Boulevard Trail

The Boulevard Trail is one of the 5 approaches to Mount LeConte, and is the only one that links the Appalachian Trail with the highest point in Tennessee. To access the trail, park at the Newfound Gap Parking lot and hike 2.7 miles north on the Appalachian Trail toward Charlie's Bunion. When you reach the fork in the trail at the 2.7 mile marker, take the trail to the left. Almost immediately after taking the left, there is a sign for the Jump Off, a small side trail that leads out to views of Charlie's Bunion and the surrounding mountains. The trail is shaded throughout this section as it descends through the woods for roughly a mile. The trail crosses a couple of creeks that are easily crossed by rock hop. After the trail levels off, there are some views off to the the north and west where you can see Charlie's Bunion and some of the other trails. From here, the trail begins to climb toward Myrtle Point and Mount LeConte. Since this trail requires some hiking to access, it is not as busy as some of the other approaches to LeConte, offering you an opportunity to hike the trail in relative peace and quiet. As the trail approaches Myrtle Point, there are great views of the surrounding that you can enjoy. The trail wraps around the mountain as it approaches LeConte. There is a trail that breaks off to the left that leads out to Myrtle Point, where you can enjoy views of the Smokies from the rocky outcrop. Continue to the right and you'll come to a rock pile on the left side of the trail that is summit of Mount LeConte. Feel free to stop here to take some photos before continuing toward the lodge. There will be some sweeping views to the left of the surrounding peaks before passing the LeConte Shelter and arriving at LeConte Lodge. Now that you have arrived at LeConte, there are several options. If you have made arrangements to sleep at the lodge or shelter, enjoy your evening on Mount LeConte. If you need to get back to your car that day, you can either retrace your steps or take one of the other 4 trails down to the road and shuttle back to your car if you have arranged that ahead of time. The views as you approach Mount LeConte make this one of the best hikes in the park.