View Full Version : Boulevard trail/Mt Leconte
Greentick18d
07-28-2007, 11:49
Smokies experts:
I am planning my groups next section, north from Clingman's Dome for 3-4 days in November. I have seen a few recommendations here about Mt Leconte. How scenic is the Boulevard trail? Is it worth using up a good part of a hiking day on the to and back? Thanks in advance.
deadhorsejoe
07-28-2007, 13:00
Greentick - I have done that trail a couple of times. Nice trail. In my opinion it would be worth it for your group. Some good views on the trail and great views at the top. Also take the short side trail over to the jumpoff. Great views there as well.
Chaco Taco
07-28-2007, 14:06
Straight up Ridgerunnin the whole way. Jump Off is cool. Just like Rebel with a cause told me, "If there are cables in the rock walls, USE THEM!"
Also, there may be some ice in Nov, make sure to pack Crampons or Yaktraks or you will slide off Leconte
Straight up Ridgerunnin the whole way. Jump Off is cool. Just like Rebel with a cause told me, "If there are cables in the rock walls, USE THEM!"
Also, there may be some ice in Nov, make sure to pack Crampons or Yaktraks or you will slide off Leconte
Col Chaco, it sounds like you are talking about Alum Cave Bluff trail coming off LeConte when you say "crampons" and "cables in the wall". (Another really spectacular trail to or from LeConte.)
It's been a few years since I've hiked the Boulevard, but I don't remember a place where crampons or yaktraks should be necessary. Has something changed? But you're right, it can get cold in November up there and snow is possible.
The Boulevard is a great trail, the group should enjoy it. LeConte is a fantastic place to catch a sunset or sunrise.
I did the Boulevard for a couple of training hikes. It is one of the top 5 best scenic trails in the Smokies in my opinion. I do remember one place with cables at least, it wasn't that sketchy though. I would recomend yaktrax for any trip above 5500 feet in the Smokies for that time of year though.
Chaco Taco
07-28-2007, 22:34
Col Chaco, it sounds like you are talking about Alum Cave Bluff trail coming off LeConte when you say "crampons" and "cables in the wall". (Another really spectacular trail to or from LeConte.)
It's been a few years since I've hiked the Boulevard, but I don't remember a place where crampons or yaktraks should be necessary. Has something changed? But you're right, it can get cold in November up there and snow is possible.
The Boulevard is a great trail, the group should enjoy it. LeConte is a fantastic place to catch a sunset or sunrise.
No I did the Boulevard in March and about 2 miles from the shelter there are cables in the wall on the left side. Just short of the top, I hit some major ice and did almost tumble down the side. Yaktraks were a must. Never did the Alum Caves Trail
Alum Cave is a cable/ice fest. I've only done it in winter though, definitely a quality hike. I do have to say I enjoy the Boulevard better though.
No I did the Boulevard in March and about 2 miles from the shelter there are cables in the wall on the left side. Just short of the top, I hit some major ice and did almost tumble down the side. Yaktraks were a must. Never did the Alum Caves Trail
Hmmmmmmmmmm....now I gotta go back. It's been longer than I thought.
Take the group, they'll surely enjoy it...especially the cables and narrow places.
Chaco Taco
07-29-2007, 15:24
Hmmmmmmmmmm....now I gotta go back. It's been longer than I thought.
Take the group, they'll surely enjoy it...especially the cables and narrow places.
I spoke with someone last time I was up and he was part of the resupply party. The choppers came up and down all day. He had said they were looking at installing more cables for the times when ice is at higher elevations. Great hike though. Yes, you should go back, they are making "improvements" at the lodge
Greentick18d
07-30-2007, 01:38
Thanks for the great info. I will definately include Mt Leconte in the trip. While I was prepared for potential cold wx the ice part threw me. Our first section was Deep Gap NC to Unicoi Gap GA in Nov 05. We spent most of the 2.5 days sweating our butts off wearing shorts. I know the Smokies are higher and further North but didn't think there would be that much of a difference. We will probably go the 1st or 2nd weekend in November. I appreciate the input by all.
lil brother
09-04-2007, 01:06
Greentick18d:
My friends and I are hiking the AT from clingmans dome to spence field the on to the cades cove campground. We plan to hike 3 days and 2 nights in the 2nd week of November 2007.
Anyone have any recommendations on essential gear like yaktrax, etc....
Really concerned about the weather.
lil brother
Ramble~On
09-04-2007, 02:13
You may want to get your shelter reservations in as soon as you can.
The weather can do anything in Nov...it could snow or it could be in the 70's and sunny.
You picked a great section and even in Nov...you may still have some fall foliage down lower.
The Solemates
09-04-2007, 15:16
Smokies experts:
I am planning my groups next section, north from Clingman's Dome for 3-4 days in November. I have seen a few recommendations here about Mt Leconte. How scenic is the Boulevard trail? Is it worth using up a good part of a hiking day on the to and back? Thanks in advance.
its real scenic. of course its worth it!
Gray Blazer
09-04-2007, 15:21
You can start at Newfound Gap...hike to the Boulevard and Mt LeCont and down to Alum Caves Bluff parking lot in one day. I know because when I was a kid we took off from Newfound and my Dad thought we would stay at Mt Lecont. He did not know that you needed reservations so we had to head down to the ACB parking lot. My mom still resents him for that. She said it about killed her.
OldStormcrow
09-04-2007, 19:08
If the weather is too tough or your folks start pooping out on you, do the jump-off, if nothing else. It gives you a good view of Charlies Bunyon and it's only about 1/4 mile off of the A.T. It's about 3.75 miles from Newfound Gap.