Bull Head Trail is the trailhead leading to the Rainbow Falls Trail. Many hikers ascend one trail and descend the other. Because of its seclusion, the Bull Head Trail is the least popular route along Mount LeConte. It is this isolation that makes the trail so desirable to those who favor solitude when hiking. Trail access is along the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail just outside of Gatlinburg.
There are entrances to several Smoky Mountain hiking trails at this location. Take your pick. Image by Jeaneane Payne
Especially important, is the sounds of the river along the Bull Head Trail that bring calmness and relaxation to hikers. You will see a number of waterfalls as well. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the many sights and sounds along the way.
Directions to Bull Head Trailhead: Turn at Light 8 in Gatlinburg onto Historic Nature Trail. Drive 0.7 miles and turn right onto Cherokee Orchard Road. At that point you’ll enter Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Drive 2.2 miles to enter the one-way Cherokee Orchard Loop Road. After driving 0.6 miles on the loop, the Bullhead Trailhead will be on your right. (If this parking lot is full, there’s an additional parking area about a tenth-of-a-mile further down the road.)
Note: Pets are not permitted on this hiking trail.
