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.
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.
More Comparisons
Keep exploring — here's how these parks stack up against others.