Have any of you guys done this trail and if so are they any places to hang overnight on the way up?
Have any of you guys done this trail and if so are they any places to hang overnight on the way up?
That trail is all within the GSMNP, the park service is a stickler for reservations and use of their designated campsites, there were none on the rainbow falls trail as of last spring. There's a shelter at Mt. LeConte (use of the shelter was 'manditory'), which was visited by a ranger during my stay. That said, there are trees aplenty.
Thanks guys but I'm just not sure I can make it all the way up in one day so I'm thinking I may try to stealth if possible. I'm just wondering if I will get busted. 4000 is a lot to climb in one day and back.
Only camping is at the Leconte shelter. Plenty of trees and bears. It is a good climb to the top on any of the 5 trails but not so bad if you are in reasonable shape. The cabins at Leconte Lodge are booked a year in advance so don't plan on getting a reservation there.
Discussions of how to commit illegal acts are prohibited by most online User Agreements, so beware.
Also, LeConte Shelter is CLOSED to the public currently as it is being used solely for a trail maintenance group. At least, that's what I saw online this week. Check with backcountry reservations to be sure.
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Wow I never once thought of stealth camping as illegal. Now I feel like a criminal
Deb
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Totally depends on the jurisdiction. As the GSMNP requires camping be only at official sites and even then only with permits, then "stealth" camping elsewhere would be an offense (and has nothing to do with Leave No Trace principles). Allowing discussions of how to get away with such could get this discussion board in trouble, in addition to the "criminal" himself.
Then again, "stealth" camping in a jurisdiction where camping is allowed anywhere simply means not wanting to be seen and leaving no trace you were ever there. In which case, that is a good kind of "stealth."
So, "stealth" means or can mean very different things.
"You can stand tall without standing on someone. You can be a victor without having victims." --Harriet Woods
http://www.MeetUp.com/NashvilleBackpacker
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We hiked up as far as the falls last summer. Carried a pack and only about 15 lbs. man, that was tough on the legs. Up and up and up, no respite. But just beautiful. The wife didn't want to go the rest of the way, or I would have. Check on-line for shelter availability.
Alum Cave trail was closed for maintenance last year - but it is shorter to the top then Rainbow Falls. Another option might be to take the AT from NewFound gap about 3 miles to Icewater Spring shelter. Then the next day, about 5.5 miles on the boulevard trail to Mt LeConte shelter. I was thinking about doing that this fall or next year. The Boulevard is supposed to be amazing at the top of the ridge.
Last edited by Cheapshoes; 06-26-2016 at 19:57.
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