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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:Tue, Apr 23 2024  8:00 am >> Tue, Apr 23 2024 3:00 pm
Registration Opens: Mon, Apr 1 2024 7:00 pm
Registration Cut Off: Mon, Apr 22 2024 8:00 am
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:3
Number Registered So Far: 5 / 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.

 

OVERVIEW

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

This trail is packed with features and views, including Arch Rock, Alum Cave Bluffs, and Inspiration Point. At the summit, we'll have lunch at LeConte Lodge then make our way to Cliff Top and/or Myrtle Point for panoramic views. We'll top out at an altitude above 6,500 feet.

 

THE HIKE

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

- The upper half of the trail has some trickier sections with hand cables for added security. It's not treacherous but you need to be fit and agile.

- We'll hike together. Our moving pace will be AOC moderate, but that's fast for some members. However, it's not going to be a race to the top. We'll stop periodically and we'll enjoy lunch at the top.

- Learn more about this hike here.

 

LOGISTICS

- We'll start the hike early to beat the crowd (and find parking), so attendees likely will want to drive up the day before and spend the night nearby. The AOC has regularly done the event as a day hike, so you do have that option if you don't mind setting out very early in the morning.

- The TL will stay in Cherokee south of the park because it saves about an hour of drive time compared to Gatlinburg.

- We'll try to combine cars before going into the park to reduce the number we need to take to the trailhead.

- There is no organized carpool from Atlanta.


Required Items to Bring:

Plenty of liquids

Hiking footwear

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

Hiking pole(s)

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 plan to meet outside the park's southern entrance to limit the passes we'll need and cars we'll need to park.


Notes:

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park implemented an entrance/parking fee last year. A daily pass is $5 per vehicle. Although it's a national park, the national park pass (America the Beautiful) is NOT accepted. We'll try to coordinate needed passes.


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


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

The long-range weather forecast calls for perfect hiking weather, so stop worrying already. :)

But....

   - If conditions for the hike are poor, it's possible we'll need to find an alternative hiking venue for part or all of the scheduled event.

   - It's possible we also may need to be flexible due to parking. By going on a weekday in April, starting early, and limiting cars to the trailhead, we shouldn't have an issue. We did this hike last year and found parking at the trailhead.

   - If you decide to stay overnight in the area, please be sure to have a refundable reservation or alternative use for your lodging. The TL plans to stay in Cherokee the night before and be onsite the day of the event even if the weather forecast is iffy. The event will be cancelled for weather only if conditions present a driving hazard or significant hiking hazard.

Partial attendance is not an option.