Great Smoky Mountain National Park Summer Escape

Please join us by escaping the summer heat by hiking in the higher elevation on two popular trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  We will hike to the summit of Mt. LeConte via the Alum Cave Trail followed by hiking to Charlies Bunion via the AT and a side trail from Newfound Gap. 

Our itinerary begins with checking in at the rental property on Friday afternoon after 4pm, dinner on your own. On Saturday morning, the shuttle will pick us up at 8:00 and drive us to the Alum Cave Trailhead inside the park.  The shuttle will return to pick us up at 4:00 at the trailhead and return us to our rental home. On Sunday morning, we will check out by 8:00 and drive to Newfound Gap parking lot and hike to Charlies Bunion. At the end of Sunday's hike, the event is over, we will say our goodbyes and drive home.  

We have room for 8 people with the chance to increase to 10 based on the mix of those registered. Everyone is guaranteed to sleep in a bed.  When signing up, you will be initially put on the waiting list. You will receive instructions from the trip leader. Once paid, you will be moved to the participant list.  Room assignments will be made based on time of sign up and gender mix. Since we are sharing space, we may assign duties including meal preparation, clean up, etc.

There is no carpool but we encourage ride sharing so we do not have too many cars at the rental property. You are responsible for bringing food for two breakfasts and for two lunches.  We will plan a cookout Saturday night, more details to follow for the registred group.

We have booked a brand new luxury property, 5 bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms with lots of amenities, including an indoor pool, hot tub and a game room, please check out the link.  https://vrbo.onelink.me/ItNz/ydbcbjh9 . The total cost per person that includes the rental, shuttle service and AOC fee is $375 based on 8 people and $299 based on 10 people.  The shuttle cost is based on 10, so if we end up with only 8, there will be a $100 credit comng back.This booking may be a little on the high end but the quality of this property is first class.

The Alum Cave Trail to the summit of Mt. LeConte is my favorite hiking trail in the S.E. It is a solid D5 with an elevation gain of over 3,000 ft and approximately 12 miles roundtrip. We begin hiking along the Alum Cave Creek where you will see lots of mature rhododendrons. At 1.3 miles we get to Arch Rock, the trail passes under the arch. At 2.3 miles we reach Inspiration Point, look for the Eye of the Needle.  Shortly afterwards we arrive at Alum Cave Bluff. Past Alum Cave at the peak is LeConte Lodge, there are restrooms and a place to refill your water.  We will continue to Cliff Top for lunch and to enjoy the views. We can follow the ridgeline to see Myrtle Point before decending back to catch our shuttle.

Charlies Bunion is reached by a wll traveled section of the AT.  We begin at Newfound Gap through high-elevation forest and climb along a mix of hardwoods and spruce-fir. We will turn right on a side trail that takes us to Charlies Bunion where you will see broad mountain views.  The hike is a D4 with an elevation gain of 1,900 ft at 8 miles roundtrip. 

805 Kings Way Gatlinburg TN  37738

Alum Cave Trail:

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/tennessee/alum-cave-trail-to-mount-leconte?u=i&sh=zikgns

Charlies Bunion:  

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/tennessee/charlies-bunion-via-appalachian-trail?u=i&sh=zikgns

$400 per person based on 8 people and $324 based on 10 people.  Cost includes the rental home $2,985, shuttle service $500 ($50 per person X 10) and AOC fee $25 per person.

Since the house is already booked, money that has been paid is not refundable; however, if someone on the waiting list takes your spot, you will be fully refunded except for the the $25 AOC fee which is not refundable.