2012 Trips
Mt. Leconte via Alum Cave Trail
11 miles of hiking • 2750' elevation gain •
A beautiful day. Beautiful scenery. One of the neatest variety of surroundings on a single hike. Creeks, big trees, panoramic views, cliff faces. The only downside was lots and lots of people. Neat that they all were out enjoying the Lord's creation, but if you want solitude, try a different route.
October 13, 2012
Gregory Bald via Wolf Ridge Trail
14.8 miles of hiking • 3500' elevation gain • 1 night
14.8 miles out-and-back. We hiked in to CS-95 (roughly 2 - 2.5 mi) and spent the night. In the morning we hiked up to Gregory Bald. It was chilly and foggy when we started out. Was wet, windy, and cloudy when we reached the top (roughly 4.5 - 5 mi). Still an amazing hike. Hiked back down to campsite, packed up and headed to car (roughly 7.5 mi).
October 6 – October 7, 2012
Newton Bald - Camp 52
1 miles of hiking • 3000' elevation gain •
Not much of a few up on Newton Bald. Was an old cattle grazing spot, just like the other balds, except this one hasn't been kept clear by the parks dept. Hard climb for not much of a view. Kept going past the bald up to CS 52. Neat spot. Would think that it would be cold and windy up that high ~5100 ft.
September 2, 2012
Hammer Branch Cemetery
5.5 miles of hiking • 1000' elevation gain • 1 night
We originally tried to go camping at Lake Santeetlah, but couldn't find any open grounds. Instead went to Deep Creek to camp for the night. Before we turned in the evening, we hiked a short way up to Hammerbranch Cemetery. Once we got off on the spur trail, we didn't see any people. Before that, it's heavily trafficked around the camp grounds (car and RV camping).
September 1 – September 2, 2012
Cosby - Henwallow Falls & Albright Grove
17.6 miles of hiking • 1500' elevation gain • 1 night
Hiked through rain, then hail, then lightning, then more rain. A bit scary. Ended up getting a fire going as it continued to rain through the night. Got up, ate, and hit the trail, leaving all our stuff at the campsite, since this would be an out-and-back. Did a majority of the hiking this day up to Albright Grove. Very large trees. Made it back to camp, packed up and headed to the car.
March 30 – March 31, 2012
