TWO big events next weekend! OCTOBER 26th ...the hike and the Chili at 4PM.
The hike...it is one of the best hikes in the GSMNP.
For most of us in East Tennessee,when you say "Mt. LeConte" you must place your hand over your heart!
MEETING at 8:00 at the Trail Head for ALUM CAVE TRAIL.
From Maryville, go to the WYE/"Y", turn LEFT onto Little River Rd. (opposite of Cades Cove)
This road will be traversing the center portion of the park (very curvy and FOGGY in the early morning) to the Sugarlands Visitor center which is on the left. (FYI - take the bathroom break and stretch.)
Next, turn RIGHT onto (US441)NewFound Gap Rd. going toward Cherokee NC, . 8.7 Miles to the Alum Cave Trailhead is on the LEFT.
From Knoxville, etc...I would go toward Gatlinburg, use the bypass around the city and drop down at the Sugarlands Visitor center -(Which is on the corner of Little River Rd and New Found Gap Rd.)
Take a break andNext, turn RIGHT from Little River Rd onto (US441)NewFound Gap Rd. going toward Cherokee NC, . 8.7 Miles to the Alum Cave Trailhead is on the LEFT.
WARNING - PARKING WILL BE A ZOO!! The earlier you arrive the better! Be Prepared - it is worth the effort, but generally, people will be everywhere in October at the Trail Head. Parking in the grass, etc. has generally been accepted by the Park Service. When we come back to the cars after the hike you will be amazed at the inventive parking methods of the late arriving hikers. (a Note: I try to begin the hike in the dark, pre-daylight, to beat the crowds...but not this Saturday...just say'n.)
The hike is 10-11 miles round trip. (plan for 5-6 hours) It is uphill most of the 5 miles up and then downhill back to the cars. A truly fabulous hike with vistas of fall leaves, rock formations and of course the summit!
Layer your clothes....you can take layers off and change it up as needed through out the day.
Bring water, bring food for the trail and lunch, and always bring rain jacket/pancho....(even on sunny days) and of course, comfortable walking shoes with excellent socks. (Synthetic or synthetic-wool blend (Smartwool) are best and provide the least chance of a blister.)
If needed - just buy $10-15 Excellent SOCKS and keep your OLD SHOES/ Running shoes, etc....Trust me. It's all about the socks. Generally it is a bad idea to purchase new shoes and then go immediately on a hike...
just invest in EXCELLENT SOCKS (do you see a pattern?).
With the outdoors in general : "Cotton is ROTTEN"....Cotton socks, in my own personal experience and backpacking and hiking as a Boy Scouts leader, will almost always get wet, causing friction and then wear a blister.
Few things kill your morale more than hurting feet...and it so preventable.
We will be taking our time and enjoying the day...Ken hikes slow.
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