Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Zion National Park are two of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the United States, each offering a unique and unforgettable experience. Both parks are located in different parts of the country, with Great Smoky Mountains in the southeastern United States and Zion in the southwestern United States. While both parks are popular tourist destinations, they offer vastly different landscapes, outdoor activities, and stunning vistas.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a nature lover, or just looking for a scenic getaway, these two parks have something to offer everyone. The Great Smoky Mountains are known for their lush, rolling hills and stunning fall foliage, while Zion is famous for its towering red cliffs and awe-inspiring canyons. Both parks offer unique opportunities to explore the great outdoors, from scenic drives and scenic hikes to camping and wildlife viewing.
So, which park is right for you? In this article, we’ll compare Great Smoky Mountains National Park vs. Zion National Park, delving into what makes each park special and what you can expect from your visit. Get ready to pack your bags and hit the road, because you’re in for a treat!
Hiking Trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Zion National Park
Zion National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer a range of hiking trails for visitors, from easy walks to strenuous backcountry adventures.
One of the most popular trails at Zion National Park is the Angels Landing hike. This challenging 5.4-mile hike takes visitors to a stunning viewpoint overlooking the park. The trail is strenuous and includes steep drop-offs, but the stunning views at the top make it a must-do for experienced hikers. On the other hand, the Riverside Walk is a gentle 2.2-mile trail along the Virgin River that offers a relaxing and easy hike.
At Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Alum Cave Trail is a popular moderate hike that takes visitors to a unique rock formation. The 5.5-mile trail is steep in places, but offers stunning views of the park. For a more strenuous hike, the Charlie’s Bunion trail is a challenging 8.5-mile hike that takes visitors to a stunning viewpoint.
Both parks offer a range of hiking trails for visitors of all skill levels, from easy walks to strenuous backcountry adventures. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing stroll or a challenging hike, there’s something for everyone at Zion and Great Smoky Mountains National Parks.
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 Zion National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angels Landing Trail | 6598.294 | 492.8616 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| The Zion Narrows Riverside Walk | 2896.812 | 62.7888 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Zion Canyon Overlook Trail | 1609.34 | 64.9224 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| The Watchman Trail | 4988.954 | 196.9008 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| The Subway Trail | 11265.38 | 397.764 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Weeping Rock Trail | 482.802 | 23.7744 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Zion Narrows Trail to Imlay Temple and Big Spring | 13840.324 | 1268.8824 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Lower Emerald Pool Trail | 2092.142 | 34.7472 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Emerald Pools Trail | 4667.086 | 184.7088 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Hidden Canyon Trail | 4828.02 | 283.7688 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Zion National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Zion National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States, each offering unique experiences for visitors. When it comes to wildlife, both parks are home to a diverse array of species.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is well known for its rich diversity of plant and animal life, with over 65 species of mammals and over 200 species of birds. Some of the most commonly seen animals in the park include black bears, elk, white-tailed deer, and wild turkeys. The park is also home to a variety of reptiles and amphibians, including the unique salamander species found in the park’s streams and rivers.
Zion National Park is also home to a wealth of wildlife, including over 289 species of birds and 59 species of mammals. Some of the most commonly seen animals in the park include mule deer, bighorn sheep, and rock squirrels. The park is also home to a variety of reptiles, including the Gila monster, which is one of the only venomous lizards in the United States. Additionally, the park is known for its stunning wildflowers and diverse plant life, including the iconic Joshua tree.
In conclusion, both Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Zion National Park are rich in wildlife, with each park offering unique experiences for visitors. Whether you’re interested in observing mammals, birds, reptiles, or plants, these two parks are sure to delight and inspire.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Zion National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Zion 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 | Zion 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 | Mule Deer |
| Gray Fox | Gray Fox |
| Gray Wolf | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Snowshoe Hare | Long-Eared Myotis |
| River Otter | American Badger |
| Masked Shrew | Ermine |
| Water Shrew | California Myotis |
| Red Squirrel | Fringed Myotis |
Fish
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Zion National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Brook Trout | Brook Trout |
| Brown Trout | Brown Trout |
| Largemouth Bass | Speckled Dace |
| Green Sunfish | Channel Catfish |
| Bluegill | Goldfish |
| Common Carp | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Yellow Bullhead | |
| Channel Catfish | |
| Black Crappie | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Mosquitofish | |
| Creek Chub | |
| Goldfish | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Amphibians
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Zion National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| American Bullfrog | Tiger Salamander |
| Wood Frog | Woodhouse’s Toad |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Insects
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Zion 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 | Zion National Park |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | |
| Ring-Necked Snake | |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | |
| Common Kingsnake | |
| Nightsnake | |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| Striped Whipsnake | |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | |
| Tree Lizard | |
| Western Whiptail | |
| Western Skink | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Beautiful Landscapes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Zion National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Zion National Park are two of the most popular parks in the United States, both attracting millions of visitors each year. The Great Smoky Mountains are known for their lush forests, misty mountaintops, and stunning waterfalls. The park is located in Tennessee and North Carolina and is the most visited national park in the U.S. Visitors can take scenic drives, hike through the many trails, or simply admire the breathtaking views from a park overlook.
Zion National Park, on the other hand, is located in Utah and is famous for its towering red rock cliffs and narrow canyons. Hiking is a popular activity, with many trails leading to stunning views of the park’s unique landscape. The park is also home to the popular Angels Landing hike, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding canyons. The Narrows hike, which takes visitors through a narrow slot canyon surrounded by towering walls, is another popular destination in the park.
Both parks offer a variety of landscapes, from towering peaks to rolling hills and deep canyons. Whether you’re in the mood for a scenic drive or a challenging hike, both Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Zion National Park offer some of the most beautiful and unique landscapes in the country.
Things To-Do and Activities in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Zion National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Zion National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States, attracting millions of visitors each year. Both parks offer a wide range of activities to enjoy, from scenic drives and hikes to camping and wildlife viewing. However, each park has its own unique offerings that set it apart from the other.
At Great Smoky Mountains National Park, visitors can enjoy scenic drives along the park’s numerous roads, including the popular Newfound Gap Road, which runs through the heart of the park and offers stunning views of its mountaintops. In addition to scenic drives, visitors can also enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including fishing, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. With over 1,500 species of plants and animals, the park is a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
At Zion National Park, visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including rock climbing, canyoneering, and hiking. With its towering sandstone cliffs, deep canyons, and lush river valleys, Zion offers a unique and breathtaking landscape that is unlike anywhere else in the world. In addition to its outdoor activities, the park also offers several ranger-led programs, including guided hikes and night walks, that allow visitors to explore the park’s many wonders and learn about its rich history and cultural heritage.
Overall, both Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Zion National Park offer a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re a nature lover, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply someone looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, these two parks offer something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Zion National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Zion National Park are two of the most visited national parks in the United States. Their seasonal weather varies greatly, which affects when is the best time of year to visit each park.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located in the Appalachian Mountains, which experience temperate weather with four distinct seasons. Spring and summer are warm and humid with temperatures ranging from 60°F to 80°F, making them ideal for hiking and outdoor activities. Winter brings snow and cold temperatures, making it ideal for snow sports like skiing and snowboarding. Autumn is a popular time to visit because of the stunning fall foliage.
Zion National Park, located in Utah, has a more arid climate with hot summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures can reach up to 100°F, making it best to visit early in the morning or late in the evening. Winter temperatures average around 50°F, making it an ideal time for hiking and exploring the park’s scenic routes. Spring and autumn are transitional seasons with temperatures ranging from 60°F to 80°F, making them ideal for outdoor activities.
In conclusion, both Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Zion National Park offer unique and beautiful experiences, and the best time to visit each park depends largely on the weather and individual preferences. Whether it’s hiking, sightseeing, or snow sports, each park has something to offer at different times of the year.
Family Friendliness of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Zion National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Zion National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States, and both are well-known for their stunning natural beauty and diverse landscapes. However, when it comes to family-friendliness, these parks offer very different experiences.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is often considered the more family-friendly of the two. With its accessible trails, multiple picnic areas, and kid-friendly activities, this park is a great choice for families with children. The park also offers educational programs and ranger-led activities that are designed to engage and inspire young visitors.
Zion National Park, on the other hand, is known for its more challenging terrain and strenuous hikes. While the park certainly offers breathtaking views and opportunities for adventure, it may not be the best choice for families with younger children or those who are looking for a more leisurely experience. However, families with older children who are interested in hiking and exploring the great outdoors will find plenty to do and see in Zion National Park.
Ultimately, the choice between Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Zion National Park comes down to personal preference and the ages and abilities of your children. If you’re looking for a more relaxed and educational experience, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the way to go. But if you’re seeking adventure and a chance to challenge yourself, Zion National Park is a great choice.