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Ron P. Metcalfe | profile | all galleries >> Mt. LeConte >> February 2008 tree view | thumbnails | slideshow

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February 2008

Richard Adams and Ron Metcalfe hiked Mt. LeConte on February 3, 2008. We ascended via Rainbow Falls trail and descended via Bullhead Trail. There was 1" to 4" of snow on the trail for about the last 1 1/2 miles of Rainbow, and about the same amount of snow down the first mile of Bullhead.

It was sunny for the first hour or so going up Rainbow, then became overcast for the rest of the day. Recent rains made for a good flow of water over Rainbow Falls and recent snows were still visible along much of the trail. Total snow cover varied, but was mostly confined to the northwest slopes which receive little (if any) winter sun.

The Bullhead trail is pretty incredible, although it gets very little use compared to Alum Cave Bluff, Rainbow Falls, and Trillium Gap. There aren't any water crossings or falls, but this trail affords many more views than either Rainbow or Trillium Gap. Many areas are level or gently sloping, although it seemed that the steepest parts were nearer the bottom. In other words, on Bullhead, it seems like you pay your dues early and do alot of climbing quickly, but you're rewarded as you reach the top with fantastic views and gentle trails.

I think Alum Cave Bluff is still my favorite for ascent, but in the future, if I go down a different trail, I guarantee I'll choose Bullhead. A very nice trail.



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About halfway between West Point and Balsam Point you cross the ridge to the southeast side of the mountain
About halfway between West Point and Balsam Point you cross the ridge to the southeast side of the mountain
Very little snow on the side which receives the most winter sunlight
Very little snow on the side which receives the most winter sunlight
Small spring along the Bullhead trail
Small spring along the Bullhead trail
Not as heavily travelled as the other trails, Bullhead is extremely nice
Not as heavily travelled as the other trails, Bullhead is extremely nice
Bullhead Trail near Balsam Point
Bullhead Trail near Balsam Point
A peek through the trees along Bullhead
A peek through the trees along Bullhead
Snow covered mountain above Cades Cove
Snow covered mountain above Cades Cove
Sugarlands Mountain
Sugarlands Mountain
I believe this is Chimney Tops, but it was raining hard enough that we didn't linger to try to find out
I believe this is Chimney Tops, but it was raining hard enough that we didn't linger to try to find out
Bullhead Trail on Mt. LeConte
Bullhead Trail on Mt. LeConte
Bullhead Trail on Mt. LeConte
Bullhead Trail on Mt. LeConte
Bullhead Trail on Mt. LeConte
Bullhead Trail on Mt. LeConte
Bullhead trail, now my 2nd favorite (behind ACB)
Bullhead trail, now my 2nd favorite (behind ACB)
ACB is still my pick for ascent, but I now prefer Bullhead for descent
ACB is still my pick for ascent, but I now prefer Bullhead for descent
Bullhead isn't as steep as you near the top of Mt. LeConte and has great views
Bullhead isn't as steep as you near the top of Mt. LeConte and has great views
The woods seem more open along Bullhead trail
The woods seem more open along Bullhead trail
The Bullhead trail will cross through the heath seen growing on the slops of Bullhead peak
The Bullhead trail will cross through the heath seen growing on the slops of Bullhead peak
Frozen icicles
Frozen icicles
Big rock walls along Bullhead trail
Big rock walls along Bullhead trail
Stones laid by CCC along Bullhead trail
Stones laid by CCC along Bullhead trail
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