For eight consecutive summer weekends, T.J. Melinn hiked from the Gatlinburg waterfront to the summit of Mount Le Conte. The vertical mile is a hiking challenge that involves climbing Mount Le Conte from the riverside in Gatlinburg. Hikers start by dipping a toe in the Little Pigeon RIver near Ripley's Aquarium (elevation 1,313 or less) and then climb 5,280 feet to High Top. The typical route follows the Cherokee Orchard Road up to Rainbow Falls Trail. Bullhead and Trillium

Mount LeConte hiking records, compiled by Tom Layton (LeConteLog@gmail.com)

It's been years since anyone has been able to sign the Lodge logbook with 700. Also: Note the comments by Austin Funderburg and Tim Massey. Each carried a 50-pound bag of mortar for construction at the lodge. When LeConte Lodge manager John Northrup left for work on Sunday, Aug. 16, he was headed toward a rare accomplishment. John's walk up the Alum Cave Trail, hauling souvenirs to sell in the lodge store, marked the 700th time he has climbed Mount Le Conte. He now ranks amo