Great Smoky Mountains National Park · North Carolina, Tennessee

Boulevard Trail

5.2 mi of trail, end to end · Hike to Mount Le Conte on the Appalachian Trail and Boulevard Trail: 16.2 mi round trip in the Service's write-up · about 1,400 ft of climbing · 5,519 ft–6,580 ft · native surface · trail class Developed

PeaksSheltersGaps

6,043 ft 6,487 ft · 4.7 mi high 6,487 ft

Along the way Alum Gap High Top MtLeConte Shelter

Hike to Mount Le Conte on the Appalachian Trail and Boulevard Trail 16.2 mi round trip · the Park Service's write-up

no dogs · entrance fee applies

Start Expect crowds and full parking at Newfound Gap Overlook—consider a shuttle

Sweeping mountain views under a pink and purple sky. Hiker icon in corner.
Hike 16.2 miles (26.1 km) roundtrip from Appalachian Trailhead at Newfound Gap Overlook. Photo: Bob Carr Photo

Overview

Expect extreme crowding and limited parking—consider a shuttle and alternate hikes listed below

The longest of the five routes to Mount Le Conte, this strenuous hike—16.2 miles (26.1 km) roundtrip—offers a variety of views in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and includes part of the Appalachian Trail. Charlies Bunion , a rocky outcrop, is a short but rewarding detour. High-elevation forest lines the trail and visitors might spot red squirrels or other wildlife.

In cold weather, prepare for ice on the trail and potential falling icicles. Microspikes (chains or small spikes to slip on shoes for better traction) recommended in winter.

Length

16.2 miles (26.1 km) roundtrip

Parking & Trailhead

Please consider a shuttle or park at Newfound Gap Overlook on US 441/Newfound Gap Road. From the Appalachian Trailhead (left of the overlook), hike for 2.7 miles (4.3 km) to intersect the Boulevard Trail which then leads to the summit. Don't forget your parking tag .

Nearest Restroom

Pit toilets at Newfound Gap Overlook

Alternate Hikes

Charlies Bunion : 8 miles (12.9 km) roundtrip

Bullhead Trail to Mount Le Conte : 13.6 miles (21.9 km) roundtrip

Trillium Gap Trail to Mount Le Conte : 13 miles (20.9 km) roundtrip

Rainbow Falls Trail to Mount Le Conte : 13 miles (20.9 km) roundtrip

Alum Cave Trail to Mount Le Conte : 10 miles (16.1 km) roundtrip

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

Accessibility Trail is steep with occasional obstacles like roots and rocks.

This hike on nps.gov

On the parks map

All 244 trails in Great Smoky Mountains National ParkFind a trailOn the parks mapPark on nps.gov

About this trail's facts

The lines are the National Park Service's public trails layer, the trailheads and the waterfalls, views, peaks and historic places along them the Service's public points of interest, read 2026-10-16 and simplified for the map; the length is the line's, end to end. The write-ups are the Service's own "things to do" text, unedited. Heights come from USGS 3DEP through Terrain Tiles on AWS (Mapzen/Tilezen), read along each line and rounded; a short trail on steep ground can be off by a few tens of feet. Closures change: check the park's own site before you go.