OverviewThunderhead Mountain is located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, straddling the Tennessee-North Carolina state line. The Appalachian Trail runs across the summit of Thunderhead, and over the "Rocky Top" that there was a song written about. The hike to the top of Thunderhead is quite strenuous, but the views are truly breathtaking. Getting ThereIt is possible to reach Thunderhead Summit and return the same day by several hikes starting near the Cade's Cove area.
The shortest way is via the Lead Cove Trailhead, which is along the Laurel Creek Road which leads to Cade's Cove. The Trailhead is on the left side as you are heading towards the Cove.
Thunderhead can also be reached from the Anthony Creek Trail, which starts in the Cade's Cove Picnic area, which is just on the left before you get to the entrance of Cade's Cove itself. Hiking to Thunderhead this way is a bit longer, but the trail is more scenic and not quite as steep at the beginning, as Lead Cove Trail is.
Red TapeAll Rules and Regulations of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are in effect - see www.nps.gov/grsm for more information. CampingAll Rules and Regulations of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are in effect- - see www.nps.gov/grsm for more information.Reaching the SummitThe first major leg is to hike to Spence Field, which is quite difficult. Lead Cove Trail or Anthony Creek Trail both intersect the Bote Mountain Trail leading up to Spence Field. Once there, Bote Mountain Trail intersects the Appalachian Trail, and you are standing on the Tennessee-North Carolina state borderline. Keep heading over Spence Field towards the east, and the trail will make a small dip, and then you will start climbing Thunderhead mountain itself.
There will be many opportunities to catch your breath as the views become more and more spectacular (hopefully, if it is a clear weather day, that is), and finally you will reach the grassy knolls below the first rocky area. There are two more rocky areas after this one along the Appalachian Trail here, all of which have amazing views.
The third one (coming from the direction I am describing) is the actual peak, at elevation 5527 feet. The second one is a little rocky ridge - the Rockytop the song was written about, at 5441 feet elevation.
This image shows the actual summit of Thunderhead, from a viewpoint on the first rocky outcrop area.
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U.S. National Parks
