Mt LeConte via Rainbow Falls Trail - Are there areas to hang overnight on the way up?

**TrailSlug** · 06-21-2016, 13:29

Have any of you guys done this trail and if so are they any places to hang overnight on the way up?

**wiel** · 06-21-2016, 18:03

That trail is all within the GSMNP, the park service is a stickler for reservations and use of their designated campsites, there were none on the rainbow falls trail as of last spring. There's a shelter at Mt. LeConte (use of the shelter was 'manditory'), which was visited by a ranger during my stay. That said, there are trees aplenty.

**HHI Hanger** · 06-21-2016, 18:33

Originally Posted by TrailSlug

Have any of you guys done this trail and if so are they any places to hang overnight on the way up?

Beautiful trail on the way up but no designated campsites, officially. Have to hit the top first. There you can stay in the rented cabins or the Leconte shelter

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**TrailSlug** · 06-21-2016, 19:59

Thanks guys but I'm just not sure I can make it all the way up in one day so I'm thinking I may try to stealth if possible. I'm just wondering if I will get busted. 4000 is a lot to climb in one day and back.

**Deadwood** · 06-21-2016, 21:12

Only camping is at the Leconte shelter. Plenty of trees and bears. It is a good climb to the top on any of the 5 trails but not so bad if you are in reasonable shape. The cabins at Leconte Lodge are booked a year in advance so don't plan on getting a reservation there.

**Rain Man** · 06-22-2016, 11:28

Originally Posted by TrailSlug

...I'm thinking I may try to stealth if possible. I'm just wondering if I will get busted.

Discussions of how to commit illegal acts are prohibited by most online User Agreements, so beware.

Also, LeConte Shelter is CLOSED to the public currently as it is being used solely for a trail maintenance group. At least, that's what I saw online this week. Check with backcountry reservations to be sure.

**Chriss** · 06-22-2016, 11:56

On my list. My Dad did the trail as a kid. One of the upcoming (few) times in the future that I will have to stay in the designated quarters and leave the hammock at home. Just the way it is.....

**TrailSlug** · 06-22-2016, 14:22

Wow I never once thought of stealth camping as illegal. Now I feel like a criminal

**dkurfiss** · 06-22-2016, 15:12

Originally Posted by TrailSlug

Wow I never once thought of stealth camping as illegal. Now I feel like a criminal

Depending on the area, it is illegal as it is in the case. As Rain Man said discussion of illegal activities is prohibited on HF. Please stop all discussion of stealth camping in GSMNP or this thread will be closed.

Thank you.

**Rain Man** · 06-22-2016, 15:54

Originally Posted by TrailSlug

Wow I never once thought of stealth camping as illegal. Now I feel like a criminal

Totally depends on the jurisdiction. As the GSMNP requires camping be only at official sites and even then only with permits, then "stealth" camping elsewhere would be an offense (and has nothing to do with Leave No Trace principles). Allowing discussions of how to get away with such could get this discussion board in trouble, in addition to the "criminal" himself.

Then again, "stealth" camping in a jurisdiction where camping is allowed anywhere simply means not wanting to be seen and leaving no trace you were ever there. In which case, that is a good kind of "stealth."

So, "stealth" means or can mean very different things.