Fitpacking

Drive into Fontana Village or fly into Knoxville Airport (TYS). Here is a map of the area. The best time to arrive is between around Noon-3PM. However, if you can save a substantial amount on your flight by arriving a few hours earlier or later, then do so.

We will pick you up (call / email us to make arrangments) and head to Fontana Village, NC. 800-849-2258, 828-498-2211

Equipment shakedown

Trail mix distribution

Go to Hazel Creek Outfitter in the Village for last minute equipment if necessary

"Before" measurements taken

Go out for dinner at Mountainview Bistro

Second set of "before" measurements taken

All the items that you won't bring on the trail will be set aside and put in storage.

Go out for breakfast in Fontana Village

Take hiker shuttle to “Tunnel to Nowhere”

Begin Hiking, elevation 2100'. Here is a trail map

Hike 0.7 miles on Lakeshore Road, then turn onto the Noland Creek Trail

Hike 6.3 miles up the Noland Creek Trail miles past several old homesites to Campsite #63, elevation 2900'

Camp at Campsite #63, elevation 2900'

Miles today: 7.0. Total miles: 7.0

Possible bailout: Back to Lakeshore Drive

Hike 4.0 miles up the Noland Creek Trail crossing the creek several times to the intersection of the Pole Road Creek Trail

Descend the Pole Road Creek Trail for 3.0 miles with several more wet crossings to Deep Creek campsite 56 near Horace Kephart’s last permanent campsite in the Smokies, elevation 2,400’

Camp at Campsite 56, elevation 2,400’

Miles today: 7.0. Total miles: 14.0

Possible bailout: Either back to Lakeshore Drive or Deep Creek Campground

Hike 0.5 miles to Martin’s Gap Trail

Travel 3.0 miles up and over Martin’s Gap Trail to Sunkota Ridge Trail

Then ascend 5.0 miles on the Sunkota Ridge Trail to the Thomas Divide Trail to Newton Bald Campsite #52

Camp at Campsite #52, elevation 5000'

Miles today: 9.0. Total miles: 23

Possible bailout: Either Deep Creek Campground or Highway 441

Hike 3.2 rolling miles on the Thomas Divide Trail to the Kanati Fork Trail

Descend Kanati Fork Trail sharply for 2.9 miles to Highway 441

Follow Highway 441 for 0.3 miles to the Kephart Prong Trail

Follow the Kephart Prong Trail for 2 miles through the remains of a former Civilian Conservation Corps Camp, an old trout rearing pool, and artifacts of a logging railroad to the Kephart Prong Shelter, elevation 3,500’

Camp at Kephart Prong Shelter, elevation 3,500’

Miles today: 8.1. Total miles: 31.1

Possible bailout: Highway 441

With a pack nearly empty of food, Hike 3.7 miles on the Sweat Heiffer Creek Trail to the Appalachian Trail.

Hike 1 mile on the AT to the Boulevard Trail

Descend and climb gently enjoying vista after vista for 5.4 miles on the Boulevard Trail to the LeConte Lodge, elevation 6,593’. Mt. LeConte is the third highest peak in the Smokies

Stay in cabins atop Mt. LeConte. Dinner and breakfast are included in the lodging

Enjoy National Geographic quality sunset from Cliff Top after supper, and sleep in a real bed with propane heat and kerosene lamp light. Enjoy a hot cocoa in the community room, play a board game, sing a song or two.

Miles today: 10.1. Total miles: 41.2

Possible bailout: Highway 441 at Newfound Gap.

Take in an equally “Nat Geo” sunrise from Myrtle Point before breakfast in the dining hall.

Descend 5 miles on the Alum Cave Trail passing Alum Cave Bluffs, a peregrine falcon nesting area, sweeping vistas and Arch Rock all the way to Highway 441, elevation 3,800’

End of hiking portion of trip

Miles today: 5.0. Total miles: 46.2

Possible bailout: Highway 441

Shuttle to the Candlewood Suites, 176 CUSICK ROAD, ALCOA, TN, 37701, 865-233-4411

After measurements taken

Dinner at Mountainview Bistro. Awards Ceremony

This is the official end of the trip. You are welcome to spend the night at the hotel, however if you drove and would like to get on the road or if you flew and would like to schedule a late flight (or a red-eye if this is a West Coast trip) you can definitely do so.

"After" measurements taken

Leave The Hike Inn

Airport Drop