion, both Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are excellent destinations for families. However, if you’re traveling with young children or prefer a more relaxed pace, Great Smoky Mountains National Park may be the better choice. And if you’re looking for a more challenging adventure, Rocky Mountain National Park is definitely worth considering.