Mount LeConte
A Hike You Won't Forget!
![](https://www.smoky-mountains-hiking-guide.com/images/xllamas-mount-leconte.jpg.pagespeed.ic.MVHjCGEBIZ.jpg)
Mount LeConte is one of my favorite hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Why? Simple. The mountain views! When I hiked Alum Cave Trail to get to my destination, I felt like I was on an adventure.
I saw the bluffs at Alum Cave, crossed paths with some llamas, and saw some amazing views all along the way. And that was just on the way there. Once I got there, there were some more views of course, then I got up close and personal with those llamas.
If you're wondering why I would pass llamas on a hiking trail, it's because that's how they get supplies up there.
Why would they want to travel 5 miles with supplies up to the third highest peak in the park?
At the top of the mountain, there's a rustic lodge where people can reserve a cabin. The catch is you have to hike to get there.
![](https://www.smoky-mountains-hiking-guide.com/images/mount-leconte-lodge.jpg)
Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte is the shortest of all the routes but it's also the steepest. You gain 2,763' along the way. It's not actually a "cave," but a bluff. They're about 90' high and 500' wide.
![](https://www.smoky-mountains-hiking-guide.com/images/alum-cave-bluffs.jpg)
Once you're at the top, you forget about all the strain and pain it took to get there. Take a breather and gaze out at those beautiful mountains at Cliff Tops.
![](https://www.smoky-mountains-hiking-guide.com/images/mount-leconte-view.jpg)
Total Hike Length: 10 miles
Approximate Elevation: Starts at 3800' and Mount LeConte is at 6593'.
How to get to the trail: The trailhead for Alum Cave is located off Newfound Gap Rd., which runs through the center of the park.
This is a popular hike, so try to get there early.
Return from Mount LeConte to Scenic Hikes