Mount Le Conte

After returning from Utah, Steve and I were both hit with the realization that we only have a few months left in Harrogate. Maybe only a few months left in East TN (depending on where rotations take us). We decided we really need to get out more and enjoy the time we have left. 

Over Labor Day weekend, we decided to go to the Smoky Mountains and hike Mount Le Conte. From base to the peak, Mount Le Conte is the tallest mountain in Tennessee! Steve told me we were in for a six hour hike. I immediately had flash backs of Mount Timpanogos, but Steve assured me it wouldn't be that bad.

Luckily, it wasn't anything like Timp! It was a very enjoyable and a beautiful hike.

Steve on the very interesting trail

 The scenery was absolutely incredible

 First signs of fall!

 The trail was so beautiful. These pictures really do not do it justice.

 As we got higher up, it turned into more of a forest. Very cool.

 The top of the peak has a lodge area. You can stay here for the night. They are usually booked a year in advance. After hiking it, I don't know why you would need to stop for the night. It really wasn't that hard of a hike.

 Always comforting

 We were trying to find the overlook and we got a little lost. But we saw some beautiful scenery on our way.

This is why it is named Smoky Mountains!

 We found this random pile of rocks while we were looking for the overlook. After we came home and researched it, we realized that it was a marking of the highest peak in TN.

 So beautiful

 We found a bunch of trees that had tipped over and you could still see the roots. Super cool.

 We finally found the lookout. It was so amazing.

 Handsome husband

 Please excuse my hair. I'm not very photogenic after three hours of hiking.

 The view was amazing, and so worth it.

 The entire trail was covered in tree roots.

 The trail had a bunch of bridges to cross.

 One of the bridges.

 So beautiful

 Steve chilling on one of the bridges

 We had such an amazing time. Since we went on this hike, we haven't been out to do much. School just takes too much time! But we had such a great time and I look forward to our next adventure.