Hike to Mount Le Conte

[Dave L]

I'm planning to hike Mount Le Conte this weekend and looking for the least crowded route. I've found these great trail descriptions, but can't tell which will see the lightest crowds. Any insight? Thanks!

http://protrails.com/trails/view/431...lium_gap_trail

http://protrails.com/trails/view/434...ow_falls_trail

http://protrails.com/trails/view/425...lum_cave_trail

[Tennessee Viking]

Alum Cave is properly the most crowded.

Rainbow Falls trail can have some crowds up the falls. But because of its steepness, many day hikers do no venture past the falls.

Probably the longest but most scenic is the Boulevard trail route. Its is a good couple miles walk in on the AT then turn off onto Boulevard. Boulevard is not easy, so it should have some of the lightest traffic.

The earlier you get to any trailhead the better the chances to avoid people. I got to Rainbow Falls at 7am one time. I was only one of 3 cars there. By 3pm on my return, the entire parking lot was full.

[ChinMusic]

I'd rec the Boulevard Trail as well. Take in the side trail to the "Jump Off" as well. I think it's called Jump Off, something like that anyway.

[max patch]

Alum Cave is properly the most crowded.

Theres a reason for that -- many people think that is not only the best way to LeConte, but its also one of the best hikes in the entire park.

Another review:

http://www.hikinginthesmokys.com/lecontealum.htm

[Duramax22]

Just did the boulevard trail sunday only seen 1 person plus it has some awesome views and cool terrain

[Violent Green]

I'm planning to hike Mount Le Conte this weekend and looking for the least crowded route. I've found these great trail descriptions, but can't tell which will see the lightest crowds. Any insight? Thanks!

http://protrails.com/trails/view/431...lium_gap_trail

http://protrails.com/trails/view/434...ow_falls_trail

http://protrails.com/trails/view/425...lum_cave_trail

The routes to Mt. Leconte in order from least crowded to most crowded:

1. The Bullhead trail
2. Boulevard trail
3. Trillium Gap
4. Alum Cave

Ryan

[Violent Green]

The routes to Mt. Leconte in order from least crowded to most crowded:

1. The Bullhead trail
2. Boulevard trail
3. Trillium Gap
4. Alum Cave

Ryan

Forgot about Rainbow Falls...it would fall next to last after Trillium Gap, but not as crowded as Alum Cave.

[chelko]

Is this an overnighter or a day hike?

[HeartFire]

Brushy mountain trail will probably also be deserted. Alum cave, Rainbow falls and Trillium are all heavily used.

[karo]

Is this an overnighter or a day hike?

It can be a dayhike, if you leave early enough in the morning. You will have to have reservations at either Mt. LeConte shelter or the lodge to stay overnight. BTW Mt LeConte lodge does have souvenirs for sale as well as snacks and a sack lunch you can purchase.

[The Solemates]

boulevard route gets my vote every time. most scenic in my opinion, but also the longest. an easy 15-16 mile day hike.

[chelko]

If you want to do a long day hike park at the Alum Cave trailhead on 441. Very easy to get a ride (hitchhike) to Newfound Gap and then south on the AT for 2.7 miles then the Boulevard trail for 5.4 over to Le Conte. You can return to your car via the Alum Cave Trail at 5.0 miles. Makes for a managable 13.1 mile day.

[wookinpanub]

If you want to do a long day hike park at the Alum Cave trailhead on 441. Very easy to get a ride (hitchhike) to Newfound Gap and then south on the AT for 2.7 miles then the Boulevard trail for 5.4 over to Le Conte. You can return to your car via the Alum Cave Trail at 5.0 miles. Makes for a managable 13.1 mile day.

This is definitely my recommendation, as well. Blvd has spectacular views and no crowds. This is a couple of weeks later in the year than the last time I hiked that route, but in addition to the scenic views and solitude there were Turk's Cap Lilies in bloom and many others. It can be pretty dry, though.

[ChinMusic]

If you want to do a long day hike park at the Alum Cave trailhead on 441. Very easy to get a ride (hitchhike) to Newfound Gap and then south on the AT for 2.7 miles then the Boulevard trail for 5.4 over to Le Conte. You can return to your car via the Alum Cave Trail at 5.0 miles. Makes for a managable 13.1 mile day.

I did this loop as a dayhike, prep-hike for a section hike on the AT. It def got my attention coming from the flatlands. IMO it was a great loop and I would park at Alum and hitch just as chelko suggested if you only have one car.

[chelko]

I meant to say NORTH on AT from NEWFOUND GAP not south. My mistake.

[sevensixtwo187]

I to would highly recommend the AT / Boulevard route. The Boulevard is quite interesting and has some fantastic views. Very few folks on it .....

[wornoutboots]

Last 4th of July I went from #31 to #30 then up Brushy Mountain Trail & I didn't see anyone, probably because of the stinging nettles (they weren't really as bad as the ranger thought) + there is a NICE little Cascade swimmin hole on the way up. I stayed at the shelter then came back down the very busy Alum Cave trail & hitched back into Gatlinburg.