Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Sunrise Hike to Myrtle Point, Mt. Leconte
2 Miles Total - 400 ft gain - Out-and-Back Trail
Originally added by John Sides
Myrtle Point is hands down the best spot to watch the sunrise on Mt. Leconte. A short hike from the backcountry shelter or Leconte Lodge, this overlook is the perfect place to watch the Great Smoky Mountains come alive.
Coming from the backcountry shelter at the top of Mt. Leconte (add .2 miles if coming from the Lodge), head east on the Boulevard Trail and follow signs to Myrtle Point, 1 mile away. The trail first ascends about 200 feet to the summit (6,594 ft), which is marked by a large cairn that you’ll pass just off the trail to your right. From here the trail gently descends and comes to a junction where the Boulevard trail continues down to your left. Stay straight and the trail will follow a ridgeline out to the rocky overlook at Myrtle Point. Sit back and enjoy the show.
Winter months offer more solitude, as the Lodge closes for the winter, so there are fewer people on the mountain.
To get to the Mt. LeConte Shelter, you'll want to take one of the following hikes:
Hike to Mt. LeConte via Alum Cave Bluff
Hike to Mount LeConte-Cliff Tops via Rainbow Falls Trail
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