Thunderhead Mountain is a 5,527-foot peak in Smoky Mountain National Park. There is about a mile of trail offering great viewpoints to the west of Thunderhead, but the mountain's actual summit is mostly blocked by brush and trees. Rocky Top, about half a mile west of Thunderhead on the Appalachian Trail, offers much more expansive views.

The section of Appalachian Trail to the east of Thunderhead is an awesome, challenging section of trail. It traverses rooty, rocky, and overgrown portions of ridgeline on its way to Derrick Knob Shelter.

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1. Lead Cove Trail to Thunderhead Mountain — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

20.4km

07:04

1,140m

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Elevation 1,660 m

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Saturday 7 February

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Location: Swain County, North Carolina, United States

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Thunderhead Mountain Summit

1. Lead Cove Trail to Thunderhead Mountain — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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