Hiking to the Summit of Mount LeConte on the Rainbow Falls Trail and the Bull Head Trail
Вставка
- Опубліковано 8 лют 2025
- Come along with me and @HikerTrashHusbands for an epic Tennessee adventure: a hike to the summit of Mount LeConte in the Great Smoky Mountains. At 6,593 feet, it’s the third highest peak in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the highest peak that’s completely within Tennessee.
Of the numerous trails that lead to LeConte’s summit, we are taking the Rainbow Falls Trail. This 6.6 mile route to the top runs beside LeConte Creek until Rainbow Falls, the single highest drop of water in the national park.
The trail up the mountain has plenty to see even before the falls. We cross LeConte Creek on a one-log bridge, get glimpses of the nearby mountains, and begin to see cascades right on the trail.
At the 2.6 mile mark we reach Rainbow Falls, a nearly 80 foot single drop waterfall. For most hikers, this is the turn-around point. For those that continue, the trail gets quieter and the views begin opening up more and more.
As the trail winds its way up towards the summit, we passed through an area that was affected by a wildfire. It was one of my favorite spots because of the unique look of the recovering landscape and the views it opened up.
After passing through the burn area, you’ll notice lots of mosses growing all over the sides and even on the trail. This is a sure sign that we’re getting near the top .
There’s plenty of exploring to do once you’re near the summit. Our first stop: Cliff Tops - one of the high points on Mount LeConte.
After Cliff Tops we made the roughly mile long walk to Myrtle Point, another vista that is not to be missed.
I could have spent hours exploring the lodge and all the cabins up there, but it was time to get off the summit and down the mountain. We had almost 7 miles to left to go on the Bull Head Trail.
The descent down the Bull Head Trail was my favorite part of the day by far. It was like walking through a wizard‘s garden. We hit it at the perfect time, all bathed in golden light. Signs of the wildfire would soon appear, and the views were stunning every step of the way.
All in all, this was a demanding 16-mile hike and well worth the effort.
Fantastic episode man! Trail looks and feels just stunning! So atmospheric and interesting to watch! 👏👏
Gorgeous! I love your hikes!!!
'twas a blustery one!
It was so magical exploring the Smokies with you and getting to climb one of our very favorite mountains there. We can't wait to spend the night at LeConte lodge with you (and David) on the next trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park!!
Nice hike. Thank you for sharing 😊
Thanks so much for watching and for the kind comment! Best wishes in 2025!
Nothing as enjoyable as walking thru a burnt forest in sandals. Round trip mileage on Rainbow Falls trail 13 elevation gain to LeConte almost 5000 ft. Dont try this at home.
Haha! It was quite an exertion. Not a bad second hike in the Smokies, either.
As for the sandals, better Moe than me. 😂