The Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Saguaro National Park are two of the most magnificent protected areas in the United States. Both parks boast incredible scenic beauty and offer visitors a chance to experience the natural wonders of the country. But which of these parks is the better destination for your next outdoor adventure? In this article, we’ll explore the highlights of both parks, comparing and contrasting their scenic beauty, recreational opportunities, and accessibility. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a first-time visitor to national parks, this article will help you decide which park is the ideal destination for your next outdoor adventure.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most visited national parks in the country, attracting more than 11 million visitors each year. The park is known for its stunning views of the Great Smoky Mountains and its diverse range of wildlife, including black bears, elk, and deer. Visitors can also enjoy a range of recreational activities, from hiking and camping to fishing and horseback riding.
The Saguaro National Park, on the other hand, is a desert oasis in the heart of Arizona. The park is home to the iconic saguaro cactus, which can grow up to 50 feet tall and live for more than 200 years. Visitors can take scenic drives through the park to see the towering cacti and enjoy views of the surrounding desert landscape. The park also offers a range of hiking trails, including one that leads to the summit of the nearby Tucson Mountain.
Hiking Trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Saguaro National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Saguaro National Park both offer stunning natural beauty and diverse hiking experiences. However, the type of trails and difficulty levels can vary greatly between the two parks.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park has an extensive network of trails, ranging from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry treks. Some of the most popular hikes in the park include the Alum Cave Trail and the Chimney Tops Trail. The Alum Cave Trail is a moderate hike that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, while the Chimney Tops Trail is a challenging hike that rewards hikers with panoramic views from the summit.
Saguaro National Park, on the other hand, offers a unique desert hiking experience. The park is home to the iconic saguaro cactus, which grows only in the Sonoran Desert. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Freeman Homestead Trail and the Cactus Forest Loop. The Freeman Homestead Trail is a short, easy hike that offers a peaceful stroll through the desert, while the Cactus Forest Loop is a moderate hike that takes you through the heart of the saguaro forest. The park also offers challenging hikes, such as the King Canyon Trail and the Douglas Spring Trail, that are popular with experienced hikers.
Both parks offer a variety of hiking experiences, from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry treks. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner, you’re sure to find the perfect trail to suit your needs in either Great Smoky Mountains National Park or Saguaro National Park.
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 Saguaro National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridal Wreath Falls Trail | 9012.304 | 326.7456 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Wasson Peak Trail | 12713.786 | 567.8424 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| King Canyon Trail to Wasson Peak | 11426.314 | 560.832 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Wasson Peak via Sweetwater Trail | 14966.862 | 637.9464 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Douglas Spring Trail | 26715.044 | 1139.952 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Tanque Verde Ridge Trail | 32186.8 | 1705.9656 | Very Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Mica View Loop Trail | 5954.558 | 36.8808 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Hugh Norris Trail | 14323.126 | 729.996 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Safford Peak Trail | 3862.416 | 278.892 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Gould Mine | 3701.482 | 115.824 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Saguaro National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located in Tennessee and North Carolina, is known for its diverse wildlife and lush vegetation. Visitors can expect to see black bears, deer, and turkeys, as well as a variety of bird species such as the raven, hawk, and owl. The park is also home to over 1,500 species of flowering plants and trees, including the Eastern Hemlock and American Beech.
Saguaro National Park, located in Arizona, is home to a completely different type of wildlife. The park is named after the iconic saguaro cactus, which is native to the Sonoran Desert. Visitors can expect to see reptiles such as rattlesnakes and Gila monsters, as well as mammals like the black-tailed jackrabbit and desert cottontail. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including the Gilded Flicker and the Cactus Wren.
Both parks offer unique experiences and a chance to see diverse wildlife, but it is important to note that the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is much larger and offers a wider range of activities and sights. Whether you are looking to hike, camp, or simply relax in nature, both parks are worth considering for your next outdoor adventure.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Saguaro National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Saguaro 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 | Song Sparrow |
| Song Sparrow | European Starling |
| European Starling | Killdeer |
| Northern Pintail | Brown-Headed Cowbird |
| American Wigeon | Hairy Woodpecker |
| Green-Winged Teal | Red-Breasted Nuthatch |
Mammals
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Saguaro National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| 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 | Mountain Lion |
| Red Fox | Mule Deer |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Common Gray Fox |
| House Mouse | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Panther (Mountain Lion) | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Mink | Badger |
| Gray Fox | Californis Myotis |
| Gray Wolf | Fringed Myotis |
| Snowshoe Hare | Mexican Free-Tailed Bat |
| River Otter | Western Harvest Mouse |
| Masked Shrew | Yuma Myotis |
| Water Shrew | Bighorn Sheep |
| Red Squirrel | White-Tailed Deer |
Fish
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Saguaro 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 | Saguaro National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| American Bullfrog | Bullfrog |
| Wood Frog | Red-Spotted Toad |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Insects
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Saguaro 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 | Saguaro National Park |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | |
| Western Rattlesnake | |
| Ring-Necked Snake | |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | |
| Common Kingsnake | |
| Night Snake | |
| Leopard Lizard | |
| Southwestern Black-Headed Snake | |
| Tree Lizard | |
| Western Whiptail | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Glossy Snake | |
| Long-Nosed Snake | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Beautiful Landscapes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Saguaro National Park
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located in Tennessee and North Carolina and is famous for its misty blue mountains and scenic drives. Visitors can take in views from the Newfound Gap Overlook and drive the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail to see historic cabins and luscious forests. The park is also home to numerous waterfalls, including Grotto Falls and Laurel Falls.
Saguaro National Park, located in Arizona, is well known for its towering saguaro cacti that can grow up to 40 feet tall. The park is divided into two districts, East and West, with the West being home to the Rincon Mountain District and scenic drives like the Cactus Forest Loop Drive. Hiking trails throughout the park offer opportunities to see not only saguaros but also other Sonoran Desert plants and wildlife.
Both parks offer a unique and stunning landscape and are popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, photographers, and nature lovers. Whether you are searching for misty mountain vistas or towering cacti, these parks offer a variety of landscapes to explore and enjoy.
Things To-Do and Activities in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Saguaro National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Saguaro National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the US, and each has its own unique set of activities to offer visitors. In Great Smoky Mountains National Park, visitors can enjoy scenic drives and scenic overlooks, wildlife viewing, fishing, and camping. The park is also home to a number of historic sites and cultural attractions, including the Oconaluftee Visitor Center and the Mountain Farm Museum.
Saguaro National Park, on the other hand, is known for its unique landscape, which is dominated by the iconic saguaro cactus. Visitors can enjoy scenic drives, wildlife viewing, and camping, as well as a number of educational programs, including ranger-led walks and talks. The park also offers a number of trails for hiking and exploring, including the popular King Canyon Trail.
Whether you’re looking for a scenic drive, a wildlife viewing opportunity, or a chance to connect with nature, both Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Saguaro National Park have a lot to offer. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a relaxing day in the great outdoors, these two parks are sure to provide a memorable experience.
Best Time to Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Saguaro National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Saguaro National Park are two popular US national parks that offer unique outdoor experiences. However, the climate and weather conditions of each park vary greatly and can greatly impact the best time to visit.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located in the Appalachian Mountains and experiences a humid subtropical climate with warm summers and cool winters. The park is often shrouded in clouds, hence its name, and experiences higher rainfall compared to Saguaro National Park. The best time to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park is in the summer, from June to August, when the weather is warm, but not too hot, and the landscape is lush and green.
Saguaro National Park, located in the Sonoran Desert in Arizona, experiences a hot, arid climate with hot summers and mild winters. The park is best visited in the spring, from March to May, and the fall, from September to November, when temperatures are more moderate and the iconic saguaro cacti are in bloom. Summer temperatures can reach over 100°F, making outdoor activities difficult and potentially dangerous.
In conclusion, the weather and climate at Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Saguaro National Park greatly affect the best time to visit each park. While Great Smoky Mountains National Park is best visited in the summer, Saguaro National Park is best visited in the spring and fall.
Family Friendliness of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Saguaro National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee and North Carolina is known for its stunning scenery and multitude of outdoor recreational activities. Hiking, camping, and fishing are just a few of the many options available to visitors. The park also offers a variety of educational programs, such as ranger-led walks and campfire talks, making it a great choice for families traveling with children.
Saguaro National Park in Arizona, on the other hand, offers a unique desert environment with towering cacti and a diverse array of wildlife. This park also offers educational programs, but the desert environment may not be as appealing to families with young children. Hiking trails can be strenuous and the heat can be intense, making it important for families to plan ahead and prepare for the conditions.
In terms of family-friendliness, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the clear winner. With its abundance of recreational activities, educational programs, and stunning scenery, it offers something for everyone in the family. Saguaro National Park is a great option for families who are looking for a unique experience, but it may not be the best choice for families with young children or those who are not prepared for the desert environment.