Mount Le Conte Trip Report

“Nsvhiker(rob) showed up around 5:30...we load up his car and head to gatlinburg. We signed in at the backcountry office and they looked at us like we were nuts..."you guys have crampons?" we were like yup..we're covered.
It had already started snowing, so we hit the trailhead, load up and bam...forgot my outershell gloves...i figure i'm ok with my liners and extra pair of wool socks..let me tell you ..I'm getting a pair of wool mittens...the smartwool socks let me keep my fingers.

We head up Bullhead run..and it's gorgeous..snowing pretty heavily, icicles, and total silence.
My geko totally let me down again failing to pick up more than 2 satellites, so it was left in the car.
We thought we were making good time but the trail is a constant uphill..not too steep..but always up. Then it starts snowing harder and blowing. Gaitors are a must..never realized their true worth and they are worth their weight in gold.
About 2 miles from the shelter the snow is getting deeper and it's getting colder..i start to bonk and question if i'm going to make it...all our water is slushy, toes are starting to get real cold, and so are fingers..face is ok due to 'boggan and bandana..too bad my breath moisture froze it solid 10 minutes after we hit the shelter.

Met up with 3 guys from north west GA..they had brought black plastic sheeting and had it stapled over the lower bunk to tent us in. Robs canister stove failed to work, and i only had 3 esbit tabs...wasn't figuring on melting water..we used the last of our water to cook our combined meals on 2 esbits. we eat, and crash. I wasn't doing to well leading up to the shelter and the first hour at the shelter...i questioned my sanity, and my intellegence. Once in my sleeping bag (7pm)...with my new down booties and LLbean down jacket..i was fine..and slept the entire night with no cold spots. I think going to bed early had everyone up at 4...our bunk mates were telling jokes, talking about the hot girls in their office and whether or not to pee outside or not. Rob sounds like he's not doing to well over on my left. I fall back asleep till 8 and robs packing up and talking to himself. I notice he's really cold, and has been for awhile..

everyone's stove 'cept the esbit failed, so there was no water for breakfast or the hike down. our boots were blocks of ice and outerwear used the day before unusable. Total snow at the top was around 4 inches..with drifts to 6-8. Temp on the lodge porch at 6pm night before was 11.

oh...........we also had these ICE WALKER 4 point strap on "crampons" they are PIECES OF MONKEY $H!T...I am seriously considering mailing this company and/or the store that sold them to me huge boxes of steaming great dane crap. It's not that they worked loose...they slide on the strap when walking on uneven surfaces..(ie..the trail) They they hang of the side of your boot catching every rock you walk past threatening to twirl you off a ridge, and offering noooo traction on ice..i would have spent the money to rent or buy better ones or even altered my plan if i hadn't been told these were great for what you need, they work awesome.

Well..with the icewalkers safely in my pack pocket ( to throw through a store window next week) The task of saving me, falls to my Komperdells (bravo Austrians).
I'm suprisingly warm all morning and the whole trip down..got some awesome pics, and make it to the car around noon...change clothes, and wait 20 minutes for the Ranger to let us out the locked gate.
It took us 4 hours to get down through the snow, and 6 hours to get up in the snow. Total milage around 15. Low temp told to us by the Ranger...7..Total snow fall...4
Nashvillehiker is a great guy, good hiker, and not a troll...well he did look kinda trollish this morning. He took yesterday in stride, while it kicked my butt, and had a rough start today while i sauntered along.
We'll have the pics up soon, and he'll post his report...gotta go get a shower”

“which trail did you take?”

“Bullhead both ways”

“oh i saw that. didnt know that was the name of the trail. im familiar with alum cave and boulevard trails”

“we went up the Bullshead. Were going to go down Rainbow Falls but felt Bullshead the better option since we did it the day before and would know it better. Bullshead is a butkicker in the snow, going up that is. Coming down it was nice.”

“Great trip report Opie. Hey....do you call your stocking cap a toboggan? ( "'boggan") A friend of mine from Alabama uses that term. I always liked that.”

“Glad you guys had a good time.”

“Picked Opie up 530am yesterday. It was flurrying and cold here in Nashville. Brrrrr, what is it going to be like on a 6600 foot alpine mountain? We hit I40 all the way to the Severeville exit and then onto 441 into the park. After checking in at the backcountry desk we hit trail head via Historic Nature Trail which turns into Cherokee Orchard Rd. The trail head is on the upper port of the loop. Three of the trails to LeConte make their origins here. Opie, nor I have hiked the Bulls Head, Rainbow Falls or Trillium Gap trail before and decided to summit via the Bulls Head trail since we had heard that it was the least icy. We figured we would come down off the Rainbow for a loop.

I believe the elevation in Gatlinburg to be right around 1200 feet and the elevation at the trailhead to be little better than 2000. We got on the trail roughly 1230pm.

To get to the Bulls Head you have go aprox a half mile on the Old Sugarlands trail. Nice little flat trail, cool water log crossing, with the LeConte creek rushing below. We then arrived at the Bulls Head and from there on it was a pretty much constant up. Early on it was pretty nice, the snow was falling gently and a light breeze, but it didn't feel cold.

Saturday the mountain was socked in from the get go. It was hard to figure progress as none of the mountain's geological features were visible. The trail continued to go up and up and switch back, up some more, switch back. We arrived at this bald area where the trees seemed a little stunted and there was alot of rhoderdendon, still socked in. I figured we had come around Balsom Point. We went around a corner. Wrong!! We had only poked out on the western horn ridge line, and the head of the bull was somewhat visible in front of us (probably laughing), and it was clear we still had a long way to climb. So more up and more switchbacks and more ups.

Finally we had arrived at the Pulpit. I read about this in the brown Smoky Mtn trails book. I thought I remembered it being close to the top. Still Wrong as there was plenty of uphill left and Balsam point was still in front of us. We then were on top of the ridge leading to Balsam Point and the wind really started to blow and the snow was increasing with what seemed every step. It was to say the least cold. I felt warm though. We were both getting tired at this point.
I stopped to grab a bite and Opie continued on. I don't we ever got too far apart.

My hose to my camelback was frozen at this point and I never thought to get a liner for it. So it seems that the trail doesn't go over Balsam Point (head of the Bull) but rather circles around the south side of it and then comes out over the main spine of Leconte and continues to the top just below the ridge line. We getting close. West Point should be ahead just alittle ways. Seemed like this stretch went on forever and it was snowing pretty hard and the winds were strong. It seemed almost a white out with the fog and snow. It really started getting icy. I had my 4 pointer ice walker, alleged crampons which were at best ok for walking on an icy street. The problem, like Opie stated is that they slide around on the bottom of the shoe. They did help through this section and I was grateful to have them.

Finally got to where Rainbow falls trail joins up with Bulls Head. The sign said six tenths of a mile to LeConte. I assume this meant to the Lodge. A sigh of relief, almost there. Let me tell you, that was the longest six tenths of a mile of all time. The wind was really blowing, snow really falling and the trail was really icy.

I knew I was getting my butt kicked by this mountain. I had previous figured that it would only take at the most, three hours to reach the shelt atop LeConte. I was hoping to visit all of the peaks and maybe even walk down to Bushy Mountain. I surely underestimated Mt. LeConte in these conditions. It wasn't until around 6pm that we reached the Lodge.

I was really happy when I finally got to the jct. with the Alum Cave trail. Passed the Lodge and met three hikers along the trail. They asked me how I was doing and stated that shelter was not farawy and that Opie was there waiting.

I trekked on to the shelter and it was colder, snowier, icier and windier than ever. Finally the shelter was in front of me. Opie was there and was begging to set up camp. I de-packed and did the same.

The guys I ran into near lodge then returned and we chatted for a while. They advised they saw a temperature reading at the lodge of 11 degrees. It kinda felt colder than that.

My MSR pocket rocket stove puked out on me. Had to forget about hot chocolate.

Luckily my water had not froze yet and we were able to cook some pasta roni on Opie's Nesbit stove.
After along hike it tasted great.
It was dark, 7pm and everyone was in their bags and thinking about sleep.

The wind was blowing the tarps all night long but that is to be expected on top of a mountain.
After a fyao night everyone woke up about 4am and we talked for a while.

I was going to go with the guys out to Myrtle Pt and try catch the sunrise. I started to put on my gear and everything was frozen solid. I put them on and started up the trail anyway. It was just starting to get light out and it was colder than ever. I just couldn't get warm at all. Just below High Top I turned around and went back to the shelter. I was freezing. My gear which kept me nice and toasty the day before was failing me. Opie was still asleep and I started to pack up my stuff. My feet and hands were completely numb and I started to feel a little out of it . All the stories of hypothermia had me worrying pretty hard. One of the Gguys from GA stayed behind and he got his gas stove to work and had me come over and warm up by it. That thawed out my shell and warmed me up some. Thanks guy.

Opie was up and packing by this point. We weren't able to eat nor hydrate soooo down the mountain we began and it was probably 8 by then and freezing. Opie said he was feel'n toasty so I took off running down the trail in hopes of warming up. By the time I reached the jct. of Rainbow Falls I was good so I waited up for Opie and we stuck together for climb down.

We decided on the Bulls Head verses Rainbow Falls because of the conditions and that we would be better able to figure our progress. Considering the conditions we were making excellent time. It was sunny, but below us were clouds. At times along the trail between West and Balsam Points the clouds would open and and we could see Gatlinburg down below. It was neat to see Bushy Mtn pushing through the clouds too.

My judgement is that Bullshead is the least scenic of the trails to LeConte. Not alot of views. Down we went. We had a good time and we felt pretty good despite not having any water or food save a few granola bars. In order to try and stay somewhat hydrated we ate snowballs, which probably not recommended was fun and envoked memories of eating snow as a little kid in PA.

The trees were full of snow and it was very pretty. A real winter wonder land if one exists. We both got some great photos along the way.

We got back to my car around 12pm and it was full of snow but hapy to see it. As Opie said the gate to Cherokee Rd was closed so we had to wait like 20 mins for a ranger, no problem. He told us the Temp. went down to 7 degrees. I think it was colder than that.

We stopped at a vista along the Gatlinburg bypass for Mt. LeConte profile photos. She makes quite a dominant backdrop and really dwarfs Gatlinburg. Stopped at Wendy's in Pigeon Forge and then on to Nashville. I think we arrived about 430pm.

We never did technically summit the mountain, but never the less we were met with a challenging hike and met it Bulls Head on.”

“I've always taken the Alum Cave Trail to LeConte and one time on the BLVD. The Alum Cave trail seems to be everybody's favorate. Those stupid icewalkers probably would not have sucked on that trail though.

Alum Cave Trail is super scenic, with views pretty much every step along it.”

“to stay hydrated on the hike down we ate snow ...i tried giving Rob a yellow snowcone”

“after not drinking anything for 15 hours it is possible that even a yellow snow cone could taste good. We got the idea from the Jackass movie. In the end I could not go through with it.”

“I'm guessing the alt. at the shelter to be 6300 - 6400 feet.”

“Great report, great hiking. Nice going!”

“This was my first true snow bp. I think it was the same for Opie. There were some rough moments but all in all it was a great and fun back pack. Not sure when I will want sleep on top of LeConte in the dead of winter again though. I recommend a BP on Mt. LeConte for anyone looking to enjoy a cold one. I bet it stays cool up there even in the hottest days of summer. I have read it can potentially snow on any day of the year at the top.”

“I'm so jealous! The snow is gorgous!!! Next time you guys are taking me along!!”

“even though i probably scared rob sat morning! i was out of it when i met you! too early in the morning for me!”

“GREAT pics OPIE!!!

glad you had fun.....but y'all need to be more careful....

and what kind of stove do you suggest for cold weather????”

“my whisperlight and 2 gallons of white gas...or 10 extra esbit tabs”

“you guys probably would have been warmer in tents. no way im sleepin in the shelter in single digits”

“Nice pics/report!! If a canister stove gets too cold to work, heat a bit of water (just to luke warm) and set the canister in it ,wait a couple minutes and light it. I did this with my Gaz stove and it went up like an ancient Coleman gas stove!!! Poof no eyebrows!!LOL”

“"If a canister stove gets too cold to work, heat a bit of water"

am i missing something? how are they going to heat a bit of water? i guess with the esbit stove. and if no stoves are working? maybe im just thinking too hard”

“"you guys probably would have been warmer in tents. no way im sleepin in the shelter in single digits"
StormBringer

thank you! thats what i said!”

“youre welcome. wanna do it?”

“I was under the impression that you cannot tent camp on LeConte.”

“that may or may not be true. but in this weather, who the hells gonna check? of course, the lodge isnt far away, so maybe a ranger comes out every day. or is the lodge open?

or is the problem theres no room to tent? oh its so complicatd”

“Almost lost two TT'ers...felt like it!
"Nsvhiker(rob) showed up around 5:30...we load up his car and head to gatlinburg. We signed in at the backcountry office and they looked at us like we were nuts..."you guys have crampons?" we were like yup..we're covered.
It had already started snowing, so we hit the trailhead, load up and bam...forgot my outershell gloves...i figure i'm ok with my liners and extra pair of wool socks..let me tell you ..I'm getting a pair of wool mittens...the smartwool socks let me keep my fingers.

We head up Bullhead run..and it's gorgeous..snowing pretty heavily, icicles, and total silence.
My geko totally let me down again failing to pick up more than 2 satellites, so it was left in the car.
We thought we were making good time but the trail is a constant uphill..not too steep..but always up. Then it starts snowing harder and blowing. Gaitors are a must..never realized their true worth and they are worth their weight in gold.
About 2 miles from the shelter the snow is getting deeper and it's getting colder..i start to bonk and question if i'm going to make it...all our water is slushy, toes are starting to get real cold, and so are fingers..face is ok due to 'boggan and bandana..too bad my breath moisture froze it solid 10 minutes after we hit the shelter.

Met up with 3 guys from north west GA..they had brought black plastic sheeting and had it stapled over the lower bunk to tent us in. Robs canister stove failed to work, and i only had 3 esbit tabs...wasn't figuring on melting water..we used the last of our water to cook our combined meals on 2 esbits. we eat, and crash. I wasn't doing to well leading up to the shelter and the first hour at the shelter...i questioned my sanity, and my intellegence. Once in my sleeping bag (7pm)...with my new down booties and LLbean down jacket..i was fine..and slept the entire night with no cold spots. I think going to bed early had everyone up at 4...our bunk mates were telling jokes, talking about the hot girls in their office and whether or not to pee outside or not. Rob sounds like he's not doing to well over on my left. I fall back asleep till 8 and robs packing up and talking to himself. I notice he's really cold, and has been for awhile..

everyone's stove 'cept the esbit failed, so there was no water for breakfast or the hike down. our boots were blocks of ice and outerwear used the day before unusable. Total snow at the top was around 4 inches..with drifts to 6-8. Temp on the lodge porch at 6pm night before was 11.

oh...........we also had these ICE WALKER 4 point strap on "crampons" they are PIECES OF MONKEY $H!T...I am seriously considering mailing this company and/or the store that sold them to me huge boxes of steaming great dane crap. It's not that they worked loose...they slide on the strap when walking on uneven surfaces..(ie..the trail) They they hang of the side of your boot catching every rock you walk past threatening to twirl you off a ridge, and offering noooo traction on ice..i would have spent the money to rent or buy better ones or even altered my plan if i hadn't been told these were great for what you need, they work awesome.

Well..with the icewalkers safely in my pack pocket ( to throw through a store window next week) The task of saving me, falls to my Komperdells (bravo Austrians).
I'm suprisingly warm all morning and the whole trip down..got some awesome pics, and make it to the car around noon...change clothes, and wait 20 minutes for the Ranger to let us out the locked gate.
It took us 4 hours to get down through the snow, and 6 hours to get up in the snow. Total milage around 15. Low temp told to us by the Ranger...7..Total snow fall...4
Nashvillehiker is a great guy, good hiker, and not a troll...well he did look kinda trollish this morning. He took yesterday in stride, while it kicked my butt, and had a rough start today while i sauntered along.
We'll have the pics up soon, and he'll post his report...gotta go get a shower"
OPIE
05:17:34 PM
02/08/04
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"which trail did you take?"
StormBringer
05:34:32 PM
02/08/04
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"Bullhead both ways"
OPIE
05:37:18 PM
02/08/04
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"oh i saw that. didnt know that was the name of the trail. im familiar with alum cave and boulevard trails"
StormBringer
05:38:21 PM
02/08/04
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"we went up the Bullshead. Were going to go down Rainbow Falls but felt Bullshead the better option since we did it the day before and would know it better. Bullshead is a butkicker in the snow, going up that is. Coming down it was nice."
nashvillehiker
05:42:56 PM
02/08/04
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'boggan?
"Great trip report Opie. Hey....do you call your stocking cap a toboggan? ( "'boggan") A friend of mine from Alabama uses that term. I always liked that."
JO
05:49:43 PM
02/08/04
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"Glad you guys had a good time."
humanpackmule
06:45:38 PM
02/08/04
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my Mt. LeConte trip report
"Picked Opie up 530am yesterday. It was flurrying and cold here in Nashville. Brrrrr, what is it going to be like on a 6600 foot alpine mountain? We hit I40 all the way to the Severeville exit and then onto 441 into the park. After checking in at the backcountry desk we hit trail head via Historic Nature Trail which turns into Cherokee Orchard Rd. The trail head is on the upper port of the loop. Three of the trails to LeConte make their origins here. Opie, nor I have hiked the Bulls Head, Rainbow Falls or Trillium Gap trail before and decided to summit via the Bulls Head trail since we had heard that it was the least icy. We figured we would come down off the Rainbow for a loop.

I believe the elevation in Gatlinburg to be right around 1200 feet and the elevation at the trailhead to be little better than 2000. We got on the trail roughly 1230pm.

To get to the Bulls Head you have go aprox a half mile on the Old Sugarlands trail. Nice little flat trail, cool water log crossing, with the LeConte creek rushing below. We then arrived at the Bulls Head and from there on it was a pretty much constant up. Early on it was pretty nice, the snow was falling gently and a light breeze, but it didn't feel cold.

Saturday the mountain was socked in from the get go. It was hard to figure progress as none of the mountain's geological features were visible. The trail continued to go up and up and switch back, up some more, switch back. We arrived at this bald area where the trees seemed a little stunted and there was alot of rhoderdendon, still socked in. I figured we had come around Balsom Point. We went around a corner. Wrong!! We had only poked out on the western horn ridge line, and the head of the bull was somewhat visible in front of us (probably laughing), and it was clear we still had a long way to climb. So more up and more switchbacks and more ups.

Finally we had arrived at the Pulpit. I read about this in the brown Smoky Mtn trails book. I thought I remembered it being close to the top. Still Wrong as there was plenty of uphill left and Balsam point was still in front of us. We then were on top of the ridge leading to Balsam Point and the wind really started to blow and the snow was increasing with what seemed every step. It was to say the least cold. I felt warm though. We were both getting tired at this point.
I stopped to grab a bite and Opie continued on. I don't we ever got too far apart.

My hose to my camelback was frozen at this point and I never thought to get a liner for it. So it seems that the trail doesn't go over Balsam Point (head of the Bull) but rather circles around the south side of it and then comes out over the main spine of Leconte and continues to the top just below the ridge line. We getting close. West Point should be ahead just alittle ways. Seemed like this stretch went on forever and it was snowing pretty hard and the winds were strong. It seemed almost a white out with the fog and snow. It really started getting icy. I had my 4 pointer ice walker, alleged crampons which were at best ok for walking on an icy street. The problem, like Opie stated is that they slide around on the bottom of the shoe. They did help through this section and I was grateful to have them.

Finally got to where Rainbow falls trail joins up with Bulls Head. The sign said six tenths of a mile to LeConte. I assume this meant to the Lodge. A sigh of relief, almost there. Let me tell you, that was the longest six tenths of a mile of all time. The wind was really blowing, snow really falling and the trail was really icy.

I knew I was getting my butt kicked by this mountain. I had previous figured that it would only take at the most, three hours to reach the shelt atop LeConte. I was hoping to visit all of the peaks and maybe even walk down to Bushy Mountain. I surely underestimated Mt. LeConte in these conditions. It wasn't until around 6pm that we reached the Lodge.

I was really happy when I finally got to the jct. with the Alum Cave trail. Passed the Lodge and met three hikers along the trail. They asked me how I was doing and stated that shelter was not farawy and that Opie was there waiting.

I trekked on to the shelter and it was colder, snowier, icier and windier than ever. Finally the shelter was in front of me. Opie was there and was begging to set up camp. I de-packed and did the same.

The guys I ran into near lodge then returned and we chatted for a while. They advised they saw a temperature reading at the lodge of 11 degrees. It kinda felt colder than that.

My MSR pocket rocket stove puked out on me. Had to forget about hot chocolate.

Luckily my water had not froze yet and we were able to cook some pasta roni on Opie's Nesbit stove.
After along hike it tasted great.
It was dark, 7pm and everyone was in their bags and thinking about sleep.

The wind was blowing the tarps all night long but that is to be expected on top of a mountain.
After a fyao night everyone woke up about 4am and we talked for a while.

I was going to go with the guys out to Myrtle Pt and try catch the sunrise. I started to put on my gear and everything was frozen solid. I put them on and started up the trail anyway. It was just starting to get light out and it was colder than ever. I just couldn't get warm at all. Just below High Top I turned around and went back to the shelter. I was freezing. My gear which kept me nice and toasty the day before was failing me. Opie was still asleep and I started to pack up my stuff. My feet and hands were completely numb and I started to feel a little out of it . All the stories of hypothermia had me worrying pretty hard. One of the Gguys from GA stayed behind and he got his gas stove to work and had me come over and warm up by it. That thawed out my shell and warmed me up some. Thanks guy.

Opie was up and packing by this point. We weren't able to eat nor hydrate soooo down the mountain we began and it was probably 8 by then and freezing. Opie said he was feel'n toasty so I took off running down the trail in hopes of warming up. By the time I reached the jct. of Rainbow Falls I was good so I waited up for Opie and we stuck together for climb down.

We decided on the Bulls Head verses Rainbow Falls because of the conditions and that we would be better able to figure our progress. Considering the conditions we were making excellent time. It was sunny, but below us were clouds. At times along the trail between West and Balsam Points the clouds would open and and we could see Gatlinburg down below. It was neat to see Bushy Mtn pushing through the clouds too.

My judgement is that Bullshead is the least scenic of the trails to LeConte. Not alot of views. Down we went. We had a good time and we felt pretty good despite not having any water or food save a few granola bars. In order to try and stay somewhat hydrated we ate snowballs, which probably not recommended was fun and envoked memories of eating snow as a little kid in PA.

The trees were full of snow and it was very pretty. A real winter wonder land if one exists. We both got some great photos along the way.

We got back to my car around 12pm and it was full of snow but hapy to see it. As Opie said the gate to Cherokee Rd was closed so we had to wait like 20 mins for a ranger, no problem. He told us the Temp. went down to 7 degrees. I think it was colder than that.

We stopped at a vista along the Gatlinburg bypass for Mt. LeConte profile photos. She makes quite a dominant backdrop and really dwarfs Gatlinburg. Stopped at Wendy's in Pigeon Forge and then on to Nashville. I think we arrived about 430pm.

We never did technically summit the mountain, but never the less we were met with a challenging hike and met it Bulls Head on."
nashvillehiker
06:50:32 PM
02/08/04
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"I've always taken the Alum Cave Trail to LeConte and one time on the BLVD. The Alum Cave trail seems to be everybody's favorate. Those stupid icewalkers probably would not have sucked on that trail though.

Alum Cave Trail is super scenic, with views pretty much every step along it."
nashvillehiker
07:10:10 PM
02/08/04
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"to stay hydrated on the hike down we ate snow ...i tried giving Rob a yellow snowcone"
OPIE
07:10:57 PM
02/08/04
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"after not drinking anything for 15 hours it is possible that even a yellow snow cone could taste good. We got the idea from the Jackass movie. In the end I could not go through with it."
nashvillehiker
07:16:42 PM
02/08/04
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"I'm guessing the alt. at the shelter to be 6300 - 6400 feet."
nashvillehiker
07:51:15 PM
02/08/04
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"Great report, great hiking. Nice going!"
nowslimmer
08:03:45 PM
02/08/04
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"This was my first true snow bp. I think it was the same for Opie. There were some rough moments but all in all it was a great and fun back pack. Not sure when I will want sleep on top of LeConte in the dead of winter again though. I recommend a BP on Mt. LeConte for anyone looking to enjoy a cold one. I bet it stays cool up there even in the hottest days of summer. I have read it can potentially snow on any day of the year at the top."
nashvillehiker
08:05:52 PM
02/08/04
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"Opie's Mt LeConte Pictures"
OPIE
08:15:35 PM
02/08/04
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"I'm so jealous! The snow is gorgous!!! Next time you guys are taking me along!!"
Miss Opie
08:23:44 PM
02/08/04
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"even though i probably scared rob sat morning! i was out of it when i met you! too early in the morning for me!"
Miss Opie
08:24:57 PM
02/08/04
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"GREAT pics OPIE!!!

glad you had fun.....but y'all need to be more careful....

and what kind of stove do you suggest for cold weather????"
divinity
08:36:55 PM
02/08/04
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"my whisperlight and 2 gallons of white gas...or 10 extra esbit tabs"
OPIE
09:03:45 PM
02/08/04
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"you guys probably would have been warmer in tents. no way im sleepin in the shelter in single digits"
StormBringer
09:21:09 PM
02/08/04
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"Nice pics/report!! If a canister stove gets too cold to work, heat a bit of water (just to luke warm) and set the canister in it ,wait a couple minutes and light it. I did this with my Gaz stove and it went up like an ancient Coleman gas stove!!! Poof no eyebrows!!LOL"
Streamweaver
09:21:26 PM
02/08/04
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""If a canister stove gets too cold to work, heat a bit of water"

am i missing something? how are they going to heat a bit of water? i guess with the esbit stove. and if no stoves are working? maybe im just thinking too hard"

They had esbit- Your thinking to hard!”

“Also I saw alot of trees in those pics -It wouldnt take but a handfull of dry twigs to warm the water up ,it dont need to be very warm.”

“hey thanks for breaking my scroll button”

“that is a really good idea. We didn't have much water though because most of froze.”

“From what i understand no tenting is allowed at the leconte shelter...and you get the stakes into the frozen ground with numb fingers and you pack the snow down where the tent is going..and you roll up a wet tent in sub teen temps”

“aaahhh good point, one who opes.”

“Now I must be thinking to much!lol Is it me or are there a bunch of double posts on here all of a sudden??”

“another reason why I love a freestanding tent........”

“the shelter was indeed cold but I think it was the better option and the tarps at the front of the shelter and the plastic sheeting over the lower bunk helped a great deal. I think it was so cold that it was just going to be cold no matter what. Probably would have been cold sleeping in the lodge.”

“The Smokies don't allow tenting at the shelters. Plus, there's generally not much room for tents at the shelter sites - but I've by no means seen all of them, nor Le Conte.

As for cold weather - I've never had trouble getting the whisperlite to work, even at 5 deg F.

Are alcohol stoves affected in any way by cold?”

“nope...white gas, tablets, and alch would have all been great..it's just i only brought 3...the other guys started to work later..but it was a huge walmart type propane burner..and no fires were to be had..all the fallen wood was under 3 inches of snow...are you armchair qb'ing?”

“more photos to come”

“Once up there in the winter's snowy cold with very strong, gusty winds, I saw smarter ones use tents over near the lodge. Who is going to care and who is there to inforce the rules? The lodge is closed and only one to a few maintenance or security people might be there in the lodge.

And at low temperatures, I doubt if tents would get wet. My tent did not get wet in the snow with low temperatures last December. The most difficult task would be securing the tents, probably with lines to trees.

Most rules are designed to cover general to extreme conditions. At other times common sense should rule. Example: Do you worry about a "Keep off the grass" sign, when the ground is covered by a foot of snow?”

“Great trip report and pictures.”

“LOL, good trip reports! Did you and the guys from Georgia draw lots to see who would be the first to go if you had to resort to cannibalism?”

“Aye! That sure looked ccccold. And quite beautiful. 8)

Thanks”

“Great trip report! I agree with you about those 4 point crampons. I had a pair last year and took them back to Cumberland Transit after they failed me on a trip in snow at Montgomery Bell State Park. I bought a pair of 6 point crampons that have served me well.”

“katibug...will they take them back used if they failed me and tell them how unhappy i am?..or should i clean them up and say i ended up not using them..lol”

“Sounds like a tough trip. Having a piece of gear fail can send everything else into a downward spiral. Glad you made it back!”

“the smokies weather site lists 7" of snow and a high/low of 18/2 for LeConte on Sat night.”

“I had a change of plans and will work on LeConte the week of Feb. 17th. I stayed to the lower elevations and I'm glad I did after reading the TR's.
I don't think I've ever had true hypothermia, but "after drop" and it was bad enough. I had to go alone and had the gut feeling it would have been unwise.
I hiked Jakes Creek by my little self and was fine.
Eating the snowballs is actually a good idea. I've done it to keep hydrated. Never got sick from it.
I've been so cold before that my water and food froze on a hike. This Sat. I wore a headband over my ears and took my parka hood down. All the blonde curls froze on top my head! I wasn't cold, but when I reached up to adjust the headband I felt my hair was spiked and stiff with ice. I know I had to look funny.
Glad you-uns are safely home and warm.”

“Alum Cave trail is everyone's favorite, mostly cos it is the shortest.. albeit steep. You gotta remember, you drive halfway up the mountain.. before you even hit the trailhead.

As you know, there are multiple ways to get to LeConte.”

“by the way.. congratulations.. that was a GUTSY trip this time of year.

:)”

“wrt 4 point crampons - I like my CMI instep crampons - they stay positioned well - link”