Boulevard Trail From Mt. LeConte Lodge: Part 3 of 3 – Scenic Views and a Terrifying Bear Encounter, TN

On Thursday May 16, 2026 we woke up to stunning sunrise hues. I rushed outside with my camera to grab some coffee and capture a few last pictorial memories before packing for our descent. LeConte Lodge sets the checkout time to 9:30am. After enjoying a hearty breakfast of eggs, pancakes, Canadian bacon, biscuits and more. We took our final photos, purchased souvenirs and began our long trek along Boulevard Trail.

2026 Mt LeConte Trip Series

Part 1 of 3: The way up – Alum Cave Trail

Part 2 of 3: A Night at LeConte Lodge

Part 3 of 3: The way down – Boulevard Trail

Boulevard Trail to NewfoundGap via Apalachian Trail(AT)

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s Boulevard Trail stretches about 5.3 miles before connecting with the Appalachian Trail for another 2.7 miles to Newfound Gap parking area. Along the trail, we passed a backcountry shelter and bear hang before the forest opened to sweeping mountain vistas that made every step worthwhile. At one point, a deer calmly paused on the trail as if stopping to greet us before disappearing back into the woods.

Appalachian Trail, Boulevard Trail, LeConte

About 1.5 miles from Mt. LeConte Lodge, hikers reach a dramatic section known as “The Scar,” the remains of an old landslide. This exposed area offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Smokies and quickly became one of my favorite spots on the trail. A rope anchored into the rock helps hikers navigate the more technical footing, and it is easy to see why this scenic overlook is such a popular photo stop.

The descent totaled roughly 8.5 miles and crossed a variety of rugged terrain, though what stands out most in my memory are the endless tree roots and rocks. The trail’s highest climb came around mile six with a 440-foot ascent, contributing to a total elevation gain of 1,181 feet during the descent. My hiking boots performed well, but by mile six my feet were protesting every rocky step. While the eventual downhill made the hike easier on the lungs, the constant pounding on uneven terrain was exhausting.

We completed the hike in about seven hours, initially taking our time along the ridge to soak in the views and stop frequently for photos, until we stopped for lunch around mile five, just before connecting with the Appalachian Trail. I had barely unpacked my food and sat down on a fallen tree trunk when I suddenly heard frantic shouts of “Bear! Bear! Bear!”

Seconds later, a bear emerged and began approaching our group. We immediately blew whistles, sounded bear horns, yelled loudly, waved our hiking poles, and tried to make ourselves appear as large as possible. Surprisingly, the bear showed little concern about the commotion and continued toward us. Soon the rest of our hiking group caught up, adding even more noise to the chaos, but the bear still refused to retreat and proceeded to circle around.

Bear video by Tara Ross

We proceeded up the trail, hoping to create distance between ourselves and the animal, but the bear followed us. Finally, one member of the group deployed bear spray, which successfully deterred it. After that frightening encounter, we picked up our pace considerably and did not stop again until we safely reached our pickup point at Newfound Gap parking lot where our shuttle was waiting with cold drinks and snacks.

In all my years of hiking, I have never felt that frightened on a trail. The experience was a stark reminder that while the mountains are beautiful, they are also wild. As soon as I returned home, I drove straight to REI and purchased bear spray. Although I cannot fly with it, I plan to carry it on all future mountain hikes within driving distance.

We later shared details of the encounter with our shuttle driver, who promised to report the bear encounter to park rangers. Beyond reinforcing the importance of carrying bear spray, the experience also taught me several important lessons about what to do if you encounter a bear while hiking.

What To Do If You Encounter a Bear While Hiking

Make as much noise as possible by yelling, blowing whistles, or using bear horns
Raise your hiking poles and make yourself appear larger
Stay together as a group
Never turn your back on the bear or run away
Slowly back away while keeping an eye on the bear
If the bear continues to approach, use bear spray – Always carry bear spray

Despite the frightening bear encounter, Boulevard Trail remains a scenic and memorable hike in the Great Smoky Mountains. From sweeping ridge views and peaceful forest stretches to dramatic overlooks like The Scar, the trail delivered incredible beauty from start to finish. The experience also served as an important reminder that hiking in the wilderness requires preparation, awareness, and respect for wildlife. Though the day ended with an adrenaline rush none of us expected, I walked away grateful for the adventure, the lessons learned, and the unforgettable memories made along the trail.

References Myrtle Point via Apalachian Trail and Boulevard Trail, My Activity on AllTrails