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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.



Mt LeConte via Alum Cave Trail




The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Great Smoky Mountains   Hike: Mt LeConte via Alum Cave Trail  National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Mon, Apr 17 2023  8:00 am >> Mon, Apr 17 2023 3:00 pm
Registration Opens: Wed, Mar 22 2023 7:00 pm
Registration Cut Off: Sat, Apr 15 2023 12:00 pm
Event Duration:7 Hours
Difficulty Rating:D5: Difficult
Distance:12 Miles
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Jeff
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Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:8
Minimum Group Size:2
Number Registered So Far: 6 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Itinerary:

This event is rated D5 for elevation gain, distance, pace, and technical terrain. Please have prior AOC D5 experience before signing up.

Please join me for an iconic hike in the Smoky Mountains, summiting Mt LeConte via the Alum Cave trail.

The Alum Cave trail is packed with awesome features and views, including Arch Rock, Alum Cave Bluffs, and Inspiration Point. At the summit, we'll check out LeConte Lodge, then make our way to Cliff Top and Myrtle Point for panoramic views. We'll top out at an altitude of 6,591 feet.

Some important notes:

   - Elevation gain for the hike will be in excess of 3,000 feet.

   - The upper half of the trail is steep in sections, plus there are some exposed areas with hand cables for added security. You'll need to be fit and agile.

   - Our moving pace will be AOC moderate, but that's fast for some members. We will stop periodically to take in the sights and have lunch at the top so it won't be a race.

   - We'll start the hike early to beat the crowd, so attendess likely will want to drive up the day before and spend the night in Cherokee, where will we rendezvous before entering the park. There is no organized carpool.

   - The hike duration is a best guess. Please be flexible.

Learn more about this classic hike here: https://smokymountains.com/park/hikes/alum-cave-trail-mount-leconte/


Required Items to Bring:

Plenty of fluids

Hiking footwear

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

Hiking poles

Lots of snacks/packed lunch


How to Get There:
Event Directions:

The Alum Cave Trailhead is located along route 441 between Cherokee and Gatlinburg. (35.629013, -83.451092) See the map link above. We'll meet outside the park's southern entrance to limit the cars we'll need to park.


Notes:

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park implemented a new parking fee beginning March 1, 2023. A daily pass is $5 per vehicle. Although it's a national park, the national park pass (America the Beautiful) is NOT accepted. We will coordinate passes before the trip.


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


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

If weather conditions are exceptionally poor, either due to storms or icy conditions at the top, we may need to find alternative hiking venues for all or part of the scheduled event. We also may need to be flexible due to potential parking issues.