I chose a very grueling hike to test out what kind of shape I was in, so I planned on taking Bull Head up Mount Le Conte and then Trillium Gap back around. This is probably the longest Mount Le Conte Loop hike, and it would have been over a 20-mile day with over 5,000 ft of elevation gain. I forgot the Bull Head was closed during the week due to trail renovations, so I had to audible and go up Rainbow falls trail. I would still end up with over 18 miles and by the end I was wasted.
I have done this loop a few times, but I usually take Trillium Gap up, and Rainbow falls back down. I Chose to do it this way because one, Bull Head was closed, but two I wanted to the higher elevation gain going up to judge my strength. It also has been a bit easier on my knees lately, doing the slighter grade down.
- Rainbow Falls -
The Rainbow Falls Trail is 6.7 miles to the top of Mount Le Conte. It gets its name from the almost 80-foot waterfall located just 2.8 miles up the trail. This waterfall is the highest single drop waterfall located within the bounds of the Smoky Mountains National Park. From here it is another 3.9 miles up to where the trail ends at the Le Conte Lodge.From there I hiked up to Hight Point, that is the true summit of Mount Le Conte standing at 6,593 ft. After I tagged to the top, I went over to Myrtle Point where I had my brunch, coffee, and did some rehydrating for the push back down the mountain. I also took in some great views as well.
- At the Summit of Mount Le Conte "High Top" -
To get to the Trillium Gap trailhead I had to back track past High Top where the junction is right before you get back to the Lodge. Trillium Gap is an 8.9-mile trail that has the lowest elevation gain of any of the Le Conte trails, but the lesser elevation is traded for a longer trail. After 3.6 miles you will reach the Brushy Mountain trail junction and from there it is about 1.5 miles to Grotto Falls. Grotto Falls is a 25 ft waterfall and is the only waterfall in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park that the trail takes you behind the falls. Once past Grotto Falls it is roughly another two miles of trail that will follow the Roaring Fork Motor Trail road back to the Rainbow Falls trailhead and complete the loop. A challenging but still one of my favorite hikes in the park. To break it up and give yourself more time you could always spend the night in the shelter on top of Le Conte. You will need to get a permit to do this, and there are no fires allowed there. As always, my friends hike on and stay safe out there.
Great Smoky Mountain National Park Saturday, July 15, 2023
Alum Cave Trail, what can I say that has not been said already. This is one of the Smoky Mountains’ most popular trails and there are a few reasons why. This trail has it all starting with the views and there are many along this five and half mile trek. There are several distinctive features that stand out as well with Arch Rock and the Alum Bluff. Finally, this is the shortest trail that will get you to the top of Mount Le Conte.
My Route:
Alum Cave Trail ...... 5.5 Miles Alum Cave Trail ...... 5.5 Miles
I woke up early and hit the trial around 5:30 am well before first light. I always like getting the jump on the crowds when it comes to the popular trials in the Smokies. The first two and half miles follow the creek up at a gradual elevation. At 1.4 miles you come to Arch Rock that is a type of land bridge you hike through. Then at 2.2 miles you come to what people call Inspiration Point where you can get some fantastic views of the surrounding mountains. Finally at 2.5 miles you hit Alum Bluff that is a huge rock face on the side of the mountain. It really puts size in perspective and pictures just do not do it justice.
Trail sign @ Alum Cave, Rainbow Falls, & Bullhead Junction
It is here that the trail gets steeper and narrower. There are splendid views throughout this section of the trail, but you also have steep drop-offs. Especially when the leaves are off the trees there are times you feel exposed and if you are afraid of heights, it might get a little difficult. They have installed cables in a lot of these areas to give people a handhold to help. On crowded days, some backups could develop in these areas as well.
It was through one of these tight sections that I ran into a bear. Luckily, the bear was going the same direction I was, so I gave it some space and eventually it must have climbed off the trail as I never saw it again. Just before you get to the Rainbow Falls, Bullhead, and Alum Cave Trail junction the scenery turns heavily wooded. From here I headed up then turned on the 0.2-mile side trail the heads to Cliff Top.
~ View from Cliff Top ~
It was a good morning, with rolling clouds, bright blue skies, and I was the only one there for a good 15 minutes. I brewed my coffee and took the beautiful moment in as several groups of people showed up, then dispersed, and it was just me again. It was nice to be able to just sit for a long while and take it all in.
~ Me in front of the Inn ~
From Cliff Top I tagged the summit and stopped by the inn. I was there during the off time and decided to hike back down instead of waiting for an additional hour. It called for storms later in the afternoon and I did not want to get caught in them if I did not have to. The way down was more crowded than on the way up and I had to wait for people to stop taking selfies in the middle of the cable runs. The way down is just as beautiful as the way up and the whole hike was wonderful.
