One of my favorite hikes in the Southern Appalachians. I left on a foggy July morning to beat the crowds. Unfortunately, the skies didn't clear as much as I hoped. This is a 12 mile round-tripper that gains over 2500 feet of elevation. Enjoy!!
6500' - The been there, done that shot. On the edge of Cliff Top looking west.
6500' - The misty view east from Cliff Top.
6500' - The western portion of Cliff Top is off-limits to hikers. It is remarkable how the plant life clings to the side of the cliffs.
6500' - The view of another of LeConte's three summits, West Point (~6300'). From Cliff Top.
6500' - The cliffs in the previous photo are off limits to hikers. This sign explains why. Cliff Top.
6500' - Another shot of the protected cliffs of Cliff Top.
6450' - The unnamed spur trail joins the Boulevard Trail just below Mt. LeConte's summit, High Top. This open marshy area seemed a little out of place on a high mountain peak.
6450' - A narrow trail follows the edge of Cliff Top through young fir trees, to The Boulevard Trail which accesses the true summit of LeConte, High Top.
6400' - I have mixed feelings about the Lodge. It does require a 5 mile hike to get to which sorts out the Hawaiian Shirts and Birkenstocks which is good, but something about a hotel at the summit of a mountian bugs me.
6400' - On a clear day the view from here 4000 feet down to the foothills of Tennessee is amazing.
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