AtlantaOutdoorClub
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REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Once you've reviewed the event details, and decided you'd like to join us, you MUST sign up at the bottom of this page.



2023-10-23 GSMNP-008 Mt LeConte from Newfound Gap




The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Great Smoky Mountains National Park from Newfound Gap Parking Lot
Date(s) & Time:Mon, Oct 23 2023  9:00 am >> Mon, Oct 23 2023 5:00 pm  (Carpool Departure: 5:45 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Wed, Mar 1 2023 7:04 pm
Registration Cut Off: Sun, Oct 22 2023 12:00 pm
Event Duration:Approx. 8 Hours
Difficulty Rating:D6: Advanced
Distance:17 Miles
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Bill Wey
Email Trip Leader(s)
You must be logged in to get the Trip Leader contact information.
Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:5
Minimum Group Size:2
Number Registered So Far: 5 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Itinerary:

<<< Mt LeConte from Newfound Gap >>>

We will meet and start from the Newfound Gap parking lot. This is an out and back round trip hiking.

This trail is well known to be one of the most popular hiking routes in GSMNP. It goes through various geological formations and landscapes offering excellent views along our way to the summit of Mt. LeConte standing at 6,593 feet of elevation.

We’ll take the Appalachian Trail (AT) north bound(NB) for 2.7 miles, then turn left to take the Boulevard Trail for about 5.5 miles to reach Mt. LeConte. We’ll also follow some spur trail to Cliff Tops to enjoy its wide open views. The total out and back mileages will be about 17 miles.

The event duration does NOT include our travelling/ driving time. Our duration time is an estimate, and we need to have some flexibility.

Please only register if you are comfortable hiking long distance in the remote mountains environment, and have solid D5 experience. A good reference is you can easily finish my Kennesaw 10 hike in 4 hours.

If your experience is not from the club, please include it in a note, or email TL; otherwise you’ll be moved to waiting list for the safety of everyone. We encourage our members to actively participate with joyful experience, and most importantly to stay healthy and safe at the end of our event.


Required Items to Bring:

 

Headlamp/ Flashlight (It may be dark in the end)

Extra pair of Clean shoes, bag for changed shoes, towel to sit on (if you're in other member’s car). Respect your carpool driver, only enter with clean shoes. Remove all trash and your belongings.

Cash for carpool driver.

Layers of clothing suitable for the season.

Good hiking boots/shoes.

Water, lunch/snacks.

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.

 

Hiking poles

Camera

Rain gear just in case


How to Get There:
Event Directions:

1) Take I-85 North about 18 miles to Exit #113, I-985 North. (The Indian Trail Park/Ride Lot at Exit #101). 
2) Bear Left at I-85 Exit #113 onto I-985/ GA-365 North and follow it beyond Gainesville where it merges with US-441 North. (Merge point is about 45 miles north of the I-85 exit, near Cornelia, GA). 
3) Carefully follow the US-441 signs northward through Clayton GA, Franklin NC, Dillsboro NC, and Cherokee NC to the Oconaluftee Visitor Center on your right at the southern entrance of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. (There are several turns along the way. Total distance along US-441 from its GA-365 junction near Cornelia is about 80 miles.) 

NOTE: In lieu of using the above simplified directions from NE Atlanta you can enter "Oconaluftee Visitor Center, 1194 Newfound Gap Rd, Cherokee, NC 28719" as your destination and use Google.com/Maps for detailed directions from any point of origin. 
4) Newfound Gap parking lot is about 16 miles beyond the Oconaluftee visitor center of GSMNP.

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):322Mile(s)
Carpool Departure Time: 5:45 am
Carpool Location:   Log in for location
Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
Carpool Cost: Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $128.80 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:
1. This event may be cancelled or rescheduled if weather conditions are not satisfactory for an enjoyable outing.
 
2. Itinerary is subject to change at the discretion of the trip leader.

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


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