The Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Shenandoah National Park are two of the most popular parks in the United States. Both offer breathtaking views, scenic drives, and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a casual nature lover, these parks are sure to leave you in awe. But which one is right for you?
If you’re looking for a park that offers a true taste of the Appalachian Mountains, look no further than the Great Smoky Mountains. With over 800 miles of hiking trails, this park is a hiker’s paradise. From scenic waterfalls and rolling hills to towering peaks and dense forests, the Great Smoky Mountains have it all.
But what if you’re looking for a park that’s a little bit closer to civilization? Look no further than Shenandoah National Park. Located just 75 miles from Washington, D.C., this park offers a peaceful escape from the city. With its rolling hills, scenic drives, and charming picnic areas, Shenandoah is the perfect park for those who want to get away from it all, but still be within reach of modern conveniences.
Hiking Trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Shenandoah National Park are two of the most popular parks in the United States. Both parks offer a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy to challenging.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park has over 800 miles of trails, including the popular Alum Cave Trail and Chimney Tops Trail. Alum Cave Trail is a moderate hike that leads to a stunning overlook, while the Chimney Tops Trail is a challenging hike that offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. For those looking for an easier hike, the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a 5.5-mile round trip that takes you through a beautiful forest and along a mountain stream.
Shenandoah National Park has around 500 miles of trails, including the popular Old Rag Mountain and White Oak Canyon Trail. Old Rag Mountain is a challenging hike that leads to panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, while the White Oak Canyon Trail is a moderate hike that takes you through a picturesque waterfall. For those looking for an easier hike, the Rose River Loop is a 2-mile round trip that takes you through a beautiful forest and along a picturesque stream.
Both parks offer a variety of hiking trails for all levels of hikers, from easy to challenging. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just starting out, these parks are sure to provide you with an unforgettable experience.
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 Shenandoah National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old Rag Mountain Loop | 13840.324 | 736.7016 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| White Oak Canyon and Cedar Run Trails Loop | 14484.06 | 722.9856 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
| Dark Hollow Falls Trail | 2253.076 | 171.9072 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Bearfence Mountain Trail | 1609.34 | 73.7616 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Hawksbill Gap Loop via Appalachian Trail | 4184.284 | 228.9048 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Rose River Trail | 5632.69 | 256.9464 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| White Oak Canyon Trail | 15288.73 | 733.9584 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Stony Man via Appalachian Trail | 2414.01 | 97.8408 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| South River Falls Trail | 7402.964 | 387.7056 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Little Stony Man Loop via Appalachian Trail | 5471.756 | 263.9568 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Shenandoah National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States, and they are both known for their rich biodiversity.
At Great Smoky Mountains National Park, visitors can expect to see a wide variety of wildlife, including black bears, white-tailed deer, raccoons, and a variety of bird species such as hawks, eagles, and owls. The park is also home to many species of reptiles and amphibians, including salamanders and snakes. In addition to its terrestrial wildlife, the park is also known for its extensive network of streams and rivers, which provide habitat for many fish species, including trout and bass.
Shenandoah National Park is also home to a diverse range of wildlife species. Visitors to the park are likely to see white-tailed deer, black bears, and a variety of bird species, including warblers, vireos, and thrushes. The park is also home to a number of species of reptiles and amphibians, including snakes and salamanders. In addition to its terrestrial wildlife, Shenandoah National Park is also known for its rich diversity of wildflowers, including trillium and violets.
Both parks are also known for their tree species, with Great Smoky Mountains National Park being particularly famous for its old-growth forests and diverse range of tree species, including oak, hickory, and tulip poplar. Shenandoah National Park is also home to a diverse range of tree species, including oak, hickory, and tulip poplar, and is known for its beautiful autumn foliage.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Shenandoah National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Shenandoah 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 | Shenandoah 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 | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Hoary Bat |
| Hoary Bat | Red Fox |
| Red Fox | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | House Mouse |
| House Mouse | Mountain Lion |
| Panther (Mountain Lion) | Gray Fox |
| Mink | River Otter |
| Gray Fox | Masked Shrew |
| Gray Wolf | Water Shrew |
| Snowshoe Hare | Red Squirrel |
| River Otter | White-Tailed Deer |
| Masked Shrew | Virginia Opossum |
| Water Shrew | Marten |
| Red Squirrel | Northern Flying Squirrel |
Fish
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Shenandoah National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Brook Trout | Brook Trout |
| Brown Trout | Brown Trout |
| Largemouth Bass | Largemouth Bass |
| Green Sunfish | Green Sunfish |
| Bluegill | Bluegill |
| Common Carp | Common Carp |
| Longnose Dace | Mottled Sculpin |
| Yellow Bullhead | Longnose Dace |
| Channel Catfish | Yellow Bullhead |
| Black Crappie | Creek Chub |
| Black Bullhead | Brown Bullhead |
| Mosquitofish | Smallmouth Bass |
| Creek Chub | |
| Goldfish | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Amphibians
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Shenandoah National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| American Bullfrog | |
| Wood Frog |
Insects
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Shenandoah 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 | Gray Hairstreak |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Reptiles
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Shenandoah National Park |
|---|---|
| Black Racer | |
| Ringneck Snake | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Common Kingsnake | |
| Milksnake | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard |
Beautiful Landscapes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Shenandoah National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States, known for their stunning natural beauty and diverse landscapes.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is famous for its rolling hills, lush forests, and breathtaking mountain ranges, including the Great Smoky Mountains themselves. Visitors can explore over 800 miles of hiking trails, including the famous Appalachian Trail, and take in the stunning views from scenic overlooks like Clingmans Dome, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The park is also home to numerous waterfalls, including the popular Laurel Falls, and is known for its diverse wildlife, including black bears, deer, and wild turkeys.
Shenandoah National Park, located in Virginia, is also known for its beautiful landscapes, including the Blue Ridge Mountains and the rolling hills of the Shenandoah Valley. Visitors can enjoy scenic drives along Skyline Drive, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, and hike to scenic overlooks like Hawksbill Mountain, which offers stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The park is also home to numerous waterfalls and is a popular destination for camping, fishing, and other outdoor recreation activities.
Overall, both Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Shenandoah National Park offer visitors the chance to experience some of the most beautiful landscapes in the United States. Whether you’re a hiker, camper, or simply looking for a scenic getaway, these parks are well worth a visit.
Things To-Do and Activities in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Shenandoah National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States, both attracting millions of visitors every year. While both parks offer stunning natural beauty and plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, there are some key differences between them.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known for its lush forests, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking views from its many scenic drives, including the famous Newfound Gap Road. In addition to hiking and camping, visitors can also enjoy fishing, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing. The park is also home to several historic sites, including the Mingus Mill and the Oconaluftee Visitor Center.
Shenandoah National Park, on the other hand, is known for its rolling hills, scenic valleys, and breathtaking views from the Skyline Drive, a 105-mile road that runs the length of the park. In addition to hiking and camping, visitors can also enjoy scenic drives, picnicking, and fishing. The park is also home to several waterfalls, including Dark Hollow Falls and Rose River Falls, which are popular destinations for visitors.
Both parks offer a variety of recreational activities, but visitors to Great Smoky Mountains National Park may find more opportunities for wildlife viewing and historic site exploration, while visitors to Shenandoah National Park may prefer scenic drives, picnicking, and waterfall viewing. Regardless of the specific activities, both parks offer an unparalleled opportunity to immerse oneself in nature and enjoy the great outdoors.
Best Time to Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) and Shenandoah National Park (SNP) are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer breathtaking natural beauty, vast hiking trails, and abundant wildlife. However, the weather in these two parks can vary greatly, affecting the best time to visit each one.
GSMNP is located in the Appalachian Mountains and experiences four distinct seasons, with hot summers and cold winters. The park’s location in the mountains means that it often experiences heavy rainfall, fog, and mist, particularly in the spring and summer months. The fall is a prime time to visit GSMNP, as the colorful leaves of the trees are at their peak.
SNP, on the other hand, is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and experiences a more temperate climate. While the park does experience some snow and cold weather in the winter, the temperatures are generally mild throughout the year. The park is known for its stunning views of the fall foliage, and is a popular destination for leaf peepers in the autumn.
In conclusion, both GSMNP and SNP offer unique and beautiful experiences, but the best time to visit each park is largely determined by the weather. While GSMNP is best visited in the fall, SNP is a great destination throughout the year, with mild temperatures and stunning views of the changing seasons.
Family Friendliness of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Shenandoah National Park are two popular destinations for families looking for outdoor adventure. Both parks offer scenic drives, hiking trails, and diverse wildlife, but which one is more family-friendly?
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known for its stunning views and abundant wildlife. With over 800 miles of trails, there is something for everyone, including easy hikes for younger children. The park also offers a variety of ranger-led programs, including Junior Ranger activities, which are designed to educate and engage children. Additionally, the park has multiple campgrounds, picnic areas, and even a small museum, making it a great destination for families looking to spend an extended period of time in the park.
On the other hand, Shenandoah National Park is a little less crowded and offers a more relaxed atmosphere. The park’s famous Skyline Drive is a must-see for families, as it offers breathtaking views of the Shenandoah Valley. The park also has over 500 miles of trails, including easy hikes for kids and stunning waterfalls. However, the park does not have as many ranger-led programs or educational opportunities as Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
In conclusion, both parks are family-friendly and offer unique experiences, but Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a better choice if you’re traveling with children. Its abundance of ranger-led programs, educational opportunities, and diverse wildlife make it a great destination for families looking to explore the great outdoors.