So I’m gearing up to re-hike the trail I said I’d never hike again.
Easily the most beautiful trail I’ve climbed in NC (or North America for that matter), Alum Cave Bluffs Trail is not for the casual hiker. Believe me, I know from experience.
Here I am at Inspiration Point:
At this moment I had no idea what was ahead of me, but that’s probably the only reason I kept going. You’ll gain 2400 feet from the trailhead by Alum Cave Creek, under Arch Rock, up to Inspiration Point, through the Alum Cave Bluffs, and all the way up to LeConte Lodge, which tops out at 6400 feet. The payoff is well worth the struggle, especially if you plan ahead and reserve a cabin at the lodge (instead of having to turn back around so you can beat the sun down the mountain). The lodge employees actually use llamas to get supplies to LeConte…I bet those llamas have a much easier climb than I did!
Anyway the descent is actually the worst part of the trip, though I suspect I might stave off the shin splints by resting overnight at the lodge. I’d call Alum a moderate to difficult hike, but admittedly I’m not a seasonsed outdoorswoman by any stretch of the imagination.
Click for a good write-up on Alum Cave Bluffs Trail.
I’ll let you know how it goes the second time around…
2 Comments
April 29, 2008 at 12:11 am
Hi Lauren!
I love your blog. Very insiteful and interesting. Shows your personality big time. I love the pictures and such. I’ll need lessons!!! See ya at the office.
Carolyn
April 29, 2008 at 12:53 pm
Hey Lauren,
Let me know how it goes… I’m always looking for other places to go hiking. Is there a place to pitch a tent up at the summit?
Be safe and take care…
Chad