Mount LeConte Great Smoky Mountains
Iconic peak in the Smokies, offering challenging hikes and breathtaking views above the clouds. Accessible only by trail.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better parking.
Mount LeConte Great Smoky Mountains
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better parking.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic peak in the Smokies, offering challenging hikes and breathtaking views above the clouds. Accessible only by trail.
"Worth every step. Probably the best place in the smokies."
Arrive Before Sunrise 🌅
Parking fills by 7 AM. Get there early to avoid walking an extra mile to the trailhead.
Waterproof Boots Needed 🥾
Trails can be wet and slippery, especially near Alum Cave. Your shoes will likely get soaked.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Alum Cave Bluffs
Alum Cave Trail
A stunning natural arch and a popular halfway point with unique geological formations. Perfect for photos!
Cliff Tops Summit
Mount LeConte Summit
Experience breathtaking panoramic views above the clouds, especially magical at sunrise or sunset.
LeConte Lodge
Mount LeConte Summit
A historic, rustic lodge offering overnight stays. Reservations are highly competitive; check for cancellations.
+1
Myrtle Point
Mount LeConte Summit
Offers expansive views, often considered one of the best viewpoints on Mount LeConte.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds: Early Bird Gets the View
Trail Conditions & What to Pack
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Arrive Before Sunrise 🌅
Parking fills by 7 AM. Get there early to avoid walking an extra mile to the trailhead.
Waterproof Boots Needed 🥾
Trails can be wet and slippery, especially near Alum Cave. Your shoes will likely get soaked.
Pack Layers 🧥
Summit weather is unpredictable. Be prepared for wind and temperature changes.
Cable for Safety ⚠️
Hold onto the cable on steep, slippery sections for stability.
Tips
from all over the internet
Arrive Before Sunrise 🌅
Parking fills by 7 AM. Get there early to avoid walking an extra mile to the trailhead.
Waterproof Boots Needed 🥾
Trails can be wet and slippery, especially near Alum Cave. Your shoes will likely get soaked.
Pack Layers 🧥
Summit weather is unpredictable. Be prepared for wind and temperature changes.
Cable for Safety ⚠️
Hold onto the cable on steep, slippery sections for stability.
Llama Sightings 🦙
See the lodge llamas on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Mount LeConte offers a challenging but incredibly rewarding hiking experience with stunning summit views. While the trails are strenuous and can be wet, the payoff is immense. Many visitors find the journey itself, with its unique geological features, as enjoyable as the final vista. The competitive nature of LeConte Lodge reservations is a common point of frustration for those seeking an overnight stay.
"Strenuous hike, but mainly for the distance, most parts are not that steep, but there are some steep sections that can get slippery. I would hold onto the cable when you get high up. There is a reason why it’s there. Stay safe. When you get to the top, there is a nice lodge with some snack snacks and gifts. If you go out a little bit further, you can get to the top and hopefully it won’t be too smoky for you. When we got to the top, it was very smoky and we really couldn’t see that much. I will say we saw a lot throughout the entire hike and we had a wonderful time enjoying God’s a wonderful creation! God is so good! I hope God blesses you with a very rad day!"
Ethan Kilby
"Worth every step. Probably the best place in the smokies. We went up Alum Cave and down Rainbow Falls. Both were nice, Rainbow Falls was a little less well kept, it is less busy however. However you make it, just get up there. Its really something."
jo jo
"We were not blessed with great views up at the top so I cannot give it 5 stars. However it was a very enjoyable hike up to the top. We took Alum Cave up, which is a generally popular trail so we were sure to start right at sunrise. I would recommend doing that trail up as we had great views along the way."
Jacqueline Zwack
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most popular trails are Alum Cave Trail (11 miles roundtrip, moderate to strenuous), Rainbow Falls Trail (11 miles roundtrip, less crowded but less maintained), and Trillium Gap Trail (13 miles roundtrip, also less crowded).
Most hikers take 6-9 hours to complete the roundtrip hike, depending on the trail chosen and their fitness level. Some opt for overnight stays at LeConte Lodge.
Parking is extremely limited and fills up very early, often before 7 AM, especially on weekends. Arriving early is crucial.
No, Mount LeConte is only accessible by hiking trails. There is no road access to the summit.
The Alum Cave Trailhead is located along Newfound Gap Road (US-441). It's a popular starting point, so aim for an early arrival.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No permit is required for day hiking. However, overnight stays at LeConte Lodge require advance reservations, which are very difficult to secure.
Mount LeConte is accessible 24/7 via hiking trails. The LeConte Lodge has specific check-in and check-out times for overnight guests.
There is no entrance fee for Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and day hiking is free. Costs would be associated with transportation, gear, and potential overnight stays at the lodge.
Reservations for LeConte Lodge are highly sought after and typically book up months in advance. Cancellations do occur, so monitor their website and social media for updates.
For those who can't secure a lodge room, a backcountry shelter is available. It's a more rustic option but still requires booking.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
Mount LeConte stands at 6,593 feet (2,010 meters), making it the third-highest peak in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
You can expect stunning panoramic views above the clouds, especially from Cliff Tops and Myrtle Point. However, views can be obscured by smoke or fog.
Limited facilities are available at the LeConte Lodge. Some trailheads may have basic restrooms. It's best to be prepared to be self-sufficient.
No, dogs are not permitted on trails within Great Smoky Mountains National Park, including Mount LeConte.
Weather at the summit can be extreme and change rapidly. Expect high winds, fog, and cooler temperatures than at lower elevations.
🍽️ 🍎 Food & Dining
The LeConte Lodge offers meals for overnight guests, and there's a small gift shop with snacks and drinks. Day hikers should pack all their own food and water.
Alum Cave Bluffs, located about halfway up the Alum Cave Trail, is a popular and scenic spot for a picnic lunch.
Yes, absolutely. There are no reliable water sources on the trails for purification. Carry more water than you think you'll need.
The closest towns with extensive dining options are Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, which are a significant drive from the trailheads.
The lodge gift shop typically sells basic snacks, drinks, and souvenirs. It's not a full-service restaurant for day hikers.
📸 📸 Photography
Key spots include Arch Rock on the Alum Cave Trail, Cliff Tops for panoramic vistas, and Myrtle Point for expansive views.
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting. However, be mindful of the time needed to hike back down safely.
Focus on the unique geological formations like Arch Rock, the narrow passages, and the expansive views as you ascend.
Include elements like trees or people in your shots to give a sense of scale. Wide-angle lenses are great for capturing the vast landscapes.
Weather can be a major factor, with fog and smoke obscuring views. High winds can also make stable shots difficult.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack plenty of snacks and water, and plan for frequent breaks. Consider a shorter, more accessible hike in the Smokies if your children are younger or less experienced hikers. For families seeking a summit experience without the strenuous hike, exploring areas like Clingmans Dome (accessible by car) might be a more suitable alternative.
💰 Budget Travelers
For an overnight stay, the backcountry shelter at LeConte Lodge is a more budget-friendly option than the lodge cabins, though still requires booking.
Packing your own food and water for the hike will save significant money compared to purchasing snacks at the lodge. 💑 Couples & Adventure Seekers
+1 Consider tackling a less common trail like Rainbow Falls for a more secluded experience. For the ultimate romantic or adventurous getaway, try to secure an overnight stay at LeConte Lodge. Waking up above the clouds and enjoying a sunset from the summit is an unforgettable experience for couples.
Be sure to book well in advance or be prepared to chase cancellations! Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Choosing Your Ascent: Trails to Mount LeConte
For those seeking a less crowded but potentially less maintained path, the Rainbow Falls Trail (11 miles roundtrip) offers a beautiful waterfall as a highlight. The Trillium Gap Trail (13 miles roundtrip) is another option, often used in conjunction with other routes. Experienced hikers might consider the Boulevard Trail or the Cliff Tops Trail for more strenuous ascents.
Regardless of the trail chosen, expect a strenuous climb. The key is to select a trail that matches your fitness level and desired experience, and always check trail conditions before you go.
+1The LeConte Lodge Experience
Reservations are notoriously difficult to secure, often booking up a year in advance. The lodge operates on a lottery system and has specific booking windows. Many visitors try to snag last-minute cancellations by monitoring the lodge's website or social media.
For those who can't get a lodge room, a backcountry shelter is available as a more basic alternative. Staying at the lodge provides a unique opportunity to experience the mountain's tranquility and witness incredible sunrises and sunsets without the rush of a day hike. It's a true immersion in the natural beauty of the Smokies.
+1Navigating Mount LeConte's Weather and Terrain
+1 Even on a warm day in the valleys, the summit can be cold and blustery. Packing layers of clothing is crucial for comfort and safety. The trails themselves present their own challenges. Many sections, particularly on the Alum Cave Trail, involve navigating wet rocks and slippery surfaces.
Be aware that visibility can be severely impacted by smoke and fog, which are common in the Smokies. While this can create dramatic, atmospheric photos, it can also obscure the much-anticipated summit views.
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