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Confidence
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.
Path Type
Point to Point
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.
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