Mt Leconte via The Boulevard Trail

Boulevard Trail
November 27, 2015
17 Miles Total
5.4 New Miles
585.37 Total Smoky Miles to Date (Since November 2013)
274.58 Total Miles in 2015

The Boulevard Trail is my new favorite trail to take to get to Mt. Leconte!

Now, as for trails to take back to Newfound Gap from Leconte....I hope to never ever take The Boulevard trail again!  :)  It was an uphill climb the entire way back (it felt like).  We actually were beginning to think that we were lost because we didn't remember that much of a descent on the way to Leconte and it seemed to go on forever!

As for taking Boulevard to Leconte.  It was amazing!  I have never seen so many beautiful views along one trail!  Usually when I get to the top of Leconte I am exhausted but I wasn't really tired at all and felt like walking around exploring and taking in each of the overlooks.

But next time I will definitely be coming down a different trail :)

Sunrise from the Appalachian Trail

Ice along the trail

Junction with Sweat Heifer Trail, 1.7 Miles into our hike

Turn for the Boulevard Trail, only 5.3 miles to go!

Somebody lost a shoe at the Jump Off

That little brown area on the mountain way over there is along our route to reach Leconte

The little wire you get to hold to help you not fall off the mountain :)

Myrtle Point 0.2 miles.  Amazing Views!!!

The view from Myrtle Point

The view from Myrtle Point

The view from Cliff Tops

The view from Cliff Tops

As you are coming down the stairs to the lodge on top of Leconte

At 6,593 ft it is the third highest peak in the national park, behind Clingmans Dome and Mount Guyot.

Sunset from Newfound Gap.


"Its your road and yours alone.  Others may walk it with you but no one can walk it for you."- Rumi

Hen Wallow Falls

Hen Wallow Falls
November 8, 2015
4.2 Miles Total
0 New Miles
568.37 Total Smoky Miles to Date (Since November 2013)
257.58 Total Miles in 2015

Hen Wallow Falls is my favorite waterfall in the Smoky Mountains.  I have seen it in the winter and the summer so I wanted to see it in the fall.  Unfortunately, we missed the peak leaf viewing time at the falls.  I guess I'll just have to try again next year. 

It is an easy uphill climb most of the way, until the last 0.2 miles, then it is straight down the mountain to the bottom of the falls.

"Freedom is allowing my body to travel where my mind wanders."- Unknown

Brushy Mountain Trail, Porter's Creek Trail, Brushy Overlook Trail & Trillium Gap Trail

Brushy Mountain Trail, Porter's Creek Trail, Brushy Overlook Trail & Trillium Gap Trail
October 31, 2015
8.8 Miles Total
0 New Miles
563.99 Total Smoky Miles to Date (Since November 2013)
253.20 Total Miles in 2015

Another beautiful fall day in the Smoky Mountains!

We began our day on Trillium Gap Trail off the Roaring Fork Motor Trail.  Trillium Gap Trail is 2.9 miles from the junction with the Brushy Overlook Trail.  It is 2.9 miles of uphill climb.  Luckily after about a mile you come upon Grotto Falls.  You can't help but take at least a short break here to take in the beauty of the falls.

We reached the junction with Brushy Overlook Trail.  I thought we were done climbing but Brushy Overlook Trail also offers a climb and the added challenge of thorns, mud and rocks.  But the view is completely worth pushing on for.

After taking in the views and eating lunch it was time to begin our descent down Brushy Mountain Trail.  This trail is narrow and steep, you have to watch your step or you will just step off the side of the mountain.

After 4.5 miles we reached the junction with Porter's Creek Trail and did a little exploring of the old homestead before continuing on.

The last mile back to the car on Porter's Creek Trail is an easy stroll through the woods.

"Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go"-  TS Elliot