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#3 on this list
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
North Carolina / Tennessee
Late wildflowers, full waterfalls, and greening ridges.
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#4 on this list
Zion National Park
Utah
Warm enough for The Narrows; cottonwoods fully leafed.
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Zion National Park |
|---|---|---|
| Location | North Carolina and Tennessee border | Southwest Utah |
| Total Area | 522,427 acres | — |
| Peak Elevation | 6,643 feet at Clingmans Dome | — |
| Permit System | Paid parking tag and backcountry reservation required | — |
| Bear Density | Roughly two bears per square mile | — |
| Trail Network | Over 848 miles of maintained trails | — |
| Elevation Range | — | 3,666 to 8,726 feet |
| May Avg Temperatures | — | High 83°F, Low 53°F (Canyon Floor) |
| Primary Access Hub | — | Springdale, Utah |
| Key Permitting | — | Angels Landing and wilderness lotteries |
| Transit System | — | Mandatory Zion Canyon scenic shuttle |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Peak water volume transforms waterfalls and creeks into roaring spectacles
- Moderate daytime temperatures ideal for grinding out steep elevation gains
- Spectacular mid-elevation wildflower displays and vibrant spring leaf canopy
- Extensive backcountry shelter network simplifies multi-day route planning
- High trailhead parking competition requires crack-of-dawn arrivals
- Frequent, sudden rainfall creates slick clay mud and swollen stream fords
- Backcountry camping strictly regulated with mandatory designated sites
Zion National Park
- Mild daytime temperatures ideal for climbing steep canyon switchbacks
- Cottonwood trees are fully leafed, bringing vibrant color to the canyon floor
- Summer monsoon season has not yet arrived, minimizing flash flood threats
- High-elevation trailheads and rim routes are largely clear of winter snowpack
- High runoff volume can force weeks-long closures of The Narrows throughout May
- Extreme crowd congestion creates long shuttle lines and morning parking shortages
- Angels Landing chain section requires winning a competitive digital permit lottery
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