Smoky Mountains vs Pocono Mountains

The Smoky Mountains and the Pocono Mountains are two popular vacation destinations in the United States. Both areas are known for their beautiful natural scenery, but they are also quite different from each other.

The Smoky Mountains

The Smoky Mountains vacations are a range of mountains in North Carolina and Tennessee that give rise to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The park is known for its dense cover of trees and vegetation and its many wildlife species. The area gets its name from the haze hanging over it due to the tall trees and thick undergrowth.

The Pocono Mountains

The Pocono Mountains vacations are located in northeastern Pennsylvania, just south of Scranton and Wilkes-Barre. They are part of a more extensive geological formation called the Appalachian Plateau that runs along the eastern coast of North America. These mountains are characterized by their steep slopes and deep valleys, which make them ideal for skiing and other winter activities like snowmobiling or cross-country skiing.

COMPARISON

Now that we have given you some background information about the two popular destinations, let’s compare and contrast the two places.

Climate

The temperatures in the Smoky Mountains change more drastically throughout the year. In the summer, it is often very hot in the Smoky Mountains. Summer temperatures can reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, while winter temperatures can be as low as twenty degrees Fahrenheit. However, the temperature changes in the Smoky Mountains are less drastic than those in the Pocono Mountains. In the summer, the Pocono Mountains average around 85 degrees Fahrenheit, while the winters are much colder with an average low temperature of thirty degrees Fahrenheit.

Landmark

The region around the Smoky Mountains is dotted with many landmarks. Of course, the Great Smoky Mountains is the most well-known landmark, but many other landmarks are worth mentioning. Native Americans once inhabited the Great Smoky Mountains area, and it is considered sacred ground by the Cherokee tribe. The Cherokee lived in this region for many years, but the area is now home to many different species of plants and animals and human residents.

The Pocono Mountains also have many landmarks that are worth discussing. For example, the historic Old Forge Hospital is located in the Pocono Mountains. Initially, the hospital was a tuberculosis sanitarium in New York. It was later moved to the Pocono Mountains and used as a tuberculosis hospital and resort.

Flora and Fauna

There are many tree species in the Smoky Mountains, and some of the trees include maples, hickories, and hemlocks. The flora in the Smoky Mountains is very diverse. Wildflowers are prominent in the spring, and there are many types of birds in the region. There is no bird more well-known in the Smoky Mountains than the red-tailed hawk. The red-tailed hawk is known for its distinctive red coloring and its habit of flying in a circle at the end of its flight from one place to another.

The flora and fauna in the Pocono Mountains are also very diverse. About 1,600 species of plants can be found in the area, including many types of flowers. In addition, the Appalachian National Scenic Trail winds through the Pocono Mountains, allowing hikers the opportunity to see a wide variety of wildlife. Some common types of wildlife include white-tailed deer and black bears.

Activities

There are many fun things to do in the Smoky Mountains. One of the most popular activities is to go on a trail ride with a local guide. These tours often include horseback riding through the mountains and a chance to see some of the wildlife. On some horseback rides, you might see black bears, hawks and other types of wildlife. The Great Smoky Mountains also have several waterfalls, and “hiking” to the bottom of the falls is a popular summer activity for those visiting the area.

The Pocono Mountains are one of the most popular winter destinations in the United States. Ski resorts in the area offer skiers and snowboarders a chance to enjoy downhill skiing, snowboarding, and many other winter activities. Cross-country skiing is also very popular in the area. Snowmobiling is very popular in the wintertime. You can often see snowmobiles on the roads in the area. One of the main attractions in the Pocono Mountains is Lake Wallenpaupack. The lake is used for many types of recreation, including swimming, fishing, and boating.

Conclusion

The Smoky Mountains and the Pocono Mountains are very different places, but they have many of the same qualities that make them popular vacation destinations. Both mountains have their own beauty, beautiful scenery, many fun activities, and rich plant and animal life diversity. So if you are planning a vacation getaway, do not forget to include both of these impressive mountain ranges! 

If you are interested in going to the Smoky Mountains or Pocono Mountains for your Vacation, then you are in luck! We have an excellent offer for you! In Wow Vacations, we have a lot of Vacation Packages which can be for you for a wonderful vacation. Wow Vacations specializes in working with customers to make sure to get them their perfect vacation. We have amazing customer service and have been in business for years. Book from us to get your ideal vacation!