Breaking Trail

12/29/2010

As you have probably guessed, Alex is down the mountain and enjoying the holidays. I received some pictures from our infamous Ranger Dave Worth. He and a friend were brave enough to break trail to the lodge. He said there was about a foot of snow with snow drifts up to mid thigh level. Our substitute winter caretaker was getting a few visitors today. Dave said he ran into several parties on the trail. Folks if you are contemplating a trip up the mountain, please make sure you are an experiences hiker and have the gear for it. Make sure someone knows you are on the trail and when you are supposed to return.

Photo by Dave Worth

photo by Dave Worth

karlt

12/29/2010 11:58:31 am

What a man-- Dave Worth You go Guy!!!

Bruce Thompson

12/29/2010 12:16:46 pm

Beautiful Photos! Love the Great Smoky Mountains and the National Park. You are doing a great job! Thanks and keep up the good work!

Bruce Thompson
Elizabethtown Ky

Paul Benzinger

12/29/2010 12:38:05 pm

Any man that can run up Alum Cave trail in 52 minutes won't let a "little" snow ad ice slow him down. Appreciate the pictures and updates.

Tai

12/29/2010 10:26:10 pm

I am a little confused. If all the roads to the trailheads are closed then how are those "several parties" accesing the trails? I planned on hiking up rainbow falls trail this weekend, but not if the roads are closed??

Tom W. link

12/29/2010 11:08:26 pm

Nice pics! Betting that was a fun hike up. Glad he made it up safely. Hoping to be able to make the hike up in the new year.

Donna

12/30/2010 02:28:04 am

Love the pictures!

Caitlin W

12/30/2010 03:05:36 am

Ranger Dave got to the trailhead at Alum Cave during the 7+ hours that the Newfound Gap Road was open yesterday. But many are just starting from the closest place they can get to the trail head...In most cases this adds upwards of 6 miles to already arduous hikes up LeConte.

1/1/2011 09:40:14 am

Not sure who the guy in the pic is but "proper clothing" is a t-shirt & bandana??? Just saying...probably because I'm jealous. :D

LB in GA

High On LeConte

1/1/2011 10:00:47 am

Layering is the key in weather like this. I can guarantee you he has warmer layers in his backpack. You do not want to break a sweat when hiking in weather like this. When you stop for a break, put on the warmer layers to keep from getting chilled.

Caroline Z

1/3/2011 06:42:50 am

That guy is my husband Cody and trust me, he wasn't cold. He is warm natured and an AT thru-hiker so he was definitely layered to begin with. I'm jealous of these guys too!

1/4/2011 03:47:57 am

Lucky you, Caroline! (wink)
I understand though, my hubby is definitely warm natured as well. I just had to point out the irony...hee hee...leave it to me!
Can't wait to hike it myself, still SO jealous!
LB in GA

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