Blount County High Point Trip Report

Thunderhead Mtn (5,527 ft)

Date: August 5, 2000
Author: Ken Oeser

From Cades Cove in Great Smokey Mountains National Park, about 10 miles southeast of Maryville, TN, turn into the Anthony Creek Picnic Area and drive to the end of the loop road and park. The Anthony Creek Trail starts here. Hike 3.2 miles to the Bole Mountain Trail, then turn right and hike uphill 1.7 miles to Spence Field on the Appalachian Trail. Turn left and follow the Appalachian Trail about 1.5 miles to the summit of Thunderhead Mountain, with a benchmark right beside the trail. This is a few hundred feet past Rockytops, where many people stop for the view. There is very little view from the top of the mountain. Return the same way, or hike 2 miles west on the AT past Spence Field to Russell Field and shelter, then down the Russell Field Trail to the Anthony Creek Trail, and left back to the parking lot.