Great Smoky Mountains National Park · North Carolina, Tennessee

Bullhead Trail

5.8 mi of trail, end to end · Hike to Mount Le Conte on Bullhead Trail: 13.6 mi round trip in the Service's write-up · 3,400 ft of descent · 2,584 ft–5,973 ft · native surface · trail class Developed

5,973 ft 2,584 ft · 5.6 mi high 5,973 ft

Hike to Mount Le Conte on Bullhead Trail 13.6 mi round trip · the Park Service's write-up

no dogs · entrance fee applies

Start Expect crowds and full parking at Rainbow Falls/Bullhead Trailhead—consider a shuttle

Sweeping mountain views below a pink and purple sky. Hiker icon in corner.
Hike 13.6 miles (21.9 km) roundtrip from the Old Sugarlands Trailhead on Cherokee Orchard Road. Photo: Bob Carr Photo

Bullhead trail is closed Monday - Thursday for trail rehabilitation. Learn more about this closure.

Overview

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

One of five routes to Mount Le Conte in Great Smoky Mountains National Park , the Bullhead Trail offers consistent views along the way. This strenuous hike is 13.6 miles (21.9 km) roundtrip. See rocky cliffs near the beginning 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 Le Conte. 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).

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

13.6 miles (21.9 km) roundtrip

Parking & Trailhead

Please consider a shuttle or park at Rainbow Falls/Bullhead Trailhead on Cherokee Orchard Road (follow Old Sugarlands Trail from the parking area to arrive at Bullhead Trail). Don't forget your parking tag .

Nearest Restroom

Pit toilets at Rainbow Falls Trailhead

Alternate Hikes

Appalachian Trail & Boulevard Trail to Mount Le Conte : 16.2 miles (26.1 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 very steep and rocky.

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.