Cliff Top Viewpoint Access

The Cliff Top Trail departs from the LeConte Lodge area and climbs steeply uphill through the forest. This area can be wet after a rainstorm and icy in the winter, so be sure to watch your step. When you begin to emerge from the woods at the top, take a right to go out to a point where sweeping views of the Smokies spread out before you. You can see Newfound Gap, Chimney Tops and on a clear day, you can catch parts of Gatlinburg over the ridge. Take a moment to enjoy the views, especially if you are up there at sunset. After you have enjoyed the view, follow the trail along the ridge. There are areas where the wind has blown over the ridge and knocked trees down, creating a canopy that you can walk under. The trail is narrow and rocky through this portion, so watch your step. The trail meanders its way downhill to the junction with the Boulevard Trail. From here you can go to the right and explore more of the LeConte area, including Myrtle Point or you can turn to the left and make your way back down to the LeConte Lodge area. From here, you can either spend the evening if you have a reservation or you can follow one of many trails that descends from Mount LeConte back to your vehicle