Join Alum Cave At-Home Adventure | Friends of the Smokies

Alum Cave At-Home Adventure is a Virtual Fundraising Hike on one of Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s most iconic trails. The event is an opportunity for supporters to raise funds for the park’s preservation and wildlife management programs.

Although the trail will look different for everyone, we’re all going the distance together – 4.6 miles for a roundtrip hike to Alum Cave or 10 miles up to the top of Mount Le Conte and down via Alum Cave Trail.

Alum Cave Bluff - photo by Julie Dodd — Alum Cave is a popular hiking destination. You can hike the distance in your own neighborhood and raise funds to support GSMNP projects. Photo by Julie Dodd

Find your own trail. It could be your yard, your neighborhood or your treadmill.

Supporters of all levels of ability are encouraged to be part of the virtual event so a “park bench sit” option is available.

Help take care of the Smokies

“Even though the park is closed to prevent the spread of COVID-19, critical preservation and wildlife management efforts must continue,” said Tim Chandler, Executive Director and CEO at Friends of the Smokies. “We’re hoping our ‘Friends’ can help while enjoying this outdoor challenge that honors one of the park’s most iconic trails.”

Anyone can join us in solidarity to raise funds for Great Smoky Mountains National Park from the comfort and safety of your own home.

Prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, we could all gather at Alum Cave, Cataloochee and Laurel Falls, but now staying home and practicing social distancing is paramount.

Smokies view from Alum Cave Trail - photo by Julie Dodd — View of the Smokies from the Alum Cave Trail near the top of Mt. Le Conte. Photo by Julie Dodd

How to participate in virtual hike

Here’s how it works:

Register for the 4.6 mile Alum Cave Roundtrip Virtual Hike, the 10-mile Mt. Le Conte Roundtrip Virtual Hike, or the Park Bench Virtual Sit option.
Ask your family, friends, and co-workers to support you by making a tax-deductible donation to Friends of the Smokies through your personal fundraising page. A resource guide with tips, a sample email and social media posts will be provided.
You have until June 6, 2020, to fundraise and complete your virtual hike. Then you will receive your hike swag, including a T-shirt and finisher medal, in the mail! Those who raise at least $200 will receive a T-shirt and medal (photo at top of this post) by mail. Contributions of $500 or more will qualify for additional hiking swag.

Information and registration can be found online at AlumCaveAtHome.org.

Sunset view from Cliff Tops - photo by Julie Dodd — Sunset view from Cliff Tops on Mount Le Conte. Photo by Julie Dodd

Posted by Julie Dodd