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Program of hikes for 1930/ Smoky Mountains Hiking Club

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  • August 30-31-September 1 ALUM CAVE—MT. LeCONTE MT. ALEXANDER (or MT. CHAPMAN)* There are hikes and hikes, but here we have a super-hike. It is hard, of course. Any two and a half day hike is hard. But, strenuous as it is, this is one of the most interesting and most varied hikes anyone could plan in the Smokies. First, we have a rare treat in a drive up that new Indian Gap highway to the Grassy Patch cabin, where the hike starts. After hiking about an hour, over a smooth but increasingly steep trail, we reach Alum Cave. Until the Indian Gap road was carved thru the valleys and mountain sides, it was a hard half-day's hike to reach this majestic and awe-inspiring overhanging bluff. From here on to the top of Mt. LeConte the trail is very steep, indeed. But it is not rough or rocky, like the Rainbow Falls, or LeConte creek route is. In leaving Grassy Patch you should determine whether you want to hurry up to have a chance at seeing a sunset from Main Top, or take it more leisurely and enjoy the beauty spots which you will find all along the trail. Whichever plan you decide upon, you should watch for "echo point", about a mile above the Alum Cave Bluffs. Turn your head to the left, toward Main Top, and "holler". The distinct echo will tell you when you reach the right spot. A night on LeConte is always an event. This should be no exception. The rare good-fellowship of the club members is at its best around the open- air kitchen or in LeConte Lodge. If you have read Edgar A. Guest's sunrise poem which is reproduced elsewhere in this booklet, you will certainly want to get up early Sunday morning and go to Myrtle Point to "see the day begin". Get an early start for the state-line, for the untrailed route is rough and the going is slow. •While this is a very fine hike, it is a hard one. Another hike, an easy one-day trip, is scheduled for this same weekend. Take your choice. 48
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