The Hike To Mt. LeConte!

Our little over 11 mile round trip Hike up Alum Cave Trail to Mt. LeConte!

     We got to the parking lot right about 9:20 am, both parking area's were full already. But we found a spot along the road for overflow. We started our hike about 9:30, stopping along the way in the very beginning to take pictures here and there. We continued to the area they call the Arch Rock where they have stone stairs that continue on up the trail. The next point of interest would be Inspiration Point, a nice view as your climbing. Continuing on you then come to The Alum Cave Bluffs, this marks about the halfway point. It is also a good spot to stop and have a snack or a meal and water before continuing along. It is 2.3 miles from the parking lot. It is still another 2.7 miles up to the lodge. And to us it also marks the spot where the trail becomes much steeper and harder to navigate. As you get about a mile or so from the bluffs the trail becomes steep in many different spots with many narrow rocky  spots that have a cable for stability and to help you get along safely. It is highly recommended you bring plenty of water for drinking. 

     Personally I would bring a minimum of 3 (16.9) oz. bottles of water per person. And as when anywhere in natural surroundings, pack out your garbage so future generations can enjoy the beauty of our recreational area's, and leave nothing to harm the environment or animals of the wild, including any food. 

     As you reach the Lodge, there is another trail on your right that goes to Myrtle Point and the Cliffs. That is a nice place to sit and relax, have some more food and drinks (packing out your trash), and taking pictures before making your descend back down to the parking lots. (You may also want to bring veggie sticks or trail mix to snack on in between stops to keep you going)! They have some rest rooms at the Lodge area around the cabins if you need to use the facilities before making your way down. And during there open hours, the Lodge sells Packed lunches if you don't bring your own.

     Below is a video I made of the pictures we took along our way. I hope you will take the time to watch it and enjoy the scenery, and I hope it inspires you to (Go take a Hike)! 

     And just to give you a time frame of the hike, with our stopping and taking pictures and eating or resting here and there it took us almost 8 hours to complete. We did spend about an hour or so at the top though!