Mt Le Conte - , Tennessee

lydia M.

Did this hike back in 2018, the view is so worth it. You can really experience the reason it’s named The Smoky Mountains. We hiked up to Mt Le Conte and stayed in one of the shelters, not the cabins, overnight. If I remember correctly we stopped at Rainbow Falls on the way down. Still one of my favorite hikes.

B. R.

Round Trip 11 Miles (5.5 miles up then Down) to summit.

Kid friendly, if they can do that distance.

Parking, if you get there later than 645am on a weekend, be prepared to road-shoulder park and hike to the access point.

Time expectations (2 reasonably fit adults): 2 hour 45 minutes (brisk leisurely up) and leisurely 2 hour 15 minutes down.

Views: Over 5 days, we found after 11am the clearest views for Smokies. Consistent cloud clearance in afternoon during fall. Otherwise prior to 6am.

If wanting clifftop of 360-views then add an additional mile and hour. (5-6hours)

Lodge offers narrow morning grab food offerings before re-opening at noon. Camping Bathrooms available prior to summit.

The summit is approximately 10 minutes up trail from lodge.

This hike is absolutely gorgeous, offerings diverse creekside and vista views.

Alex L.

Everyone else's reviews speak for themselves. On the east coast, this has to be one of the best trails you'll find apart from Beehive Trail in Acadia Ntl Park. 11 ish miles round trip to the best overlook. Very challenging if not fit and experienced at hiking. The different spots along the trail are very pretty and serve as some good rest points. Please note - very minimal seating along 5.25 mile stretch from parking lot to peak. (We did the cliff tops viewpoint)

Go early when they open the gates at 7 or good luck finding a spot. Trail will be very hot throughout the day so earlier or later in the day will be better. Plan for 7 ish hours if you take your time. Pack lots of water and some snacks for along the way!

jennifer N.

Really worth it!! I've been up 5 times and it's great every time. Rocky and slippery! Take water 💧..go to Myrtle Point and cliff tops! I make up in about 2 hours 15 minutes stopping for quick pictures..go super early , or later if it's summer you are more likely to find a parking spot.

Brian C.

5 miles up - 2 miles down 😜
This hike is definitely strenuous from the Alum Cave Trailhead up to the top. Took me 2 hours with a fairly brisk walk with a few stops to rest briefly. Once at the top, I walked past on the Boulevard Trail to head to Myrtle Point. Once you get to the stack of rocks (High Top) keep on the trail even after it starts to go down hill again - because not to far down the trail is the trail to Myrtle Point with a pretty decent view. On my way back I stopped at Cliff Top which offers nice views of Clingman’s Dome and on over towards Gatlinburg area. Stopped in at the gift shop which had just opened at 9AM. Was about and hour and a half down at a pretty good clip.

Andrew K.

Great trail! Well maintained! Did 12 miles in just shy of 4 hours! Worth the hike! Absolutely incredible views! Plus if you love driving I highly recommend!

Tomas D. A.

Awesome trail with breathtaking views along the way! Get there early because parking gets filled very fast. Plan to spend a lot of time on the trail which goes up in elevation around 3,500 feet according to Gaia GPS. We are unexperienced hikers and were able to summit in about 4 hours, and spent 7 hours round trip. Other folks definitely went at a faster pace. The trail is very well maintained and marked, it is difficult to get lost. There are lodges near the summit as well as a gift shop where you’ll find snacks. The bathrooms near the summit are not flush toilets for thru hikers.

Kylie R.

Definitely kicked my butt getting to the top, but that’s exactly what I wanted! I would not recommend this as someone’s first camping experience- trails are definitely moderate to difficult, which makes it perfect for an intermediate hiker! We took Rainbow up and Alum Cave down. Absolutely allow a full day to go up- we took several breaks and were wiped by the time we got there! Staff at the Lodge itself was great, and cabins were actually very comfortable to stay in. 10/10 would recommend for intermediate hikers!