Wednesday, September 27, 2006

Mt. LeConte Trip

Mt. LeConte (elevation 6593) is located in Tennessee, in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The only way up the mountain is by hiking one of several trails to the top. There is a group of cabins on top that have been there since the 1930s. An overnight stay at the top is very popular, reservations required up to a year in advance.


We made the trip up the Alum Cave Bluff Trail to the top of the mountain in 4 hours, stopping many times for pictures or just to catch a breath. The creeks were full and swift from the rain the day before. The clear sky and sunshine were welcome, with anticipation of great views from the top. We stopped halfway at Alum Cave Bluffs.



Unfortunately, before reaching the top, we entered the clouds, so the only view we had the first afternoon was of the inside of a cloud. So, fast forward to the next morning which broke cold and clear, making for a great sunrise.



More stories to come (guess I better get to work), but enjoy lots more pictures here (click on picture):

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