Trip Date: November 14th - November 15th Location: LeConte Lodge, Gatlinburg, Tennessee Mountain InformationMount Le Conte (or LeConte) is a mountain in Sevier County, Tennessee located within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. At 6,593 ft (2,010 m) it is the third highest peak in the national park, behind Clingmans Dome (6,643 ft, 2,024 m) and Mount Guyot (6,621 ft, 2,018 m). However, from its immediate base to its highest peak, Mount Le Conte is the tallest mountain in the Eastern United States, rising 5,301 ft (1,616 m) from its base, near Gatlinburg, Tennessee (1,292 ft/394 m). There are four subpeaks above 6,000 ft on the mountain (referred to as the LeConte massif): West Point (6,344 ft/1,934 m), High Top (6,593 ft/2,010 m), Cliff Tops (6,555 ft/1,998 m), and Myrtle Point (6,200 ft/1,890 m). In addition, Balsam Point (5,840+ ft/1,780+ m) serves as the dramatic west end of the massif. The Hike UpA visit to LeConte Lodge, though always enjoyable, requires personal effort and a little sacrifice. A big part of the Lodge’s attraction is one’s sense of pride in reaching it, as there is no other available way but to hike up one of its five beautiful trails. The shortest of these, Alum Cave Trail, is about 5.5 miles long with about 2800’ of total vertical climb, and takes the typical hiker about 4 hours. Thousands of all ages over the years have proven that anyone in reasonably good health can complete this trek to the summit and back. The key to enjoying the hike is to:
This is not a race to the top, and each of us has all afternoon to get there. As a courtesy both to yourself and your fellow hikers, please wear the suggested boots and clothing, and try to be physically and medically fit – also let’s be patient with one another, and try to offer assistance if needed. Upon reaching the Lodge it's as if you were 100 years back in time -- so be prepared to sacrifice one night of 21st-century conveniences. Weather and Trail UpdatesThe weather can be a bit cool so please make sure to pack and wear proper clothing. The temperature up on the mountain can easily be 10 degrees cooler then in the town. For current weather plans in the town see: http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/tenday/USTN0196 Daily Posts and Trail Updates: http://www.highonleconte.com/daily-posts.html Park Traffic and Road ClosuresThe Smokey Mountain National Park main road access from Cherokee to Gatlinburg is just a two lane road though that stretch of the park. This road can become closed for multiple reasons including simple accidents, rock slides, trees down, and as the park doesn't operate any snow control equipment any ice or snow quickly closes down the road. In the event of a road closure we may still be able to get up to Mt LeConte by just hiking Rainbow and you can get to Garlinburg by going around the park though Maggie Valley (depending on conditions) but give me a call to see what alternate plans we may have if road closures become an issue. General Road Information: http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/temproadclose.htm Realtime Road Updates: http://twitter.com/#!/smokiesroadsnps The lodge is nestled at 6400’ near the summit of Mt.Le Conte in the center of Great Smoky Mountains National Park: The Lodge is a rustic collection of log and rough-lumber structures of various ages, including a quaint log dining hall, a social hall, and various-sized sleeping lodges and cabins. Open roughly April thru mid-November, it is maintained and managed as a Nat’l Park concession by Tim and Lisa Line and their staff of about fifteen friendly men and women, who feed and lodge about 50 guests each night. Guest reservations include a hearty dinner & breakfast and comfortable cozy bedding in pre-assigned cabins. Built originally in the late 1920’s by a Gatlinburg pioneer family, the Huffs, LeConte Lodge was operated by the Huffs and their descendants until 1960.LeConte Lodge Website: http://www.lecontelodge.com LeConte Staff Website: http://www.highonleconte.com/ LeConte Lodge
Gatlinburg, TNFor Thursday night I will be staying in the Quality Inn Creekside. This parking lot is also where we will be meeting on Sunday morning to start our trip to and from LeConte. I was able to get a room for $64/night via hotels.com. What to Bring and WearWhat to WearFigure on temperatures atop Mt. LeConte averaging about 20 degrees cooler year-round than in Atlanta. (They claim it has never been over 80 F at Lodge.) In selecting clothing for trip, take weather forecasts into account. Check the Gatlinburg, TN forecast for local temps. Keep in mind that the weather can deteriorate rapidly in the Smokies -- better safe than sorry. We are in the cooler months so dress in layers for cold.
What to BringBelow are some recommendations on what to bring. If you are unsure about anything feel free to ask your Trip Leader about it. As a general rule, the weight of your loaded pack shouldn’t exceed 25% to 30% of your ideal body weight. Some experienced backpackers may be able to carry more, while novices should generally start with less. Many trip members spend almost their whole weight allowance in alcohol for festivities in the evening. :) Suggested Items
Optional Items to Bring
Optional Items for Car
Trip ScheduleThursday Night Get Together (Optional)
Friday - LeConte Hike Up
** We will try for a sunset point hike depending on conditions Saturday - LeConte Hike Down
** We will try for a sunrise point hike before breakfast depending on conditions I will be staying overnight Saturday night and headed to Pigeon Forge for Dollywood and likely some other activities before heading home. If you are interested in joining me then let me know! Trailhead Maps |
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