Mount Le Conte (6,593') is the 3rd highest peak in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and tallest from base to top in the eastern United States. Of five routes leading to the summit, the Rainbow Falls Trail is arguably the most challenging. But with the extra effort come a few compelling distinctions:

There are 5 forest communities in the Park, and you'll touch them all on the 4,000' climb to Mount Le Conte. The Rainbow Falls Trail features the eponymous falls, an 80' cascade along Le Conte Creek. Rhododendron lines much of the trail, making this a preferred route during peak blooms. Horses are not permitted on the trail, and crowds thin considerably beyond Rainbow Falls.

Hikers will enjoy ecological diversity, exceptional blooms, sensational views, light traffic, and a memorable stop at Rainbow Falls en route to Mount Le Conte.

The Rainbow Falls Trail begins on a moderate grade beside Le Conte Creek. Look for deer and bear along wide, thinly treed banks on the first half mile. At .5 miles (2,923') the trail bends away from the creek and climbs into a Northern Hardwood Forest. Hemlock are notably large is this arboreal transition zone.

The trail crosses a rail-aided bridge (1.5 miles : 3,720'), grows increasingly rocky to a second (2.25 miles : 4,130'), and switchbacks to a third spanning Le Conte Creek at the base of Rainbow Falls (2.3 miles : 4,195'). The falls are set back from the trail, so hikers must negotiate tree roots and boulders for up close views of its drop pool.

The trail steepens considerably and is unabatedly rugged beyond Rainbow Falls. You're now passing through overlapping Northern Hardwood, Pine-Oak, and Spruce-Fir communities on the rapid climb from 4,000-5,000'. Note the phasing of beech, birch, and maple in favor of red spruce, Fraser fir, yellow birch and mountain ash. Rhododendron and laurel still dominate the trailside and understory.

The trail relaxes from 3.6 - 4.1 miles (4,955' - 5,220') on a winding course with northerly views through breaks in the forest. Views south from the Rocky Overlook Spur are of Mount Le Conte's west ridge, but not the summit itself.

Steep grades resume to the Bull Head Trail junction (5.2 miles : 5,985'), where you'll turn left toward Le Conte Lodge on the mountain's exposed west ridge. Here the landscape changes dramatically in a predominately (and relatively diminutive) spruce-fir forest. Despite 85 inches of annual rain, these well-drained slopes dry quickly and are more susceptible to fire, an important part of the ecosystem's regeneration.

Bull Head Trail eases past the Alum Cave Trail split (5.65 miles : 6,348') to the Le Conte Lodge (5.7 miles : 6,360'). Enjoy open space and great views of the summit as you pass by the lodge, two connections for the Cliff Top Trail, Trillium Gap Trail (5.8 miles : 6,395'), and Le Conte Backcountry Shelter (5.95 miles : 6,455').

Note that you're officially traveling on the Boulevard Trail once past the Trillium Gap split, and be mindful of misleading social trails in the area. The Boulevard Trail keeps a steady, moderate pace as it wraps northeast to the summit.

Curiously, no signs mention the summit on this final approach. The summit - sometimes referred to as 'High Top' - is marked only by a large rock pile just off trail (to the right) in a cluster of pine (6.2 miles : 6,593').
While views are limited from this point, rangy panoramas can be had from clearings near the second Cliff Top Trail connection, or by continuing on to Myrtle Point.

About Le Conte Lodge
The Le Conte Lodge was founded in 1926 by Jack Huff, a Gatlinburg mountaineer. The Huff family operated the lodge until 1960, which is presently managed by Stokely Hospitality Enterprises under the auspices of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

The lodge has capacity for 60 guests per night in one of 7 rough-hewn cabins or 3 multi-room lodges. All rooms have kerosene lanterns, propane heaters, a wash basin and bucket, linens, table and chair, and a mirror. Lodging + Meal rates begin at $116 per night per adult, and $85 per child.

Day hiker services are available 7 days a week from March 21 - November 22. Day hikers may reserve a $9 sit down lunch served from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Reservations and prepayment are required at least 48 hours in advance. Sack lunches and beverages are also available.

Contact and Reservations
Le Conte Lodge
250 Apple Valley Road
Sevierville, TN 37862
865.429.5704 (ph)
865.774.0045 (fx)
reservations@lecontelodge.com