The Bote Mountain Trail, with its trailhead on Little River Road, ascends to the crest of the Smokies and intersects the Appalachian Trail at Spence Field. From Spence Field, it is approximately to the summit of Thunderhead. The Lead Cove Trail, also beginning on Little River Road (near Cades Cove), offers the shortest access to the summit by bypassing the first of the Bote Mountain Trail. From the Lead Cove trailhead, it is approximately to the summit of Thunderhead. The Anthony Creek Trail, rising out of the Cades Cove campground, also bypasses the first of the Bote Mountain Trail. From the Anthony Creek trailhead, it is approximately to the summit of Thunderhead.