Park Comparison
Gates Of The Arctic & Preserve vs Great Smoky Mountains
Two iconic parks, different strengths. Here's how they stack up.
Updated
The Quick Take
Gates Of The Arctic & Preserve
Six million acres where caribou migrations follow ancient routes and the Brooks Range rises through valleys most will never reach.
Great Smoky Mountains
America's most-visited park offers 850 miles of trails, historic farmsteads in Cades Cove, and the continent's salamander capital.
At a Glance
The Crowd Picture
Gates Of The Arctic & Preserve sees less than half the visitors Great Smoky Mountains gets, which translates to a noticeably different crowd experience on trails and at viewpoints.
Gates Of The Arctic & Preserve
Gates Of The Arctic & Preserve welcomes 11,907 visitors annually across 20,685 square miles — about 1 visitors per square mile. Congestion is low, peaking in July. With only 1 comfortable months, visitors concentrate into a short window.
Great Smoky Mountains
Great Smoky Mountains welcomes 12.2M visitors annually across 816.3 square miles — about 14,935 visitors per square mile. Congestion is intense, peaking in October.
Gates Of The Arctic & Preserve is dramatically less congested than Great Smoky Mountains — you'll feel the difference on every trail.
When to Go
Click any month to see how conditions compare side-by-side.
Trails & Activities
Great Smoky Mountains National Park has more trail mileage for exploration.
Gates Of The Arctic & Preserve Top Activities
- hiking 10/10
- backpacking 10/10
- photography 10/10
- kayaking canoeing 9/10
- stargazing 9/10
Great Smoky Mountains Top Activities
- wildlife viewing 10/10
- hiking 9/10
- scenic driving 9/10
- bird watching 8/10
- ranger programs 8/10
Camping
Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers significantly more camping options.
The Bottom Line
Choose Gates Of The Arctic & Preserve if you...
- Want to experience Brooks Range
- Are looking for world-class backpacking
- Are an adventure seeker looking for thrills
- Want fewer crowds and more solitude
Choose Great Smoky Mountains if you...
- Want to experience Clingmans Dome
- Are looking for world-class wildlife viewing
- Are traveling on a budget
- Want more trail options (850 miles vs 0)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Gates Of The Arctic & Preserve or Great Smoky Mountains?
It depends on what you're looking for. Gates Of The Arctic & Preserve is known for Brooks Range, while Great Smoky Mountains is known for Clingmans Dome. Gates Of The Arctic & Preserve is less crowded, making it the better pick if solitude matters to you.
Is Gates Of The Arctic & Preserve or Great Smoky Mountains more crowded?
Gates Of The Arctic & Preserve has a congestion index of 1/10 and receives 11,907 visitors per year. Great Smoky Mountains scores 7.1/10 with 12.2M annual visitors. Gates Of The Arctic & Preserve is the quieter option.
When is the best time to visit Gates Of The Arctic & Preserve vs Great Smoky Mountains?
The best month to visit Gates Of The Arctic & Preserve is July, while Great Smoky Mountains is best visited in April. The different peak seasons mean you could visit one in spring and the other in fall.