The Great Smoky Mountains National Park and White Sands National Park are two of America’s most popular outdoor destinations. Both parks offer unique and breathtaking landscapes, but they couldn’t be more different from each other. The Great Smoky Mountains are a dense forest filled with rolling hills, while White Sands is a vast desert with towering sand dunes. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at these two parks and compare their offerings. We’ll dive into their history, top attractions, and what makes each park worth a visit. Whether you’re a nature lover or an outdoor enthusiast, this article is for you. So come along with us as we take a journey to two of America’s most incredible parks.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a world-renowned destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The park is home to over 800 miles of hiking trails, including the famous Appalachian Trail. The Smokies are also home to an incredible variety of wildlife, from black bears and white-tailed deer to salamanders and wild turkeys. The park’s rich history and stunning views make it a must-visit location for anyone looking to experience the beauty of the Great Outdoors.
On the other hand, White Sands National Park is a unique and otherworldly experience. The park’s breathtaking white sand dunes are a sight to behold, and visitors can enjoy hiking, picnicking, and even sledding down the dunes. The park’s unique ecosystem supports a variety of wildlife, including the threatened sand gopher and the endangered intermountain west melodious ground warbler. With its stunning beauty and unique offerings, White Sands is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for an unforgettable outdoor adventure.
Hiking Trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and White Sands National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a popular destination for hikers, with over 800 miles of trails ranging from easy to strenuous. Some of the easiest hikes include the Clingmans Dome observation tower and the Gatlinburg Trail. On the other hand, the park’s most challenging hikes include the strenuous hike to Charlies Bunion and the 20-mile round-trip hike to Mount LeConte.
White Sands National Park, on the other hand, offers a unique hiking experience with its white sand dunes and desert landscapes. The park’s easiest hike is the Interdune Boardwalk, a 0.5-mile loop that offers stunning views of the dunes. The park’s most challenging hike is the Alkali Flat Trail, a 3.6-mile round-trip hike that takes you to the heart of the dune field.
While Great Smoky Mountains National Park has a wider range of hiking trails, White Sands National Park offers a unique and otherworldly hiking experience. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely walk or a strenuous hike, both parks have something to offer.
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 White Sands 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 | 6 |
Wildlife in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and White Sands National Park
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including black bears, elk, white-tailed deer, and coyotes. Visitors may also spot a variety of birds such as the pileated woodpecker, the red-tailed hawk, and the scarlet tanager. The park is also known for its diverse plant life, including over 130 species of native trees, such as the tulip poplar, the Fraser fir, and the red maple.
In contrast, White Sands National Park is located in the Chihuahuan Desert and is known for its striking white sand dunes, which are made up of gypsum crystals. Despite the harsh desert climate, the park is home to a variety of wildlife, including kit foxes, pronghorns, and the threatened lesser long-nosed bat. Visitors may also spot a variety of birds such as the black-tailed gnatcatcher and the cactus wren. The park is also home to several species of cacti and other desert-adapted plants.
Both parks offer unique wildlife viewing opportunities, but the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known for its diverse range of species, while White Sands National Park is known for its rare and specialized desert-adapted plants and animals. Regardless of which park you choose, you are sure to be amazed by the beauty and diversity of the wildlife that calls these parks home.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Great Smoky Mountains National Park and White Sands National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | White Sands 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 | White Sands 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 | White Sands 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 | White Sands National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| American Bullfrog | Wood Frog |
| Wood Frog |
Insects
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | White Sands 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 White Sands National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and White Sands National Park are two unique destinations that showcase the natural beauty of the United States. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known for its rolling blue hills, breathtaking mountain ranges, and historic structures. One of the most famous landmarks in the park is the Great Smoky Mountain Range, which is the highest mountain range in the eastern United States. Visitors can take scenic drives to see breathtaking panoramic views from overlooks or hike to waterfalls like Grotto Falls.
White Sands National Park, on the other hand, is famous for its white sand dunes that stretch as far as the eye can see. The park is located in the Tularosa Basin of New Mexico and is home to the world’s largest gypsum dune field. Visitors can take a walk through the dunes, go sand sledding, or even have a picnic in the park’s picnic area. The park also offers stunning sunsets that reflect off the sand, making for a truly unique and breathtaking experience.
Overall, both Great Smoky Mountains National Park and White Sands National Park offer beautiful landscapes and unique natural features that visitors can enjoy. Whether you’re looking for scenic mountain ranges or pristine white sand dunes, these parks are sure to leave you in awe of the natural beauty of the United States.
Things To-Do and Activities in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and White Sands National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and White Sands National Park are two popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, each offering its own unique experiences. Great Smoky Mountains is known for its stunning mountain vistas, scenic drives and diverse wildlife, making it a popular destination for hiking, camping, and bird watching. White Sands, on the other hand, is famous for its otherworldly landscape of white sand dunes, making it a popular destination for sandboarding, hiking, and stargazing.
For families, Great Smoky Mountains is a great choice with its numerous picnic areas, campgrounds, and educational programs. In White Sands, visitors can take a guided tour to learn about the unique geology of the park, or take a leisurely stroll through the dunes and enjoy the serene beauty. For adventure seekers, both parks offer opportunities for backcountry camping and horseback riding.
In both parks, visitors can relax and enjoy the serenity of nature, choosing from a range of activities that suits their interests and level of physical activity. Whether you prefer a peaceful hike, an adrenaline-fueled adventure, or simply taking in the breathtaking scenery, both Great Smoky Mountains and White Sands have something to offer.
Best Time to Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park and White Sands National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and White Sands National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the US. Both parks offer unique experiences, but they differ greatly in terms of seasonal weather.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located in the Appalachian Mountains and experiences a humid subtropical climate. This park has four distinct seasons, with warm summers and cold winters. Summer temperatures average between 70-80°F, while winter temperatures average between 30-40°F. The best time to visit the park is from late spring to early autumn, when the weather is mild and the foliage is in full bloom.
On the other hand, White Sands National Park is located in the New Mexico desert and experiences a hot and arid climate. Summer temperatures can reach over 100°F, while winter temperatures average between 50-60°F. The best time to visit this park is during the winter months, when the temperatures are cooler and more comfortable for outdoor activities.
Both parks offer unique experiences and are best visited at different times of year. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is best visited in the spring and autumn, while White Sands National Park is best visited in the winter. Visitors should plan their trip accordingly and take into account the seasonal weather patterns to ensure they have the best possible experience.
Family Friendliness of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and White Sands National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and White Sands National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both are great for families, but each offers a different type of experience.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located in Tennessee and North Carolina, is a great choice for families who enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and camping. The park offers a variety of trails for all skill levels, from easy walks to more challenging hikes. There are also many picnic areas and campgrounds that are perfect for families.
White Sands National Park, on the other hand, is located in New Mexico and offers an entirely different experience. The park is known for its beautiful white sand dunes, which are perfect for sand sledding, hiking, and picnicking. The park also has a visitors center with educational exhibits and a gift shop. However, there are no campgrounds in the park, so families will need to find accommodations nearby.
In conclusion, both Great Smoky Mountains National Park and White Sands National Park are family-friendly. If you’re traveling with children and enjoy outdoor activities, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a great choice. If you’re looking for a unique experience, White Sands National Park is an excellent option.