Great Smoky Mountains National Park vs Yellowstone National Park

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park vs Yellowstone National Park

Two of the most popular national parks in the United States are the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Yellowstone National Park. Both parks offer breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and endless outdoor recreational opportunities. However, despite their similarities, these two parks have many distinct differences.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located in Tennessee and North Carolina, is known for its lush forests and rolling hills. Visitors can explore the park on foot, by bike, or by car, and enjoy scenic drives, hiking trails, and ranger-led programs. With over 2,100 miles of streams and rivers, the park is also a popular destination for fishing and kayaking.

Yellowstone National Park, located primarily in Wyoming, is famous for its geothermal wonders and abundant wildlife. Visitors can observe geysers, hot springs, and mud pots, and catch a glimpse of bison, elk, and grizzly bears in their natural habitats. The park also offers opportunities for camping, hiking, and fishing, and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

In this article, we will compare and contrast these two amazing national parks so that you can decide which is the best destination for your next outdoor adventure.

Hiking Trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Yellowstone National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers over 800 miles of hiking trails, ranging from short nature walks to challenging backcountry treks. Some of the easier hikes include the Laurel Falls Trail and the Grotto Falls Trail, both of which are popular due to their stunning waterfalls. On the other hand, the park also offers some of the most challenging hikes in the East, such as the strenuous climb to the summit of Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the park.

Yellowstone National Park, on the other hand, is home to over 1,000 miles of hiking trails, ranging from leisurely boardwalk walks to strenuous backcountry adventures. One of the most popular and easiest hikes is the Uncle Tom’s Trail, a short but steep descent to the bottom of the Upper Falls of the Yellowstone River. For more experienced hikers, the park offers a number of challenging day-hikes, such as the 11-mile round-trip hike to the summit of Mount Washburn. Additionally, Yellowstone is also home to several multi-day backpacking trips, including the challenging and rewarding Bechler River Trail.

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 Yellowstone National Park

Name Length Elevation Type Difficulty Visitor Ratings
Mystic Falls, Fairy Creek and Little Firehole Loop 5632.69 184.7088 Moderate loop 4.5
Grand Prismatic Hot Spring 2574.944 60.96 Easy out and back 4.5
Upper Geyser Basin and Old Faithful Observation Point Loop 7242.03 73.7616 Easy loop 4.5
Canyon Rim North Trail to Inspiration Point 12713.786 349.9104 Moderate out and back 4
West Thumb Geyser Basin Trail 1609.34 17.9832 Easy loop 4
Mammoth Hot Springs Area Trail 5632.69 170.9928 Easy loop 4
Artists Paintpots Trail 1609.34 30.7848 Easy loop 4.5
Avalanche Peak Trail 7402.964 614.7816 Hard out and back 5
Old Faithful Geyser Loop Trail 1126.538 4.8768 Easy loop 4.5
Upper Falls, Lower Falls and Crystal Falls Trail 6115.492 140.8176 Moderate out and back 4.5

Wildlife in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Yellowstone National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Yellowstone National Park both offer breathtaking wildlife experiences. In Great Smoky Mountains, visitors can expect to see a diverse array of wildlife, including black bears, white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and elk. The park is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 200 species of birds recorded in the area, including the colorful Baltimore oriole and the majestic bald eagle. The park’s lush forests, rolling hills, and streams provide the perfect habitat for a variety of plant species, including the iconic dogwood and rhododendron.

Yellowstone National Park is famous for its large herds of bison and elk, as well as its thriving population of wolves and grizzly bears. The park also provides critical habitat for numerous bird species, including the trumpeter swan and the osprey. In addition to its abundant wildlife, Yellowstone is home to a variety of unique plant species, such as the historic lodgepole pine and the colorful wildflowers that cover the park’s meadows each summer.

Both parks offer visitors the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife in their natural habitats, making them must-visit destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re a birdwatcher, a wildlife photographer, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of nature, both Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Yellowstone National Park are sure to leave you in awe.

Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Yellowstone National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.

Birds

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Yellowstone 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 Yellowstone 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 Mule Deer
Gray Wolf Wolf
Snowshoe Hare Long-Legged Myotis
River Otter Long-Eared Myotis
Masked Shrew Badger
Water Shrew Short Tailed Weasel
Red Squirrel California Myotis

Fish

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Yellowstone National Park
Rainbow Trout Rainbow Trout
Brook Trout Brook Trout
Brown Trout Brown Trout
Largemouth Bass Longnose Sucker
Green Sunfish Lake Trout
Bluegill Mottled Sculpin
Common Carp Longnose Dace
Longnose Dace Speckled Dace
Yellow Bullhead Arctic Grayling
Channel Catfish
Black Crappie
Black Bullhead
Mosquitofish
Creek Chub
Goldfish
Smallmouth Bass

Amphibians

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Yellowstone National Park
Northern Leopard Frog Northern Leopard Frog
American Bullfrog Bullfrog
Wood Frog Woodhouse’s Toad
Plains Spadefoot

Insects

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Yellowstone National Park
Orange Sulphur Orange Sulphur
Painted Lady Painted Lady
Monarch Monarch
American Painted Lady American Painted Lady
Red Admiral Red Admiral
Mourning Cloak Mourning Cloak
Cabbage White Silvery Blue
Silvery Blue Common Checkered Skipper
Common Checkered Skipper Common Sulphur
Common Sulphur Variegated Fritillary
Honey Bee Commom Wood Nymph
Variegated Fritillary Purplish Copper
Buckeye Anise Swallowtail
Commom Wood Nymph
Gray Hairstreak

Reptiles

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Yellowstone National Park
Racer
Greater Short-Horned Lizard
Rubber Boa

Beautiful Landscapes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Yellowstone National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Yellowstone National Park are two of the most popular and iconic national parks in the United States. Both parks offer breathtaking landscapes and unique natural wonders that draw visitors from all over the world.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known for its rolling hills and lush forests, dotted with streams and waterfalls. The park encompasses over 800 square miles of protected land and is home to an incredible variety of plant and animal species. The most famous landscape in the park is the Newfound Gap, which offers breathtaking views of the rolling hills and surrounding mountains. Another popular spot is the Clingman’s Dome, the highest point in the park which offers panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Yellowstone National Park is famous for its geothermal features, including geysers, hot springs, and mudpots. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bison, elk, and grizzly bears. One of the most famous landscapes in the park is the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, which offers stunning views of the Yellowstone River and its surrounding cliffs. Another iconic feature of the park is the Old Faithful geyser, which erupts regularly and draws crowds of visitors.

Things To-Do and Activities in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Yellowstone National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Yellowstone National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States, attracting millions of visitors each year. Both parks offer a range of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy, from hiking and camping to wildlife watching and scenic drives.

In Great Smoky Mountains National Park, visitors can explore over 800 miles of hiking trails, including some of the most popular hikes in the park such as the Alum Cave Trail and the Chimney Tops Trail. The park is also home to over 1,500 species of wildflowers, making it a popular destination for nature lovers. In addition, visitors can take scenic drives through the park, such as the Newfound Gap Road, which offers stunning views of the park’s mountain ranges.

In Yellowstone National Park, visitors can explore geysers and hot springs, such as the famous Old Faithful geyser, which erupts every 90 minutes. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including wolves, bison, and bears, making it a popular destination for wildlife watching. In addition, visitors can take scenic drives through the park, such as the Grand Loop Road, which offers stunning views of the park’s geysers, hot springs, and other geothermal features.

Overall, both parks offer a range of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy, from hiking and wildlife watching to scenic drives. Whether you’re a nature lover, a hiker, or a wildlife enthusiast, there’s something for everyone at Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Yellowstone National Park.

Best Time to Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Yellowstone National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Yellowstone National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States, attracting millions of visitors each year. Both parks offer stunning natural beauty and a multitude of outdoor recreational opportunities. However, the weather in these parks can vary greatly and has a significant impact on when is the best time to visit.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park experiences a temperate climate, with warm summers and cooler winters. The park is located in the Appalachian Mountains and is known for its high humidity and frequent precipitation, especially in the form of rain and fog. Summer temperatures can reach the low 80s, while winter temperatures can drop into the 30s. The park is best visited in the spring and fall, when the weather is mild and the foliage is in full bloom.

On the other hand, Yellowstone National Park is located in the northern Rockies and has a more severe climate. The park is known for its harsh winters, with heavy snow and sub-zero temperatures. Summer temperatures can reach into the 80s, but the park is also known for sudden changes in weather and thunderstorms. Visitors to Yellowstone should plan their trips for the summer months, when the weather is the most favorable and the park’s roads are open.

In conclusion, both Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Yellowstone National Park offer unique weather patterns that greatly impact the best time to visit. The temperate climate of the Great Smoky Mountains makes it ideal for visits in the spring and fall, while the harsh winters of Yellowstone make the summer months the best time to visit.

Family Friendliness of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Yellowstone National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Yellowstone National Park are two iconic national parks that offer different experiences for families. Both parks are great for families, but each offers different activities and attractions that cater to families with children.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located in Tennessee and North Carolina, is known for its diverse wildlife, scenic drives, and easy-to-moderate trails. The park also offers several educational programs for kids, including ranger-led activities, junior ranger programs, and the Smokies Adventure program.

Yellowstone National Park, located in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, provides a unique experience for families with its geothermal features, wildlife, and scenic beauty. Children will love exploring the park’s geysers, hot springs, and mudpots. Additionally, the park offers several educational programs, including ranger-led walks, junior ranger programs, and the Yellowstone Forever Institute.

Ultimately, the best park to visit with children depends on the family’s interests and preferences. If your family enjoys hiking and exploring diverse wildlife, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a great option. If your family is interested in geothermal features and geology, Yellowstone National Park is the way to go. Both parks offer a family-friendly atmosphere, so whichever park you choose, you’re guaranteed to have a great time.

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