Mopdog’s Trailblazer Trains for an Appalachian Climb

Moppy SmokeyI began seriously hiking ten years ago around Kennesaw Mountain Battlefield Park. This passion soon developed into a daily routine, and I try to keep the momentum going all year long. I am fortunate, as the Senior Art Director for Mopdog, to be able to adjust my work schedule to complete short, local hikes six days a week.

I also spend many of my weekends on excursions outside of the metro Atlanta area, including a trip this weekend that had me crossing the borders of Georgia, Tennessee and North Carolina. I ventured into new territory with the help of a friend and fellow hiking enthusiast, as we tested our boundaries on the Appalachian Trail.

ForkRidgeAltogether, we hiked about 30 miles over three days, with the longest day accounting for 12.5 miles. This was not a continuous hike, because we stayed overnight in Gatlinburg. For these day trips, we carried lightweight packs with two liters of water and a few snacks.

The first day in the Great Smoky Mountains was spent conquering Fork Ridge Trail to Clingmans Dome—the highest point on the Appalachian Trail at 6,643 feet. It took about 26 to 28 minutes for each one-mile trek of this slow speed, elevation gain.

AlumCaveThe second day, we hiked the Alum Cave Trail to the peak of Mount Le Conte, with a summit of 6,593 feet that can only be reached on foot. At many points, thrill seekers must hold wires to traverse the cliffs’ edges. In fact, maintenance for water erosion closes trails multiple times a week.

For the first two days, the chilly, drizzling weather at the top of each peak, along with the rocky terrain, made both climbs physically draining and mentally challenging. Fortunately, the third day was more of a sunny breeze on Blood Mountain, with the highest ascent in Georgia at a 4,461-feet elevation.

Clingmans Dome2

The blistered heels and strained calves I earned with each climb this weekend has brought me one step closer to my next goal. Starting on Oct. 9, I will be participating in the 2nd Annual Slackpack the Entire Georgia AT event. I will travel with a group of 21 people, as we climb close to 85 miles in six days, staying in hiker hostels each night!

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