Day 12 – 10/15/23

Starting location: Marysville, TN

Weather: Rainy, 60s

Ending location: Same

Statute miles: 0 by boat

General summary: Predicted to rain all day, so decided to do a hike since views might not be great. The most recommended one is Alum Cave nature trail. We were advised to get to the park early and despite getting there the previous day at 8am we had noted there were absolutely no parking spaces free at this trailhead then, so we got there at 7am this day and got one spot close to the start, but it was already busy. Rainy off and on and no good distant views but great forrest walk with running streams and yellowing canopy overhead. We decided to go to the top, nearly straight up for 5.5 miles. Trees became more consistently evergreen as you get higher. Surprisingly ran into people already coming down and asked how early they had to get up to do so. Turns out there is a lodge run by the National Parks Service near the top with cabins, propane heat, kerosene lanterns, a gift shop, and dining hall. They had stayed overnight comfortably and looked well rested. Mules bring up supplies every day at 11am, which we were advised to see. We got up there at 10:30am and everything was closed for cleaning until noon. No area for hikers to rest or get warm during this time, so we headed back down because we were wet and freezing cold. If we are ever back here, the lodge would be a treat. Apparently you have to reserve a year in advance as it is so popular. My right knee was barking on decline, but the 11 mile hike was well worth it! Back to Air bnb for the night.

Boater information: N/A