Mt. LeConte Continued

CAMPING INFORMATION | MT. LECONTE VIEWS | CURRENT VIEW OF THE SMOKIES

ED WRIGHTS MT LECONTE HIKES BLOG   |  THE MAP ROOM    

The right fork through the red spruce leads to the western views from Cliff Top. Gatlinburg is visible here and so are wonderful views of the sunset. Guests from the Mt. LeConte lodge often huddle here to witness colorful sunsets. The ivy lined cliffs also reveal the Anakeesta rock formations first witnessed at Arch Rock. Because of the crumbling rock, getting close to the edge can be very dangerous. The access to rocks above this view is prohibited by the Park Service because of the fragile nature of the plant community.

After enjoying the views, you can take the trail that you came on or take the other trail, to the right, that leads to Myrtle Point. This short trail, of approximately one mile, takes you through a heavily damaged Spruce - Fir forest. It ends at a bootleg campsite. Follow the signed trail to the shelter. As with everywhere else in the Park arrangements must be made to stay in the shelter. After passing the shelter the trail curves to the right and continues on to Myrtle Point. You can probably walk around the top of LeConte for a mile or two. This mountain does not have a traditional peak but rather a flat, plateau like area that extends from Cliff Top to Myrtle Point.

After passing the shelter, near the junction of the Boulevard Trail, the trail passes a pile of flat rocks to the right. Be sure to throw a rock on the top of the pile. Hiker's folklore states that if every passing hiker throws a rock on this pile then one day the elevation of Mt. LeConte will surpass Clingmans Dome ! After this trail junction, it is a short walk to Myrtle Point. This is a wonderful vantage point to watch the sun rise.

After taking in the great views from Myrtle Point be sure to head to the Mt. LeConte Lodge. The staff there has many great stories to tell and you may want to buy a T-Shirt to remember your experience. It is no wonder that so many hikers return again and again to hike this spectacular mountain.

GETTIN' THERE

Alum Bluff Trail is located off of 441 (Newfound Gap Rd.) in the Tennessee side of the park. It is 8.6 miles from the Sugarlands Visitor Center and 20 miles from the Oconaluftee Visitor center. The parking lots for the trail are well marked. Go to the MAP ROOM for more details.

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CAMPING INFORMATION | MT. LECONTE VIEWS | CURRENT VIEW OF THE SMOKIES

ED WRIGHTS MT LECONTE HIKES BLOG   |  THE MAP ROOM