Qualifying Centennial Challenge Hike

After the club was organized on October 27, 1924, the first hike scheduled was on December 6, 1924. Led by A.G. “Dutch” Roth, the hike went to Mount LeConte from Cherokee Orchard with eight hikers. There was no trail then; hikers followed LeConte Creek up the mountain, past and above the falls. In the 1930’s the Civilian Conservation Corps built today’s trail on a more roundabout route. We start the hike at the trail head near Rainbow Falls Parking Lot A and ascend along the creek to the falls at mile 2.7. Continuing, we reach LeConte Lodge at mile 6.7. Return the same way. The Lodge will not yet be open for the season. Total miles 13.4 with about 4,000 ft. elevation gain. Be prepared for possible late winter snow and ice, micro spikes recommended. Rated very difficult. Carpooling recommended due to parking considerations. Meet at Cracker Barrel 1510 Cracker Barrel Lane, Knoxville (exit 398) at 6:00 a.m. Drive 70 miles roundtrip @ $0.07 = $4.90 to the driver (OK to round to $5). Or meet at Cherokee Orchard Lot A at 7:30 a.m.

Leader: Randy Mitchell

Leader contact information is included under Additional Information in the email you receive after registration.