A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Gatlinburg vs. Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park for Hiking, Couples, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Gatlinburg or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Gatlinburg and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.

Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is a flashy, high energy, and wild city. It's also known for skiing, nightlife, and hiking.

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is a overlooked, underrated, and vast park. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking.

Gatlinburg and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Gatlinburg or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Gatlinburg. Although Gatlinburg and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park are both popular with visitors, Gatlinburg has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Gatlinburg is more popular for its skiing, museums, nightlife, resorts, and shopping, while Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is known for its impressive beauty. Gatlinburg is more touristy than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park and is popular for its countless entertainment venues as well as its easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is also home to the Gatlinburg Strip. Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is popular for its alpine lakes, hydrothermal activity, and unique volcanoes.

How is Gatlinburg different from Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park and Gatlinburg. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Gatlinburg or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is a city with good options for snow skiing. However, Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is not a skiing destination.

Gatlinburg is a great destination for skiing with plenty areas to explore. Ober Gatlinburg is the only ski area in Tennessee. The winter activities open after Thanksgiving and include snow skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and tubing.

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Gatlinburg or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Gatlinburg is a city with good options for its sights and museums. However, Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is not a good park for its museums and history.

Gatlinburg is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Museums range from gaudy to quirky. Check out the Hollywood Star Cars Museum, the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum, Ripley's Believe It or Not, the Hollywood Wax Museum, and the Titanic Museum. There's also the Gatlinburg Space Needle and the Gatlinburg SkyBridge.

While most people don't head to Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Visit the Loomis Museum to learn about the park history and see historic photos of the park. The building was constructed in 1972 and is worth a stopover.

Is the Food Better in Gatlinburg or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at decent restaurants in both Gatlinburg and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park.

Gatlinburg offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Staying true to form, restaurants in Gatlinburg cater to the tourist scene and serve up burgers, pizza, pancakes, and other classic favorites.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. You'll find restaurants and shops at three locations within the park. Options are much more limited during the winter months, but you will find places to eat on the south side of the park in Mineral, Mill Creek, and Chester. On the north side, the closest towns are Shingletown and Old Station.

Is Gatlinburg or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Better for Nightlife?

Gatlinburg is an amazing city to visit for nightlife. However, Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is not a good park for nightlife and partying.

Gatlinburg has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. Live music, theatrical shows, as well as bars and clubs that stay open late into the night give this town a huge party atmosphere. During the peak season the town is packed with people looking to have a good time and you'll find tons of things to do by simply walking down the main drag.

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park doesn't offer many options. Stargazing and campfire chats are the best ways to enjoy evening in the park.

Is Gatlinburg or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Better for Resorts?

Gatlinburg is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is not a resort destination.

In Gatlinburg, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. There are plenty of resorts and vacation clubs near town. Many have pools, waterslides, or hot tubs.

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is not a resort destination.

Is Gatlinburg or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Better for Hiking?

You'll find superb hiking in both Gatlinburg and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park.

Many visitors go to Gatlinburg for the hiking trails. You'll need to head out of town into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but once you're there the hiking is impressive. There are waterfall hikes, trails to viewpoints, and loops that take you through wildflowers. Some of the most popular trails include Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Middle Prong Trail, and the Gatlinburg Trail.

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is a popular spot for hiking. There are more than 150 miles of hiking trails in the park. Many pass by the park's hydrothermal areas, but there are also trails that follow the edge of the alpine lakes or go through flower-filled meadows. Bumpass Hell Trail is one of the most notable hikes, but visitors also enjoy Lassen Peak Trail, Cinder Cone Trail, and Manzanita Lake Loop.

Is the Shopping Better in Gatlinburg or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Gatlinburg is a city with good options for shopping. However, Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is not a good park for its shopping opportunities.

Gatlinburg is a great destination for shopping. There are tourist traps and souvenir shops around town, but you can also head to the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community where you can meet local artists and learn about their work.

If you're looking to go shopping, Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park has some nice offerings. There are stores and gift shops near the visitor centers.

Is Gatlinburg or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Better for Families?

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is very good for its kid-friendly activities. However, Gatlinburg is not a family-friendly destination.

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park offers lots of family activities. While many of the hikes in the park are challenging for kids, there are still some great options for those with little legs. Manzanita Lake Trail is less than two miles and makes a great introductory hike. Bumpass Hell Trail is three miles, and it's a highlight of any trip to the park.

Gatlinburg is not a family-friendly destination. Ober Gatlinburg is a combination ski resort and amusement park that is a highlight for many families. During the warmer season, horseback riding and waterparks are popular. There's also a Ripley's Aquarium, minigolf, and Gatlin's Fun Center. Nearby you'll find Dollywood and Pigeon Forge.

Is Gatlinburg or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Better for Couples?

Both Gatlinburg and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park are superb destinations to visit as a couple.

Gatlinburg is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. If you're looking for a flashy and ostentatious experience, then there are all the typical activities around town - Ripley's Believe It or Not, the Gatlinburg Space Needle, or Ober Gatlinburg. For a bit more nature, you can head out of town and enjoy one of the many hiking trails. There are also breweries and wineries in the area, as well as a range of resorts.

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. The setting makes a romantic backdrop for those who enjoy hiking and outdoor adventures. You can go kayaking or river rafting during the day and then enjoy stargazing at night.

Is Gatlinburg or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Gatlinburg is not a good destination for backpackers.

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There is a large backcountry area which offers a unique hiking and camping experience. You'll need to purchase permits before your trip.

Gatlinburg is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a touristy town with plenty of cheap motels in the area. There are also campgrounds and hiking not far away.

Is Gatlinburg or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Gatlinburg is a city with good options for its public transit. However, Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is not a good park for times when you don't have a car.

Gatlinburg has a few public transit options. There's a free trolley service that offers a convenient way to get around town.

Public transit is quite limited in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. There is no public transportation in the park.

Is Gatlinburg or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park a more walkable city?

Gatlinburg is a well-known place for its walkability. However, Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is not a good park for its high level of walkability.

Gatlinburg is very walkable. The downtown area is pedestrian-friendly and most of the attractions in town can be reached on foot. If you want to leave town, a car is a must, but in town traffic and parking can be frustrating, so walk when you can.

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is not a very walkable city. The park is large, so to efficiently access the different hiking trails you'll need to have a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Gatlinburg Worth Visiting? and Is Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Worth Visiting?.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Gatlinburg and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park, we can see that Gatlinburg is more expensive. And not only is Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Gatlinburg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Gatlinburg than you might in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Gatlinburg Expensive? and Is Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Gatlinburg or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park in the Summer?

Both Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park and Gatlinburg during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Gatlinburg for the hiking. Furthermore, many visitors come to Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Gatlinburg is around the same temperature as Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Gatlinburg averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park fluctuates around 83°F (29°C).

In Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Gatlinburg. In the summer, Gatlinburg often gets less sunshine than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. Gatlinburg gets 294 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park receives 436 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg usually gets more rain in July than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Gatlinburg and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. Many visitors come to Gatlinburg in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Gatlinburg is cooler than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Gatlinburg in October average around 63°F (17°C), and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park averages at about 66°F (19°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park this time of the year. In Gatlinburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Gatlinburg usually receives less sunshine than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park during autumn. Gatlinburg gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park receives 284 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Gatlinburg usually receives more rain than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. Gatlinburg gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park receives 1.5 inches (37 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Gatlinburg as well as Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. Most visitors come to Gatlinburg for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Gatlinburg can be very cold during winter. In January, Gatlinburg is generally much colder than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. Daily temperatures in Gatlinburg average around 40°F (5°C), and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park fluctuates around 47°F (9°C).

In the winter, Gatlinburg often gets less sunshine than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. Gatlinburg gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park receives 162 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. Gatlinburg receives a lot of rain in the winter. Gatlinburg usually gets more rain in January than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park receives 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park in the Spring?

Both Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park and Gatlinburg are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park this time of year.

Gatlinburg is around the same temperature as Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Gatlinburg averages around 62°F (17°C) in April, and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park fluctuates around 60°F (16°C).

It's quite sunny in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg usually receives less sunshine than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park during spring. Gatlinburg gets 263 hours of sunny skies, while Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park receives 329 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Gatlinburg usually receives more rain than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. Gatlinburg gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park receives 1.4 inches (35 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park and Gatlinburg