The Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Yosemite National Park are two of the most beloved National Parks in the United States. Both boast breathtaking landscapes, picturesque views, and abundant wildlife. But which is the better destination for nature enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, and families seeking a getaway? In this article, we will compare Great Smoky Mountains National Park vs Yosemite National Park and highlight the key differences and similarities between these two iconic destinations.
From the rolling hills of the Great Smoky Mountains to the towering cliffs of Yosemite, each national park has its own unique character and charm. Whether you’re looking for scenic hiking trails, picturesque waterfalls, or breathtaking vistas, both parks have something to offer. But, there are also key differences between the two that will help you decide which park is the best fit for your next trip.
So, buckle up, grab your hiking boots, and get ready to explore the best of Great Smoky Mountains National Park vs Yosemite National Park. We’ll take you on a journey through the rolling hills, towering cliffs, and breathtaking vistas of these two iconic destinations, and help you decide which is the best fit for your next adventure.
Hiking Trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Yosemite National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Yosemite National Park both offer breathtaking hiking trails, but they cater to different skill levels.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park has over 800 miles of trails, including the popular Alum Cave Trail, which is a strenuous 5-mile hike to the top of Mount Le Conte. The park also offers easier hikes, such as the Laurel Falls Trail, which is a 2.6-mile round trip hike to a beautiful 80-foot waterfall.
Yosemite National Park is known for its challenging hikes, such as Half Dome, a strenuous 16-mile round trip hike that requires cables for the last 400 feet to the summit. The park also offers easier hikes, such as the Mirror Lake Trail, which is a 2-mile round trip hike that takes you around a scenic lake.
In conclusion, both Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Yosemite National Park offer a range of hiking trails for different skill levels, from easy walks to strenuous hikes. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just starting out, 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 Yosemite National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vernal and Nevada Falls via the Mist Trail | 10299.776 | 667.8168 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
| Upper Yosemite Falls Trail | 11587.248 | 967.74 | Very Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Half Dome Trail | 23818.232 | 1573.9872 | Very Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Lower Yosemite Falls Trail | 1609.34 | 15.8496 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Clouds Rest Trail via Tenaya Lake | 19794.882 | 948.8424 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Four Mile Trail | 12070.05 | 998.8296 | Very Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Sentinel Dome Trail | 3379.614 | 138.9888 | Easy | out and back | 5 |
| Glacier Point Trail | 965.604 | 71.9328 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Vernal Falls | 5954.558 | 406.908 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Mirror Lake via Valley Loop Trail | 9012.304 | 101.8032 | Easy | loop | 4 |
Wildlife in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Yosemite National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Yosemite National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both offer stunning natural beauty and a wide variety of wildlife, but each park has its own unique offerings.
At Great Smoky Mountains National Park, visitors can expect to see a diverse array of wildlife, including black bears, white-tailed deer, raccoons, and a variety of bird species, such as the woodpecker and the owl. The park is also home to a diverse array of plant life, including wildflowers, ferns, and deciduous trees like the oak and maple.
At Yosemite National Park, visitors can expect to see a variety of mammals, including black bears, coyotes, and deer. The park is also home to a diverse bird population, including the iconic bald eagle and the peregrine falcon. Yosemite is also known for its stunning wildflower displays, particularly in the spring and summer months.
Both parks offer visitors the chance to see wildlife in its natural habitat, but the specific species and ecosystems that can be experienced will vary depending on which park you visit. Whether you are a nature lover, a bird watcher, or just looking for a unique outdoor experience, both Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Yosemite National Park are definitely worth a visit.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Yosemite National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Yosemite 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 | Yosemite National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| 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 | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Red Fox | House Mouse |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Mountain Lion |
| House Mouse | Mule Deer |
| Panther (Mountain Lion) | Gray Fox |
| Mink | Wolf |
| Gray Fox | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Gray Wolf | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Snowshoe Hare | Badger |
| River Otter | Ermine |
| Masked Shrew | California Myotis |
| Water Shrew | River Otter |
| Red Squirrel | Fringed Myotis |
Fish
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Yosemite National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Brook Trout | Brook Trout |
| Brown Trout | Brown Trout |
| Largemouth Bass | Smallmouth Bass |
| Green Sunfish | |
| Bluegill | |
| Common Carp | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Yellow Bullhead | |
| Channel Catfish | |
| Black Crappie | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Mosquitofish | |
| Creek Chub | |
| Goldfish | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Amphibians
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Yosemite National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | |
| American Bullfrog | |
| Wood Frog |
Insects
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Yosemite 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 |
Reptiles
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Yosemite National Park |
|---|---|
| Ring-Necked Snake | |
| Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Northern Rubber Boa | |
| Western Skink | |
| Western Fence Lizard |
Beautiful Landscapes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Yosemite National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park:
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located between Tennessee and North Carolina and is a popular destination for tourists. The park is known for its breathtaking views of the Smoky Mountains and its diverse ecosystem, which is home to a variety of wildlife and vegetation. Some of the park’s most famous landscapes include: Clingmans Dome, which is the highest point in the park and offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains; Cades Cove, a beautiful valley surrounded by mountains; and the colorful wildflowers that bloom in the spring.
Yosemite National Park:
Yosemite National Park is located in California and is known for its stunning landscapes and iconic rock formations. Some of the most famous landscapes in Yosemite include: El Capitan, a massive granite monolith that is one of the world’s most popular rock climbing destinations; Half Dome, a granite dome that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape; and Yosemite Falls, a series of cascading waterfalls that are among the tallest in the world. In addition to these natural wonders, Yosemite is also home to a variety of other landscapes, including meadows, forests, and alpine lakes.
Things To-Do and Activities in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Yosemite National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Yosemite National Park are two of the most popular parks in the United States. Both parks offer a wide range of activities for visitors, including hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. However, there are some key differences between the two parks that can make one a better choice for certain types of visitors.
In Great Smoky Mountains National Park, visitors can explore over 800 miles of trails and enjoy scenic drives through the mountains. The park is also home to a large number of waterfalls, including Laurel Falls and Ramsey Cascades. Wildlife viewing is also a popular activity in the park, with opportunities to see black bears, deer, and other animals in their natural habitats.
Yosemite National Park is known for its stunning rock formations, including Half Dome and El Capitan. Rock climbing is a popular activity in the park, and visitors can also enjoy scenic drives and take in the views from viewpoints like Glacier Point. Hiking is also a popular activity in Yosemite, with trails ranging from easy to challenging. Yosemite is also home to several waterfalls, including Yosemite Falls and Bridalveil Falls.
Both parks offer a range of camping options, from backcountry camping to car camping. Great Smoky Mountains National Park has 10 front-country campgrounds, while Yosemite has 13. Both parks also offer ranger-led activities and educational programs for visitors.
In conclusion, both Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Yosemite National Park offer a wide variety of activities for visitors. Whether you are interested in hiking, wildlife viewing, rock climbing, or simply taking in the breathtaking scenery, both parks are sure to offer an experience you will never forget.
Best Time to Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Yosemite National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Yosemite National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. They both offer stunning natural beauty and a variety of outdoor activities, but the weather in these two parks is quite different.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located in the southern Appalachian Mountains, which experience a humid subtropical climate. This means that summers are hot and humid, with average temperatures ranging from 75°F to 85°F, while winters are mild with occasional snow. The best time to visit the park is during the spring, when the wildflowers are in bloom, or autumn, when the fall foliage is at its peak.
Yosemite National Park, on the other hand, has a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Average temperatures in the summer range from 60°F to 80°F, while winters can get quite cold, with average temperatures ranging from 30°F to 50°F. Snow is common in the higher elevations during the winter months. The best time to visit Yosemite is during the spring or fall, when temperatures are moderate and the crowds are smaller.
In conclusion, both parks offer unique weather patterns that affect when is the best time to visit. Whether you’re looking to enjoy the wildflowers in the spring or the fall foliage in the autumn, both Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Yosemite National Park are great destinations for nature lovers.
Family Friendliness of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Yosemite National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Yosemite National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. They both offer stunning natural beauty, diverse ecosystems, and a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities. However, when it comes to traveling with children, the two parks have some differences.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is generally considered to be more family-friendly than Yosemite National Park. This is because it has a number of kid-friendly attractions and facilities, such as picnic areas, playgrounds, and a variety of ranger-led programs that are designed to help kids learn about the park and its ecosystem. Additionally, the park is also home to a number of easy-to-moderate hiking trails, making it a great place for families to explore and enjoy the great outdoors.
On the other hand, Yosemite National Park is known for its more strenuous and challenging hikes, making it a better choice for older children and more experienced hikers. However, it does offer some kid-friendly activities, such as ranger-led nature walks, junior ranger programs, and a number of scenic drives and picnic areas.
In conclusion, both parks are great places to visit with children and offer unique experiences, but Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the more family-friendly of the two. If you’re traveling with young children, this park is the better choice, as it has more kid-friendly activities and facilities, as well as a variety of easy-to-moderate hikes that are suitable for the whole family.