GSMNP - Trilium Gap trail

We chose the Trilium Gap trail on the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail so that we could see Grotto Falls, the only falls in the park that you can walk underneath. The trail is about 3 miles roundtrip and is all uphill to the falls, but the ground is fairly spongy and the grade is constant but not overly steep. The roundtrip took us about an hour and a half, but most folks would want to allow two hours because we tend to move pretty fast. Wayne is always on a mission, for some reason! I only complain when he hurries on the way back because I like the cardio workout on the way there.

I knew that the trail was also used by the LeConte Lodge at the top of Mt LeConte to restock their supplies...by llama! Cuidado! Llamas!

We didn't see any llamas on the trail, but a few others caught glimpse of a black bear off trail. When we got home I did some more research and found out the llamas are on the trail around 6 am on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and make their return trip in the afternoon. They ususally make it back to the parking lot by 6 pm, so we made a plan to return that night and when we got to the trailhead at 5:15 we were too late and the trailer was already gone. Guess we'll have to see the llamas next trip!

We did get to see Grotto Falls though! We also met a photographer on the trail and had a nice chat with him about coyotes in the news as well as local endangered wildflowers. Brian Jorg was very knowledgeable and friendly, and also very patient in letting all the tourists get their time in at the falls until he had his turn. He has photography classes available, so anyone interested in taking one while in the area should check out his link!