Join us for an empowering Women in Nature hiking weekend to LeConte Lodge in the heart of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This memorable experience leads to the park’s only lodge accessible exclusively by foot, perched high atop Mount LeConte. We will travel to the Smoky Mountains on Friday evening and wake up in Tennessee ready to begin our 8-mile hike to the lodge. The trail gains 2,700 feet of elevation and follows historic Appalachian Trail ridgelines, offering sweeping views into both Tennessee and North Carolina along the way. Upon arrival, the group will enjoy a warm, family-style dinner at the lodge before settling in for a peaceful fall mountain evening. The following morning, we’ll share breakfast, take in the high-elevation scenery, and hike back down to the van before returning to campus.
This trip is perfect for anyone who wants to backpack, but doesn't want to carry the weight of shelter and food.
Cost: $250
Cost Includes: includes ORC trip leaders, all equipment, meals on location, all permits, lodging fees, and transportation from WSU in 12-passenger van.
Activity Level: Beginner - Advanced
Physical Challenge Scale: Level 3: An above-average level of physical fitness is needed to participate in this program. Participant should already have a consistent fitness routine.
Remoteness Scale: Level 2, this is a frontcountry trip.
Registration: Up to 9 participants. Registration required by Friday, October 9. Click here to register. Please review ORC Trip Policies before registering.
Questions? Visit the Outdoor Resource Center at 037 Student Union or email rec@wright.edu
Itinerary:
Friday: Participants will meet on campus in the evening for a brief trip overview and gear check before traveling by van to the Great Smoky Mountains.
Saturday: Group will arrive early morning and prepare for hike. After breakfast, the group will drive to the Newfound Gap trailhead and hike approximately eight miles along The Boulevard Trail to LeConte Lodge, traveling historic Appalachian Trail ridgelines with sweeping views into Tennessee and North Carolina. Upon arrival to the Lodge, participants will enjoy a warm dinner at the lodge and a relaxed fall evening in the high mountains.
Sunday: The group will enjoy breakfast at LeConte Lodge and, weather permitting, take in sunrise views before beginning the hike back down to the trailhead. After returning to the vans, the group will depart the park and travel back to campus arriving late evening.