LeConte Lodge Loop via Trillium Gap Trail and Rainbow Falls Trail()

We hiked to the falls today on a very warm winter day. Even given the midwinter day the trail was still crowded. Some of the hikers were very obnoxious and had very bad trail etiquette. Over than that unpleasantness it was a very nice but strenuous hike. This was my first hike in the Gatlinburg area after the fire. There was moderate fire damage along most of the trail with most trees appearing to have survived. One section of wind exposed mountainside had extensive damage ground to treetops. The area around the falls had no damage. The trail crews have done an amazing job of clearing the trail.

My first night hike. Met up with three bears.