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' Mt LeConte by the Alum Cave Bluffs trail'

Apr 12

Sat 9:30 AM

Location: Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Airport Rd. / Cherokee Orchard Rd, near Gatlinburg, TN
Gatlinburg, TN 37738

How to find us
"I will be in the Volvo with the Florida tags"

Who attended?: Estimated attendance: 16 people attended.

Event fee: $2.00 per person

Mt LeConte is sitting there taunting us , we must go up !
The Bullhead Trail is closed due to a MASSIVE landslide and the Park has no idea how soon repairs can be made or when the trail will open again . Not soon , they said .
So we are resorting to plan 'B ' instead ...the Alum Cave Bluffs trail .
This is a 5.1 mile hike to the Lodge and 10.2 round trip hike with a 3982 foot elevation change . This trail is known for it's springtime flowers and wonderful views and has more overlooks then you can look at and is rated at 'STRENUOUS ' . My mom has done this trail .
Please have good shoes or boots and very good socks for this one as it is an UPHILL hike , bring your fluids and snacks to nibble on and a lunch to enjoy as we rest on the top . There is usually water at the Lodge to refill with for the walk back down , I will check on this as the date draws near . I checked and the water supply is good as of today ( Friday , 4-11-'08 ) Even if it is nice weather at the start of this trail , it can still be cold or even raining on top so bring a layer or two to put on if needed .
We will gather at the trailhead at 9:30am and try to start hiking around 10:00am .
The trailhead is 8.6 miles from the Sugarlands Visitor Center on 441 going towards Cherokee . There are two parking lots that will be on the east side of the road . This is on up the road past the trailhead for 'The Chimney Tops' trail .
more hike info :
http://www.gsmnp.com/...
http://www.localhikes...

trail map with points of interest : http://www.mtleconte....

Photos of this Meetup

See all photos

Talk about this Meetup

Posted Apr 20, 2008 7:19 PM

Bernie Ridenour

Brian, hopefully the pain has subsided. Unsolicited advice, start wearing those boots. You need to get them broken in. Where them around the house, take short walks in them, anything to get them broken in. Your feet will thank you after your next big hike!
Posted Apr 14, 2008 11:35 AM

Brian Mumpower

You guys are a great group. I had a great time despite the pain I am having now. Thanks for your support it meant a lot. Maybe some day I will have well worn in muscles like Emory and Bernie.
Posted Apr 13, 2008 9:36 PM

Bernie Ridenour

Had a lot of fun. Enjoyed meeting everyone! Looking forward to the next hike. Brian you kicked that trail's tail!! Robin really is a "Trail Monster!"
Posted Apr 13, 2008 8:16 PM

Emory
- Organizer
This was a great hike , all made it up and back down and the weather was perfect . A fantastic group of people !
Posted Apr 13, 2008 2:01 PM

Kevin G
- Assistant Organizer
This was a very nice day & what scenery you couldn't have asked for a nicer group of people one of the best hikes I have been on in the Smokies! Thanks for the 2.00 Denise!....LOL
Posted Apr 13, 2008 10:55 AM

Denise

We had an awesome time. We couldn't have asked for a better day. The weather was perfect. This was a beautiful hike, we are sore, but so glad that we did it. Hope to see you guys soon!
Pre-Meetup comments below
Posted Apr 12, 2008 6:56 AM

Page

Hey guys, I hate to bail last minute (especially since I was really stoked and all packed to go!) but my dog kept me up half the night and now I really don't have enough energy to go hiking today. Hope you have a great one.
Posted Apr 11, 2008 7:43 PM

Kevin G
- Assistant Organizer
I been watching the weather channel the bad weather will be past us for this hike just might be a bit breezy but should have no rain!
Posted Mar 19, 2008 3:46 PM

Mike
- Assistant Organizer
Emory is a great guide! HAR HAR HAR
Posted Feb 11, 2008 8:49 PM

Emory
- Organizer
this is a real nice hike , come with us and walk up the hill !

Who attended?

- Bernie Ridenour
  
  “ Great hike! One of my favorite trails. Fantastic weather. ”
- Tim Gremillion
  
  “ I'm tired, but its a good kind of tired ”
- Emory
  
  “ This was another fantastic hike ! We had beautiful weather with plenty of sunshine . Everybody made it to the top and back down again , a great turnout , we have some really great people in this group . Robin is a ' Trail Monster ' ! ”
- Brian Mumpower
  
  “ Wonderful group of people. It was a great time. ”
- Denise (+4 guests)
  
  “ This was an awesome Hike. Beautiful scenery and the weather was perfect. This is a must do for anybody that enjoys the outdoors. One thing - this trail requires stamina. This is one is not for the weak at heart. But hang in there because it is truly worth it. ”
- Kevin G
  
  “ What a awsome group of people very friendly very fun group what a great hike! ”
- Robin
- Rusty
- Dawn & Kevin Hunsaker (+2 guests)