Mount Leconte
Smoky Mountains 2025 Overnight Add-on
with Ransom Hare & Aaron Luburich
May 22—23, 2025
2 days
From $9,999
Activity Level
Highly Active
Excursion Type
Yoga & Hiking
Location
Gatlinburg, TN
Group Size
Max 12
or call 1-800-822-4547 x5
or call 1-800-822-4547 x5
Overview
Join us on an overnight backcountry adventure to Mount Leconte Lean-to, one of the most iconic destinations in the Smoky Mountains. This adventure takes us from the North Carolina–Tennessee border at Newfound Gap (5,049’) to the summit of Mount Leconte (6,593’). This journey covers approximately 15 miles across two days. It includes a panoramic sunset dinner at Cliff Tops, a sweeping sunrise coffee/tea at Myrtle Point, and culminates in the Smoky Mountains’ #1 rated hike, the Alum Cave Trail. If you’re looking for bucketlist memories while pushing your capacity, this is a great addition!
Itinerary
This is a realistic sample itinerary to show what a potential schedule might look like. Considering the broad hiking possibilities, and leaving room to adapt to a variety of circumstances, the exact itinerary will unfold on a day-by-day basis, with the exception of our fixed arrival time.
We’ll arrive at Newfound Gap between 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. to begin our hike to Mount Leconte via the Appalachian Trail. After 2.5 miles of gradual ascent, we’ll veer off the AT for 5.5 miles on the Boulevard Trail, a pleasantly undulating trail along a shaded ridgeline mostly above 6,000 feet. After 6–7 hours on trail, we’ll drop our packs at the Mount Leconte Lean-to, gather our cooking supplies, and make a short hike to Cliff Tops for an epic dinner and sunset. We’ll return to the newly renovated lean-to for a cozy overnight in our outdoor shelter.
We’ll wake up early this morning and take a short hike to Myrtle Point, arguably the best place to watch the sunrise in the entire park. As we brew coffee and tea, we’ll enjoy watching the world come to life as the sun rises over the vast landscape. Afterwards, we’ll return to the lean-to, have breakfast, and pack-up to make our 7-mile descent along the park’s top-rated Alum Cave Trail. This trail is highlighted by the variety of experiences it provides — rocky cliffs, towering pines, large caves, waterfalls, rivers, and more! Today’s hike will be the perfect way to end 5 days in one of the most beautiful places on earth.
*Schedule subject to change
**Additional yoga and meditation will be included during our hikes as time and space permit.
Excursion Team
Ransom Hare
Ransom Hare
Ransom, Director of Himalayan Institute Excursions, has over a decade of experience leading international trips and pilgrimages. He’s a dedicated yoga practitioner and faculty member for our 200 YTT and 500 YTT programs, specializing in breath training, relaxation, and meditation.
Ransom’s spiritual journey was profoundly shaped by pilgrimage, beginning with his first trip to India in 2009. His passion for exploring extraordinary spaces and facilitating deep transformation makes him an ideal excursions leader, both domestically and abroad. Additionally, his wilderness first responder training certification supports the safety and well-being of our participants while his Leave No Trace Master Educator training promotes sustainable recreation in the natural places we visit.
As a trusted guide, he leads the way for those seeking transformative experiences on our excursions, harnessing, through yoga and meditation, the profound potential of nature and sacred spaces to accelerate enrichment in our lives.
Aaron Luburich
Aaron Luburich
Aaron is passionate about yoga, meditation, and wellness interconnected with nature. As a member of the HI Excursions team since 2019, Aaron is enthusiastic about creating and leading transformative experiences. Aaron’s “climb any mountain” energy inspires excursion participants to achieve their highest potential.
In addition to his extensive experience on trail and in the field, Aaron has earned his Wilderness First Responder certification, which helps ensure the safety and well-being of all excursion participants. He has also attained his Leave No Trace Level 2 Master Educator certification, guaranteeing that every excursion we embark upon incorporates the principles of minimal impact, thereby safeguarding the enduring health of the natural landscapes we explore. His strong leadership and quick problem solving skills allow participants to relax into their journey knowing they are completely supported.
Aaron is fearless in the field, ready to lift the heaviest loads, and is quick to see the joy in every moment. He is generous with his stories, especially when the chai is extra spicy.
Dates & Prices
| Date | Regular Registration |
|---|---|
| May 19—22, 2024 | from $9,999
Closes March 1, 2024 |
Call 1-800-822-4547 x5 or email [email protected] for more information.