Bullhead Trail

The Bullhead Trail is an American hiking trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, in Sevier County, Tennessee. The trail ascends Mount Le Conte, the tallest (and sixth highest) mountain east of the Mississippi River and offers outstanding views before joining the Rainbow Falls Trail before terminating near the LeConte Lodge.

Vital information

• The Bullhead Trail is the least traveled route to the summit of Mount Le Conte (elev. ; 2,010 m)
• A short connector trail that extends from the Sugarlands Visitor Center to the Rainbow Falls Trail is the only way to access the trailhead.
• The trailhead is located inside of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, off Cherokee Orchard Road, 3.4 miles (5.5 km) from Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

Landmarks/overlooks

• Bullhead
• English Mountain/Sugarland Mountain overlook
• Balsam Point

Trail synopsis

Trailhead to English Mountain overlook

The beginning of the Bullhead Trail is, for all intents and purposes, actually the trailhead to the Rainbow Falls Trail. Both trails are designated the same parking area, and because of their proximity (the two paths are separated only by a spur trail) many hikers choose to ascend one trail (usually the Rainbow Falls Trail) and descend the other. Given this, however, the trail is still the least popular route along Mount Le Conte, probably because of its isolation (in the woods, near to but away from its crowded neighbor trail) and that...
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