The trail ascends Mount Le Conte, the tallest[1] (and sixth highest) mountain east of the Mississippi River and offers high-elevation views before terminating near the LeConte Lodge.

However, this oft-quoted statistic is a bit misleading, as the trail contains many dips and subsequent rises over its eight miles (13 km) course.

Still, the high elevation provides for a much cooler hike, making the trail more attractive in summer months.

A final spur trail leads 0.2 miles (0.32 km) from LeConte Lodge to the summit of Cliff Tops, which looks out over Le Conte's western flank into the central Smokies.

The Best of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park: A Hiker's Guide to Trails and Attractions.