Greetings Winter Wanderer,

You are not like most men. You see, most men seek comfort when the thermometer dips toward zero and the snow starts flying. But that’s not you. The sophisticated man hunkers down at the local coffee shop on these blustery days, but not you. No, you are a bit of a primitive man, a man who embraces the biting cold, just to experience the most silent and exquisite of all seasons, winter!

If this is indeed the man you are, or that you want to be, we invite you to join us for a challenging new years day hike of the most iconic peak within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Mt. LeConte (6,593′).

“The mountains are calling and I must go.”  John Muir

Our group will take the classic Alum Cave Bluff trail which ascends 2,763′ in 5.5 miles to the summit.  This gives us around 500′ of elevation gain for every mile hiked so you’ll need some good legs and good lungs!

Winter conditions will likely include ice, snow, wind, rain, clouds, or sun. This is a hike that requires proper prior planning, so get on it!

If this sounds like an adventure you would like to start the year out with then register below, pack your gear, and then head for the summit!

Here’s to Living the Adventure! 

Your Wilderness Guides,

Doug Brown:  509-540-9055

Marty Miller:  423-322-8491

PLANNING GUIDE

TRIP SCHEDULE

TRIP DATE:

• Wednesday, January 1, 2025  

TRIP ITENERARY: 

• 7:30 am – Meet-Up @ Sugarlands Visitor Center
• 8:15 am – Arrive @ Alum Cave Bluff Trailhead (3,834′)
• 8:30 am – Start Hiking
• 10:00 am – Alum Cave Bluff (+2.3 miles, 4,950′)
• 12:00 pm – Mt. LeConte Lodge (+2.8 miles, 6,360′)
• 1:00 pm – Mt. LeConte Summit (+.4 miles, 6,593′)
• 2:00 pm – Descend from Summit to Trailhead (+5.5 miles)
• 5:00 pm – Arrive back at Trailhead
• 6:00 pm – Supper in Gatlinburg
• 7:00 pm – Head Home

SIGN-UP DEADLINE:

• Sunday, December 29, 2024
• Space if very limited so register today! 

PRETRIP ZOOM MEETING:

• Monday, December 30, 2024
• 7:00 – 8:00 pm ET
• This meeting is required to ensure that all participants are prepared and all questions are answered. If there are any issues or any changes in plans we will discuss them during this meeting.
  

  JOIN PRETRIP ZOOM MEETING HERE

WHAT TO EXPECT

This is a demanding winter hike that should not be taken lightly. Here’s what you should expect…

• Distance – 11 miles
• Elevation Gain – 2,763′
• Difficulty – moderately difficult
• Duration – this is a full day hike
• Trail Conditions – rocky steep and exposed trail with patches of ice and snow
• Risks – falls from icy exposed sections could be life-threatening
• Rewards – you will experience a winter wonderland, spectacular views, and a sense of the awe of God!

Disclaimer – If you have never gone winter hiking in the mountains before, call Doug or Marty first.

ONLINE RESOURCES

Trail Information on the AllTrails website

High on LeConte Daily Updates website

Mt LeConte Lodge website

Mountain LeConte Weather website 

HOW TO PREPARE

Clothing:

• Warm waterproof hiking boots
• Gaiters (if snow is deep)
• Wool socks
• Waterproof/breathable jacket and pants
• Medium-heavyweight insulating layer
• Heavy-weight fleece jacket
• Insulated parka
• Quick-dry underwear
• Quick-dry T-shirt
• Heavy mitts or gloves
• Warm cap

Equipment:

• Backpack
• Toilet paper/wipes
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
• Lip balm
• Headlamp

Food & Hydration:

• Trail lunch & snacks
• 2-3 liters of water
• Electrolyte drink mix

Safety Gear:

• Small first aid kit – just the basics
• Trekking poles – not essential but add stability
• Microspikes – trail conditions will be icy

Fitness:

Because of the short lead-time on this trip you are either in shape for this hike or you’re not.  If you have any doubts about your ability to comfortably do this hike, we recommend that you stay home.  The mountain will be there in the summer!

SAFETY PLAN

Communication:

• Rocky Talkie Mountain Radios (4) for trail communication
• InReach Mini 2  satellite communicator for emergency

First Aid:

• Everyone should carry their own basic first aid kit
• We will carry a more extensive kit for the group
• Trip leaders are Wilderness First Responders

QUESTIONS

If you have any questions or gear needs please text either Doug or Marty.

• Doug Brown:  509-540-9055
• Marty Miller:  423-322-8491

JOIN US

To join us on this hike complete the participant release and registration forms below.

PARTICIPANT MEDICAL RELEASE FORM

REGISTER FOR WINTER HIKE HERE

Advent Wilderness Expeditions

Advent Wilderness Expeditions (A.W.E.) is a consortium of Christian outdoor enthusiasts that desire to contagiously share their love of God and nature with others in awesome wild places.  Check out our webpage for upcoming events and ways to join our leadership team.

Climb On!