Mount LeConte via Alum Cave Trail | Smoky Mountains National Park | Arch Rock | Myrtle Point

Описание: In early September we traveled to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in eastern Tennessee. From the Alum Cave Trailhead, we took an aggressive hike to summit Mount LeConte, the third highest peak in the park. The Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte is the premier hike in the Great Smoky Mountains - and for good reason. The Blue Ridge Mountains are home to the highest peaks east of the Mississippi - but due to the rise from its base, none is more prominent than Mount LeConte, making it the “tallest” mountain in eastern North America. While there are hikes that are longer, with more elevation gain and steeper climbs, there are no challenging hikes with more geological interest, history and breathtaking views than this one. The hike to Mount LeConte is truly the area’s pièce de résistance.

Instagram: @crisandcale_adventures (Cris-Cale)

CONTENTS
00:00 Intro Teaser
00:49 Map & Overview
01:25 Start of Hike
02:06 Arch Rock
02:41 December Flashback
03:41 Inspiration Point
04:41 Alum Cave Bluffs
05:19 Trek to LeConte
07:23 LeConte Lodge
08:05 High Top (Summit)
08:38 Ridgeline to Myrtle Point
10:34 Heading Back
12:18 Back at the Bluff
13:00 Back at the Arch
13:36 Parking Full

In December of the prior year (2020), we took all of the kids on this hike, facing unexpected challenges with snow and ice. The single handrail log bridge was completely covered in ice - and we did not breathe a sigh of relief until the last child crossed safely.

LeConte Lodge is the highest of its kind in the eastern United States, sitting at an elevation of about 6400 feet. There are no roads to the site as you can only reach it by hiking one of the five trails ranging from 5 to 9 miles in length.

As if God was holding back the clouds so we could enjoy the view, we felt particularly blessed to experience this raw beauty.

As we headed back, we reflected on how this vast and rugged forest was under attack by loggers in the early 1900s. If not for the establishment of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 1934, we likely would not have this awe inspiring resource to enjoy.

And enjoy we do! Get here early - because this place gets packed!