Because of the heavy traffic at certain times of the year, it's been necessary to 'harden' the path in steep or wet areas to reduce the impact of thousands of passing feet. This is one of the more unique stairways, carved from a long log.

A last look down into the drainage of Trout Creek.

Much of the upper path is borderd with thick stands of deep grass. In places, it's just about all that holds the steep slopes together.

Look closely and you can spot the 'window' in the rocky ridge above.

A closer look at the Window.

And now, a final look back as Paul rounds Inspiration Point. This was a great trip in the company of some really fine people. Not a bad way to spend the day after Christmas and I'm already looking forward to the next one.
Ironically, when we were in the parking lot later in the day down at the Sugarlands Visitor Center, right before sunset, we looked up to see the Bullhead on LeConte drenched in sunshine. If anybody was still up on Cliff Top, they were being treated to a spectacular sunset.
Famous last words, "Hey, let's go eat at the La Carrettas in Gatlinburg - I doubt that there will be much traffic..." Wrong!