Each time you visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park, there will be lots of stunning scenery to admire. While the National Park Service (NPS) wants to leave it largely untouched, they may make changes to the features of the trails. This includes paving the roads, installing drainage systems, and even adding new parking spots at the trailhead. The goal is to improve visitor experience and safety. The NPS is in the middle of making improvements to one popular trail! Learn more about the multi-year rehabilitation of the Bullhead Trail to Mount LeConte:
The Improvements
The Bullhead Trail to Mount LeConte is currently closed Monday through Thursday of each week until November 2025. Construction will then resume in May 2026 to complete the project. Here are some of the improvements you can look forward to:
- Repairing Tread Surfaces: The smoother surface will make the trail easier to walk on! Trip hazards, such as exposed rocks and roots, will be removed as well.
- Improving Drainage: The water will be gone faster after heavy rain and snow. It may even lessen the time the trail has to close due to flooding.
- Constructing Trail Structures: The NPS will add turnpikes, retaining walls, and staircases to the trail to improve safety and help visitors find their way around.
About Bullhead Trail
The Bullhead Trail to Mount LeConte is a challenging hike that is 13.6 miles roundtrip with almost 4,000 feet of elevation gain. Hikers will start on the Old Sugarlands Trail before turning left onto the Bullhead Trail. The trail is named for a large heath-colored bald that extends off Balsam Point and resembles a bull’s head. One of the things to look out for is a large cairn, a large tower of stones, at about 3 miles from the trailhead. It was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. Hikers will reach the summit of Mount LeConte at about 7.2 miles from the trailhead. At 6,593 feet, it is the third-highest peak of the Smokies. If you don’t want to make the trip back right away, make reservations to stay at LeConte Lodge for the night!
Other Trails That Lead to Mount LeConte
You’ll be happy to know that there are several more trails to Mount LeConte you can take while the Bullhead Trail is closed. One route is via the Rainbow Falls Trail, around 13 miles roundtrip with almost 4,000 feet of elevation gain. Before you get to the summit, stop and admire Rainbow Falls at about 2.7 miles from the trailhead. At 80 feet, it is the tallest single-drop waterfall in the Smokies! On sunny days, the mist and the light create rainbows along the water. You can also take the Alum Cave Trail. You can continue to the summit of Mount LeConte once you reach the Alum Cave Bluffs, and you will hike a total of 11 miles.
Now you know all about the Bullhead Trail rehabilitation. Other trails in the park are under construction as well! Here is an update on the Laurel Falls trail rehabilitation project!
