Louisiana resident Nathaniel Klumb has hiked the Tour de Le Conte three times, in 2019, 2020, and 2021. Married in 2022, he brought his bride to the Smokies, and invited Rachel to join him in hiking the Vertical Mile, climbing over 5,280 feet from their hotel in Gatlinburg to the summit of Mount Le Conte.
Hiking on March 5, while the Smokies were wracked by strong winds, the couple climbed 11.4 miles via the Rainbow Falls Trail, reaching High Top (6,593 feet) in 6:45. Returning via BUllhead, they finished 23.1 miles in 12:24.
Two days later, they summitted again, via Alum Cave Bluff Trail.
Comments