Qualifying Centennial Challenge Hike

In 1924 this was the first official hike of the Smoky Mountains Hiking Club. There was no trail then; hikers followed Le Conte Creek up the mountain, past and above the falls. In the 1930s the Civilian Conservation Corps built today's trail on a more roundabout route. We start at the trailhead near the Rainbow Falls parking area on Cherokee Orchard Road. We ascend along the creek to the falls at mile 2.7, and continue to the Mt. Le Conte Lodge (~6,320 ft. elevation) at mile 6.7. We'll go 0.2 mile further to Cliff Top for lunch. Return the same way. Total, 13.8 miles and ~4,000 ft. climb. Rated Difficult for distance and elevation gain. For carpooling, meet at Cracker Barrel off I-40 at Exit 398 (1510 Cracker Barrel Lane, parking lot, southeast corner), at 5:45 am. Carpool fee for 74 miles RT @7 cents = $5.18 cash, OK to round to $5. Meet at the Rainbow Falls trailhead ready to start by 7:00 am.

Leader: Eric Sundstrom

Leader contact information is included under Additional Information in the email you receive after registration.