Notes
Hiked up Alum Cave Trail in Smoky Mtn National Park to Le Conte Lodge atop Mt Le Conte with Ted, Jeff Yoder, and two semi pro runners from IN. 5.5 mile hike, 841 meter ascent. Pretty tricky trails. Map said plan 3-4 hours. We did it in 2:30 (with short breaks) with food/ beer growlers in our packs. I had achilles tendinitis so wore the wolverine work boots which did not help my cause but did stabilize the ankles. It was a tough challenge but a good one.
We had to move fast to save daylight but still caught some cool evening views. I got there at 1:30pm from DC but the others didn't arrive until 4:20pm. 4:40pm departure put us arriving in the dark but not too bad.