Directions:: Take I-40 to exit 207, follow to Gatlinburg, and then to the
Great Smoky Mtn National Park. From Park headquarters, at Sugarland, it is approx 5
miles to the trailhead. Park at a designated spot and take off.
Trail Information:: This is all trail, no fire roads. It can be
slippery or muddy. There will be plenty of people on the trail, so if that is
a concern, go on a weekday. At the top, at Mt. LeConte, there is a water
source, a shelter, if you are wanting to spend the night. However, if you want to
camp out, a permit must be obtained. These can be obtained from the Sugarlands
headquarters. The trail is 5 miles long, and connects to other trails. The AT
is about 5 miles away. It is possible to make a loop-Go up via Alum Cave, down via
Rainbow Falls-total length approx 13 miles.
Steve Gould