Arch Rock, passed a short distance after you leave the trail head, is a result of freezing and thawing over thousands of years of time. It's a place to observe caution during the winter months, since the stone steps that the trail follows up the slot are often covered in inches of solid ice. There is a cable to hang onto though, as you bump and bounce down the steps following a slip.

Gretch (aka Slowalk on the Wild Country Forum) leads the way across Alum Cave Creek as the ladies approach Arch Rock. This is as far as probably 80 % of hikers get that start the climb up the Alum Cave Bluffs Trail to Mt. LeConte. So long as they do get out and enjoy the trek, more power to 'em! We are headed higher though, on a superb day in the Great Smoky Mountains. It's still misty, with temps in the mid-40s, perfect weather for hiking. Most of the ice from recent storms has melted, making it a lot easier to avoid the slips and slides that mark a lot of winter hikes to LeConte.

You can see in this photo why the climb up through Arch Rock is so hazardous when the temps fall below freezing. Another danger, if you're tall, are the jagged rocks overhead that menace the careless hiker.

The Gals! The mild temps are evident in our light clothing. The people that avoid the Great Smokies in wet weather never really get to see what makes the ancient range so unique - it's a temperate rain forest that has been shaped by thousands of years of heavy rainfall. It comes alive when the forest echoes with the sounds of falling water.

Two of the crew stop to chat at Inspiration Point, a short distance below Alum Cave Bluffs. The sharp topped peak in the background are typical of those that are made up of the Anakeesta Foundation, a vertically-inclined layer of rock that runs through this part of the park. The Foundation is responsible for the most dramatic terrain in the Great Smokies, with lots of jagged cliffs and sharp peaks. The peaks in this photo are down in the valley that is known as Huggins Hell. It's one of the most rugged, least-visited regions of the park.

No fair hiding! This was a great group to hike with, full of laughs and good times. It's hard to beat a day in the Great Smokies when you're with friends like this!

The rest of the gang. We try to do this hike each year on the day after Christmas, first come, first served. They're all good.
Now lessee here - from the left, that's Paul (aka Fastwalk, my partner in crime on more adventures than I can remember.) The next fellow is Jim, who also appears just below, surrounded by the ladies. Next is Marty, who also appears below, right behind Jim's right shoulder. Marty first hiked LeConte as a child and was told by her brother that she should take a swim suit and towel to the summit so that she could enjoy the swimming pool at the Lodge. She did! I really enjoyed sharing tales of past hikes with Marty - she's a really terrific person and a lot of fun on the trail.

That's our very own trail Mama, aka Slowalk, or Gretchen, kneeling in front of the group. Behind her, in the blue shirt and laughing, is Angie - that lady has a great sense of humor and never slows down. Next to her, almost hidden, is Martha. Both she and Angie were making their first trip to LeConte.

Next is Mary Alice - I believe that she was making her first trip to LeConte as well. She's a very strong hiker and I could see her becoming as addicted to the pastime as any of the rest of us. Beside Mary Alice is Tim - he's doing quite a few hikes now too and is planning his first trip across the Boulevard. He's a strong hiker and good company on the trail.

That's Chris at the end of the line - Paul and I have dragged him into some pretty wild places and he's always come back alive.

Mr. Lucky! Must be that hamburger scented cologne... Jim gets that 'surrounded' feeling while posing with Mary Alice, Marty, Angie, Martha, and Gretchen.

Inspiration Point - a good spot to view Window Rock, a natural arch in a razor-backed ridge below Alum Cave Bluff.

In this one, Paul is pointing out the location of the window to Angie and Marty at Inspiration Point.

Soon after rounding the point at Inspiration Point, you start the steep climb up to the overhanging cliffs of Alum Cave Bluff. It's possible that alum was never actually mined here, but it is rumoured that it was mined during the Civil War to be used in the production of gunpowder. The Bluff is tucked beneath Peregrine Peak, named for the falcon that has now returned to nesting in this rugged Smoky Mountain fastness. Today, many of the surrounding cliffs and bluffs are off-limits to human travel, a rule that is in place to protect peregrine falcon nesting sites. The magnificent falcon, also known as a duckhawk, is the fast flying living thing in the worlds, reaching speeds of over 150 mph as they 'stoop', or dive on their prey. The ridge that Alum Cave is located on is known as Duckhawk Ridge.

When the region has been enduring freezing temps for days on end, it pays to watch carefully overhead as you trudge beneath the overhanging bluff - there will often be 20' icicles dangling from the rocks, and they fall with no warning.

This is as far as most people will get on the trail to LeConte - the Bluffs make a good spot to take a break and enjoy the views before starting back down.