(2010-2011) Mount LeConte
The majority of my time here in the Smokies will be spent on Mt. LeConte, so it's only fair that I dedicate the grand mountain a section of its own. Since I will be trekking up and down the six approaching trails continuously, rather than detailing them in my regular hiking journal, I will feature mostly photos and maybe unique stories about the vast area here. This will include anything and everything that's of interest between the Roaring Fork and Newfound Gap, from the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River to Porters Flat, and from the Sugarlands to Mt. Kephart. Most notably featured will be the sunrises at Myrtle Point, the sunsets at Cliff Tops, the diverse array of wildflowers that grace the Lodge, and the changing of the seasons that creep up the mountain in spring then cascade down to the valleys in autumn. All will demonstrate what makes this mountain such a special place for me.
Cliff Tops
Highlights: Popular destination for Sunset; Heath covered Cliffs; Sand Myrtle and Carolina Rhododendron abundant in Spring and early Summer; Overlooks valley of Little Pigeon River's West Prong and Central Main Crest of Smokies; Views of recognizable places include Newfound Gap, Clingmans Dome, Sugarland Mountain, Chimney Tops, Cove Mountain, and Gatlinburg
Photos from 2010
Myrtle Point
Highlights: Popular destination for Sunrise; Heath covered Cliffs; Sand Myrtle and Carolina Rhododendron abundant in Spring and early Summer; Overlooks Porters Creek Valley and Main Crest of Smokies, Views of recognizable places include Greenbrier Pinnacle, Mt. Guyot, Charlies Bunion, Mt. Kephart, The Boulevard, Newfound Gap, Peregrine Peak, Clingmans Dome, Chimney Tops
Photos from 2010
West Point
Highlights: (Requires Bushwack) Wildflowers, Views of Cliff Tops / Clingmans Dome / Balsam Point
LeConte Lodge Area
Photos from 2010
Alum Cave
Highlights: Arch Rock, Inspiration Point, Alum Cave Bluffs, Views into valley of Little Pigeon River's West Prong, Rhododendron and Mountain Laurel abundant in June / July
Rainbow Falls
Highlights: Wildflowers, Rainbow Falls, Views north from Rocky Spur, Access to Cliff Tops
Bull Head
Highlights: Wildflowers, Views north from The Pulpit, Views into valley of Little Pigeon River's West Prong
Trillium Gap
Highlights: Wildflowers, Grotto Falls, Access to Brushy Mountain, Twin Falls, Llamas
Brushy Mountain
Highlights: Wildflowers, Whaley Homestead, Views into Porters Creek Valley and Eastern Main Crest of Smokies, Mountain Laurel abundant at Brushy Mountain in June
The Boulevard
Highlights: Wildflowers, Views into North Carolina (AT), Access to Icewater Spring Shelter (AT) and The Jumpoff, Views into Porters Creek Valley, Access to Myrtle Point, High Top, Apollo Point, Access to Cliff Tops, Mount LeConte Shelter
