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6,595 ft · Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee

Mount Le Conte

Mount Le Conte is a 6,595 ft peak in the Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee. The standard route is the Alum Cave Trail: 10 mi, 2,800 ft of gain, Class 1.

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Mount Le Conte in the Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee

Mount Le Conte at a glance

  • Elevation6,595 ft2,010 m
  • RouteAlum Cave TrailClass 1
  • Distance10 mi2,800 ft gain
  • Time7 – 9 hrsModerate effort
  • SeasonYear‑round
  • RangeGreat Smoky MountainsTennessee

Climbing the Alum Cave Trail

From Gatlinburg, drive US 441 (Newfound Gap Road) past Sugarlands Visitor Center to the Alum Cave Trailhead lots. The Class 1 Alum Cave Trail follows Alum Cave Creek through Arch Rock to Alum Cave Bluffs at 2.3 miles, then climbs steeply across ledges with fixed cables to meet the Rainbow Falls Trail near LeConte Lodge. Follow the Boulevard a short way to High Top, the true summit. In cold months expect ice and falling icicles on the upper trail; microspikes help. The lots fill early, and a parking tag is required. A loop down Rainbow Falls or Trillium Gap needs a car shuttle.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (30–40 L)
  • Hiking Boots
  • Water
  • Offline Maps
  • Headlamp
  • Satellite Communicator
  • Whistle
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Sun Hat
  • Midlayer
  • Insulated Jacket
  • Hardshell Jacket
  • Warm Hat
  • Buff
  • Midweight Gloves
  • Trekking Poles
  • GPS Device
  • Power Bank
  • Water Filter
  • First-Aid Kit
  • Emergency Bivy

What to watch for

  • Slippery terrain
  • Steep exposure
  • Icy summit conditions
  • Rapid weather shifts

Quests with Mount Le Conte

Peaks near Mount Le Conte

  1. Mount Kephart

    Mount Kephart

    6,218 ft · 3.1 mi away

  2. Mount Collins

    Mount Collins

    6,191 ft · 5.1 mi away

  3. Kuwohi (Clingmans Dome)

    Kuwohi (Clingmans Dome)

    6,643 ft · 7.2 mi away

  4. Mount Chapman

    Mount Chapman

    6,435 ft · 9.6 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Mount Le Conte?

Mount Le Conte is 6,595 feet (2,010 m) tall. It is in the Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee. It is also known as Mount LeConte.

How does Mount Le Conte rank among the South Beyond 6,000?

At 6,595 feet, Mount Le Conte is the 6th highest of the 40 peaks of the South Beyond 6,000. The highest is Mount Mitchell.

How hard is it to hike Mount Le Conte?

The Alum Cave Trail is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort moderate: 10 miles with 2,800 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Mount Le Conte?

Most people take 7 – 9 hours round trip on the Alum Cave Trail, covering 10 miles with 2,800 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Mount Le Conte?

Usually, if you are fit. The Alum Cave Trail is a common first summit for hikers ready for 7 – 9 hours on their feet. Bring layers, food and water, and check the weather before you start.

When is the best time to hike Mount Le Conte?

Mount Le Conte is open for hiking year-round. Conditions change with the seasons, so check the summit forecast before you go.

Climb Mount Le Conte with Yak

Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list

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