Mount LeConte - Two Nights Backpacking

This is an intermediate backpacking trip. All hikers interested in attending this hike must have winter attire and gear. Our first day will be a hike up to Mount Leconte shelter by way of the AT and Boulevard trail. The two trails combined are 8 miles. Once at the shelter there should be some time to go out and hike some side trails or just sit around and play cards. That night we will head over to watch the sunset from the cliffs on Mt LeConte summit. Day 2 will be the longest hike, 11 miles. We will head down Alum Cave trail. This trail is the most scenic of trails leading to and from mount Leconte. Well will pass by the 100 foot overhang or 'cave' and arch rock. After descending Alum cave trail we will hike along Newfound Gap Road to Road Prong Trail. At the terminus of Road Prong Trail we will get back on the AT until we come to the Sugarland Mountain Trail which is where we will spend the last night at Mount Collins shelter. On Sunday we will head back to the parking lot via the AT, which is a 5 mile hike. Drive time: 3 1/2 hours Directions: From REI head north on I-985 which turns into US 23, than take Sylva Rd/US-23 N/US-441 N/U.S 441 Bypass/US-64 E, then Take the ramp onto Great Smoky Mountains Expy/US-441 N/US-74 W turn right at us-19 N/us-441 N, take the 3rd left onto US 441 N. the Oconaluftee Visitor Center will be on the left in about 4 miles. This is where we will meet to get the permit for camping. Carpool location and time: REI Buford (across GA 20 from the Mall of Georgia, next to Costco), Meet at 6:15am with departure at 6:30am sharp. carpool cost: total miles is 284. the cost $90.88 per car which divided by four (including the driver) is $22.74 per person. please make sure you have cash to help with this cost. Required gear: winter attire, raingear, emergency blanket, hiking boots, headlamp, sleeping pad, 20 degree and below sleeping bag, camping towel, baby wipes, toilet paper, extra wool socks. Food: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners, snacks, 2 liters of water, water filter or water treatment tablets and backpacking stove. All of these items can be purchased at REI or any other outdoor store. GSMNP limits back country camping groups to 8 persons. We are also inviting Asheville and Greenville. Because of this we've turned on the waiting list. If the event is full please join the waiting list. We'll open more spots depending on attendance from the other cities. Please be respectful and only RSVP Yes if you are certain you can attend. http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/3/c/e/c/event_11475596.jpeg