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Bull Head Trail

Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
 3.6 (19)
  1. Areas
  2. NC
  3. …West and Mountains
  4. …Great Smoky Mountains National Park
  5. Mount Le Conte
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“One of many trails leading to/from Mt. Le Conte, this trail has impressive wildflowers in the spring ”

Max Willner
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Map Key

5.9

Miles

9.5

KM

Point to Point

5,969' 1,819 m

High

2,615' 797 m

Low

0' 0 m

Up

3,354' 1,022 m

Down

11%

Avg Grade (6°)

27%

Max Grade (15°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Spring · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Great Smoky Mountain National Park closes secondary roads on a seasonal schedule due to snow. Schedules can be found here.

All campsites must be registered with the park. Backcountry rules and regulations can be found here.

Description

Most hikers seem to prefer hiking up to Mt. Le Conte, and taking Bull Head Trail on the way down. From Mt. LeConte, it's over 3,000 feet down over the span of six miles.

Being at a higher elevation in the Smokies, there are plenty of opportunities to see beautiful spring blooms. There are also a lot of really nice views of the Smokies from various points on the way down. There's also a stone structure known as The Pulpit, a stone structure built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (created as part of FDR's New Deal) in the 1930s. It's a great spot to stop for a break or a picnic and enjoy the view.

After a short distance, the trail descends into the forest and back towards the Rainbow Falls Trailhead. Hikeers should keep an eye out for the interesting rock formations and overhangs.

Flora & Fauna

The Smokies are home to more than 1,600 species of plants, most of which produce an abundance of flowers in the spring. These species include mountain laurel, rhododendron, azalea, and many others. Spring wildflowers peak from early April through late May. To learn more about the plants of the Smokies and even get a trees and shrubs checklist, visit the park's website.

As for local fauna, black bears are common in the area, along with white-tailed deer and 31 species of salamanders. Birdwatchers can spot a variety of species, notably the northern flicker (Colaptes auratus) and red-eyed vireo (Vireo olivaceus). For more information on black bears, refer to this webpage.

Contacts

Local Club: Smoky Mountains Hiking Club

Land Manager: NPS - Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Shared By:

Max Willner with improvements by David Hitchcock
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  3.6 from 19 votes

#4

in Mount Le Conte

#10078

Overall
  3.6 from 19 votes
5 Star
21%
4 Star
42%
3 Star
16%
2 Star
16%
1 Star
5%
Trail Rankings

#4

in Mount Le Conte

#170

in North Carolina

#10,078

Overall
21 Views Last Month
1,977 Since Sep 4, 2015
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
0%
0%
32%
5%
58%
5%
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Photos

Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Bullhead Trail
Sep 4, 2015 near Gatlinburg, TN
Great Smoky Mountains Bull Head Trail.
Sep 3, 2015 near Gatlinburg, TN
Awesome singletrack on Bullhead.
Sep 4, 2015 near Gatlinburg, TN
Stopping to appreciate the local geologic formations on Bullhead Trail.
Sep 4, 2015 near Gatlinburg, TN
Peaking through the trees on Bullhead Trail.
Sep 4, 2015 near Gatlinburg, TN
Making our way up Bullhead Trail!
Sep 4, 2015 near Gatlinburg, TN

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

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Check-Ins

Mar 27, 2023
Leema Time
Oct 5, 2021
Vicki Emanuel
Aug 6, 2021
Robyn Gould
Feb 5, 2021
Bryce Brown
The 6-18inches of snow slowed us down some. Not to mention all the trees 10.8mi
Sep 6, 2020
Jessica Walsh Maguire
Rocky trail but the views do not disappoint. You travel through the burn area from the wildfires which is kinda cool. It is regrowing 5.9mi
Jul 24, 2020
Heather Martin
Jun 6, 2020
Jenny Kroll
Dec 20, 2019
David Hitchcock
Hiked from parking lot up Bull Head Trail to the junction with Rainbow Falls. Spectacular views due to fire, sun on large portions of trail. 5.9mi — 3h 00m

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