Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Mt. LeConte Day-Hiking Adventure
This adventure is complete. Please check out the trail reviews or the event review for more details!
Date(s) & Time(s):
June 4th, 2016 – 6:30 am to 8:00 pm
Location:
Mt. LeConte – Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Trailhead Meeting Location:
Alum Cave Trail-head – Google
Trail-head Location / Directions:
From the Sugarlands Visitor Center near Gatlinburg, drive 8.7 miles south along Newfound Gap Road to reach the Alum Cave Trailhead. The parking lot will be on your left.
Roundtrip Length: 11.0 Miles
Total Elevation Gain: 2763 Feet
Avg. Elev Gain / Mile: 502 Feet
Highest Elevation: 6593 Feet
Trail Difficulty Rating: 16.53 (strenuous)
It’s Snake Steppers (Lisa’s) birthday and she requested another fantastic trip to the summit of Mt. LeConte in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
This trip will take us up Alum Cave Trail connecting to Bull Head and then to the summit of Mt. LeConte. The entire trip is roughly 11 miles and is rated as strenuous. Be sure to check out our website for information on how we rate trails!
Don’t stress over the difficult nature of this hike. We have hikers with widely varying degrees of performance. Our group maintains an average pace and we stick together throughout the hike. You will not be left behind 🙂
I am currently allowing for a 6 hour ascent to the summit and a 4 hour descent. Depending on the basic pace of the group, this gives us a safety window of the several hours plus or minus.
This trail will provide you with some really stunning views and the rich history of the area will inspire you to summit!
Once on top of the mountain we will hang out, eat lunch then explore some of the viewpoints at the top. The summit experience will last a couple of hours and then we will head back to the parking area.
I’ve given a bunch of encouragement and positive points for this hike, but don’t become complacent. This is a real hike that involves major elevation gains, steps and endurance. There are parts of the trail that you will be using cable holds, to avoid slipping at very high elevations. The views you earn are worth every step!
Remember this is the Southeast and the weather can change every 7 minutes. Be prepared for the worst conditions and bring plenty of water! You should have enough food / snacks for 1.5 days.
Maps and directions to the trail-head will be posted in the event, so please pay close attention and contact me if you have any questions. Remember to click the GOING button if you intend to participate
The Ten Essentials (for safety, survival and basic comfort)
1. Navigation – MHC Provided
2. Sun Protection
3. Insulation / Rain Protection
4. Illumination
5. First-aid Kit – MHC carries moderate first-aid supplies
6. Fire Starter
7. Repair Kit/Tools
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9. Emergency Shelter (bivy, tent, tarp or reflective blanket)
10. Hydration (Lots of water and purification)
MHC group leaders have these and more to provide members, in the case of necessity. Please always be prepared for the worst!
We practice the LEAVE NO TRACE Principles. Please make sure you are fully aware of our club principles when participating in our official events:
1. Plan ahead and prepare!
2. Travel and camp on durable surfaces.
3. Dispose of waste properly.
4. LEAVE WHAT YOU FIND!
5. Minimize campfire impacts.
6. Respect wildlife!
7. Be considerate of other visitors!
If you need any details on the leave no trace principles, please don’t hesitate to contact me directly!
Accidents happen to even the most experienced and best prepared hikers. That’s why it’s important that you know how to rescue yourself if you’re injured or become ill on the trail.
Be prepared with knowledge: of the terrain, first aid, how to stay warm and dry.
Be prepared with gear. If you take a fall on a day hike, you may have to spend the night. Have what you need to stay warm, dry, hydrated. Matches, flashlight, whistle and other items in your pack you thought you’d never need may mean the difference between getting home quickly and safely – or not at all.
Remember: if you’re prepared to rescue yourself, you’ll also be able to help another hiker, too.
FALLS:
Falls while hiking in mountainous terrain typically account for more fatalities than any other direct cause. A fall can result in a few scrapes minutes from the trailhead or life-threatening injuries miles – and hours – from help. This is why it’s especially important to never hike alone.
Most falls and injuries occur when hikers are descending a trail. Wet rocks and leaves have contributed to many ankle injuries in the back country. Hiking poles can help with stability by adding an additional point of contact with the trail.
HEAT:
Overexertion on hot summer days can lead to heat-related injuries.
Heat exhaustion will leave you feeling tired, nauseous, dizzy and headachy. Rest, rehydration, food and a good night’s sleep are the treatment.
Heat stroke is a life-threatening illness. Symptoms include confusion, delirium and loss of consciousness. The skin feels hot as the body’s cooling mechanism fails. THIS IS A TRUE EMERGENCY. Cooling the patient immediately is essential.
Both heat exhaustion and heat stroke can be prevented by avoiding overexertion on hot days. Pace yourself, rest often, drink plenty of water and eat regularly throughout your hike.
COLD & HYPOTHERMIA:
The lowering of your body’s core temperature below normal can lead to poor judgement and confusion, loss of consciousness and death – even in summer!
Early signs of hypothermia may be as mild as poor judgment, a slight sensation of chilliness, and trouble using your hands for simple tasks.
Later signs can include uncontrolled shivering, unconsciousness and death.
Prevent hypothermia by having warm clothes and dressing in layers to adjust temperature as needed. Keeping dry with good wind and rain gear: your body loses heat three times as fast when it’s wet. Drinking plenty of fluids, eating many small meals throughout the day, and avoiding alcohol and caffeine.
Hike Safe: It’s your responsibility.