Qualifying Centennial Challenge Hike

When about 20 YMCA members from Knoxville hiked to Mt. Le Conte and Cliff Top in 1924 (via a different route than we'll take), the idea for a “Smoky Mountains Hiking Club” was born. Mt. Le Conte is iconic in its own right, and certainly iconic for SMHC. Let’s take one of the most beautiful routes to the top: Alum Cave Trail. It is 5 miles to Le Conte Lodge, and another .5 mile to Cliff Top, where we’ll hope to have lunch (we may seek a more sheltered area, depending on the weather). Le Conte Lodge will not officially open until Monday, March 25. Since March can still be quite cold, and the trail might have patches of ice, be prepared to bring micro-spikes or the like. The leader will communicate closer to hike- time with recommendations. Rated Moderate to Difficult, 11 miles RT and ~2,700 ft. climb. The leader strongly encourages carpooling from Sugarlands Visitor Center with a meet-up there at 6:30 am, on the restroom side. We'll meet at the Alum Cave trailhead ready to start by 7:00 am. Carpool fee for 18 miles RT @ $.07/mile = $1.25.

Leaders: Diane Petrilla and Eric Sundstrom

Leader contact information is included under Additional Information in the email you receive after registration.