Hike to Mount LeConte on Bullhead Trail

This 13.6-mile (21.9-km) roundtrip hike begins at the Bullhead Trailhead on Cherokee Orchard Road.

Bob Carr Photo

Overview

Parking is often full—please arrive early or consider using a shuttle; trail is often icy in winter months

One of five routes to Mount LeConte, the Bullhead Trail offers consistent views along the way. Near the beginning of this 13.6-mile (21.9-km) roundtrip hike, visitors will see rocky cliffs and climb the Bullhead, a heath-covered bald that may resemble a bull's head from a distance.

Near the top, proceed straight at both the Rainbow Falls Trail and Alum Cave Trail junctions to arrive at Mount LeConte. Partially due to the burn remnants of the 2016 Chimney Tops fire, the trail does not offer much shade during hot summer months.

From the parking area on Cherokee Orchard Road, follow the nearby gravel road (technically the Old Sugarlands Trail) for four-tenths of a mile (0.6 km) to the Bullhead Trail junction on your left. Consult a map to pair this with Rainbow Falls Trail or Trillium Gap Trail to create a loop hike to Mount LeConte (total mileages will vary).

Length

13.6-mile (21.9-km) roundtrip

Parking

Bullhead/Rainbow Falls Trailhead on Cherokee Orchard Road

Nearest Restroom

Pit toilets at Bullhead/Rainbow Falls Trailhead

Alternate Hikes

• Appalachian Trail & Boulevard Trail to Mount LeConte: 16.2 miles (26.1 km) roundtrip
• Trillium Gap Trail to Mount LeConte: 13.0 miles (21.0 km) roundtrip
• Rainbow Falls Trail to Mount LeConte: 13.0 miles (21.0 km) roundtrip
• Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte: 10.0 miles (16.1 km) roundtrip

Details

Activity

Hiking

Pets Allowed

No

The Gatlinburg Trail and Oconaluftee River Trail are the two park trails where pets are permitted. Pets are also allowed in picnic areas, in campgrounds, and on roads.

Activity Fee

Yes

A parking tag is required to park in the Smokies for more than 15 minutes.

Reservations

No

Accessibility Information

Trail is very steep and rocky.