Hiking Trails
Alum Cave Trail
Start at the Alum Cave parking area on Newfound Gap Road, 8.5 miles south of Park Headquarters and Visitor's Center. Distance to LeConte Lodge®: 5.5 miles. Net climb: 2,560 feet. Although strenuous on the ascent, it is the easiest return from the summit. At the lower portion see Alum Cave Creek, Arch Rock, Alum Cave Bluff (an excellent overlook) at 2.3 miles and national park service interpretive signs. At the upper portion, below Cliff Top, is a narrow cleft across a steep open slope with cables installed for handholds. In winter, this part of the trail may be choked with ice hummocks covering the cables, so use extra caution. Note the large red spruce and tulip trees along the way and flowering rhododendron in late June.
The Boulevard Trail
Start at the Newfound Gap parking lot. You will follow the Appalachian Trail for 2.7 miles to the junction where the Boulevard Trail branches left (North). Total distance to LeConte Lodge®: 8 miles. Net Climb: 1080 feet. The Boulevard Trail is a rolling trail following a narrow ridge with steep forested slopes on both sides; the trail is steep at the final ascent to LeConte Lodge®. You may occasionally encounter ice and snow in early spring and late fall on this trail. An interesting side trail just past the junction with the Appalachian Trail leads right 0.4 miles to the top of cliffs at the Jumpoff, with striking views of Charlie's Bunion and upper Greenbrier Cove. Myrtle Point and Cliff Top offer other excellent views. Note red spruce and balsam firs along the way.
Bullhead Trail
Please be advised that effective Monday, August 23, 2010, this trail head will be closed for road improvements. Projected reopening date is Saturday, September 18, 2010. Please check with reservations office for updates on road closure. Access will be permitted on September 3, 4, 5 and 6, but all cars must be removed by 6:00 am EDT, Tuesday, September 7. Start on the Rainbow Falls - Bullhead parking lot at 3.4 miles on Cherokee Orchard Road (a one-way road). Distance to LeConte Lodge: 7.2 miles. Net climb: 3820 feet. Rainbow Falls Trail, which originates at the same parking lot, rejoins Bullhead at mile 6.4. Fine lookoffs at the Bullhead and a heath bald. Note red spruce and balsam firs along the way and the Bullhead Heath for spring blooms. The Bullhead Trail offers magnificent autumn scenery.
Rainbow Falls Trail
See above trail head advisory as Bullhead and Rainbow Falls use the same parking area. Start on the Rainbow Falls - Bullhead parking lot at 3.4 miles on Cherokee Orchard Road (a one-way road). Distance to LeConte Lodge: 6.5 miles. Net climb: 3,820 feet. Bullhead Trail, which originates at the same parking lot, rejoins Rainbow Falls Trail at mile 5.8. Note Rainbow Falls at mile 2.4. LeConte Creek forcibly erupts over the rocks and can freeze solid in the winter. See impressive overlooks at 5.0 miles. In late June, Rocky Spur is a good place to see flowering rhododendron.
Trillium Gap Trail
Please be advised that Roaring Fork will be closed to all public access until summer, 2010 for road improvements. The reopening dates to be determined. This is the access road to Grott Falls/Trillium Gap Trailhead. You can still access this trail via connecting trails in the area. Check with the reservations office or park website at: www.nps.gov/grsm for updates. Start at the Grotto Falls parking lot at mile 1.7 on the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail (a one-way road, closed in winter). Distance to LeConte Lodge: 6.5 miles. Net climb: 3,300 feet. See Grotto Falls at mile 1.5. Note Roaring Fork Creek, one of the steepest streams in the park. Also note red spruce and at higher elevations, fraser fir. As you walk the trail between Grotto Falls and Trillium Gap, listen for underground streams roaring through the rocks. Trillium Gap Trail is the trail the llamas use to get to the Lodge on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Be sure to check out this great video about the llama's that carry supplies to and from LeConte Lodge. Click here to view video.