Last fall, I had the chance to visit the Rocky Mountain National Park, and I couldn’t help but compare it to my home, the Great Smoky Mountains. The two national parks share a lot in common. They’re mountainous, offer great hiking trails and are stunningly beautiful. But, we’re probably kidding ourselves here to think the two are interchangeable.
So what are the big differences between the two? And which one is better? I’ll start by addressing the elephant in the room. You’re reading this on TheSmokies.com, an entire website dedicated to the Great Smoky Mountains and surrounding tourist towns. Will this article be biased? Okay, maybe a little. Let’s break it down by a few categories and defining characteristics to determine which national park is better, the Rocky Mountains or the Smoky Mountains.
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Rocky Mountains vs Smoky Mountains: Which has better views?
Since this will be a difficult article to tackle, we’ll start with the most difficult question. Which national park offers better views? Of course, beauty is always in the eye of the beholder. This one, naturally, will depend on your preference. When I picture the Smoky Mountains, I think of lush, green trees, babbling streams, waterfalls and historic cabins. When I picture the Rocky Mountains, I picture … rocks. But there’s more than just rocks. The Rockies have lots of points of interest too, like caverns, lakes and incredible, 14,000-ft mountain tops. The mountains are so tall in the Rockies that you can get elevation sickness.
Still, I have to give a point to the Rockies here. Even though it pains me to do so because the Smokies have my heart. Maybe it’s because they offered something different, but the Rocky Mountains have perhaps some of the best views I’ve seen in my life. One reluctant point for the Rocky Mountains. Speaking of elevation …
Rocky Mountains vs Smoky Mountains: Elevation
The Rocky Mountains have more than 100 mountain tops that are above 10,000 feet. The highest of which is Mount Elbert, coming in at 14,433 feet. By comparison, the tallest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is at Clingmans Dome at 6,643 feet. Only sixteen mountain peaks exceed 6,000 feet in elevation in the Smokies. In short, the elevation heights in the Rockies are more than double that of the Smokies. Another point to the Rocky Mountains. See? I’m not that biased.
Rocky Mountains vs Smoky Mountains: Land size
What the Smokies lack in elevation, they make up for in pure landmass. This category is hardly even close. According to the National Park Service (NPS), the Smoky Mountains cover a whopping 522,427 acres, divided between two states, Tennessee and North Carolina with more than 850 miles of trails. By comparison, the Rockies are nearly half that size at about 265,807 acres and 355 miles of hiking trails. That’s right, one point for the home team, the Smoky Mountains.
Rocky Mountains vs Smoky Mountains: Humidity, air quality
Look y’all, I know that Tennessee gets humid. But Colorado is dry. You might be the kind of person who likes it dry over humid. I, however, felt like no amount of face lotion in the world would help me after my Colorado vacation. I think my face aged about 10 years during my 5-day trip between the elevation and the windburn. For the sake of this article, I found a few stats on air quality and humidity from the two areas, during the time of this writing:
- Humidity in the Smokies: 55%
- Air Quality Index (AQI) in the Smokies: 29 (Good)
- Humidity in the Rockies: 14%
- Air Quality Index (AQI) in the Rockies: 80 (Moderate)
And at the risk of sounding too obvious, the weather conditions can be much harsher in the Rockies. For example, what started as a nice, warm hike ended in a wintery snowstorm during our fall trip. It’s worth mentioning that your experience will vary widely based on when you decide to visit. But still, I’m giving another point to the Smokies on this one.
Rocky Mountains vs Smoky Mountains: Wildlife
A large part of the national park’s role is to protect its wildlife population. Both places are a good choice if you want to do some nature watching. The Rockies list 66 species of mammals that are native to the area, and the Smokies list 65. We could end this one on a near-tie, but that’s no fun. Let’s take a closer look. In the Rocky Mountains, species include (according to the NPS):
- Black bears (20-24)
- Bighorn sheep (350+)
- Coyotes (common)
- Elk (600-800)
- Deer (300-500)
- Moose (40-60)
- Mountain lions (rare)
By comparison, the Smoky Mountains have (according to the NPS):
- Black bears (1,500+)
- Elk (200)
- White-tailed deer (common)
- Wild turkeys (500)
- Salamanders
That’s right, salamanders. We made sure to include that on the specifics because the Smoky Mountains are considered to be the “Salamander Capital of the World.” The geologic factors of the Smokies have spurred the development of 30 salamander species. Beat that, Rockies! Furthermore, we have way more black bears. Another point for the Smoky Mountains. It’s worth noting that since there are so many black bears, it’s not unreasonable that you may see one during a visit to the Smokies. Do not feed them and always keep your distance.
Estes Park vs. Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge
Last but not least, let’s take a look at the surrounding towns. Estes Park is a cute little mountain town with breweries, restaurants and taffy shops. The surrounding areas of the Great Smoky Mountains are quite a bit more touristy, and much more plentiful of mini golf, go-karts and tourist attractions.
Which is better? I’ll just end this one in a tie. It completely depends on preference here. I’d say that there’s more to do in the surrounding areas of the Smoky Mountains. Heck, you could probably take your family here a dozen times and not run out of new attractions. However, if you are looking for a quaint little mountain town, you may prefer Estes Park in Colorado.
The result: Which is better?
Perhaps my favorite thing about the Smoky Mountains National Park is that it’s free. When I went to the Rockies, it cost my small family of two nearly $30 per day just to go on some hikes. When the Smoky Mountains National Park was being established, Tennesseans were reluctant to hand over its land, and an eventual agreement stipulated that no toll or fee could be imposed. That’s why we have one of the few free national parks that exist. Now, one might argue that this has led to the Smokies being overcrowded. That’s why the NPS began charging a parking fee.
So, while the Rocky Mountain National Park is stunning, and it is worth visiting at least once in your life, the Smoky Mountains are the most visited for a reason. And I think that the reason might just be that it’s the best. But why take my word for it? Visit both and see for yourself.
Have you been to both national parks? Are you debating between the two? Tell us your opinion in the comment section below.
Comparing the smokes to the Rocky’s is like comparing a 7-11 to a walmart
I’m a Kansas girl, born and raised. I’ve been to Colorado countless times and love RMNP. Bear Lake is a favorite hike. But when I married into the military, I left the prairie and started to explore the world with my pilot husband. And, by “world”, I mean Oklahoma and Texas. We were recently transferred to Alabama though and I’m so excited to explore the Smokies and this part of the country with our young family! Thanks for your article and info on this park. We’ll definitely be visiting at least once while we’re in the South!
We live near the Ohio River , in southern Ohio. We have been to the Smokies at least 20 times and Rocky Mountain National Park , 3 tines. They are both beautiful in their own way. Estes Park is a beautiful tourist town , maybe better suited for grown ups. Gatlinburg is pretty too, but add in Pigeon Forge , just a few miles away and there is so much to do for children and the family. I would rather hike the Rocky Mountains, the air is thin but very dry , no sweating, but the Smokies air is very humid , hard to breathe and your clothes will stay wet. Even though total elevation is much higher in the Rockies , the Smokies are still big mountains , as Mt.LeConte stands just over a mile above Gatlinburg , the highest point on Trail Ridge Road is 4600 feet above Estes Park which sits in the valley right below the park. Love both places and recommend them both !
You did forget to mention a quaint little town in the Smokies known as the Peaceful side of the Smokies, Townsend TN.
I’ve not been to RMNP itself but I have spent alot of time in the Rockies and I absolutely love them. Do yourself a favor and ignore the national parks and just head out on national forest land. This year was my first time visiting the Smokies and I have to say I was impressed. I was expecting big hills like here in the Ozarks, they have nothing on the Smokies. But for me as far as vegetation and wildlife it was all too familiar, so I definitely give the nod to the Rockies
I have been to both parks, extensively as we have friends and family in both Tennessee and Colorado. I love the sweeping vistas of RMNP and the climate change is really something (it was 90° at the park entrance and 31° with snow flurries at the ranger station at the top of the pass). The Smokies, however, offer a much more homier(?) and friendlier feel. Growing up in the northern Catskills has predisposed me to feeling more comfortable in the Smokies. I’ll take the Appalachians hands down!!
Have been to the Smokies at least 25 times in 50yrs. For me I love going up in the park and exploring everything I can , staying out of the tourist traps of pigeon forge and Gatlinburg, beautiful park !!
Truly a biased review! I prefer the Rockies for the sheer wildness and stunning views. By comparison the Smoky mountains are tame and calm. Climb to the top of the Bugaboos National Park in the Rockies in Canada, via CMHC (Canadian Mountaineering Holidays) and I promise you, you’ll see why I am biased! Yes, you can do the assisted climb. I did it at 57 and loved it!!
The Rockies have plenty of legal weed areas. Compare that to the uptight Bible Belt areas of North Carolina and Tennessee. North Carolina’s bobbleheads were not even able to get medical marijuana legalized this past session.Nno Rocky Mountain High in the Smokies!!
I lived in Sevier county for 10 years in Tennessee, And I currently live in Colorado and have for the past 8 years. I have gone exploring in both. Hands-down, the Rocky Mountains are tops in my book. You admitted it, the article was a little biased, and that’s OK. And just because we have park fees to help regulate our parks doesn’t mean it won’t happen over there. People out here are way more active physically here, And there’s a very high level of health appreciation for enjoying the outdoors that seems different. The biggest take away is there is so much beauty out there to recognize and it is absolutely worth seeing both the Smokies and the Rockies.
If you’re comparing the Rocky Mountains v. Rocky Mountain NP to the Smokies, the Rocky Mountains have several National Parks that encompass them. However, I enjoyed the Smokies, but it felt more like being in the “woods” than in the forests. I prefer forests of conifers. I like massive vistas with a variety of views and that’s what you get in the Rocky Mountain range. I prefer Rocky Mountain NP to The Great Smoky Mountains.
Before you give the win to the Smokies, I suggest you visit the Rocky Mountains near the Canadian Borders, especially the Livingston Range of the Rockies inside Glacier National Park. I think you’ll find it hard to give the Smokies anything close to a win. There’s nothing like coming face to face with a grizzly and you can’t do that in the Smokies. I’ve never seen more wildlife than I have in Glacier NP.