Wifes Cousin was in town last week visiting from Idaho. Stopped in Townsend and did a day trip to the Dome. Some AT through hikers stopped there. Saw fire damage around Gatlinburg. Great views.
That half mile to the tower feels like it is straight up. It's paved but still brutal. We were there around Thanksgiving last year and it was something like 20 degrees on the top.
Wendy and I were up there this past weekend to hike LeConte. All roads and trailheads were shut down due to downed trees from high winds the day before. We were told they had some 90 MPH winds come through. We went as far as we could out towards Rainbow Falls and trees were down everywhere. They also had snowfall up there this past weekend.
I had planned on LeConte myself but I had ACL and Mensicus surgery in March. I'm still not back to normal yet. I can't do but about 3 miles right now. My goal is to be well enough for deer season and start fresh hiking next year.
That's an awesome view! May snowfall in TN and mid-60s at elevation in Wyoming. lol mother nature be crazy.
Alum Cave Trail was open (following a major refurb). There must have been 90 cars at the trial head parking lot due to other trail closures. Chimney Tops Trail was totally closed. Even the parking lot. Unfortunately something like 50% of the US population lives within 500 miles of SMNP. With 72M Baby Boomers born between 1946-64 and 10K per day reaching "retirement" age the popular parks are over run. Not just between Memorial Day - Labor Day. The good news....there is none.
I was waiting for some heart attacks ..... There were some elderly and extremely overweight folks who were really struggling. The combination grade and elevation kicks most people's ass.
That second shot shows some of Lake Fontana and beyond that is the Nantahala National Forest in NC. There's some great camping via the Lake. Islands and Lakeshore CG. Lake camping rig on Fontana.
