Mount Le Conte (6,593’) is the 3rd highest peak in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and the tallest from base to top in the eastern United States. Of four routes leading to the summit, the Rainbow Falls Trail is arguably the most challenging. But with the extra effort come a few compelling distinctions. Hikers will enjoy ecological diversity, exceptional blooms, sensational views, light traffic, and a memorable stop at Rainbow Falls en route to Mount Le Conte.

While the USGS officially lists geologist Joseph Le Conte as the mountain's namesake, many now believe the mountain to be named after John Le Conte, Joseph's lesser known brother and SC physics professor

Sandmyrtle can be found growing in the park's higher elevations including the summit of Mount Le Conte

Small cascades along Le Conte Creek en route to Rainbow Falls

Catawba Rhododendron leaves are shorter and rounder than Rosebay Rhododendron

Views from atop the broad summit of Mount Le Conte are excellent - the Cliff Tops and Myrtle Point provide the best vistas

Rainbow Falls is named so for the colorful prism produced by sunlight reflecting off its mist

The average millipede has between 100 and 400 legs - not 1000 as the name suggests

Not every rosebay rhododendron blooms every year; big blooms occur every 2-4 years

The trail follows Le Conte Creek to Rainbow Falls

Rainbow Falls is 80 ft high and produces a striking ice flow during the winter freeze

Tunnels of rhododendron lead up to the Mount Le Conte summit

Rainbow Falls is located 100 yards off trail at the base of a rocky slope

Rainbow Falls bleeds through countless rocks creating small waterfalls

From the summit of Mt Le Conte, a short side trail cuts through thick brush to exposed rock ledges named the Cliff Tops

Rainbow Falls flows over beds of Thunderhead Sandstone

Views from the Cliff Tops highlight the Smoky Mountain haze

Myrtle Point, a brief hike from the Mt Le Conte summit provides some of the park's best views

The Mount Le Conte Backcountry Shelter is located near the summit - the shelter is available by reservation only

The summit is marked by a giant 'cairn' - a rock pile which designates the peak of the mountain