Lexington Hiking Club

We are doing a backpack to Mount Leconte and staying overnight at the Leconte shelter. You are in charge of your own meals. We'll meet at the Sugarlands Visitor Center at 1420 Fighting Creek gap Road in Gatlinburg at 4:00 pm On Friday September 12th at the entrance to the Visitors Center. While there at Sugarlands, you can get a parking pass and we'll hike to Cataract Falls, a short 1.4 miles out and back. Get your parking pass on or before Friday September 12th. Sugarlands has parking passes and is open from 9-5. Gatlinburg Welcome Center has passes and is open from 9-5 at 1011 Banner Road, Gatlinburg. Green Brier Grocery at 2406 E. Parkway in Gatlinburg is open from 9-8. REI located at 2655 Teaster Lane in Pigeon Forge also carries passes and is open from 10-8. You can also go to recreation.gov to pay for and print off your parking pass. Parking passes cost 5 dollars per day or 15 dollars for the week. Buying a parking pass is not a guarantee of a parking space. If you buy through the website be sure to print off your pass. Local parking vendors have no way to print off your pass. There is no free or paid overnight parking in Gatlinburg.
On Saturday morning September 13th we'll meet at Sugarlands at 6:00 am, put all the gear in two vehicles and drive to the Rainbow Falls trailhead on Cherokee Orchard Road. Google maps can get you to the exact location. We'll leave all other vehicles at Sugarlands. Rainbow falls is a 13.8 mile out and back hike.
Why hike the Rainbow trail to Mt. Leconte ?
### 🌟 Highlights & Reasons to Hike
#### 1. Dramatic Waterfall – Rainbow Falls

• The trail is named for Rainbow Falls, an 80-foot waterfall you encounter about 2.7 miles in.
• On sunny mornings, mist from the falls often creates vivid rainbows, giving the trail its magical name.
• It’s one of the park’s most photogenic waterfalls, perfect for a memorable stop.

#### 2. Challenging & Rewarding Hiking

• Distance: ~6.9 miles one way (13.8 miles round trip).
• Elevation Gain: ~4,000 feet — a real mountain workout.
• The climb is steady and challenging, but the effort is matched by the scenic views and sense of accomplishment at the summit.

#### 3. Diverse Ecosystems

• You’ll pass through lush hardwood forests, fern-covered streams, rhododendron thickets, and mossy boulder fields.
• Each section feels different: cool, shaded forests near the falls, then high-elevation spruce-fir forests closer to the summit.

#### 4. Panoramic Summit Views – Mount LeConte

• At the top, the Alpine-like ridge and overlooks give you sweeping views of the Great Smokies and surrounding valleys.
• Depending on your pace, you can time your arrival for sunrise or sunset for epic photography opportunities.

#### 5. Wildlife & Nature Encounters

• Hikers often spot deer, black bears (from a safe distance), birds, and salamanders.
• The trail runs along creeks and waterfalls, making it a sensory delight — the sound of rushing water, birdsong, and fresh mountain air.

#### 6. Connects to Mount LeConte Lodge.

#### We'll see both a sunset and a sunrise on top of Leconte.

### Step-by-Step Itinerary

| Time | Location / Segment | Notes & Suggested Stops |
| ---- | ------------------ | ----------------------- |
| 0:00 | Start at Rainbow Falls Trailhead | Begin early (recommended NLT 6:30AM) to avoid crowds and secure parking. |
| 0:30 | First Creek Crossing | Trail passes several small streams; quick photo opportunity. |
| 1:15 | Halfway to Rainbow Falls (~1.5 miles) | Moderate incline; good spot for a water/snack break. |
| 1:45–2:00 | Rainbow Falls (2.7 miles) | Spend 20–30 minutes here for photos and to enjoy the waterfall & mist rainbows. |
| 2:00–3:30 | Steep Climb Above Rainbow Falls | Trail becomes more strenuous; rocky and roots; take short rests every 20–30 minutes. |
| 3:30 | Mid-mountain Viewpoint | Small rock outcrop; good photo stop (~5–10 minutes). |
| 4:30–5:00 | Mount LeConte Summit / LeConte Lodge | Arrive at the top; enjoy panoramic views, lunch/snack break. Explore the lodge/shelter if staying or buying a drink. |
| 5:00–7:00 | Optional Short Hike Around Summit Ridges | Several overlooks nearby for photos. |
| 7:15 | Set up camp/rest and make dinner | Enjoy the rest of the day |
| 07:30 | Start hike back to Trailhead on Sunday | Take our time. We are in no rush |
| Noon | Arrive Back at Trailhead | Stretch, hydrate, celebrate completing ~13.8 miles with 4,000 ft gain!
|
Potable water is available on top of Leconte. Bear discipline is in effect throughout the hike and on top of Leconte. Bears are in the area. There are port a potties and a trading post on top of Leconte. I recommend getting a hotel room on Friday night in Gatlinburg so you'll be fresh on Saturday morning. I'm leaving for Gatlinburg on Friday September 12th at 10:00 am. You are welcome to join me. I can carry two other people and their gear. Message me if you are interested in riding with me and Ill send you my address. You can leave your car in my driveway. Ideally, we'll take only two cars with three people each and we stay at the same hotel or close by. That way, we wont have to meet at Sugarlands and can go straight to the trailhead. I'm staying at the Sleepy Bear Motel. Currently there are a number of rooms still available. Its 2 miles form Suarlands and two miles from the start of Cherokee Orchard Road. A total of 6 people can go on this trip. I'm advertising for 3 on Hikers of the Bluegrass and two people on Lexington Hiking Club.