Mt. LeConte is the third highest peak in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and a popular hiking destination. There are actually 6 trails suitable for a Mt LeConte hike, and they all vary in difficulty, length, and features along the way.
Alum Cave Trail
This Mt LeConte hike is the shortest but also the steepest. It has popular landmarks along the way such as Arch Rock, Peregrine Peak, Inspiration Point, and of course the Alum Cave Bluffs. During the summer months you will see beautiful Catawba rhododendron on the route. The trail is about 5 miles one way, making the round trip a solid 10.
Alum Cave Trail
The Boulevard Trail
The Boulevard is about 3 miles longer than Alum Cave with about as much climbing. The trip (starting at the Appalachian Trail on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina) starts at 5,048 feet; it is not the easiest hike. However the folks at High On Leconte say "when the weather is optimal, few hikes rival the beauty and scenery of The Boulevard and AT."
Boulevard Trail
Rainbow Falls Trail
This Mt LeConte hike is almost as popular as Alum Cave due to its length (about 6.7 miles) and of course the beautiful waterfall about halfway down the trail. It can get crowded, but if you arrive early enough you will still get to enjoy the calming sounds of LeConte Creek paired with the forest scenery along the way.
Rainbow Falls
Trillium Gap Trail
Trillium Gap is a bit longer of a trail, but the incline along the way makes it one of the more forgiving Mt LeConte hikes. The entire trail is actually 8.9 miles when starting at Cherokee Orchard (sharing a trailhead with Rainbow Falls) but the popular starting place is just off Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, with the summit only 6.7 miles away. You'll find Grotto Falls on this hike & even some llamas.
Trillium Gap TrailWhen guests ask about the easiest trail for climbing Mount LeConte, there is no right or wrong answer. Alum Cave Trail is the shortest, but the steepness and exposed cliffs can be a deal breaker for some. Trillium Gap Trail provides visitors with a friendly alternative. It is the most gradual ascent of the mountain and is entirely forested without having to navigate exposed rock ledges. It's also the supply line for our pack llamas three times a week, so there's an opportunity to see our favorite fuzzy friends!
High On LeConte
Bullhead Trail
Another Mt LeConte hike whose trail begins in Cherokee Orchard, Bullhead Trail is not one of the most popular routes. The hike is 6.9 miles long with a gradual incline for about the first mile before the slopes get a good bit steeper. It is generally the hottest trail on the mountain but can make a nice end to a loop hike. You'll also get to enjoy lots of wildflowers along the way.
Bullhead Trail
Brushy Mountain Trail
The 9.1 mile hike on Brushy Mountain Trail is the least popular of the six and is usually hiked by those who have already completed the other routes. It's the longest and gains the most in elevation, while not as steeply as Alum Cave or most of the others. There's a great spot to cool off when you cross the stream at Trillium Branch just before turning onto Trillium Gap for the remainder of the trip.
Brushy Mountain Trail
