Hiking Advice

3/23/2010

I have received several questions for hiking advice for first time hikers in snow. I thought I would address these questions this morning.
1. Start out as early as possible. Let some one know what trail you are on. ( the only trail open at the moment is Alum Cave Bluffs trail)
2. Bring an extra pair of dry socks, clothes to layer with, and plenty of snacks and water for the hike up.
3. Some sort of ice walker. ( yak tracks, micro-spikes, stableicers, etc.)
4. Hiking poles are a big help.
5. Hats, gloves, and any other piece of clothing to keep you warm.

TAKE IT SLOW. Be careful and have a fun hike.

Now, to fill you in on the conditions up top. The low last night was 15 with a high yesterday of 21. There is 5" of new snow with a total of 19". It is currently cloudy and windy up top.

P.S. check out the guest sightings page.

Doug Y.

3/23/2010 01:37:02 am

How did the first dinner and breakfast go ? Everyone should be in the dining room as I write this enjoying breakfast; sure would beat the egg mcmuffin I had a while ago ! When I hike in snow I stop more often to rest and take a short breath, and shorten the length of my stride; and, yes, a good hiking staff/pole is useful; I used an old tobacco stick, polished and varnished with a strap at the top, for years; I robbed my grandfather's barn many times to get new sticks ! Now, I find that two trekking poles with shock absorbancy capability are good, although having one hand free can be useful; Hope your first days go smoothly at the lodge; see you soon;

Doug Y.

3/23/2010 02:14:48 am

Three cheers for Keith, Landon, and Rich ! Give each one an "Attaboy" ! How many guests did you have last night ? I've only been to Myrtle Point once in my several visits, but I heard that even at Cliff Tops the sunrise is pretty good; or is it ? just wondering;

Lauren

3/23/2010 02:49:11 am

Gorgeous picture... it's like a Winter Wonderland! Thanks for all the hiking advice!

Doug Y.

3/23/2010 03:26:20 am

Just thinking about hiking in snow; When going uphill I would "sidestep" at about a 45 deg angle; you might resemble a penguin doing this, but it'll get you uphill; I would imagine that the Alum Cave Trail will be relatively packed down after so many hikers/guests go up and down it, so you'll probably encounter more packed ice than snow; that's when ice cleats will help I would think; snow gaiters are another item that will keep out snow if it's deep or there's a lot of slush; just have to be cautious on ice;

Jacque J. link

3/23/2010 07:01:33 am

Love looking at your website daily.The pictures are beautiful.We took a weekend trip to Pigeon Forge this past weekend.Looking at LeConte from afar we could see the snow and thought of you all on the mountain.Can not wait for our first hike to the lodge in September.

Lauren

3/23/2010 07:50:56 am

P.S. I love the guest sightings page!! Way to go Landon... he must be one tough kid to hike in that weather!

Ron P. Metcalfe link

3/23/2010 02:43:39 pm

Landon Stratton is THE MAN!

Keith

3/23/2010 05:51:17 pm

I've been a guest at the lodge several times and each time is a complete different experience except for the service. You guys are great! I'm always impressed as to how you stay so up beat through the season. You are as fresh at the end of the season as you are at the start. The hiking was incredible and the crew put the experience over the top. THANKS!

Doug Y.

3/24/2010 12:36:07 am

Keith is right on it: each visit to the lodge is a great one ! Thanks.

Tom K

3/24/2010 12:37:12 am

How many "no shows" do you typically have at various parts of the year? I would expect that this snow likely knocks out a number of hikers, as does nasty weather. Do many guests phone in the day before and say "we won't hike" or do you simply find a few fewer hikers after your final tally? Also, how often do hikers finish the climb in the dark, and is there a common reason for that happening?

Galen B.

3/24/2010 01:15:43 am

Really enjoying your site. The real time updates and conditions will be a big help when getting ready for a hike. I hope to come up in a ouple of weeks if the trail is fairly decent.
My wife and I will be staying in July for our 36th wedding anniversary.
I also plan on doing the Ed Wright Memorial Hike in Sept.
Keep up the great work!

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Hiking Advice

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