This strenuous hike is
11.0 miles
roundtrip and includes 2763 feet of elevation gain.
Can you climb Mt. LeConte a day?
There are several trails that lead to the Mt LeConte summit, so you can take your pick. No matter which trail you choose,
you can think of it as an all-day hike
. Plan on making this your one and only Smoky Mountains activity of the day!
What is the shortest hike to Mount LeConte?
Some people feel that the Trillium Gap trail (6.7 miles) is the easiest trail to the lodge as this is the trail the llamas use to bring supplies three times a week and it is not as steep as the other trails. The
Alum Cave trail
is the shortest trail to the lodge.
Can a beginner hike Mt. LeConte?
LeConte, the Smokies still have something for you. Enjoy one or all of these easy hikes in the Smokies.
They’re perfect for beginners
and a great way to add a little more exercise into your routine. This easy hike will take you through the cool and shady forest before it opens up to Andrews Bald after 1.8 miles.
Is Mt. LeConte a hard hike?
While all roads may lead to one of the highest mountain peaks in Great Smoky Mountain National Park,
some trails to the LeConte Lodge take more time and while others can rank higher on the strenuous scale
. Depending on the season, hikers can typically make their way up to the Lodge by means of five different trails.
How hard is it to climb Mt. LeConte?
To reach the 6593-foot summit of Mount LeConte hikers will have to climb 2763 feet, and hike 5.5 miles from the Alum Cave Trailhead. The first section of the Alum Cave Trail, up to Arch Rock, travels over a
fairly gentle grade
. Hikers will follow Alum Cave Creek over the course of the first mile.
Can you camp on top of Mt. LeConte?
Camping on Mount LeConte in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.
No tent camping is allowed on Mount LeConte
nor will you find camping allowed on any hiking trail leading directly up to Mount LeConte. There is however a very popular shelter on Mount LeConte that accomodates up to 12 Campers.
Where do you park to hike Mt. LeConte?
The Alum Cave Trail starts at the
Alum Cave Bluffs Trailhead parking lot
, located right on US-441 in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. From Gatlinburg, it is a 13-mile drive (30 minutes). There are several parking lots here. Even so, during the midday, overflow parking spills out on the shoulder lining US-441.
Can you hike Mt. LeConte in the winter?
| Elevation 6,594 ft. | Season Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter | Type Out & Back |
|---|
Which trail do the llamas take to Mt. LeConte?
Since 1986, llamas have been taking the
Trillium Gap Trail
to Mount LeConte Lodge, a 14-mile-long journey.
Is there cell service on Mt. LeConte?
No service for any cell companies inside the park
, especially on LeConte. Generally speaking, no cell service. If they are dropping you off at the trailhead, it is best to arrange pick up time at that point as getting in touch with them would probably be quite a long shot as cell service is spotty at best.
Is there water on Mt. LeConte?
Water is available at the Mount Le Conte Lodge, but only during warmer weather
. There is also a spring located near the Lodge off the Trillium Gap Trail.
Can kids hike Mt. LeConte?
Absolutely
. This is a fun trail with lots to see and kids enjoy it. You don’t have to hike the whole trail all the way up Mount LeConte if your kids are young or are not experienced hikers.
Is Alum Cave Trail Hard?
About the Alum Cave Bluffs Trail
This
moderately difficult
hike is 4.6 miles round trip or 5.1 miles on to LeConte Lodge. The round-trip to the cave bluffs takes about 3 hours, but you should allow about 4 hours to LeConte Lodge. The Alum Cave trail is the most popular and well-known route to Mount LeConte.
Is Alum Cave Trail OK for kids?
Alum Cave. Being one of the most popular hiking trails in Gatlinburg, Alum Cave is approximately 4.4 miles long. The round-trip hike begins with a moderate climb and is
well suited for older kids
.
What is at the top of Mount LeConte?
| Mount Le Conte | Easiest route Hike |
|---|
Is Mount LeConte an active volcano?
As mentioned above,
Mount LeConte is an active volcano
. Since its discovery is so recent, scientists are still working to determine what risk the volcano poses to the area.
How long is Trillium Gap Trail?
The Trillium Gap Trail is a strenuous, all-day hike that is
nearly 14 miles roundtrip
and gains over 3,400 feet in elevation.
Do you need a permit to hike Mount LeConte?
Wilderness permits are required for overnight stays
, and quotas apply to the Meysan Lake Trail from May to September. Everything you need to know about conditions, permits and regulations can be found on the Eastern Sierra – Logisitcal Center page.
Is there a volcano in Tennessee?
No. There are no volcanoes in Tennessee
.
How do I get a reservation to Mt LeConte?
Please
call (865) 429-5704
for current availability. You will need to fill out a new form for the wait list when available. The reservation business hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. It is closed most major holidays.
How many trails lead to LeConte?
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.
