Sunrise Hike to Myrtle Point, Mt. Leconte

Rate this Adventure Tennessee › Mount Leconte Shelter

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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

Pack List

Headlamp
Camera
On-the-go snack
Warm jacket for the wind
Microspikes (winter)

Please respect the places you find on The Outbound.

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures. Be aware of local regulations and don't damage these amazing places for the sake of a photograph. Learn More

Activities:

Photography, Backpacking, Hiking

Skill Level:

Beginner

Season:

Year Round

Trail Type:

Out-and-Back

Distance:

2 Miles

Elev. Gain:

400 Feet

Rating:

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Features:

Forest

Scenic

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How to Get There

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Added by John Sides

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