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I'm planning on hiking Mt. Leconte in August via Alum Cave Bluff Trail. While doing a little research i noticed that just past the summit heading SE there is another peak known as Mt. LeConte Myrtle Point. So my question is will I know when I've reached Myrtle Point? Is it obvious or marked in anyway? Or is it rather ambiguous?
Don't recall it being hard to find. It's a fantastic view. No one was there when I went, but the trail is popular enough that it is easy to follow. Highly recommend.
It’s an overlook looking east from the Boulevard Trail. There is a spur trail, so maybe a sign. But I can’t recall
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It’s been a long time since I was there, but it was quite obvious. Plus, I had stayed in the shelter, and before dawn, there was a parade of flashlights going to Myrtle Point as people from the lodge processed to the point for sunrise. I was a little late to the ball, as it were, with the last of them leaving as I got there, but it was still incredibly beautiful, and because I was alone, it was nearly spiritual.
There were some cliffs up from the lodge that folks were going to for sunset. I did that, too. It wasn’t as nice, but it was worth the little hike.
Good luck on your hike, and thanks for stirring memories.
It's been quite a while since my last visit there but I think there is a small sign near the junction with the Boulevard Trail.
Coming up Alum Cave go past the lodge then the spring, past Rainbow Falls junction then past the shelter. The trail kind of circles behind the helter. There is a pile of rocks at high point but no view. Continue east toward the Boulevard Trail. The spur to Myrtle Point will split to the right.
There's lots of myrtle shrub there :). The spur pretty much dead ends there. Great views of Anakeesta Ridge.
You can ask directions at the lodge if you need.
there's a sign that points to the right that leads out to the point........
Thanks everyone!
I can confirm the sign was there as of Saturday.
Nice. Thank you!Quote:
Originally Posted by john844
Even if you’re tired, don’t skip Myrtle Point at sunset. If you’re lucky, it won’t be foggy.
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Great shot, TJ.
Beautiful!
Beat the heat trip?
just in case it hasnt been said------myrtle point is probably the best place in the Park to catch the sunrise......
and if you stay up there all day-----go to cliff tops for the sunset.....
Absolutely. These past 2 days in Georgia (as I'm sure you know) have been brutal. And Summer is just getting started.Quote:
Originally Posted by scope
I'd spend the whole summer up on a mountain somewhere if my job and spouse would allow it. :)
I just got back from my trip to GSMNP.
I'm happy to say that all objectives were met.
Day 1 I went up Alum Cave Bluff Trail and made the LeConte Summit as well as Myrtle Point and Cliff Tops. The views weren't great as it was overcast and low clouds.
Day 2 I walked the AT from Newfound Gap out to Charlies Bunion (The real Bunion) and back. I also took the side trip to the Jump Off. Views were better this day than the first. The tourist Bunion was crawling with about a dozen people and so I went on down the trail and found the extremely overgrown path to the the 2nd bunion. I had the place to myself.
Also of note, I had clear and strong cell reception from the Jump Off and again at Icewater Spring Shelter. Surprised to say the least.
Two weeks ago I was at the "True Bunion". It wasn't too hard to find but the path was very overgrown. Much easier going up than down. Kind of like trying to walk down a rooftop covered with broken dinner plates and obscured with brush.
I too had the place to myself.
I did see a some soaring birds. Smaller than a red trail hawk and with swept back wings. Peregrine Falcons?
I didn't see any birds, but I know what you mean about walking down. It took me 9 minutes to get from the top back down to the AT. And that was with the use of hiking poles. Of course going up was a little sketchy for me too. The last time I walked a section of trail that looked like that was many years ago on the Long Bunk Trail where I nearly stepped on a rattler curled about a foot off the trail.Quote:
Originally Posted by rmitchell
fun stuff! that's a bummer about the overcast on Leconte, though also a great excuse to go back
I'll definitely be back up on Leconte at some point. Thinking about a winter solo trip or maybe a spring trip with my son. He'll be 12 by then and would enjoy it.Quote:
Originally Posted by Ashepabst