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Handbook/ 1932/ Smoky Mountains Hiking Club

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  • gins Hell. Just across the gorge can be seen the twin peaks of the Chimney Tops. In going down to Balsam Top, we will start from Main Top or Cliff Top and go straight west along the backbone of LeConte proper to the West Peak. The trail ends here, but one can study the ridges beyond the elevation of the West Peak to ascertain the route. There is a rather steep descent at first to the long connecting ridge between West Peak and Balsam Top. Along this ridge superb views are obtained. Those who keep their eyes open will see remarkable views again and again looking toward Newfound Gap, Clingman's Dome, and The Chimney Tops. A good view of Cherokee Orchard and Gatlinburg is also obtained. The route takes us on a gentle rise to Balsam Top, and then bears north, to the right and downward. There are a number of ridges radiating from Balsam Top, but by keeping the Rocky Spur always in view, we will avoid taking the wrong one. Between Bull Head and Balsam Top, the going is extremely steep and rough, and almost every kind of obstacle from small ledges to laurel thickets and saw-briers may be encountered. The distance, however, is short and before long the waist-high growths of laurel, rhododendron, and the rare andromeda are reached. We will go through the "saddle" and up the little rise to the Bull Head where a fair view can be obtained, tho it will seem dwarfed in comparison with the views had from above. We will return to the "saddle," descend east toward LeConte Creek, where we soon reach a sled road taking us to The Orchard property. We will cross the creek to the LeConte Creek trail and return to the cars. Leave Dixie System at 1 P. M. Bring flashlight, canteen, food for 3 meals and plenty of clothes. Elevation 6593 feet. Hiking distance 12 miles round trip. Leaden: BROOKS ROBINSON (2-5342) PHIL HOUGH (Gatlinburg) 55
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Object’s are ‘parent’ level descriptions to ‘children’ items, (e.g. a book with pages).