The alarm was set to go off at 4:30 AM EST, but anticipation got us going about 4:15 AM, as we got up in the cool fog, put on contacts and set forth. It was about a 2 hour drive to the Rainbow Falls Trailhead outside of Gatlinburg from our campsite here at Mile High Campground. We had a good time drinking coffee and discussing the anticipated day. Would we make it to LeConte? 9.1 mile and 3800 feet up is a lot for two out of shape untrained weekend hikers. But, we knew that surely, if we started early enough and took our time, we could make it, just what time? Would we get up there in time to enjoy the trip up there before we had to turn right back around down the mountain?
At the trailhead - 6:30 AM EST
The headlamps and 30-40 minutes of nighttime walking made it a bit more suspensful too...
After 2.4 miles, we came to the normal starting point of the trail. This particular trailhead was closed off, due to rapaving the road, but the llamas still come down and let out here. We timed it perfect, getting there right when they were taking off up the mountain (7:40 AM EST). We enjoyed hiking with the llama wrangler for as long as we could, but eventually, his well trained trail legs got ahead of us :) 
Leaving with the llamas - 6.7 miles to go
I got to hold the llama train for a little bit while he adjusted them 
Approaching Grotto Falls
Approaching Grotto Falls The llamas coming out of Groto Falls
8:30 AM EST at Grotto Falls:
The trail going under Grotto Falls. This was cool-
Emily at Grotto Falls
It was fun hiking up, knowing every step we were not only closer to the end destination but, it was dropping in temperature too as we climbed elevation! Some more cool pics below, as we hiked now between Grotto Falls and Trillium Gap. This was one of the steeper sections of the trail, so we were pretty tired by the time we got to Trillium Gap at 10:00 AM.
At Trillium Gap and the junction with Brushy Mountain Trail at 10 AM. 3.6 miles to go and approximately 1600 feet to climb still...but the good news is we had completed 4.5 miles and around 2200 feet of the climb in about 3-1/2 hours. This would put us up in time to get a nap and rest before dinner and sunset. 
There is nothing like a trail high up in elevation in the Smokies!!
There is nothing like a trail high up in elevation in the Smokies!! Hope we are getting close - last sip of water!
Now, we knew we were close. This would have been much easier on a horse!
A cabin!
Mount LeConte!
We arrived at 1:00 PM EST. The llamas had arrived and were resting for 1-1/2 hours before we got there.
Our little cabin for the night
After a sack lunch and some rest, we hiked out to Cliff Top and watched a storm in action in the valley - awesome! 
Steep mountains 
Storm coming our way 
Walking back from Cliff Top
They keep two large tanks that fuel the cabins and lodge heaters. They fly one out and fill it up and fly it back in once a year.
Entering back into the Lodge from our little walk
View from our porch
Porch
After dinner, we went back to Cliff Top to watch the sun go down. 
A lot of guests came out and watched the sunset. After talking to a lot of them, I guess most will miss the sunset at Myrtle Point :)
One of my favorite pics from the trip!
If you think the pics are promising, you should be there in person!
It was a full moon this week which made for an extra cool evening!
After dinner, we went back to Cliff Top to watch the sun go down. 
A lot of guests came out and watched the sunset. After talking to a lot of them, I guess most will miss the sunset at Myrtle Point :)
One of my favorite pics from the trip!
If you think the pics are promising, you should be there in person!
It was a full moon this week which made for an extra cool evening!
We did not last too long after sunset being tired and sore and now full from a large dinner. Plus sunrise from Myrtle Point would be early.
