Summiting Mount LeConte

This was an absolute journey of a hike. Mount LeConte is one of the most popular peaks in all of the Smoky Mountains, as it is the third tallest peak in the mountain range. The summit of the mountain is actually a central point for several different trails, including the Boulevard Trail, the Appalachian Trail, the Alum Cave Trail, the Trillium Gap Trail and a few more beyond just those. Also at the top sits LeConte Lodge, a mega-popular stopping point for hikers who choose to hike the mountain. It's so popular that it books up more than a few months in advance.

The peak of Mount LeConte is supposed to feature one of the most beautiful panoramic views in the area. As I progressed into my hike, I realized I would not be able to experience such views on this instance, as the heavens opened and rain heaved as soon as I reached the top.

I chose to take the Alum Cave Trail, as it was regarded as the most popular of all the hikes by many blogs and other guides.

The hike - a lofty 11-mile trek - is practically straight uphill for 5.5 miles, then straight downhill for the same distance. For the first two miles or so, it was fairly flat. A moderate incline, but nothing that would make your calves shiver in fear. 

I was brought over several small streams and creeks with equally small bridges. This continued until the first landmark: Arch Rock.

It was...cool. That's about all I can really say about it. At first, it looked like I was heading down into the depths of a cave, which excited me. I, instead, ended up walking about 20 feet to the other side of the rock. Still, it was a unique sight, a nice stop along the way, if you will.

The trail continued for another mile, maybe mile-and-a-half or so before I reached the next landmark on the way: the Alum Cave Bluffs. The word "cave" led me to think there'd be a legitimate "cave." The last hike I trekked (Virgin Falls Trail) had a pitch-black cave that went deep into the earth. These were just bluffs. Still though, they were interesting, made for a great view without the clouds misting about.

This is when the trail really started to take its toll on my legs. For the most part up to this point, the trail had been on a relatively minimal incline. I stopped and took a rest at the cave bluffs because it seemed like a natural stopping point, but I'm glad I did. The next 2.7 miles would have been incredibly difficult if I hadn't. After the first 300 feet or so, I looked up and said to myself, "Oh (expletive)." I believe myself to be in pretty decent hiking shape, but it was a journey from here on out. Plus, the clouds really began to form more impactfully at this point as well. The weather took the views away from me, which was disappointing. But it was still really, really cool. The views may have been gone, but the lack of visibility made the trail itself really serene. It legitimately felt like I was walking around in a lucid dream. It was filled with a light mist, dense fog and passages that made you feel like you were walking through to the other end of a forest.



I had to stop and rest a few times in the final mile or two, but I eventually did make it to the top. Or at least close to the top. I got a little bit lost trying to find exactly what I was looking for, as the signage becomes minimal toward the top. I eventually made it to the zenith of the trip - Cliff Tops. Unfortunately, as I referenced previously, the view was, well, nonexistent. It made for a very spooky atmosphere.
As you can see in the video below, clouds were everywhere. And it was pretty much at the precise moment I put down my phone, the heavens opened and rained down upon me. I mean I was getting soaked. I eventually made my way down to the lodge to seek some shelter.

After waiting for about ten minutes to see if the rain would let up, it did not. I began my journey back to the base of the mountain. About halfway down, the rain prevailed and blue skies prevailed, much to my comedic dismay.

Overall, it was a solid hike. I'd rate it about a 7/10 with the potential for an 8 or 9 if the view at the top lives up to the hype. I will eventually be back on a clearer day.