The trail asserts itself from the beginning, immediately ascending Le Conte's flank, alongside the mountain's primary drainage avenue, LeConte Creek, which, due to the abnormally large number of mills that sprouted up along this stream at one time (twelve, at its peak), was once known as "Mill Creek".

The path soon swings back, crossing over LeConte Creek twice via narrow footbridges over the final mile to Rainbow Falls.

When hikers reach Rainbow Falls, they have hiked 2.6 miles (4.2 km) and are in the presence of the highest single-drop waterfall in the national park.

Rhododendron, sand myrtle, and mountain laurel blanket the trail during this portion, offering springtime visitors a beautiful carpeting of purples, whites, and blends of pink.

For many, this signals the end of their journey, but the actual peaks of Le Conte all have separate trails a short distance from the lodge, with Cliff Tops and Myrtle Point each offering expansive panoramas of the mountains and valleys below.