The Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Voyageurs National Park are two of the most stunning natural wonders in the United States. Both are breathtakingly beautiful and have unique features that set them apart from each other. Whether you’re a nature lover or an adventurer, these two parks have something for everyone.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most visited parks in the country, known for its rolling hills, misty mountains, and incredible wildlife. This park is a must-see for anyone who loves nature and wants to experience the magic of the great outdoors. With its lush forests, crystal-clear streams, and breathtaking waterfalls, the Great Smoky Mountains are a true paradise on earth.
On the other hand, Voyageurs National Park is a true hidden gem, located in northern Minnesota. This park is known for its beautiful lakes, stunning sunsets, and abundant wildlife. It’s a great place to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy some peace and quiet in nature. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful hike, a quiet canoe trip, or a relaxing fishing trip, Voyageurs National Park has something for you.
So, whether you’re a seasoned traveler looking for an adventure or a nature lover seeking tranquility, both the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Voyageurs National Park have a lot to offer. To learn more about these amazing parks and what each has to offer, read on!
Hiking Trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Voyageurs National Park offer stunning hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known for its diverse range of trails, from easy walks to strenuous backcountry hikes. One of the most popular trails is the Smoky Mountain Creek Trail, which is a 2.5-mile round trip hike that leads to a serene creek and waterfall. On the other hand, the Alum Cave Trail is a strenuous hike that is 5 miles round trip and takes you up to Alum Cave Bluffs, offering panoramic views of the park.
Voyageurs National Park is located in northern Minnesota and features a unique landscape of interconnected lakes and forests. The park’s trails offer opportunities for both day hikes and overnight backpacking trips. The Kabetogama Peninsula Trail is a 7-mile round trip hike that takes you through the park’s beautiful forests and wetlands, while the Rainy Lake Vista Trail is a 2-mile round trip hike that offers breathtaking views of Rainy Lake. However, the most challenging hike in the park is the Border Route Trail, which is a 65-mile backpacking trail that takes you through the park’s rugged and remote wilderness.
Overall, both parks offer a wide range of hiking options for all skill levels, from easy walks to challenging backcountry adventures. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a first-timer, these parks have something to offer 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 Voyageurs National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blind Ash Bay Trail | 5793.624 | 117.9576 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Kabetogama Lake Overlook Trail | 643.736 | 17.9832 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Cruiser Lake to Brown Lake and Anderson Bay | 14001.258 | 224.9424 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Beaver Pond Overlook Trail | 482.802 | 1.8288 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Kab-Ash Trail | 24461.968 | 406.908 | Easy | out and back | 3 |
| Sullivan Bay Trail | 2092.142 | 27.7368 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Black Bay Beaver Pond Trail | 1931.208 | 22.86 | Easy | out and back | 5 |
Wildlife in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Voyageurs National Park are two of America’s most beautiful parks and both offer unique wildlife experiences. In the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, visitors can expect to see a wide variety of mammals, including black bears, deer, coyotes, and elk. The park is also home to over 200 species of birds, including the iconic bald eagle and pileated woodpecker. In addition to wildlife, the park is known for its diverse plant life, with over 130 species of trees and over 1,500 species of flowering plants.
Voyageurs National Park, on the other hand, is known for its diverse water-based wildlife, including beavers, otters, and loons. The park is also a popular destination for bird watchers, with over 270 species of birds that have been observed in the park, including the common loon, the bald eagle, and the northern goshawk. In addition to its wildlife, Voyageurs National Park is also home to a rich variety of plant life, including large stands of red and white pines, as well as birch, maple, and ash trees.
Whether you’re looking for a diverse array of wildlife or an opportunity to see some of America’s most beautiful landscapes, both Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Voyageurs National Park offer unique and unforgettable experiences for visitors of all ages.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Voyageurs National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Voyageurs 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 | Voyageurs 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 | House Mouse |
| Panther (Mountain Lion) | Mountain Lion |
| Mink | Mink |
| Gray Fox | Common Gray Fox |
| Gray Wolf | Plains Wolf |
| Snowshoe Hare | American Badger |
| River Otter | Ermine |
| Masked Shrew | Snowshoe Hare |
| Water Shrew | River Otter |
| Red Squirrel | Masked Shrew |
Fish
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Voyageurs National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Largemouth Bass |
| Brook Trout | Longnose Sucker |
| Brown Trout | Green Sunfish |
| Largemouth Bass | Bluegill |
| Green Sunfish | Fathead Minnow |
| Bluegill | Golden Shiner |
| Common Carp | Lake Trout |
| Longnose Dace | Northern Pike |
| Yellow Bullhead | Ellpout |
| Channel Catfish | Mottled Sculpin |
| Black Crappie | Slimy Sculpin |
| Black Bullhead | Longnose Dace |
| Mosquitofish | Black Crappie |
| Creek Chub | Black Bullhead |
| Goldfish | Creek Chub |
| Smallmouth Bass | Brown Bullhead |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Amphibians
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Voyageurs National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| American Bullfrog | Wood Frog |
| Wood Frog |
Insects
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Voyageurs 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 |
Beautiful Landscapes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located in Tennessee and North Carolina, and is the most visited national park in the United States. The park is known for its stunning mountain ranges and breathtaking views from overlooks such as Clingmans Dome, which is the highest point in the park. Some of the most famous landscapes in the park include the rolling hills, verdant forests, and cascading waterfalls such as Laurel Falls and Grotto Falls.
Voyageurs National Park, located in northern Minnesota, is known for its interconnected network of waterways, including the Kabetogama Peninsula and Namakan Lake. Visitors can explore the park by boat, and enjoy scenic views of the water and surrounding landscapes. In addition to its beautiful waterways, the park is also home to tall, rocky cliffs and abundant wildlife such as moose, wolves, and bald eagles. One of the most famous landscapes in the park is the Kabetogama Peninsula, which provides stunning views of the surrounding wilderness.
Both Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Voyageurs National Park offer unique and breathtaking landscapes that are worth experiencing. Whether you’re looking for rolling hills, cascading waterfalls, or stunning waterways, both parks have something to offer for nature lovers of all ages.
Things To-Do and Activities in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Voyageurs National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both offer unique experiences and a variety of outdoor activities for visitors.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known for its scenic drives, wildlife viewing, and fishing opportunities. Visitors can drive through the park on the scenic Newfound Gap Road and take in the stunning views of the Smoky Mountains. Wildlife such as black bears, deer, and turkeys are common sights in the park, and fishing is a popular activity in the park’s streams and rivers.
Voyageurs National Park, on the other hand, is a water-based park that offers boating, fishing, and canoeing opportunities. The park is located in northern Minnesota and is known for its stunning beauty and pristine lakes. Visitors can explore the park by boat, fishing for walleye and northern pike, or by canoeing through the park’s waterways.
Both parks offer a variety of outdoor activities for visitors, but the experiences are quite different. Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers a mix of scenic drives, wildlife viewing, and fishing opportunities, while Voyageurs National Park offers a water-based experience with boating, fishing, and canoeing opportunities. Whether you’re looking for a scenic drive or a water-based adventure, both parks offer something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Voyageurs National Park offer visitors unique and diverse experiences. Both parks have distinct seasonal weather patterns that can impact the best time of year to visit.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located in the southeastern US, and its weather is characterized by hot summers and cold winters. Summer temperatures can reach into the 90s, making it a great time for hiking and outdoor activities. However, the forests in this park are dense, and the humidity can be high, making it a less attractive time for some visitors. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, and snow and ice can make some areas of the park difficult to access.
Voyageurs National Park, located in northern Minnesota, has a much different seasonal weather pattern. Summer temperatures are mild, with average temperatures in the 70s, making it a great time for boating and other water activities. Winter temperatures can drop well below zero, with heavy snow and ice making travel difficult. The park’s location near the Canadian border means that it can be subject to sudden and severe weather changes, so visitors should be prepared for anything. The winter months can be a great time to visit, however, for those who enjoy snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and other winter sports.
Both parks have different weather patterns that can impact the best time of year to visit, so it is important for visitors to consider the seasonal weather when planning a trip.
Family Friendliness of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Voyageurs National Park are both popular destinations for families. However, when it comes to which park is better for families, there are some key differences to consider.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known for its stunning views, scenic drives, and numerous hiking trails that are suitable for families. There are also several campgrounds within the park, making it an ideal destination for families who enjoy camping. In addition, there are several visitor centers and museums within the park which provide educational opportunities for families.
Voyageurs National Park, on the other hand, is a water-based park that offers a unique experience for families. There are numerous opportunities for boating, fishing, and canoeing, making it a great destination for families who enjoy water activities. In addition, there are several campgrounds and lodges within the park, allowing families to fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the park.
Ultimately, the decision of which park is better for families will depend on the individual family’s interests and preferences. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a great choice for families who enjoy hiking and scenic drives, while Voyageurs National Park is ideal for families who enjoy water activities. Both parks offer a wealth of opportunities for families to connect with nature and create lasting memories.