GSMNP Mount LeConte Via Grotto Falls - Wed, Oct 21 2026

REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Once you've reviewed the event details, and decided you'd like to join us, you MUST sign up at the bottom of this page.



GSMNP Mount LeConte Via Grotto Falls


The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Grotto Falls Parking Area on the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail   Hike: GSMNP Mount LeConte Via Grotto Falls  National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Wed, Oct 21 2026  7:00 am >> Wed, Oct 21 2026 2:30 pm
Registration Opens: Wed, Jul 1 2026 7:05 pm
Registration Cut Off: Fri, Oct 16 2026 12:00 pm
Event Duration:7 Hours 30 Minutes
Difficulty Rating:D5: Difficult (Exploratory)
Distance:14 Miles
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Linda L
Ann
Email Trip Leader(s)
You must be logged in to get the Trip Leader contact information.
Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:10
Minimum Group Size:2
Number Registered So Far: 3 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Note: This is an "EXPLORATORY" trip. This means that there are parts of this trip, or perhaps the whole trip, that is new to your Trip Leader(s). However, they are confident that this will not be an issue.
This note is here so that you can make an informed decision. When a Trip Leader isn't personally familiar with a trip, there is an increased chance of things not going as planned and you need to be prepared. The Trip Leader may have additional details in the itinerary.

Itinerary:

Thank you to Bill for sharing your promo picture.

This is the second of three fall color hikes scheduled for October 20th-22nd in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Each hike will be posted separately, and you may register for one, two, or three of these hikes. In addition, you may elect to stay overnight at the lodging of your choice. Trip leaders will be staying in Gatlinburg, Please contact us if you would like to stay at the same location and carpool. We will also plan dinners together during the trip.

Did you know there are several trails to Mount LeConte?

We will hike on the Trillium Gap Trail to Mount LeConte.  We will go under Grotto Falls and may see some llams taking supplies to Mount LeConte.  On the way, we will pass the Brushy Mountain, Bullhead and Boulevard Trails.  We will reach Mount LeConte and take the spur trail to Cliff Top and our lunch spot and breathtaking views.

Our pace will be 2.5+ mph.

This is a mid-high end D5 (possibly D6) hike, 14+ miles with over 3,200 elevation gain. Please have recent and strong D5 experience to signup for this hike. If you do not have this experience, you will be moved to the waitlist.

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/tennessee/mount-leconte-via-trillium-gap?u=i&sh=pebdiv

 

Hike is noted as exploratory as Linda has hiked to Brushy Mountain.  Ann has not hiked on the trail.


Required Items to Bring:

Trail hiking shoes

Wear appropriate clothing with layers

Water (2 to 3L)/hydrating drinks/electrolyes

Lunch/Snacks

GSMNP Parking Pass

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.

Hiking Poles

Hat/Sunglasses

Sunscreen

Poncho or Rain Jacket, in case of rain

 


How to Get There:
Event Directions:

We will meet at the Hampton Inn Gatlinburg for a 7:00 a.m. SHARP departure.  We will condense in as few cars as possible as this is a popular hiking area and parking fills up very early.

 

https://maps.app.goo.gl/53Mp412TH8miLUvQ6


Notes:

I have been to this trailhead but cannot remember if there is a bathroom.

Fee Information:

While there is no entrance fee, a paid parking tag is required for those who park for longer than 15 minutes. You may purchase a daily, weekly, or annual tag online or at the visitor center.


* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.


Cancellation/Partial Attendance:   Please review the AOC cancellation policy.