Nice view from Webb Overlook on the way to Alum Cave Trail
The first bridge crossing Walker Camp Prong
Alum Cave Bluffs Trails is considered "strenuous"
At the trailhead around 9:45 AM
Crossing the picturesque Alum Cave Creek
Downed tree not far into the trail
Alum Cave Creek
More creek views
Rhododendren line many Smokies creeks making them even more scenic
A turquoise color of the water was unique.
The birch center support post on this footbridge was a nice touch.
A waterfall formed over a fallen tree
Arch Rock along Alum Cave Trail
The stone steps going up Arch Rock
Rounding a bend in a area where the mountain had several big landslides after summer deluges.
A look at the heath bald on the opposite ridge
First evidence of ice along the trail
The cable systems were icy in spots
First view of the bluffs, with icicles dripping overhead. At times it can be dangerous when big chunks of ice fall off the bluff.
Reaching the bluffs
From Alum Cave Bluffs
The last 2.8 miles to the top is grueling
One last shot of the bluffs before heading up the trail.
Tried to get a self portrait without much luck
Blurry, but it is a Peregrine Falcon circling the gorge
Climbing higher magnificent views started opening up
Little Duck Hawk Ridge - where the Falcons roost
Narrow trail but good footing at this segment..it wouldn't last
Stairs along the Alum Cave Trail
Thick Spruce forest along the Alum Cave Trail
The Catawba rhododendren high in the forest.
Another windfall along the Alum Cave Trail. I stopped here for a break, it was about another mile to the top.
Now the ice was getting thicker and the footing was getting worse.
More ice on the cables
Views beginning to open up near the top.
I believe that's Thomas Divide? (3rd prominent ridge) Note: After looking at my contour map, I don't think so. I'm guessing it's Sugarland Mountain.
This spot had no cables to help...it was tricky to get around
A good shot of the hundreds of dead Fraser fir trees..killed by an non-native insect infestation.
Cliff Top on the Mt. LeConte massif
This yellow fungus is abundant on rock faces at high elevations. Not the cables helping you around the skinny ridge.
Now I'm beginning to question the wisdom of my decision to continue up the trail.
This trail had many outstanding views
Flattening out (thankfully) on Mount LeConte
At the intersection with Rainbow Falls Trail...the big smile was because I survived the ascent.
The Mount LeConte Lodge
Looking towards Tennessee from the Mount LeConte Lodge
The story of the mountain. (zoom in to read)
The Mount LeConte Lodge dining hall. During the season the caretaker puts the date up because this is such a popular picture spot.
Proof that I had made it to the top
The Mount LeConte Lodge. Nice high-elevation cabins to rent if you get a reservation.
The Mount LeConte Lodge. A couple of weeks ago they measured -22 degrees up here, then it turned unseasonably warm for a week melting away most of the snow and ice.
Back at the end of a tough 10 mile walk, exhausted.
