Mt. LeConte

Mt. LeConte is the third highest peak in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park at 6,593 feet above sea level. Many people contend that LeConte is the tallest peak east of the Rocky Mountains. This mountain towers higher above its immediate base than does any other peak in the Smokies. The 5,301-feet difference between Gatlinburg's 1,292 and LeConte's 6,593 feet makes Mt. LeConte the tallest--highest above its immediate base--in the eastern United States (Campbell, 1969: 26).

The trail winds through a thick growth of white Rosebay Rhododendron (Rhododendron maximum) before reaching a forest type composed principally of yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis) and Eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis). The trail then bends to the north along Styx Branch and after three crossings of the branch on foot logs, passes through Arch Rock at 1.3 miles from its start. A flight of stone steps enables the hiker to climb through a natural tunnel. About 200 yards past Arch Rock, the trail crosses Styx Branch for the last time. The hiker then starts the steep ascent out of the valley to the Alum Cave Bluffs.

From Inspiration Point, the hiker is afforded a spectacular view of Peregrine Peak (Eagle Nest Crag). This is a true knife-edge ridge--one of the few found in the Great Smokies (Adams, 1966: 27).

At 2.3 miles, and 4900 feet elevation, the trail passes under Alum Cave Bluffs--an overhanging cliff composed of black Anakeesta slate. Many hikers turn back at this point. For the individual who goes on, the views become more rugged as the trail ascends. The trail width narrows above Alum Cave Bluffs from six feet to four feet.

LeConte Lodge, located at the top of the mountain, is the highest resort east of the Mississippi River. Maintained under a lease agreement with the National Park Service, the LeConte Lodge furnishes eight balsam log cabins which accommodate a total of 50 individuals. This lodge has been called the smallest hotel in the world (Bowman, 1948: 108). Paul J. Adams was the first man to operate the guest facility, on July 13, 1925, under contract with the Great Smoky Mountains Conservation Society.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• hiking
• mountains

[catdogman]

I once hiked it with 2 feet of snow on the ground. Great hike. Ice cicles at that time were sometimes 6 feet or more long!

I highly recommend it.

[mikeheerema]

Thanks for your comment. That's incredible (hiking with 2' of snow). I love that park...so many trees and streams covering right up the mountains. The view from the top of LeConte is gorgeous. You must have been freezing up there! I also hiked "Chimney Top" which also has a great view from the top.

[xoxmcrxxlvrxox]

OMG!!!!!!!! :) I LOVE IT THERE ME AN MY BFF TORI WENT THERE IN 20070 so much fun an very pretty!!!!!

[homeostasis4me]

Oh and thanks for posting this.

[homeostasis4me]

This trail is only one of 5 that lead to Mt. LeConte. It's freaking awesome, the biodiversity found from start to finish can't be explained but must be experienced. I'm taking the boulevard to the shelter first weekend in august and can't wait.

[dramaking33]

sounds awsome!

[cfb30]

Went there in maybe 03? Nice hike and Myrtle point was stunning. Didn't see any bears, but a lot of scat and tracks.

[safetymanone]

I just climbed it last weekend and it was only 6 degrees at the top with little visibility and 4 inches of snow, but it was well worth it. I'm booked for one of the lodges in March and I can't wait. Thanks for the video.

[herrinspector]

I've enjoyed many trips up to the Lodge, back when Herrick Brown was the operator, before any modernization of the facility. A bunch of us from the Old Hickory Dupont plant would make the trek on the 2nd weekend in October... did that for several years. Carl Mays always brought country ham for lunch. Beautiful place, great hiking, wonderful memories. "Stew"

[phenixwryter]

Only way up is to hike! Been to the Bluffs sev times, but we took Bullhead up and Rainbow Falls down when we went in the late spring. Saw nine bears (five were cubs.) One male chased us down the trail aways before we stood our ground and another shared a view with me at Cliff top for-oh three secs before I took off. Thanks for sharing your experiences-its a great video!

[catdogman]

Yeah, we hiked Chimney too in the snow. Alot of people there. I remember an older man and his son inlaw left their wives in the car below to take a 'quick' hike. HAHAHA! Its a steep climb and they were having a hard time. But they did not tell each other that each wanted to turn back. It was so funny, so I believe they finished, never found out.

Poor wives, we saw them below and told them of their troubles. hAHAHE!