Mt. Leconte

One thing that I love to do outdoors is hike.  I live less than three minutes from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, so going hiking on a whim is relatively easy.  A favorite hike of mine is the ever strenuous Mt. Leconte.  My friend Chelsea has been wanting to hike this for a quite some time since it was on her bucket list, so yesterday we loaded up and hit the trail.

It is super strenuous and goes uphill for 5 straight miles.  Totally worth it.  Chelsea was a real trooper and we made it to the top in a great amount of time.  Something unique to Mt. Leconte is that there is actually stuff to do at the summitt.  They have basic shelter that they rent but in order to get one, you have to make reservations almost a year in advance.  You can also pay some money and get a t-shirt.  Pretty cool stuff!!  It was my 8th time hiking this trail and each time gets better.

Chelsea and I at the dining hall on top.  It says yesterday's date.

Signing the book to say that I've been there and done that.

We got up close and personal with a deer!!

A little climbing action 

About halfway down the mountain.

Awesome dirt lines afterwards.

I'm addicted to this trail and already have plans to go back next month, if not before.  It is a great way to cross train and really makes my legs stronger.  I'm also glad that Chelsea was able to cross something off her bucket list all while sweating our bootays off.

Do you like to hike??  What's your favorite thing to do in the great outdoors??