Mt LeConte - Alum Cave & Boulevard Trails To Newfound Gap - Sat, May 19 2012

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Mt LeConte - Alum Cave & Boulevard Trails To Newfound Gap


The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Alum Cave Trailhead   Hike: Mt LeConte - Alum Cave & Boulevard Trails To Newfound Gap  National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Sat, May 19 2012  10:30 am >> Sat, May 19 2012 5:00 pm  (Carpool Departure: 6:00 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Wed, Apr 25 2012 9:00 pm
Registration Cut Off: Fri, May 18 2012 8:00 pm
Event Duration:6 Hours 30 Minutes
Difficulty Rating:D5: Difficult
Distance:13.7 Miles
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Chris L
Gary Hubert
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Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:16
Minimum Group Size:4
Number Registered So Far: 15 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Itinerary:
This hike is for advanced hikers who don't mind getting up ridiculously early on a Saturday morning to traipse through the woods a long way from home and have fun doing it.

After dropping off a couple of vehicles at Newfound Gap, we will begin our little jaunt from the Alum Cave Trailhead and climb 2,763-feet up Mt. LeConte over 4.9-miles to the Lodge. We'll hang out for a bit to allow those who have never been here before a chance to see what it's all about. After a short break, we will continue on the Boulevard Trail to Myrtle Point, 0.4-miles beyond the Lodge, where we will have lunch. Myrtle Point is also about 0.2-miles past High Top (El. 6,593-feet, the summit of Mt. LeConte and glamorously marked with a pile of rocks).

After lunch, we will hike about 4.8-miles south along the Boulevard Trail. Although there is a net elevation loss along the trail, there will be plenty of intermediate climbs to keep you honest. The trail rises and falls many times as it crosses the ridgeline between LeConte and the main crest of the Smokies towards the AT.

About a tenth of a mile before reaching the AT is the junction for the Jump-Off. This trail is not an official National Park trail, but it is marked with a sign. Before reaching the Jump Off itself, you'll have some great views of Mount LeConte along the way. We'll hike this short, 0.4-mile out and back trail to the Jumpoff, a 1,000-foot cliff on the northeast side of Mount Kephart, which allows for spectacular views of Charlies Bunion, Mt. Guyot, and the Appalachian Trail ridge towards the east. This will allow a nice break from the action and a quick snack.

Once back to the Boulevard Trail, we'll intersect with the AT after a few minutes and head west for 2.7-miles to Newfound Gap (El. 5,045-ft), losing around 1,100-feet. Between Mt. Leconte and Newfound Gap, we'll lose 1,317-feet of total elevation but climb 2,406-feet in between.

All in all, we will hike 13.7-miles with over 5,000-ft of elevation gain, just enough to keep you off the streets at night.

On the way back we will stop in Clayton for dinner at Mama G's or Universal Joint. La Cabana is not an option.

Description written by Andy Lovejoy


Required Items to Bring:
Good hiking shoes
A LOT of water 
Lunch and Snacks
Clothing appropriate for weather conditions
Rain Gear		Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.

How to Get There:
Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):330Mile(s)
Carpool Departure Time: 6:00 am
Carpool Location:   Log in for location
Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
Carpool Cost: Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $132.00 using a reimbursement rate guideline of $0.400 per mile. The total amount should be divided by the number of people in the vehicle, including the driver. This is a guideline, not a rule, for drivers but the cost should not be higher unless there are extenuating circumstances.

Notes:
* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.


Cancellation/Partial Attendance:   Please review the AOC cancellation policy.