When it comes to choosing the perfect national park to visit, the options can be overwhelming. Two heavyweights in the national park world are Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks. Both of these parks offer breathtaking landscapes, unique wildlife, and a variety of outdoor activities.
But what sets these two parks apart from one another? In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks to see which one is the better fit for your next adventure. From towering mountain peaks to ancient trees, we’ll explore what each park has to offer and help you make an informed decision when it comes to planning your next trip.
Are you ready to find out which park reigns supreme? Let’s dive into the Great Smoky Mountains vs. Sequoia & Kings Canyon showdown!
Hiking Trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer a wide range of hiking trails for visitors of all skill levels, from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry treks.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has over 800 miles of hiking trails, including the popular Alum Cave Trail and the strenuous Mount LeConte. Alum Cave Trail is a 5.5-mile round trip hike that leads to a unique rock formation and offers scenic views of the park. Mount LeConte, on the other hand, is a strenuous 11-mile round trip hike that offers panoramic views of the park from its summit.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks have over 400 miles of hiking trails, including the easy Congress Trail and the challenging Rae Lakes Loop. The Congress Trail is a 2-mile round trip hike that takes visitors through a grove of giant sequoias, while the Rae Lakes Loop is a 41-mile backpacking trip that takes visitors through the park’s backcountry and offers scenic views of alpine lakes and mountains.
Overall, both parks offer a wide variety of hiking trails for visitors of all skill levels and interests. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely nature walk or a challenging backcountry adventure, Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National 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 Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moro Rock Trail | 643.736 | 56.9976 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Tokopah Falls via Tokopah Valley Trail | 6437.36 | 194.7672 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Heather Lake, Emerald Lake, and Pear Lake Trail via Watchtower and Pear Lake Trails | 18990.212 | 887.8824 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| General Sherman Tree Trail | 1287.472 | 46.9392 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Marble Falls Trail | 11909.116 | 495.9096 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Congress Trail | 5149.888 | 151.7904 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Alta Peak Trail | 23979.166 | 1238.7072 | Very Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Mineral King to Eagle Lake Trail | 10460.71 | 674.8272 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Big Trees Trail | 2092.142 | 36.8808 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Giant Forest Loop Trail | 11265.38 | 390.7536 | Easy | loop | 5 |
Wildlife in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known for its diverse and abundant wildlife. Visitors can spot black bears, white-tailed deer, turkey, and other mammals. The park is also a great place to see the synchronous fireflies, which is a phenomenon of fireflies that light up at the same time. The Smokies are also rich in birdlife and is home to over 200 species of birds such as the warblers, vireos, and thrushes. Park visitors also have the chance to see the rare Eastern Hellbender salamander.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are known for their giant sequoia trees, but the parks also have a diverse range of wildlife. Visitors can spot black bears, coyotes, mountain lions and other mammals. The parks are also home to a variety of bird species including the Californian Condor, the Peregrine Falcon, and the Mountain Bluebird. The parks are also rich in plant life and visitors can see wildflowers, ferns, and shrubs. Additionally, the parks have a unique ecosystem and visitors can see the Sierra Nevada red fox, which is found only in the high Sierra.
In conclusion, both parks have their own unique wildlife, but both offer visitors the opportunity to see diverse and abundant wildlife. Whether you’re a birdwatcher, a nature lover, or just someone who wants a chance to see some of the most unique animals and plants, both of these parks are definitely worth a visit.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks |
|---|---|
| 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 | Green-Winged Teal |
| Green-Winged Teal | American Pipit |
Mammals
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks |
|---|---|
| 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) | Mountain Lion |
| Mink | Mink |
| Gray Fox | Mule Deer |
| Gray Wolf | Gray Fox |
| Snowshoe Hare | Wolf |
| River Otter | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Masked Shrew | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Water Shrew | Badger |
| Red Squirrel | Ermine |
Fish
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Brook Trout | Brook Trout Charr Salter |
| Brown Trout | Brown Trout |
| Largemouth Bass | Green Sunfish |
| Green Sunfish | Golden Shiner |
| Bluegill | European Carp |
| Common Carp | Black Bullhead |
| Longnose Dace | Brown Bullhead |
| Yellow Bullhead | Goldfish |
| Channel Catfish | Smallmouth Bass |
| Black Crappie | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Mosquitofish | |
| Creek Chub | |
| Goldfish | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Amphibians
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Bullfrog |
| American Bullfrog | |
| Wood Frog |
Insects
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks |
|---|---|
| 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 | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | |
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Racer | |
| Ring-Necked Snake | |
| Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Common Kingsnake | |
| Rubber Boa | |
| Nightsnake | |
| Southwestern Black-Headed Snake | |
| Western Whiptail | |
| Western Skink | |
| Long-Nosed Snake | |
| Western Fence Lizard |
Beautiful Landscapes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is famous for its stunning landscapes, including rolling hills, towering peaks, and breathtaking waterfalls. Visitors can take in the views from popular overlooks like Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the park, or enjoy a leisurely hike along the trails leading to the many cascading waterfalls that dot the park. The park is also known for its diverse array of wildlife, including black bears, white-tailed deer, and a wide variety of bird species. With over 2,000 miles of hiking trails, visitors can explore the park’s many wonders at their own pace, whether it’s a leisurely stroll or a challenging trek up the highest peaks.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are known for their towering trees, including the world-famous General Sherman Tree, the largest tree on Earth by volume. The parks are also home to a number of other unique natural wonders, including deep canyons, scenic drives, and pristine mountain lakes. Visitors can take in the beauty of these landscapes on scenic drives like the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway or by hiking along the many trails that wind through the parks’ vast wilderness areas. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or simply looking for a relaxing walk in nature, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks offer something for everyone.
Things To-Do and Activities in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both offer a diverse range of activities for visitors to enjoy, but they both have different highlights.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a popular destination for those who enjoy scenic drives, wildlife viewing and scenic picnics. There are many scenic drives throughout the park, including the Newfound Gap Road, which provides stunning views of the park and the surrounding mountains. Wildlife viewing is also a popular activity, with many species of animals, such as black bears, white-tailed deer, and wild turkeys, inhabiting the park. Picnicking is also a popular activity, with many scenic picnic spots throughout the park, including Chimneys Picnic Area and Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, on the other hand, are known for their giant sequoia trees and scenic canyons. Visitors can take a drive through the park to see the giant sequoia trees and stop at various scenic overlooks to take in the breathtaking views of the canyons. Hiking is also a popular activity, with many trails leading to scenic vistas and sequoia groves. For a different perspective, visitors can take a scenic drive through the park and stop at various scenic overlooks to take in the breathtaking views of the canyons.
In conclusion, both Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks offer a range of activities for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for scenic drives, wildlife viewing, or hiking, both parks have something to offer, making them both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts.
Best Time to Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are two of America’s most popular national parks, each drawing millions of visitors every year. While they both offer stunning natural beauty, the weather at each park can vary significantly, affecting the best time of year to visit.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located in Tennessee and North Carolina, experiences a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. Winters are generally mild, with temperatures ranging from the mid-30s to mid-50s, while summers are warm and humid, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to low-90s. Spring and fall are the best times to visit, with mild temperatures, vibrant foliage, and wildflowers in bloom.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, located in California, experience a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and cool, moist winters. Temperatures in the summer can reach the high 80s to 90s, while winter temperatures can range from the mid-30s to mid-50s. Winter is the best time to visit for those seeking solitude, as snow often closes many park roads, limiting visitors. Spring and fall offer mild temperatures and fewer crowds, making them ideal for those seeking to enjoy the parks’ beauty without the summer heat.
In conclusion, while both Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks offer stunning natural beauty, the weather at each park can vary significantly, affecting the best time of year to visit. Whether seeking solitude, vibrant foliage, or mild temperatures, each park has its own unique weather patterns that make it a perfect destination year-round.
Family Friendliness of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are two of the most popular National Parks in the US. Both parks offer a unique experience for visitors, but when it comes to families traveling with children, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the better option.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers a variety of activities for families, including hiking trails, picnicking areas, and scenic drives. The park also has a number of visitor centers and museums that offer educational programs for children. Additionally, the park offers camping opportunities, making it easy for families to spend multiple days exploring the park.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, while still a great option for families, offer a different experience. The parks are known for their towering trees and rugged terrain, but there are fewer activities specifically designed for families with children. The parks offer hiking trails, camping, and ranger-led programs, but the trails can be strenuous and the programs may not be as suitable for younger children.
In conclusion, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the better option for families traveling with children. The park offers a variety of activities and experiences tailored specifically for families, making it a great destination for a family vacation. While Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are still a great option for families, they may not be as well-suited for younger children.